Best Anguilla Restaurants

Anguilla is an island whose people are dedicated to great eating. From a local neighborhood bar-b-q to "haute cuisine", almost all Anguilla restaurants are bound to please your palate.

On our first trip to Anguilla (March 2002), my Dad and I discovered a colorful little beach bar on Savannah Bay/Junk's Hole.

We were thirsty and starving after a long day of exploration (my sister was sick, so she and my mom were back at the villa).

To this day, that quiet meal with my Dad, the gentle waves of Savannah Bay in the background, remains one of my best experiences in all Anguilla restaurants.

We split the lobster and crayfish combo, along with a rum punch for my dad (two actually), and a Coke for me. No doubt about it, this was the best meal we had during that trip! And that includes some meals at super-expensive, 5 Star Anguilla restaurants like Blanchards and Mango's.

So naturally, during our month-long return trip, my mother really wanted to try this "best of all Anguilla restaurants" (in the words of my dad). So here we are at the Palm Grove...

Anguilla restaurants Palm Grove

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The owner of the Palm Grove, Nat, actually remembered us, welcoming us back!

Of course my Dad ordered a rum punch while the rest of us had Cokes. Since I had to continuously remind Dad to drive on the left side of the road after two rum punches last time (heh heh), he stuck to one this time. Here's Nat's wife preparing it...

Anguilla restaurants rum punch

As you can see, my sister Yuki was rather worried because she doesn't like lobster and crayfish. But I am quite happy with anticipation...

Anguilla restaurants Yuki at Nats

My Dad caved in and ordered the chicken for Yuki, while the rest of us split six crayfish and a five pound lobster.

We actually saw the fisherman deliver our dinner, live!

Nat boils his lobsters to seal in the juices. Then he bar-b-q's and spices them to perfection!

Despite the anticipation, waiting for dinner at the best of all Anguilla restaurants, is easy, because a brisk sea breeze continuously refreshes and the view encourages relaxed daydreaming...

Anguilla restaurants view from Nats

We all lick our lips as Nat approaches...

Anguilla restaurants Nat with tray

And the final verdict? Mouth-watering. Nat makes his own special hot sauce which adds even more zest to the experience.

Still one of the best of all Anguilla restaurants!

More on Palm Grove/Nat's

Update 2010: Nat's, one of the best Anguilla restaurants, has expanded!

Quick Info:

Located on Junk's Hole/Savannah beach

Open 7 days/week

Lunch

Tel.: 264-497-4224

Quick Tip: Try the crayfish, Johnny cake, steak fries, topped off with a couple of rum punches!

More Favorite Anguilla Restaurants

Anguilla, of course, is renowned for its 5 Star, super high-end restaurants. After all, they have to keep folks like Robert DeNiro and Michael Dell coming back, right?

Our family has eaten at several, and yes... they are all superb. Surprisingly, though, the better known ones did not make as big an impression with us as our own discoveries. Nor did the more expensive ones ($$$$$) beat out the not-quite-as-wallet-breaking ($$$$). At $$$$, Nat's is still one of our favorites.

We're not gourmets, however, so take our opinions with a grain of salt... sea salt. Here's how we rank Anguilla restaurants.

Below you will notice that I have divided the island into 3 sections, "The Center," "The East End," and "The West End." Each part of the island is perfectly safe. You can easily rent an Anguilla rental car, drive without worry and be able to truly experience every corner of this beautiful island.

Many visitors tend to stay in their Anguilla resorts and hotels in the West End of Anguilla, and it's a shame. The "real Anguilla" lies out there, in the center and the East End of the island, waiting for you to explore and enjoy the variety of unique eating experiences.

Note: If you are looking for a "quick list" Anguilla guide to the island's top eats, please click here.

