Barbados is famous for many things, warm weather, nice beaches, spectacular landscapes, rum, music festivals and friendly locals to name a few. Add to the list the endless array of culinary delights that are on offer, from local village grills, beach bars and food trucks to fine dining restaurants and everything in between. Barbados is becoming a world class destination for the foodie traveler. What follows is just a small sampling of some of the places we’ve dined that have become favourites. I’ve added links to the restaurant websites where possible.

12) Zemi East Coast Cafe

After less than a year of operation, this cafe located in the brand-new Hillcrest Community Center in Bathsheba, St. Joseph, is quickly becoming a fan favorite. Reservations are recommended especially in the busy tourist season which runs from December to June. The food is sourced from local ingredients, and everything tastes very fresh. With excellent service and a view of the windswept east coast, the vibe here is very relaxed.

11) Vyn Restaurant.

Vyn Restaurant, is located in the Dover area of the trendy, bustling St. Lawrence Gap. This fine dining establishment with its contemporary styled decor also offers a small bites bar menu. You can dine on the outside balcony or opt for the coziness of indoor seating. The location at the far end of the Gap away the louder bars, tends to be a bit quieter and that adds to this classic dining experience.

10) Baby Doll

Whenever we need a casual, laid-back beach atmosphere, great pizza and rum punch, we always seem to end up here. Located on the boardwalk in Hastings on the southwest coast of the island, this area is a mecca for tourists. There are lots of amenities here, hotels, restaurants, bars and supermarkets for the self-caterers. Our favorites are bound to change as we dine around the island, but for now, Baby Doll is still one of our “go to” places where you can actually taste the rum in the rum punch and the pizzas are big enough for sharing.

Baby Doll info HERE.

9) Cafe Sol

If you didn’t think you could get authentic Mexican cuisine in Barbados, well, think again. Cafe Sol, located at the top of the Gap, offers up tasty, generously sized Mexican dishes. For great Mojitos and Margaritas, this is the place. Happy hour runs from 5-7 p.m. and again at 10-12 pm. The beautifully painted tiles, the bright colors and figurines give a truly Mexican vibe.

More Cafe Sol HERE.

8) Deia

Rustic, chic beach side restaurant where you can dine inside, outside, lounge on the beach or lawn. Tucked away in a quiet area off the Maxwell Coast Road, it’s a bit of a hidden gem. We’ve been here a few times and have always had good food (love the Mediterranean influence) and welcoming service.

Click HERE for more Deia at the beach.

7) La Cabane

The ultimate beach bar where you can dine under shade trees with your toes in the sand, any closer and you’d be in the water. Located at Batts Rock, this is one of the nicest stretches of beach on the island. With breakfast, lunch and dinner served here, you could hang out here all day. They’ve now added a second location near the Hilton Hotel at Needham’s point. We’re looking forward to dining there very soon.

Visit La Cabane HERE.

6) Peg Farm & Nature Reserve.

We stray away from the beach and venture inland to the parish of St Joseph. Here you’ll find Peg Farm, a place that takes sustainability and farm to table to the next level. Things are done here in an organic and holistic way. They have vegetable gardens, fruit trees and medicinal plants. All the animals (cows, pigs and chickens) roam freely. Dining here is quite the experience. The farmhouse is perched on an elevated area near Hackleton’s Cliff, with a view of the East Coast that is breathtaking. The food is some of the freshest tasting that you’ll find anywhere on this island. There are guided tours, educational workshops and overnight camping if you’re so inclined.

Visit Peg Farm HERE.

5) Tapas

Located on the Hastings boardwalk, this bustling south coast area is home to many restaurants. Competition is fierce here, but Tapas has found its niche in this coveted location. There are two levels for dining and an open area outside where you can relax with a cocktail. Italian inspired with a touch of Caribbean this place if very popular with tourists and locals.

Your Tapas are HERE.

4) Zen

With Japanese inspired architecture, koi ponds, servers in kimonos and traditional Japanese music playing in the background, you really get that Zen feeling as you enter. Located on the southeast coast, the Crane Resort is home to this fabulous restaurant. Situated on a cliff overlooking the beach, this restaurant offers both Japanese and Thai cuisine. There are booths for private dining and Tatami rooms are available for larger parties. Only dinner is served, and reservations are strongly recommended.

Click HERE for more Zen!

3) Buzo

Another Southwest coast restaurant, Buzo is great for Italian fare, wood fired pizza and signature cocktails. With an open kitchen and pizza bar, you get to witness the chefs in action. We always get the antipasto platter to share but honestly, it’s probably enough for four people especially if you’re having a main and dessert.

More on Buzo HERE

2) The Tides

Located in the heart of Holetown on what is considered the Platinum (west) coast, The Tides offers a premium fine dining experience in a romantic, seaside setting. Partially housed in an old Barbadian coral stone house, this place has been updated and has a sophisticated modern elegance about it. The setting is perfect for weddings, private dining and corporate events. The food which can be described as Eurocentric with a Caribbean twist is artfully plated and very flavorful.

More Tides info HERE.

1) Champers

Whenever there’s a debate about the best restaurants in Barbados, Champers is always in the conversation. Located in Rockley on the popular South coast, it sits right on the water, where you can enjoy ocean views as the waves gently lap against the rocks below. You can choose between open air terrace dining (it can be covered in case of inclement weather) inside, or private room upstairs. We’ve dined here about six times and the food is consistently great. The service and ambience can’t be beat. The owner, Chiryl Newman is often around, greeting patrons and making sure everything is to her exacting standards. The feeling you get here is very welcoming. After dining, you can check out the upstairs art gallery where you’ll find works of regional as well as local artists.

See you HERE at Champers.

Thanks for reading. If you’re thinking about a trip to Barbados, we have other posts you can check out, feel free to ask any questions, we’ll be glad to answer them.