Top 10 Barbados Restaurants

A Barbados premium holiday offers many unforgettable experiences, and dining out is chief among them.

From fine dining to open-air fish fries, there really is something to suit every taste on the sunny island of Barbados. You can even taste the culinary delights of Barbados’ national dish: Cou-cou, fried flying fish with spicy gravy. Or try pickled pork with sweet potatoes, known as pudding and souse. But, with so many different foods on offer, it can be difficult to decide where to eat.

So we thought we’d offer ten of our favourite Barbados restaurants and eateries to tempt your taste buds on the Caribbean island.

Where to eat

1. The Lone Star

2. The Cliff

3. The Tides Restaurant

4. The Fish Pot

5. Oistins Fish Fry

6. Champers Restaurant

7. Fusion Rooftop

8. Positano

9. QP Bistro

10. Lobster Alive

1. The Lone Star, Mount Standfast

The Lone Star is an iconic restaurant and boutique hotel which was nicknamed “The Ivy of the Caribbean” by the late Michael Winner.

Upon entering this 1950s-chic West Coast Barbados restaurant, you really do feel like a movie star, enjoying stellar service and views of the white-sand beach just metres away.

The menu here largely comprises mouth-watering Italian favourites, including wood-fired pizza at lunchtime, alongside some ‘Lone Star Classics’ such as homemade shepherd’s pie. Unusually for such an illustrious eatery, The Lone Star carries a ‘Little Stars’ menu for children, with sure-fire hits like fish fingers and chips!

We can’t think of a better location for an extra special lunch when you are relaxing in Barbados and Sunday lunch is a Lone Star speciality.

Location:
Hwy 1b Mount Standfast,
Mount Standfast,
Barbados
Contact number: +1 246-629-0600

Opening times:
Breakfast: 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Lunch: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm Sundowner Bites: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Dinner: 5:30 pm until close

2. The Cliff, Derricks

This world-renowned restaurant has more than earned its legendary status over the years, with a Michelin Star chef, Matt Worswick, an exclusive Platinum Coast location, and truly incredible food. For a special evening out on your luxury Barbados holiday, dinner at The Cliff is a fantastic option. The Michelin Star chef has created gourmet menus featuring the finest ingredients that are sure to tantalise your tastebuds. On the menu is a wide selection of both Caribbean and worldwide favourites, from chargrilled mahi-mahi and The Cliff rum baba, to open ravioli of shrimp and warm bread and butter pudding.

What makes this one of the top restaurants in Barbados is that it not only serves incredible food, but boasts an unbeatable view. It’s set atop a cliff (hence the name) and overlooks the sea below. There is also underwater lighting which showcases the myriad of sea life.

Location:
Derricks,
St. James,
Barbados,
BB24110
Contact number: +1 (246) 432-1922

Opening times:
Mon-Sat: 5 pm - Till Late Sunday
Lunch: 12 pm
Dinner: 5 pm - Till Late

3. The Tides Restaurant, Holetown

Located in Holetown, and set in a coral stone and mahogany post-WW2 former Bajan home, The Tides Restaurant is a superb setting for a scenic West Coast lunch or dinner.

The restaurant itself has a décor of Bajan blues and crisp whites, with spectacular sea views showcased through the open frontage, easily making it one of the best restaurants in Barbados.

Delivered by a team with expert credentials, you can indulge in electric flavours specialising in seafood. But, seafood isn’t the only thing on offer, you can try the likes of pot roast chicken breast, beef tenderloin, and vegan curry. Younger guests meanwhile can tuck into chicken curry served in a coconut, followed by a traditional banana split!

Be sure to pop into the adjoining art gallery too, for stunning works by local artists. This restaurant has also been recently renovated, so is stylish and super comfortable.

