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On the subject of laid-back eating with artistic aptitude, there isn’t a higher Caribbean island than Anguilla for meals lovers!
On this nonetheless under-the-radar island within the japanese Caribbean, you may take pleasure in improbable native flavours, nice eating, enjoyable seaside bars and conventional Caribbean delicacies with out even leaving the seaside!
I first visited this small, uncrowded island positioned close to St. Maarten/St. Martin virtually 10 years in the past to attend the Anguilla LitFest, an annual celebration of writing and literature.
Every time I’ve returned, I’ve been amazed at its culinary scene.
Eating out and exploring the meals scene is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Anguilla!
From refined, high-end eating places to seaside shacks to meals vans, listed here are a few of my favorite locations to eat in Anguilla.
My authentic checklist of the greatest eating places in Anguilla was up to date and expanded by Caribbean specialists Mark Stevens and Sharon Mathews-Stevens in Spring 2023.
It contains plenty of new foods and drinks finds, authentic photographs and insider suggestions. Try their fave Anguilla seaside bars too!
1. Blanchard’s Seaside Shack and Blanchard’s High quality Eating
For daytime informal fare, it’s positively value stopping at Blanchard’s Seaside Shack, positioned on Meads Bay on the western finish of Anguilla.
This stretch of pearl white seaside is a magnet for celebrities, politicians and enterprise moguls but additionally occurs to be a prime vacation spot for meals followers.
One of many greatest eating places in Anguilla for households with kids, Blanchard’s Seaside Shack options crave-worthy, toes-in-the-sand informal fare reminiscent of fish tacos, sizzling canine, French fries and seafood.
Order on the window for take-out meals to take pleasure in beachfront. It’s the proper spot for laid-back eating after a day of water sports activities.
It was based by Melinda and Bob Blanchard, who wrote about their expertise of their best-selling memoir A Journey to the Seaside.
This beach-read just isn’t solely entertaining nevertheless it’s an inspiration to anybody who has each dreamed of reworking their life.
For romantic eating, Blanchard’s Restaurant (positioned subsequent to its seaside shack) earns prime marks for each its upscale seaside home ambiance and memorable delicacies.
It’s well-known for artistic interpretations of basic Caribbean fare. You possibly can anticipate seasonally impressed dishes that showcase the very best native and imported elements.
Menu highlights embody sharing plates reminiscent of jerk shrimp with sweet-tart cranberry relish or chickpea fritters with hummus and Signature Plates of grilled candy Anguilla Crayfish.
🌟 Insider’s Tip: There’s free wifi on the seaside tables at Blanchard’s Seaside Shack.
2. Celeste at Malliouhana: Come for the View and Keep for Haute Delicacies
Situated clifftop at Malliouhana Resort, one among Anguilla’s premier properties, the Celeste Restaurant gives tables strategically positioned on three totally different ranges. Deal with your self to dynamite sundown views or panoramic views of Meads Bay, one among Anguilla’s prettiest seashores.
They may describe themselves as “informal magnificence” however I simply name it elegant. Suppose linen tablecloths and blue crystal glasses highlighting a crisp, clear nautical décor.
One among their must-try menu gadgets must be the Pink Snapper. It’s completely cooked and accompanied by charred corn and asparagus.
However don’t overlook the lobster bisque. I’ve carried out lobster dishes from Grenada to Tortola within the British Virgin Islands and this delight tops that checklist.
“Our menu focuses on the ocean with a world focus,” says supervisor Chesney Hughes.
That focus was mirrored in each my appetizer and my entrée. This lends assist to my idea that you simply would possibly e book a romantic dinner right here for the superb views however what you’ll probably take away is the indelible reminiscence of haute delicacies.
🌟 Insider’s Tip: Given the downright Baroque ambiance of their Bar Soleil simply across the nook, ensure you head there for an after-dinner – or before-dinner – cocktail.
3. Sandbar: Seaside Class at Sandy Floor
Although its location beachside at Sandy Floor would possibly make you consider a seaside bar (and there’s no scarcity of nice seaside bars in Anguilla), any similarity disappears the second you step inside.
Though your desk may be mere metres from the seaside itself, the recently-renovated eating room at Sandbar is pure magnificence.
Delivered to you by Carrie and Jerry Bogar, house owners of the well-liked Veya Restaurant close by, this institution is a trademark of seaside sophistication.
They’re open for dinner from Monday to Saturday.
“We’ve stored a few of the hottest menu gadgets from the earlier house owners just like the Tuna Poké,” says co-owner Jerry Bogar, “however our focus is basically clear flavours with worldwide aptitude.”
That’s due to a partnership between chef Carrie Bogar and govt chef Kerry Richardson, previously of Veya.
Greatest but, you may complement your entrée with an providing from their intensive wine checklist with greater than 100 picks.