The Center

anguilla restaurant map

da'Vida ($$$$)

da'Vida is Anguilla's finest addition to the island's list of luxury restaurants. It has an ambience and a setting that rivals any 5-star restaurant in St. Barts, located on Crocus Bay, a beach more spectacular than any St. Barts setting, and with the warmest hospitality. Do not miss da'Vida for lunch, dinner and/or tapas.

Quick Info:

Located on Crocus Bay beach
Main restaurant is open Tuesday-Sunday for Tapas and Dinner
Bayside Grill is open 7 days/week for Lunch
264-498-5433
Quick Tip: The most tranquil atmosphere, a beach day at their Bayside Grill can't be missed!

Koal Keel ($$$$)

Built in the 1700s, Koal Keel hasn't lost any of its magic! The restaurant went through some rough patches, and was closed for a while, but it was restored and is now open for business. It is here, where My family and I experienced the most beautiful (and tasty!) meal on all of Anguilla.

Quick Info:

Located in the Old Valley village
Closed Sunday
Dinner only
264-497-2930
Quick Tip: Come for the charming Caribbean atmosphere.

The Barrel Stay ($$$$)

Right on the shores of Sandy Ground, you'll find two Brits who "chucked it all" for this flawless restaurant, the Barrel Stay. Be sure to take the "sunset tip" and have a second helping of the "apple tarte tartin!"

Quick Info:

Located on Sandy Ground beach

Dinner is served daily, but closed Wednesday

Lunch is sered Saturday-Monday

Tel.: 264-497-2831

Quick Tip: Shrimp tempura!

The Overlook ($$$$)
Best combination of vista and great food. Literally out on a ledge, I don't know which is more sensational, the panoramic view or the magnificent meals. Click to see what I mean.
Closed But Not Forgotten (Anguilla-Beaches.com Archives)

Tasty's ($$$$)

They don't call it TASTY's for nothing. The food must be great if it's not on the beach. Some say it's the best of all Anguilla restaurants!

This restaurant is one of the island's best-loved institutions, owned and run by Chef Dale Carty. Open daily (except Thursdays) for breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1999, it just may be our favorite spot for breakfast, and a can't-miss for an authentic Anguilla dinner.

Quick Info:

Located on the main road near Sandy Ground
Closed Thursdays
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Tel.: 264-497-2737
Quick Tip: Known for "tasty" Caribbean cuisine & inviting chef and owner.

Veya ($$$$)

Veya is one of Anguilla's most talked about restaurants. With a picturesque tropical tree-house setting, Veya is one of the prettiest restaurants on the island, serving the most innovative dishes for "true foodies"!

Quick Info:

Located inland of Sandy Ground
Closed Sundays
Dinner
Tel.: 264-498-8392
Quick Tip: One of the best Johnny Cakes on the island, and don't miss their Shrimp Cigars!

The East End

anguilla restaurant map

Coté Mer ($$$$$)

Like Straw Hat, my parents beat us to the Coté Mer rum punch! The restaurant has changed hands to new French owners Stephane and Thomas. They have reinvented the meaning of "Coté Mer," creating a five-star Mediterranean eatery that quickly became one of my parents' favorite spots before becoming a now family wide obsession!

Quick Info:

Located on Island Harbour beach
Open 7 days/week
Lunch/Dinner
Tel.: 264-498-2683
Quick Tip: Don't miss their Lobster Thermidor Wednesday parties!

Scilly Cay ($$$$)

Scilly Cay upgrades the traditional Anguillian BBQ, transforming it into a luxury experience to remember. Scilly Cay is all about the setting. On an island all its own off of the picturesque fishing harbor, Island Harbour, the shores are shallow, still, sandy and always a clear turquoise blue. Is there anywhere so peaceful?

Update: I have been receiving reports that Scilly Cay's food and service has declined in recent years. We will be returning to do a follow-up story. Stay tuned.

Quick Info:

Located on Scilly Cay island

Open W/F/Saturday

Lunch

Tel.: 264-497-5123

Quick Tip: You're on an island all your own!

