For your Barbados restaurant ranking, Zagat information collected from 1,520 diners to judge. The following are the best in Barbados, according to Zagat. Are they really the best, the best? This is what a serious foodie…with a restaurant tab to prove it…who has eaten at these places many times has to say.
champions: Visitors and locals alike love Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant, which is why it was named ZagatBarbados’ “most popular” dining experience. It is also. Do you know how the most popular kid in school is remembered forever? Well, I have friends who haven’t been to Barbados in six years, they get off their plane from England and say, “We’re going to Champers tonight.” Consistently fantastic seafood and service at the water’s edge on the south coast of the island. Christ Church, Rockley
The tides: Fabulous seafood in a pretty blue decor that perfectly complements the seaside location. Great service, “always great” he says Zagat‘s of this chef-owned West Coast restaurant. They have never let me down here; The Tides is always fabulous. It’s also pretty formal (for God’s sake, no flip flops). Be sure to also visit the wonderful art gallery there. Santiago, Holetown
the cliff: Popular for its romantic, torch-lit cliffside setting and “truly special” food, The Cliff won Zagatit scored highest for decor, noting that its service matches its creatively eclectic fare. Yes, The Cliff is exceptional. Than Zagat does not mention is that this is one of the most expensive restaurants on the island; if you are price sensitive go to Champers instead. St. James, drilling rigs
Zen: Go early and take a sunset stroll on the award-winning pink-sand beach at the Crane Resort, where Zen is located in south-east Barbados. Unfortunately, that’s all you’ll see of the ocean because it’s not visible from most tables inside the restaurant. This is what keeps me from dining more often at this fine restaurant. zen received ZagatBarbados’ highest score for food thanks to “simply amazing” Japanese-Thai cuisine, including incredible sushi. San Felipe, Crane Beach Hotel
Pisces: At sea and revered for its “wonderful menu using the best local fish” and offered at “what may be considered reasonable prices for Barbados.” I agree: Pisces is great for other reasons, too: it has an attractive informality; you are within walking distance of many vacation rentals on the south coast; And, because it’s in the heart of lively St. Lawrence Gap, you can also choose from a number of other wonderful restaurants in the immediate area. My only complaint is that I have experienced very slow service at Pisces. But then we are in the Caribbean… Christ Church
Check out five more restaurants in Part 2 of my look at ZagatBarbados Restaurant Ratings. With options like these, any foodie visiting the island will go home happily sated…with a tab at the restaurant to prove it.