Moreover, you’ll be entertained by reside music most nights of the week.
🌟 Insider’s Tip: Begin with their truffle fries in tempura batter and end with their irresistible Johnny Cake Sundae.
4. Straw Hat Restaurant: Dreamy Sundown Views and Caribbean Delicacies
Open seasonally (November to April) for breakfast to dinner, Straw Hat Restaurant is the quintessential Caribbean outside eating expertise.
Top-of-the-line locations on Anguilla to benefit from the island’s spectacular violet-hued sunsets, the meals is equally memorable and earns rave critiques.
Whilst you’ll want a reservation for dinner (6-9 pm) to attain a bowl of their dreamy Caribbean bouillabaisse, Straw Hat’s lunch and late afternoon menus characteristic equally beguiling selections.
Straw Hat serves shrimp, mahi mahi and lobster tacos drizzled with mango crème fraîche, and grilled meats served with sides of lobster mac and cheese, aromatic coconut rice and extra.
Situated within the Frangipani Seaside Resort (Google Map), Straw Hat is an efficient choice for family-friendly eating. They’ve received greatest child’s menu on Anguilla.
🌟 Insider’s Tip: Don’t miss an order of the house-made fried plantain chips!
5. Scilly Cay Anguilla: Play Castaway on an Offshore Island
Situated subsequent to the island of St. Martin – Ste Maarten, Anguilla consists of 33 uncrowded seashores and offshore cays. One of many greatest issues to do in Anguilla is to move to Scilly Cay off the northeast shore at Island Harbour.
Accessible solely by boat, this speck within the sea options calm sapphire waters on one facet and decided waves on the opposite.
Based by the late Eudoxie Wallace its open-air kitchen and bar serves up a few of the greatest grilled lobster you’ll ever discover.
The seafood right here is so contemporary you may see purple speckled lobster swimming inside tidal swimming pools that function pure aquariums preserving them contemporary till dinner.
The menu — lobster, crayfish and pasta salad — matches the simplicity of the setting which is mainly picnic tables within the sand.
Every platter of seafood comes completely spiced and is paired with French bread as heat because the commerce winds.
6. Da’Vida: The Better of Each Worlds
Dominating the beautiful seaside at Crocus Bay, Da’Vida (Google Map), lengthy thought-about an indicator of Anguilla nice eating, is called in tribute to David and Vida Allen, proprietors of one among Anguilla’s first resorts.
However Da’Vida isn’t only a great spot to eat.
With a foremost home formal eating room and a Seaside Membership boasting pure wooden, a deck for seating and even a smattering of seaside lounge chairs and picnic tables the place they convey your lunch and drinks proper to you, Da’Vida gives expertly-prepared meals, an equally interesting seaside eating expertise and even reside leisure on Sunday afternoons.
Be sure you order the grilled conch. It’s a spotlight of an informal menu boasting favourites like pizza and burgers.
There’s additionally a improbable seafood choice and even Caribbean choices like Johnny truffles and rice and peas.
Although the primary home eating room has been closed lately they’re reopening in October. It would have a brand new look, a brand new menu and even a brand new title.
Chef Prabu (featured within the current Anguilla Culinary Expertise) brings a mix of native and worldwide flavour to the menu at each spots.
In accordance with supervisor Hasani Derrick, upon reopening the choices on the reborn foremost home eating room will “characteristic a seasonal nice eating menu with a number of rotating specials.”
Dine at Da’Vida (Seaside Membership opens at 11 AM every day whereas the formal eating room with be open every day for dinner solely) and one factor’s for positive.
You’re getting the very best of each worlds.
🌟 Insider’s Tip: Order their signature Da’Vida Rum Punch earlier than your meal and the whole lot will style even higher.
7. Hank’s at Shoal Bay: Greatest Breakfast on the Seaside
Start your morning because the locals do and head to Shoal Bay for breakfast and a swim.
Commonly voted one of many world’s greatest seashores by seaside aficionados (together with us!), it’s a fringe of palm bushes, cottony sand and blue waters that’s a well-liked day journey by catamaran from St. Maarten.
One of many huge attracts of Shoal Bay is the seaside.
Geologically, Anguilla is comprised of limestone created by the fossil stays of historical sea animals and coral.
So the ocean ground is a marvel of bleached white sand.
Your post-swim vacation spot is Hanks (Google Map), a humble outside eatery overlooking the ocean.
The chic view and crispy wedges of potato pancake elevate a easy plate of fried eggs to a memorable occasion.
In case you keep at Shoal Bay Villas, you’re a brief seaside stroll away from Hank’s Restaurant. The beachfront rental residences come totally outfitted with kitchens and are perfect for households and {couples}. The onsite spa can be glorious.