Location: Holetown, St.James
Contact number: +1 246-432-8356

Opening times:
Lunch: 12:00
Dinner: 5:30 pm - Till late

4. The Fish Pot, Shermans

The charming family-run Barbados restaurant created over 17 years ago, The Fish Pot, is hidden away on the island’s north-west coast, making it a tranquil spot to enjoy a meal.

The restaurant housed in an 18th-century waterfront is considered by many as one of the best restaurants in Barbados. So, it’s worth making a trip up here - perhaps combine a visit to Speightstown – for lunch or dinner on the delightful terrace, right at the water’s edge.

As you may guess from the name, fresh seafood features prominently, as do local ingredients in general. Simple yet exquisite flavours are always on the menu.

Think blue crab salad, lobster and guava cheesecake. We particularly love the lobster ravioli! The wines have been specially selected from Margaret River in Australia – the hometown of owner Andrew Warden.

Location: Shermans, St. Lucy, BB27190

Contact number: +1 246-439-3000

Opening times:
Mon - Fri Breakfast 8 am - 10 am Sat - Sun
Breakfast 8 am - 10:30am
All-day dining: 12 pm - 8:30 pm

5. Oistins Fish Fry, Oistins

Though not technically a restaurant, you can’t talk about dining in Barbados without mentioning Oistins Fish Fry. Oistins is a fishing town on the Bajan south coast and a fantastic place to visit on the weekend. Moreover, every Friday night, Oistins Bay Gardens hosts a ‘fish fry’; an informal outdoor grill using the freshest of Bajan ingredients all cooked right in front of you.

Whether you prefer lobster, swordfish or even chicken, you’ll find a vendor who’ll pile your plate high with delicious fare. Then, just find a spot to eat your food whilst listening to live music and taking in the dynamic atmosphere.

Many hotels run shuttles or even boat transfers to Oistins; it really is a Barbados ‘must-do’. Additionally, best of all, it will usually cost less than £10 per head!

Location: Oistins Bay Garden

Opening times: Food available from 7 pm

6. Champers, Skeetes Hill

Champers’ is a popular dining choice in Barbados, renowned for its premium service and food, not to mention the impeccable views of the ocean. All of this has made Champers one of the leading restaurants on the South Coast.

Expect unique yet authentic Caribbean flavours with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Champers offers excellent value, with satisfying portion sizes.

The restaurant is set in a laid-back atmosphere and has well-earned its loyal clientele of locals and visitors. Sitting at the water’s edge, enjoy your meal whilst you take in the break-taking views. The restaurant is wheelchair equipped and accessible with spacious bathrooms and ramps.

After your meal, visit the restaurant’s art gallery of original Caribbean art, curated by Barbados artist, Vanita Commissiong.

Location: Skeetes Hill. Christ Church, Barbados

Contact number: (246) 434-3463 or (246) 435-6644

Opening times:
Lunch: 11:30 am - 2 pm
Dinner: 5:30 pm - 9 pm

7. Fusion Rooftop, Holetown

On the top floor of the Limegrove Lifestyle Complex, Fusion Rooftop is a 72-seat al fresco restaurant and trendy lounge with a feng shui design and chilled-out relaxation areas like the ‘live wall’, fire pits and water features.

The menu has been designed to suit all manner of tastes, with sushi and premium sake a speciality. After a day of shopping, why not round the day off with a visit here? Or, return later to dine under the stars? Either way, you’ll love experiencing one of the top restaurants in Barbados.

In all, the Fusion Rooftop can accommodate up to 250 guests, making it a wonderful setting for a contemporary wedding reception.

Location: Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, Holetown, Barbados

Contact number: +1 246-271-1258

Opening times: Mon-Sat: 5:30 pm - 11 pm

8. Positano, Paynes Bay

Positano is an exceptional Platinum Coast stalwart. Patrons at this elegant west coast restaurant enjoy a refined setting and beachfront location. The food here is a fusion of modern Italian and island seafood flavours, proudly positioning it as one of the top restaurants in Barbados.

