Expert: Linda Thompkins - 1/28/2006

Question
Visiting Barbados in a week would appreciate restaurant recommendations (good food, moderate prices). Someone recommended a restaurant on the side of a cliff, near an area with sting rays, didn't remember name.  any "must see" points of interest.  Any cautions.

Answer
The restaurant you are referring to is The Cliff, located on the west coast in St. James parish, and stingrays can be seen while dining at night.

The Cliff is not considered moderate dining, but it does provide an exceptional atmosphere for a romantic dinner. Prince Andrew of England has been known to frequent this restaurant when on the island. If you do decide on The Cliff, I would highly recommend making reservations for a seaview table to ensure a good view of the stingrays.

Barbados has world class dining, and there are a number of great restaurants.

On the West coast for good, moderate food I would recommend Ragamuffins for T-bone steaks, fresh fish dishes and stir-fry vegetables. The Mews has great seafood dishes, and if you get a taste for Chinese, Tam's Wok is an award winning restuarant. All three of these restaurants are located on 1st Street in Holetown and open for dinner. Most of the popular restaurants in Holetown are not open for lunch, however Indigo offers fresh soups, salads and sandwiches during lunch time. Indigo is located on the main street in Holetown, right before you get to 1st Street.

The Coach House is also on the West coast right before entering Holetown. They serve Bajan styled food, and have a great lunch buffet, and entertainment at night. Bomba's Beach Bar is a well known spot for good, inexpensive food, and it sets on a great beach.

Heading from Holetown into Speightstown, the best value is found at Fisherman's Pub & Beach Bar. This place draws lots of locals and visitors for the great fish and creole food.

Barbados is located on the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic coast. A visit to the island is not complete unless you see the East Atlantic coast. While there I would definitely suggest The Atlantis Hotel. The place doesn't look all that great, but they have served good food for over 50 years. The Bonito Bar & Grill is a popular tour stop on the East coast. They serve good, inexpensive food and have a lively atmosphere. As you wind around to the Southeast coast, a visit to The Crane is also a must. Get a seat on the outside cliff terrace for one of the best views in the Caribbean. Crane beach has been voted one of the best in the world, and the terrace provides a memorable view - make sure you have your camera. Lunch is not cheap, and you can always just decide to have a drink - but the view is worth the trip.

The lively south coast has plenty of restaurants in the St Lawrence Gap area. On a mile long winding street you can find over 20 restaurants and bars. Unfortunately most of the establishments are not open for lunch, and the Gap comes to life at night with hundreds of people strolling the streets.

In the Gap I would suggest Cafe Sol for the best, inexpensive Mexican food you'll find in the Caribbean. It's a great people watching spot, and a seat on the outside bar will give you the full flavor of the Gap. The Ship's Inn is open for lunch, and is also a popular night spot with life entertainment. Shell's is another good spot known for good quality, inexpensive food.

For a romantic dinner on the South coast, I would suggest either Pisces or Oceans. While not moderate in price, they both offer great food, atmosphere and are cheaper in price than The Cliff on the West coast. If going to Pisces, make reservations for a table by the water.

Right off the Gap is the Carib Beach Bar. Very lively atmosphere right on the beach. They serve sandwiches and the best coconut pie if you can get it - they always run out. If you're into sports, a visit to Bubba's Sports Bar would be on the list with about 12 TV's and a couple large screen TV's. Bubba's offers a nice menu at reasonable prices. Don't go on Sundays unless you want to meet up with the kids and Disney movies.

Every Friday night the village of Oistins on the south coast has a fish fry. Thousands of people attend, and you will not get fresh fish at a better price. There are more than 30 vendor stalls to choose from. This is an open air fish fry, not restaurant style.

All prices listed on restaurant menus are in BDS dollars, and the island currency is tied to the U.S. dollar. If a price is $30 BDS, that equals to $15 U.S.

There are so many good restaurants on the island, and I've only named a few. To see more restaurants and reviews, go to our agency site:
http://www.travel2thecaribbean.com/BarbadosRestaurants.html




Sorry I got so tied up with food I didn't give you points of interest. Harrison's Cave is one of the few underground caves in the Caribbean. It is not as you would imagine a cave to be, it's quite beautiful. After getting to the island I would suggest one of the island tours available.

As for caution, take plenty of mosquito spray with DEET. Also take plenty of sunscreen. If you have particular snacks you enjoy, take them with you. Food is very expensive on the island. Don't waste your money on bottled water, the island has some of the best quality water in the world - so take water containers.  

More specific info can be found at our blog:
http://www.barbadostravel.squarespace.com/journal/