Hank’s Seaside Bar is positioned on the seaside at Shoal Bay (East) off Bay View Highway
Test costs and availability at Shoal Bay Villas on Reserving.com
You’ll want a automobile to get to most island sights and eating places in Anguilla.
We hire our vehicles on Discovercars.com. It’s a web-based automobile rental reserving website that compares charges from a number of firms to search out the very best deal.
Test for the very best automobile rental charges at Discovercars.com
8. Tasty’s Anguilla: Pattern Conventional Native Meals
One of many greatest locations for native meals in Anguilla is Tasty’s on Rte 1 South Hill (Google Map).
Its ambiance is geared to fuelling its loyal followers who flock right here for breakfast, lunch and early dinners. Count on beneficiant portion sizes and a great deal of Caribbean flavour.
Tasty’s Proprietor and Chef Dale Carty is a local native Anguillian and extremely acclaimed for his ingenious interpretations of Caribbean classics.
So that you received’t be disillusioned with profitable dishes such because the omelette bursting with tender native seafood, conch salad, curry goat or coconut lobster stew.
Most of the dishes are served with Johnny Cake, a cornmeal flatbread that’s additionally a staple on many different Caribbean islands. The title is derived from “journey cake” to mirror its origins as a meals carried on lengthy travels.
On Anguilla there are as many variations of johnny cake as there are cooks. However the Johnny Cake at Tasty’s comes deep-fried to a golden brown and a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth inside.
🌟 Insider’s Tip: For a enjoyable twist on a basic, head to Leon’s on Meads Bay to attempt their Johnny Cake Jerk Burger. This grilled patty of jerked beef comes slathered with spicy mayo and is tucked inside a heat Johnny Cake.
Time your go to for the weekend for reside music/DJs and drink specials.
9. Dune Protect on Anguilla: Cocktails and Reside Music
Dusk on Anguilla doesn’t imply casinos, neon nightclubs or theatrical liquid nitrogen drinks. As an alternative, it’s all about sand mashing (seaside dancing), reside music and relaxed cocktails.
There’s no different spot that epitomizes this laid-back vibe as a lot as Dune Protect. Owned by reggae musician Bankie Banx, the bar is a sprawling development of driftwood, outdated boats and twine on Rendezvous Bay that feels extra wood raft than constructing.
Though the bar is thought to attract huge title musicians and reside bands reminiscent of John Mayer, the Wailers, Jimmy Buffett and Omari Banks, you may also expertise some experimental poetry or theatre.
Whereas there, sip a Duneshine cocktail (the fermented ginger drink that’s a home specialty) whereas listening to the lapping of the waves and gazing on the flickering lights of the French island of St Martin throughout the bay. No neon wanted.
With its enjoyable nightlife, Anguilla additionally occurs to be a best choice for a ladies’ getaway. Try why in our put up on Nice Girlfriend Getaways within the Caribbean
Insider Tip: For different enjoyable Caribbean seaside bars and events you don’t need to miss, take a look at our journey guides to the Shirley Heights Sunday Get together on Antigua and Full Moon Get together within the British Virgin Islands.
10. Hungry’s Meals Truck & Restaurant: Anguilla Avenue Meals and Low-cost Eats
Lengthy earlier than the meals truck development hit North America, cell meals merchandising was well-liked in Anguilla. It answered the decision of locals in search of a fast conventional meal.
Situated in The Valley subsequent to the Fish Depot (Google Map), Hungry’s meals van is likely one of the most well-known.
Operated by Irad Gumbs and Alfonzo (Papi) Hodge, it’s expanded to incorporate a dine-in restaurant however the menu has stayed true to its authentic profitable line-up.
The menu at Hungry’s options economical consolation meals that hearkens again to the times of Creole house gardens stuffed with pigeon peas, root greens and corn.
A lot of the island’s wealthy West Indian legacy will be seen in goat and rooster dishes, domesticated animals that may survive on Anguilla’s scrubby soil.
Hungry’s is likely one of the greatest locations to attempt well-liked Anguilla conventional meals reminiscent of bull foot soup, pea soup with pig tail, shrimp Creole and contemporary fish.
Interested by Anguilla’s nationwide dish? It’s pigeon peas and rice. That is the place to attempt it!
🌟 Insider’s Tip: Hungry’s is likely one of the most economical locations to eat on Anguilla as a bowl of soup prices round $7 USD.
11. Jacala Restaurant: Swoon for French Caribbean Fusion Delicacies
Owned by Jacques Borderon and Alain Laurent, who first labored collectively at Malliouhana, the menu is French-inspired and barefoot stylish.
Whereas reservations are wanted for night eating, a reasonably desk simply steps from the sand is definitely had at lunchtime.
