Lots of people will tell you what a great meal is, especially in the age of the foodie. But you know what it is — it’s one you remember long past dessert. Maybe it’s because of the view of the ocean, or the seasoning of the fish, or the impeccable service. It can happen at a beachside shack or a haute-cuisine culinary laboratory. Naturally, it’s often a combination of these factors. Our 2014 50 Best Restaurants guide aims to take you to places in the Caribbean where you won’t just have a great meal. You’ll have a memorable one.
Le Soleil, St Martin
Grand Case, St Martin is known as a culinary capital, and Le Soleil has risen to the top. It’s a simply perfect restaurant: a beautiful beach view, warm service and magnificent food combining the best of Alsace and the French Caribbean. The best meal we had anywhere in the Caribbean in 2014.
At Sea, Bonaire
This is Bonaire’s must-eat restaurant, our 2013 Restaurant of the Year. It remains one of the Caribbean’s most creative, delicious eateries, served up with the typical warmth of Bonaire hospitality.
La Cave a Vins, Martinique
This tiny restaurant is located in a centuries-old building in the heart of Martinique’s capital, Fort de France. It’s an enchanting place with simply but expertly prepared food, including a superb fried banana and foie gras marriage. And the setting makes you feel a bit like you’ve traveled to a different time.
Boucan by Hotel Chocolat, St Lucia
Yes, there is some element of cacao in everything on the menu at this hotel restaurant in St Lucia. And it works. Spectacularly. From the cacao beer jerked tuna to its famous Chocolate Genesis, a story of chocolate, piece by piece. A unique dining experience in the world.
Yantar, Puerto Rico
Chef Xiomara Marquez’s Yantar in the Condado district of San Juan is a stunner: a Spanish-accented fusion restaurant that is world-class in every way, from the modernist decor to the delightful desserts.
Graycliff, Bahamas
A bucket-list experience. Graycliff was the region’s first five-star restaurant, and from its live-piano lounge to gourmet classics with a Bahamian twist, a meal here is an evening you will never forget.
The Restaurant at Round Hill
A simply superb Caribbean restaurant. In every dish, what you see and what you taste come from Jamaica and the wider region, from the produce to the flavours. A lot of restaurants talk about emphasizing local. Round Hill achieves it — with flying colours.
Le Bredas, Martinique
Set in the lush hills of Martinique, this is the signature restaurant of Martinique’s signature chef, Jean-Charles Bredas, who takes traditional Creole flavours into the 21st century.
Flying Fish Modern Seafood, Bahamas
This Grand Bahama standout is helmed by master chef Tim Tibbitts, whose molecular gastronomy fare is revolutionizing what’s possible at a Caribbean restaurant. Don’t miss the tasting menu.
Mango, Nevis
At the Four Seasons Nevis’ signature eatery, it starts with the almost impossibly beautiful views, and ends with a modern take on classic West Indian fare, from roti to ribs. That’s without mentioning the sinfully good desserts.
Jose Enrique
There’s no sign outside the Santurce, San Juan house chef Jose Enrique has converted into his eponymous restaurant, but you’ll know it by the animated crowd of Sanjuaneros on the front porch and the tempting aromas of his superb cuisine that emanate from the kitchen.
Le Tastevin, St Martin
A wonderful place. One of Grand Case’s classic restaurants, the beautifully-decorated, beachfront Tastevin serves up marvelous French and Caribbean food, along with some of the best desserts you’ll find in the region (try the pistachio mousse).
The Baron’s Smokehouse, Barbados
This hidden restaurant off the St Lawrence Gap is all about the art of smoking, and Chef Collis Williams continues to wow with his expert use of local seasonings like thyme and marjoram.
Le Gaiac, St Barth
The flagship of the wonderful Le Toiny hotel in St Barth, Le Gaiac is a bit like St Barth – French, Caribbean, exquisite. Chef Jean-Christophe Gille offers his delightfully original takes on everything from big eye tuna to foie gras.
Le Petibonum, Martinique
Let’s put it this way: Chef Guy Ferdinand is a genius. This was our Caribbean Beach Bar of the Year for 2014, in large part because of Ferdinand’s always-inspired, constantly-changing menu of French and Caribbean tastes.
Veya, Anguilla
Set on the second story of an old building that feels like a treehouse, Veya is the brainchild of a pair of Pennsylvania chefs who packed it all up and moved to the island. Once you eat here, you’ll consider doing the same.
eat@cane bay
It may have the comfort of a beach bar, but this is the best restaurant in all of the US Virgin Islands. St Croix’s eat@cane bay is as creative an eatery as there is in the Caribbean, from its playful menu board to its “reggae brunch.”
Sugar Mill, Jamaica
Jamaican fine dining at its finest. The star of the Half Moon resort, this restaurant has a magical setting and remarkably diverse offerings rooted in a sense of place: think smoked marlin carpaccio, spice rubbed ahi tuna and tea-smoked duck breast, among others.
Bananas, Nevis
Bananas, a plantation-style restaurant in Nevis, feels like a bit of a secret. And when you try the fresh-caught fish or the goat water, you’ll want to keep the secret all for yourself.
Pelayo, Puerto Rico
This small eatery in San Juan’s Condado neighbourhood is a warm-hearted place with as good Spanish food as you’ll find anywhere — not just in the Caribbean. A hidden jewel that offers a clinic on restaurant service.
La Playa, Marie Galante, Guadeloupe
Under the radar, but not for long. The Guadeloupe Islands are full of memorable culinary experiences, and none more so than this beachside eatery on the island of Marie Galante — a haven for jazz, fresh fish and delightful creole cooking.
The Cliff at Cap, St Lucia
One of the most acclaimed eateries in St Lucia, the Cliff at Cap is the canvas of expert Chef Craig Jones, who offers his take on French West Indian fare in a sublime sea-view setting.
The Poop Deck at Sandyport, Bahamas
You can find great seafood all over the Caribbean. But this is better. The beachfront eatery is a must-visit in Nassau — and make sure you request a table right on the sand.
Blue by Eric Ripert, Grand Cayman
It’s one of the more famous restaurants in the Caribbean, thanks to the name of legendary Chef Eric Ripert, and this restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman never disappoints.
La Palapa, Dominican Republic
This is the eatery at the beach club of the Eden Roc Cap Cana. It’s a wonderful fusion of Mediterranean flair and Caribbean cuisine, notable for its perfectly prepared seafood.
The Dove, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
This is a classic Caribbean restaurant. Set in a tiny cottage in Tortola, Chef Joshua Campbell has succeeded former Chef Travis Phillips, and he is turning out inspired dishes rooted in the spirit of the British Virgin Islands. The Dove’s also got a spectacular wine list, to boot.
Spice Mill, St Kitts
This isn’t really like any other restaurant in the Caribbean. Spice Mill is a funky, eclectic eatery grounded in the West Indies but one that takes its inspiration from cuisines around the world.
Jacala, Anguilla
Chef Alain Laurent is one of the leading lights of Anguillian cuisine, and his Jacala beachfront restaurant takes the best of mainland French and Caribbean food to new heights.
Mill Privée, Nevis
At the Relais and Chateaux Montpelier Plantation and Beach, this is the sought-after table — stunning contemporary food, right inside an old sugar mill.
Yaxche, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
On one of the region’s most bustling streets, this is one of the Caribbean’s more fascinating restaurants: a taste of truly authentic Mayan cuisine.
Rhodes Restaurant, Grenada
This is among Grenada’s most popular eateries for a reason: the authentic experience tailored by celebrity Chef Gary Rhodes.
The Cliff, Barbados
When it comes to Barbados, The Cliff is usually the first restaurant people talk about. And this St James legend always lives up to the billing, as Chef Paul Owens turns out consistently splendid seafood.
Budatai, Puerto Rico
Chef Roberto Treviño is in many ways the leader of Puerto Rico’s recent culinary renaissance — and Budatai is his masterpiece, a delectable, modern Asian eatery in the heart of Condado.
Pikayo, Puerto Rico
Chef Wilo Benet is one of the most celebrated chefs in Puerto Rico, and with good reason. His Pikayo at the Condado Plaza Hilton is his masterwork, a fusion of Puerto Rican and global sensibilities.
Sugar Mill, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Part of a hotel built on a 17th century sugar plantation, this Tortola gem is the brainchild of culinary pioneers Jeff and Jinx Morgan.
El Faro Grill, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Chef Yann Kozic’s El Faro is the flagship restaurant at the Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, and a meal here (often including seafood) is worth the trip alone.
Juanillo Beach, Dominican Republic
This isn’t just one of the best beach bars in the Caribbean. It’s also home to seriously good food — a mix of classic beach cuisine and high-end takes on traditional Dominican food. It doesn’t hurt that it’s on a spectacular white-sand beach.
La Souvenance, Haiti
Haiti is emerging as a food destination in its own right for adventurous travelers; La Souvenance is the grande dame of restaurants in Haiti’s capital.
Daphne’s, Barbados
A Barbados institution, Daphne’s is an Italian-centric eatery with Bajan accents along the way. Come for the people watching, stay for the views and some really, really good Italian food.
Dasheene, St Lucia
The venerable Dasheene at the Ladera Resort, led by Chef Nigel Mitchel, serves exquisitely prepared food in a simply mind-blowingly beautiful setting overlooking the Pitons.
Do Brazil, St Barth
We love this quintessential St Barts beach bar and restaurant where the waitresses look like supermodels, euro pop beats set the tone, and the view of Shell Beach is unparalleled.
Capriccio, Bonaire
You don’t generally come to Bonaire for Italian cuisine — but after one amazing meal at this unexpectedly authentic Kralendijk restaurant, you just might.
Au Bon Vivre, Terre de Haut, Guadeloupe
When in Guadeloupe, chef/owner Vincent Malbec’s charming and atmospheric Terre-de-Haut eatery is a must for a sumptuous lunch followed by the traditional Santoise dessert, tourment d’amour.
Ortanique, Grand Cayman
The cuisine at this restaurant at Grand Cayman’s Camana Bay is unfailingly good but we’re big fans of their festive full-moon pig roast, featuring the tastiest swine you’ll ever devour.
Season To The Bone, Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you’re thinking of jerk chicken. But trust us when we tell you that this no-frills Windsor Park eatery (run by Jamaican Hyacinth Natty) serves the best jerk outside of Jamaica.
Straw Hat
Anguilla is all about beachfront dining and this Meads Bay classic (which doubles as the dining room for the neighbouring Frangipani Beach Resort) is a go-to for ocean views with a side of chef Nick Dellinger’s “sexy food.”
Scotchie’s, Jamaica
In Jamaica, a half-pound of pork, some roast breadfruit, and a frosty Red Stripe from this island-wide chain of jerk pits always makes us feel alright, particularly at its delightful Montego Bay location.
Da Conch Shack, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Plop down on a beachfront bench, dig your toes into the sand, and then dig in at this classic Provo, TCI restaurant, which serves conch in all its iterations, from golden-fried cracked conch to refreshingly raw ceviche-style conch salad.
Screaming Eagle, Aruba
Dinner in bed is de rigueur at this unique Aruba’s dining room where French Fusion cuisine, South Beach-sleek décor – and crisp cotton sheets – make for a memorable evening.
Sapodilla, Bahamas
The newest eatery on this list, Nassau’s Sapodilla is a charming, expertly executed place that was our Best New Restaurant of 2014, representing the best of new Bahamian cuisine with old-fashioned elegance.