Hibernia ($$$$$)

This very high-end, East end Anguilla restaurant has had terrific reviews. And it lived up its reputation with us, too. Click here for more about Hibernia.

Quick Info:

Tucked away from Island Harbour
Dinner
Tel.: 264-497-4290
Quick Tip: Best known for Asian-Caribbean fusion cuisine.

Serenity ($$$)
Located on the corner of Shoal Bay East, Serenity has a desirable location. Serenity serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Quick Info:

Located on Shoal Bay beach

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Tel.: 264-497-3328

Quick Tip: Shoal Bay setting, good for a post-beach-walk drink.

The West End

anguilla restaurant map

Straw Hat ($$$$$)

My parents were the first to dine at this delectable eatery. This was the only 5 Star ($$$$$) restaurant that my dad raved about. I begged and begged for a trip back, so I could sample the restaurant's fine food, but it never came. Until a very recent trip...

Quick Info:

Located on Meads Bay beach
Open 7 days/week
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Tel.: 264-497-8300
Quick Tip: Dinner under the stars right on Meads Bay.

Trattoria Tramonto ($$$$)

Setting eyes on this wonderful west end Anguilla restaurant was love at first sight. Trattoria Tramonto is an upscale beach bar with a relaxed, unpretentious feel. The restaurant wins my vote for "personal favorite" for atmosphere, service, and most of all, food!

Quick Info:

Located on Shoal Bay West beach
Closed Mondays
Lunch/Dinner
Tel.: 264-497-8819
Quick Tip: My Dad swears by Trattoria's lobster ravioli.

Jacala ($$$$)

Set on the sandy shores of Meads Bay, Jacala offers an exceptional Anguilla dining experience. Jacques and Alain, who formerly worked at Malliouhana restaurant, have created a project of their own, a true Caribbean-French fusion experience, with personal five-star service. Be sure to try their unique Steak-Frites. Between Montreal and New York, it's one of the best Steak-Frites I have ever had.

Quick Info:

Located on Meads Bay beach
Open Wed-Sun
Lunch/Dinner
Tel.: 264-498-5888
Quick Tip: Their tuna carpaccio for lunch, and tuna tartar for a dinner appetizer just can't be beat!

Viceroy Anguilla Sunset Lounge ($$$)

Set in Viceroy Anguilla's elegant ambience, The Sunset Lounge's open air concept perfectly complements the lounge's vast views of Barnes Bay. With innovative cocktails, and the best sushi you can get on the island, The Sunset Lounge has become one of our favorite spots for a sunset drink and a light bite to eat.

Note: Viceroy has several other dining experiences, including "Half Shell," "Coba," and "Aleta," and "Bamboo Bar & Grill"

Quick Info:

Overlooking Barnes Bay beach
Open 7 days/week
"Snacks"
Tel.: 264-497-7000
Quick Tip: Best item on their menu? Spicy shrimp!

Oliver's ($$$$)

Our family had an absolutely wonderful meal here. The ambience is relaxed and breezy. When you make reservations, ask for a table by the edge of the terrace. It overlooks Long Beach Bay, with sensational views. And if you are a family of four (or a hungry couple), phone at least four hours ahead of time and order their "Home Style Rock Oven Baked Whole Free-Range Chicken." Stuffed with gingered sweet potatoes, it was absolutely delicious. And the price was the best deal on the menu, too.

Quick Info:

Overlooking Long Bay beach
Dinner
Tel.: 264-497-8780
Quick Tip: Seaside setting draws you in, and the home-style rock oven baked whole free-range chicken is a must-order.

Famiglia... An Anguilla Resort Restaurant ($$$$)

This classy restaurant was recommended to us by a dear friend and editor of Anguilla Life Magazine, Claire Devener. It is located in CuisinArt Resort's serene setting and delivers quite a meal! The idea is Mediterranean. The restaurant's concept and menu revolves around Mediterranean food and the way you eat when you're in the south of Europe: Share!

