The Cayman Islands is a paradise in every sense!
White, soft and clean, beaches, breathtaking views, and wondrous aquatic life. It doesn’t matter what type of traveler you are; Cayman will find you and amuse you. It is an adrenaline-pumping water sport for adventure junkies to a shopping haven for shopaholics and a gastronomical wonderland for foodies!
Cayman should be on your holiday bucket list!
If you are reading this, well, you are doing your research right. The list below entails the best fine dining in the Cayman Islands. I love to try different restaurants when traveling; it gives one unique flavor, ambiance to the experience.
Check out these ten restaurants for a brilliant dining experience in Cayman!
#1: Grand Old House
One of the legendary restaurants in Cayman was a former plantation house and now serves as a restaurant, beautifully bridging the transition from traditional to modern catering. The waterfront fine dining experience at the Grand Old House is extraordinary. Furthermore, they have a wide variety of award-winning wine collections – 2,400 selections with over 25,000 bottles from around the world.
When it comes to the culinary experience, you will witness delectable intercontinental dishes along with unique Caribbean flair. Did we mention the fresh and sea to table seafood?
#2: The Wharf Restaurant & Bar
Dining at the Wharf was an extravaganza!
I vividly remember going there in the evening; the setting sun painted the entire waterfront seating in orange and yellow hues. And witnessing such a stunning view would make anybody’s heart leap out! It was love at first sight!
It boasts of the best menu in the Grand Cayman and is worth it. Furthermore, it serves everything FRESH, be it from the sea or the farm, and the wine selection is the choicest.
Do try the rack of lamb and wild tiger shrimp. Exotic meat, cooked beautifully, and the wine made every bite wholesome. Sommeliers at the Wharf will assist you in your wine selection and help you pair your entrées with the perfect wine from their infamous underground wine cellar.
#3: Bacaro
At Barcos, the dining experience was serene; the porch seating is overlooking the yacht club. The decor is modern, very pleasing. We were in just in time for the lunch, and we received a good discount.
Pro Tip — Do not forget to have lunch at Barcos for the offer.
The braised lamb shank Wellington was paired with roasted artichokes with pecorino and thyme; the process of braising is what tenderizes tougher cuts of meat.
Food for Soul!
#4: Luca
Want the breathtaking views of the Seven Mile Beach while dining? Well, at Luca, your wish is granted. The menu draws its inspiration from ‘Bel Paese,’ aka Italy, and other specialties will entice your palate and satiate your cravings.
Don’t forget to try — lobster ravioli, creamy lobster bisque, and pan-seared local yellowfin tuna served with sautéed chili-garlic broccolini. The meal was ambrosiac equalling to the food of the Gods. I highly recommend it to anyone.
#5: Ristorante Pappagallo
You will find me repeating it often on the list — yet another fantastic restaurant that can surpass your experience is Ristorante Pappagallo. It transports you into the other world from the moment you walk on the wooden bridge leading to the entrance.
There’s a lot to experience at Ristorante Pappagallo, for instance, the tall thatched ceilings, large woven fans, and their company mascot of 24 years — Humphrey Bogart, an African Grey Parrot welcoming all the guests.
If you are in Cayman for holidays — business or pleasure, make it a must-visit place in the list.
Oh! And do not forget to try their famous drink, and those are tropical mojito or fresh fruit Bellini.
I had the best Ravioli all’ Anatra, Ossobuco Milanese, and wrapped up the night with one of the favorite Tiramisu. It was without a doubt one of the most luscious meals I’ve ever had the privilege of experiencing.
#6: Ragazzi
One place that celebrates Italy like no other is Ragazzi!
The ambiance is cheerful, vibrant, and smells delicious throughout. You get a glimpse of passion in every dish served.
One dish that I tried was well put together and had a unique taste was the shellfish linguine served in a velvety tomato sauce, and the seafood pizza was mind-blowing. Pair it with brandy, and voila! It is a soul-stirring affair.
#7: Abacus
Abacus is located in the heart of Cabana Bay. It is a chic restaurant with a relaxed lounge culture and combines sophisticated dining with a romantic and breezy atmosphere. The service was impeccable, and the menu had plenty of excellent choices.
I had my first octopus dish here called a charred octopus. It was tender, succulent, and grilled to perfection. This is how I discovered that it is comforting food. The texture, aroma, and ambiance play beautifully in my memories.
#8: Anchor & Den
Anchor & Den is very atheistically pleasing, with charismatic decor, every corner is worth having a picture with. The menu draws inspiration from Barcelona — London-Cayman.
Every dish you order is a sensory experience. Additionally, they also have a Food & Beverage- including a fresh juice bar, Gelato Stand, Creperie Station, Raw, and Sushi Bar.
Do visit for a great dining experience!
#9: Sunshine Grill
Sunshine Grill is one of my favorite (again); it has a very laid-back vibe, and the interiors are warm, happy, and YELLOW, exuding a tropical vibe! Ask the waiter about the signature dish, and he will say jalapeño scramble (you’ve to try it to believe it), and apart from that, we also ordered fish tacos, jerk chicken eggrolls.
Best breakfast ever I had! Also, the free soft serve was the icing on the cake.
#10: Yoshi Sushi
If you are a sushi lover or want to try it for the first time in Cayman, Yoshi Sushi is the place to go. I had the sushi at Yoshi Sushi for the first time, and it was love at first bite! The ‘Itamae’ skilled sushi chef creates fresh sushi apart from preparing excellent Japanese dishes, such as Hibachi, Robata, Shogayaki, and Teriyaki.
The menu is not limited to Japanese food; you also get pancakes, burgers, sandwiches to croissants, wraps, and paninis, and much more.
For me, the meal was a gastronomical experience that left me full but still wanting more. The chef excelled himself!