Best Places to Eat in Barbados: A Local Foodie Guide

A decadent island-style brunch featuring poached eggs, hollandaise, microgreens, and chunks of Caribbean lobster atop crisp toast at ECO Lifestyle + Lodge.

If you're as passionate about great food as I am, you've come to the right place. As a proud Bajan, born and raised, I've had the privilege of sampling most foodie offerings on island. From high-end establishments to charming local spots, there's something for every food lover here in Barbados.

Before we begin, let me highlight a few important points and disclaimers:

1. Whether you’re eating out or buying directly from the supermarket, food is very expensive in Barbados. I personally think it’s comparable to eating out in New York and London, so be prepared.

2. Support local wherever possible! You can familiarise yourself with local, seasonal food by checking out guides and resources from orgnisations such as Slow Food Barbados. Ingredients to look out for: Local produce such as breadfruit, sweet potato and green banana are popular ingredients. Meats such as chicken, pork and lamb are usually local, as are mahi mahi and tuna.

3. Allergies and specific food restrictions are not taken very seriously here when eating out, as a general rule. More common restrictions such as gluten free can be accommodated, though most gluten free options are prepared in a ‘contaminated’ space. This is not a criticism, just a frank warning for anyone who has serious allergies.

From upscale dining experiences to hidden gems that exude local charm, here are some of my personal recommendations and places that I like to eat in Barbados:

Enjoying classic Bajan fried fish, mac pie, and coleslaw right by the sea at Bay Tavern, Martin’s Bay, St.John.

CASUAL FOOD

How do I define casual dining? My criteria is: Full meal for US$25 or under per person (including beers, cocktails and wine). Occasional seating (some are more of a food truck vibe) but little to no expectations of restaurant table service. These aren’t listed in any particular order, only sorted by location.

SOUTH

• Artsplash

• Almond Shak

• Bliss Cafe (Breakfast)

• Brighton Market (Lots of delicious food stalls and breakfast options)

• Cuz's fish cutters at Pebbles Beach (Lunch)

• Happy Taco (Lunch or Dinner)

• Just Grillin’ (Lunch or Dinner)

• Oistin’s Fish Fry (Lunch or Dinner)

• Peter’s Cafe (Breakfast and Lunch)

• Sahara (Lunch or Dinner)

• Shakers (Dinner)

• Tagore’s (Lunch or Dinner)

• Worthing Square Food Truck Park. Check out Stix (kebabs) and Bucco (Pizza). (Lunch or Dinner)

• Yelluh Meat (Lunch or privately catered)

BRIDGETOWN AREA

• K’s Roti and Grill (Black Rock) (Lunch)

• Savvy on the Bay (Food Truck Park) The ham cutters are great, can’t speak to anything else as yet! (Lunch or Dinner)

Crispy chicken katsu ramen from Sake - a top Asian fusion spot in Barbados.

WEST

• Caboose Fish cutters in Speightstown (Lunch)

• Chris’s Place (Lunch or Dinner)

• Green Mango Cafe at Mindful Market (Lunch)

• Just Grillin’ (Lunch or Dinner)

• Little Bristol (Lunch or Dinner)

• Real Jamaican Jerk Food (Lunch or Dinner)

• Rock Net Grill (Lunch or Dinner)

EAST

• Bay Tavern at Martin’s Bay (Lunch)

• Chefette Six Roads (Lunch or Dinner)

• Lemon Arbor (Lunch)

Sticky, saucy wings and crispy fried pig ears at a popular local hangout Salt Cafe in Hastings.

MID RANGE

How do I define mid range dining? US$50-US$75 per person (including cocktails and wine) in a restaurant with service. These aren’t listed in any particular order, only sorted by location.

SOUTH

• Barbados Cruising Club/Dippers (Lunch or Dinner)

• Buzo Italian (Lunch or Dinner)

• Cafe Sol for Mexican (Lunch or Dinner)

• Carib Beach Bar (Lunch)

• Castaways Bar & Grill (Lunch or Dinner)

• Chefette Six Roads (Lunch or Dinner)

• Cocktail Kitchen (Lunch or Dinner)

• Copacabana Beach Club (Lunch)

• Country House Caterers (Breakfast or Lunch)

• Sage Bistro (Breakfast or Lunch)

• Sake (Lunch or Dinner)

• Salt Cafe (Lunch or Dinner)

• Surfer’s Cafe (Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner)

A colourful Mediterranean feast featuring falafel, hummus, and fresh tabbouleh from Sahara in Barbados.

WEST

• Bento Box (Lunch or Dinner)

• Cafe 195 (Lunch or Dinner)

• Ju Ju’s (Lunch)

• Lemongrass (Lunch or Dinner)

• Open Kitchen (Lunch or Dinner)

• Sitar (Lunch or Dinner)

• Zacchios (on the beach) (Lunch or Dinner)

NORTH

• Animal Flower Cave (Lunch or Dinner)

EAST

• Atlantis Hotel (Sunday buffet)

• PEG Farm Cafe (Farm to Table) (Lunch or Dinner)

• Round House (Lunch or Dinner)

Handmade Breadfruit gnocchi and a glass of wine at The Local & Co., Speightstown.

LUXURY DINING

How do I define luxury dining? My criteria is: Full meal for US$100-US$150 or more per person (including cocktails and wine). Great wine or cocktail options, with a beautiful setting. These aren’t listed in any particular order, only sorted by location.

SOUTH

• Champers (Lunch or Dinner)

WEST

• La Cabane (Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner)

• Local & Co. (Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner)

• Nishi (Lunch or Dinner)

• QP Bistro (Lunch or Dinner)

• Sea Shed Restaurant (Lunch or Dinner)

• The Bearded Rose (Lunch and Dinner)

• The Rum Vault at Colony Club

• Tides (Lunch or Dinner)

EAST

• Eco Lifestyle + Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner)

This loaded breadfruit bowl topped with pulled meat, grilled veggies, and fresh salsa is a must-try island fusion dish at Cocktail Kitchen.

Whether you're craving gourmet dining or classic Bajan bites, Barbados offers a feast for every foodie. As a proud Bajan with a love for all things delicious, I hope this guide inspires you to explore, support, and savour the incredible local culinary scene. Happy eating—and may your island food adventure be full of flavour!