The 10 Best Restaurants In Bridgetown, Barbados

If you’re looking for a fun night out for dinner for the entire family, then Harbour Lights is the place to go. Diners get a choice of shrimp, chicken, fish, or steak with the lively entertainment with the beach serving as a dance floor. The beach-bar themed spot is worth it for the variety of shows you get in one night, from a live band to fire dancers, limbo and Bajan dancers. Staff are very attentive and always eager to please. It’s really the only place to have great food and a full Caribbean experience all packaged together.

Brown Sugar Restaurant is the perfect place for visitors looking for a quieter place to enjoy Caribbean fare. The lunch service is a buffet-style, and although it’s not Bajan-style, you’ll get the taste of the Caribbean islands off the main street for a great price. The absolute must-try dishes are the Bajan Fish Cakes and the Macaroni Pie, and with it only being walking distance from the Hilton Barbados, it’s a great place to go for a cheap, but quality, lunch.

Zaccio’s is expert in great Bajan cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, as this is a more traditional restaurant rather than the ‘beach bars’ that are so common in the city. If you have a picky eater in the family, then they can order more Americana-style fare like pizza, burgers, and fries while the rest can get the highly recommended Bajan-style Chicken Curry. Best of all, you get a fantastic view of the ocean and beach while you dine inside. Make sure you get there early, however, as it fills up quickly during busy hours, with or without ships in port.

Although part of Bougainvillea’s Resort; Water’s Edge Restaraunt and Bar is open for everyone to enjoy for a quiet afternoon tea with a beautiful view on the beach. Located in a quiet, private beach, guests can sit down on the boardwalk to enjoy freshly made scones and cakes. Foodies with appreciate the evening menu. Favourite dishes are the coconut and tomato soup, and the Calamari and Mahi Mahi in Coconut Broth. If you’re feeling like a romantic night, you can call ahead and ask about getting your own private table for two on the beach under a white tent. It’s a perfect spot for a date night before a walk on the beach.

The Balcony is a cute, small restaurant overlooking the heart of Bridgetown. It’s a perfect little place for a cheap, but tasty, lunch that even the locals go to on their breaks during the week. While it is another buffet-style serving, (most places are in the Caribbean), it’s delicious. If you have the choice pick the seats on the balcony for a great view. The dishes you need to try here are the plantains, macaroni pie, and the flying fish. Not a fish fan? There’s plenty of barbecue chicken available too. Look for the restaurant inside the Cave Shepard Department Store on the main street.

Lobster Alive is a small, must-try restaurant on the outskirts of Bridgetown. You need to book ahead or come before the rush, however, as seating is extremely limited. Diners will be greeted by soft, live jazz while they enjoy all different kinds of dishes with lobster, including lobster spaghetti. Another dish you need to try is the conch samosas. The lobster will be some of the freshest you’ll find anywhere, as they’re in a tank before you order, actually ‘alive’ like the name claims.

If you need an escape from all the fish served on the island, but still want something that tastes good, then you need to find Ambience Bar & Grill. Their baked pork chops and garlic potato wedges are some of the best you’ll find anywhere. Of course, their fish (served grilled or fried) is still fantastic. While sitting inside, you’re surrounded by the sounds of the ocean, just steps away from you. This adds to the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. After your meal, you can leave out the back door for a quiet walk down the beach. While mostly visited by tourists, it’s a calming little spot where you can get out of the sun with your family leaving happy.