Note: This restaurant is now called "Mediterraneo." CuisinArt also has a more formal dining restaurant, "Santorini." Also, since "Famiglia" became "Mediterraneo" I have received several emails indicating that the menu has become less varied and more expensive.

Quick Info:

CuisinArt,
Lunch/Dinner,
Tel.: 264-498-2000
Quick Tip: Start your meal with a blended mojito cocktail.

Tokyo Bay at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa ($$$$)
Tokyo Bay is Anguilla's first and only fully-focused Japanese restaurant, serving sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki and other Japanese specialties. The restaurant is located in CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa's Spa building, fully air-conditioned, with a more modern and sleek look. Mixed review.

Quick Info:

CuisinArt,

Lunch/Dinner,

Tel.: 264-498-2000

Quick Tip: Not fully-opened yet.

Altamer ($$$$)

Hungry for a high-end Anguilla breakfast? Altamer certainly delivers with hospitality, service and delicious food. Try the specialty!

Quick Info:

Located on Shoal Bay West beach
264-498-4000

Blanchard's ($$$$$)
Probably the most famous of all Anguilla restaurants, due to their books. We ate there on the last night of our first trip to Anguilla. We have recently tried Blanchard's again, and had a phenomenal meal, from the food, to the ambience, to Bob and Melinda's kind hospitality. A page is coming soon.

Quick Info:

Located on Meads Bay beach

Closed Sundays (changes)

Dinner

Tel.: 264-497-6100

Mango's ($$$$$)
A "deluxe beach bar-restaurant" on Barnes Bay. We tried Mango's on the first night of our first stay in Anguilla. Maybe we were tired after the long flight, but it was a disappointment. Too bad, because the beachfront location is terrific, and it was only a hop, skip and a jump from our villa on the same beach.

Since our first experience at Mango's, my Dad has been back for dinner several times and has great things to say about it. We have also been back as a whole family. Mango's has become a favorite for dinner.

Mango's also delivers a five-star lunch experience, highly recommended for those seeking a quieter, more private and calm beach day and lunch. Click here to read about lunch at Mango's Seaside Grill.

Quick Info:

Located on Barnes Bay beach
Closed Tuesdays
Lunch/Dinner
Tel.: 264-497-6479

Luna Rosa ($$$$)
This Italian eatery is perched overlooking Long Bay. "They say" to go for lunch, for the views are breathtaking.

Quick Info:

Located inland of Long Bay beach

Closed Sundays

Lunch/Dinner

Tel. 264-497-6291

Smokey's ($$$)
Set on wide and clear Cove Bay, with sweeping views of St. Maarten, Smokey's is a relaxing spot for lunch. Try the fish sandwich!

Quick Info:

Located on Cove Bay

Open 7 days/week

Lunch

Tel.: 264-497-6582

Cap Juluca ($$$$$)
Cap Juluca offers a variety of dining experiences, from Pimms (European and Caribbean fusion), Spice (Asian-Caribbean fusion) and Blue (beachfront restaurant).

Quick Info:

Located on Maunday's Bay

Open 7 days/week

Lunch/Dinner

Tel.: 264-497-6666

Share Your Anguilla Restaurant Experiences

We are always looking for new Anguilla restaurants to try, and love reading traveler's Anguilla restaurant experiences.

So, what's your favorite Anguilla restaurant?

Did you enjoy Blanchard's? Did you love Cote Mer?

How do you rank restaurants? Do you agree or disagree with our family's opinion? What's your favorite?

Click here to share your Anguilla restaurant reviews.

And, if you have a "favorite" hot dog, crayfish or french fry to add to our "quick list" of top eats in Anguilla, click here to add it to our Anguilla guide to top eats!

Go to mid-priced Anguilla restaurants.

Go to inexpensive Anguilla restaurants.

And here's the best way to cut your Anguilla food bill down.

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