One of many prime starters is a refreshing chilled cucumber soup with spicy tomato sorbet accompanied by bread that tastes as if it comes straight from a Parisian boulangerie.
Additionally a well-liked selection for romantic eating, Jacala has a well-deserved fame for upscale delicacies. It’s positively one of many prime eating places in Anguilla so as to add to your checklist so reserve properly prematurely.
Situated on the seaside highway parallel to Mead’s Bay. Name 264-498-5888.
🌟 Professional Tip: One other prime place for French delicacies within the Caribbean is the island of St. Barts. Take a ferry there for the day or constitution a catamaran for a relaxed day on the water that features lunch in Gustavia.
12. D. Richard’s: A Gap in One
This iconic property with a breezy location on Rendezvous Bay (Google Map) has a lot to take pleasure in from a culinary perspective.
In case you’re a golfer you’re in all probability already found the attraction of D. Richard’s, the most recent addition to Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Membership (the previous CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa).
Out of your desk surrounded by pure wooden and leather-based furnishings absorb the superb views via the towering floor-to-ceiling home windows.
There are vistas of the Greg Norman-designed golf course for foreground and the distant hills of St. Martin for background.
In case you’re a meat-lover, D. Richard’s is an Anguilla must-do.
Billed as Anguilla’s greatest steakhouse (it’s the one one), D. Richard’s gives up carnivore delights starting from Wagyu fillets to a 42-ounce Tomahawk chop.
Greatest but, whether or not you do lunch or dinner, the veggies accompanying your foremost can be a few of Anguilla’s freshest, due to their onsite hydroponic farm.
This onsite greenhouse, (established by main hydroponics professional Dr. Howard M. Resh), produces a bounty of contemporary greens together with vine-ripened tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, peppers and herbs grown in hydroponic nutrient cultures.
Whereas most Caribbean islands import their produce which leads to poor high quality for perishable elements, these crops are harvested year-round.
Do dinner at D. Richard’s and also you’ll really feel such as you’d scored a gap in a single.
🌟 Insider’s Tip: Providing a definite lunch menu, D. Richard’s is open every day from 11 am to 4 pm. There’s a dinner menu from 6 pm to 10 pm Tuesday to Sunday.
13. SALT on the 4 Seasons Anguilla
The 4 Seasons Lodge and Resort Anguilla is a type of locations you by no means need to depart. Set on a headland flanked by Meads Bay and Barnes Bay, the up to date structure evokes a sense of being surrounded by sea and sky.
The decor by Kelly Wearstler, the celebrated American designer to stars reminiscent of Gwen Stefani and Cameron Diaz, is each earthy and glamourous. In case you don’t in a single day, absorb the privileged ambiance by eating at SALT, the 4 Season’s signature restaurant.
The breezy ocean views are complemented by a menu that’s each contemporary and inventive.
There’s a wealth of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices. It’s positively among the best eating places on Anguilla for a romantic dinner.
Different Prime Anguilla Eating places and Foodie Journey Suggestions
The above are only the start to a culinary trip on Anguilla. Different prime locations to eat embody:
- the seaside restaurant on Sandy Island encompasses a extra intensive menu than different offshore cays. Be sure you order a rum punch!
- For nice eating, attempt Cap Juluca on Maundays Bay.
- In case you’re craving Italian meals, Dolce Vita is your most suitable option.
Official Anguilla Vacationer Board
Go to www.ivisitanguilla.com
Climate in Anguilla
In case you’re headed to an offshore cay for lunch, name the restaurant first. If it’s windy, the boats won’t be accessible so it’s smart to have a back-up plan for lunch.
Tipping in Anguilla
Payments usually mechanically embody a gratuity of 15% so test earlier than calculating a tip.
Mosquitoes in Anguilla
A lot as in different Caribbean nations, you might encounter mosquitoes in Anguilla when eating outside. Whereas dengue, chikungunya and zika are sporadic, you must scale back your danger of an infection and illness by avoiding mosquito bites.
Use insect repellent with DEET (50%) and observe these tricks to shield your self from mosquito bites.
FAQs
Whereas Anguilla will be very costly to go to, there are budget-friendly choices. In case you go for a lodge with a kitchenette, you may take pleasure in breakfasts and a few meals at house. Lunches are sometimes inexpensive than dinners. Meals vans are an excellent choice for reasonable eats.
On the subject of conventional meals on Anguilla, you’ll see grilled jerk-style meats and fish, pigeon peas and rice, provisions (tubular root greens) callaloo soup and different savoury meals additionally well-liked on Grenada and plenty of different Caribbean islands.
Different Incredible Issues to Do Round Anguilla
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Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the closest tropical seaside), Michele Peterson is the founding father of A Style for Journey. Her award-winning journey and meals writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Supply, Nationwide Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ different publications.
Learn extra about Michele Peterson.