Those lucky enough to be enjoying a stay at The House by Elegant Hotels will be thrilled to learn that Positano is part of this hotel. Enjoy authentic Italian with handmade pasta and pizzas, such as Tuscan seafood stew or linguine with lobster. 

Location: Highway 1, Paynes Bay Beach, Barbados

Contact number: +1 246-432-2731

Opening times: Tues - Sun: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Bar: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm

9. QP Bistro, Derrick’s

If you’re looking for the quality of The Cliff with a more informal feel, sister-property, QP Bistro offers fine fare right on the sand. The Cliff’s Michelin star chef, Matt Worswick is the culinary director of QP Bistro, so you can expect premium quality food. Experience laidback luxury with a view, cocktail in hand and a delicious lobster sandwich… yum!

Ideal for those lazy days on the sand, this is one of the best restaurants in Barbados for when you just want to take it easy and soak up the sun. if you’re looking for a unique evening, every Wednesday QP Bistro hosts a ‘dine & dance’, where local bands entertain you during the meal, before you dance the night away.

Location: H’way 1 Derrick’s St. James BB, BB24110

Contact number: +1 246-432-0797

Opening times: 12 pm - Till Late Bakery & Coffee Shop 7:30 am - 10:30 am

10. Lobster Alive, Bridgetown

This unique restaurant in Bridgetown will give you a new-found love for this scrumptious crustacean!

Caribbean spiny lobsters are caught by scuba divers – in the Grenadine Islands – and flown to Barbados alive by private plane… so they really are as fresh as you’ll get!

Expect cold local beer, live jazz music and a menu that lets the namesake ingredient do the talking. Lobster Alive is a dining experience in Barbados like no other.

Location: Wesley House, Bay Street, Bridgetown, St. Michael

Contact Number: +1 246-435-0305

Opening times: Fri- Sun: 12 pm - 9 pm

What is Bajan cuisine?

Bajan cuisine also known as Barbadian cuisine, is a melting pot of flavours from all over the world such as Portuguese, Indian, Irish, Creole, African, Indigenous and British. The main part of dishes is usually meat or fish, with side dishes and sauces. You can expect to taste spicy mixtures of fresh lime juice, chilli peppers, parsley and thyme.

Barbados’ national and best dish is cou cou and fried flying fish. Cou cou is similar to polenta and is made with corn meal and okra. The second most popular dish in Barbados is pudding and souse, featuring pickled pork with spiced sweet potatoes.

Do I need to tip in Barbados?

Typically, restaurants will add a 10–15% service charge. Anything on top of this is at your discretion and service dependent. If a service charge is not added then a 10% tip is generally accepted.

What are the best restaurants for those with children?

There are so many family-friendly restaurants in Barbados, and you’ll find that restaurants are welcoming and attentive to families, making eating out a breeze. The Fish Pot, Lone Star, and The Tides are all excellent choices for those with children. Each has a dedicated children’s menu which is ideal if you have fussy eaters.

What does it cost to eat out in Barbados?

From fine dining to open-air fish fries, there really is something to suit every taste on this sunny Caribbean island. You really can’t go wrong when dining at any of the top restaurants in Barbados as they all boast the highest of standards.

And with an excellent choice of restaurants, incredible beaches and top sights, a trip to Barbados will leave you wanting more. Just make sure you arrive hungry!

If you’re looking to plan your next luxury holiday to Barbados, contact us at Inspiring Travel. As one of our clients, we can arrange your reservations at any of the best restaurants in Barbados.

Searching for something to savour in Barbados?

Our top ten Barbados restaurants immerse you in the island’s vibrant culinary scene, highlighting local flavours, and offering exquisite service. From catamaran dinner cruises to lively fish fries or a traditional Bajan cuisine, there’s plenty of options to please all taste buds.

Speak to our Travel Specialists to create a personalised Barbados itinerary for you, including the finest cuisine spots and once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences.