In Antigua and Barbuda, a Must-Visit Caribbean Event for Foodies

From Sheer Rocks to Le Bistro, Nobu Barbuda to Roquita, the dining scene in Antigua and Barbuda has never been buzzier. 

Now, the destination’s popular culinary event is back again, with more than 65 restaurants participating for this year’s Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week. 

It’s yet another boost for a destination that has one of the most dynamic culinary movements in the Caribbean right now. 

“I think in the last few years, the restaurant scene in Antigua has continued to evolve. What we’ve seen is more range across the board,” said Alex Grimley, managing partner or Rocks Group, whose portfolio includes the celebrated Sheer Rocks and a growing collection of eateries all over the island, from Catherine’s Cafe to a new Mexican hotspot called Roquita. 

From May 4 to 19, the eateries around the destination will offer special prix fixe lunch and dinner menus, along with “eat like a local” options across the island. 

It’s designed to “encourage locals and tourists to enjoy old favorites and also explore new restaurants and cuisines ,” the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s Shermain Jeremy tells Caribbean Journal.

“We look forward to celebrating great flavor with great value.”

This year’s event will also feature a star-studded lineup of celebrity chefs and beverage professionals – all of Caribbean heritage. 

That includes Chef Angel Barreto, Chef Shorne Benjamin, Cookbook Author Althea Brown, Chef Kareem Roberts, Chef Digby Stridiron, and Sommelier Nadine Brown. 

Timed for the festival, the Pepperpot Rum Shop is also making its debut: a 100-day pop-up destination created through a partnership between The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Treehouse Beach Club, and British chef, television and radio broadcaster, and former singer Andi Oliver.

The Rum Shop will include events from rum tastings to book Q&As. 

So what’s on the agenda? 

You can enjoy a Food and Art Experience at Dow’s Hill Interpretation Center; take in an immersive Food Forum and learn more about sustainability; savor cocktails and a cookout on Ffryes Beach; take a master class on the art of roti with Althea Brown; take a six-course journey across Antigua’s culinary landscape with Chef Kareem Roberts; and even try a Korean dinner at Carlisle Bay, among other events. 

The popular “Eat Like a Local” program from last year is back again, with the event creating an interactive map of local hotspots where visitors can try fungee, pepperpot and other local favorites. 

It’s a unique Caribbean culinary event — and a must for any foodie. 

If you’re planning to make the trip, the island has some great options for every kind of traveler, most notably with Elite Island Resorts’ trio of deals at its all-inclusives in Antigua. 

For more, vist Antigua Barbuda Restaurant Week.