When you consider nice foodie locations all over the world, Barbados will not be in your radar. It actually wasn’t on ours earlier than our latest journey to the island. We landed in Barbados to embark on a cruise with Starclippers (examine our Royal Clipper journey); nonetheless, after we returned to Bridgetown (last port), we prolonged our keep so we may discover Barbados in additional depth. It was a terrific determination btw (learn our article on Exploring Barbados and A Very Unique Caribbean Experience that features tidbits on a number of the close by islands).
We had been pleasantly stunned by what number of nice eating places we encountered, notably within the southern a part of the island. Let’s have a look.
Tapas Barbados
Because Tapas Barbados is on the seashore and a quick stroll from our lodge, we ended up eating right here thrice throughout our keep. There are two ranges, each of which overlook the ocean which is a stone’s throw away. Cocktails are the order of the day right here, particularly for lunch.
Our first expertise of Tapas Barbados (above) was adopted by two different visits.
In truth, all of their dishes had been so lovely that it took a second to marvel in awe earlier than diving in.
Below, the Tuna Carpaccio with Capers-Olives Salad and Citronette.
There had been loads of contemporary wholesome salads to select from and given its Italian affect (one of many house owners is Italian – we met him on our second go to), there was a beautiful number of pasta dishes as effectively. A couple of price mentioning embody Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken or Shrimp, Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce & Goat Cheese, Black Belly Lamb Baked Rigatoni and their Mushroom Truffle Risotto with Taleggio Cheese & Oyster Mushrooms. Fish was plentiful as effectively (in spite of everything, we had been proper on the ocean’s edge), so we couldn’t resist their Caciucco Mare, in any other case often known as the Fish Pot, which included the catch of the day, mussels, clams and shrimp in a tomato, olive-capers sauce.
If you’re a meat lover, then you definitely’ll be in for a deal with with their Pork Tenderloin wrapped in Parma Ham with Stewed Cabbage & Chorizo Croquettes, the Lamb Shank with Bean Stew & Mashed Potatoes, Short Rib with Mushroom Risotto & Wild Mushroom or their Beef Ribeye served with Truffle Fries & Ratatouille.
The vibe is mild and ethereal with blue and gold lacing the partitions, symbolizing the ocean going through the restaurant. Despite its informal ambiance, the white linen desk cloths give it a contact of magnificence and luxurious.
Cocktail Kitchen in St. Lawrence Gap
Cocktail Kitchen is positioned within the coronary heart of St. Lawrence Gap, a stylish well-liked nighttime spot the place locals cling for cocktails, reside music and eating, particularly on weekends. This informal place will attraction to millennials with its high-energy vibe and loud music.
The meals is especially good btw, which you wouldn’t essentially anticipate by its informal decor and site (a busy bustling nook in St. Lawrence Gap). Behind the scrumptious dishes is the Top Chef within the Caribbean: Chef of the Year Damian Leach.
Below is a shot of the restaurant by day. Note you could dine inside downstairs or up on the highest balcony (lined), which has glittering lights on the ceiling. This is the place we opted to dine and every of the tables had romantically lit candles.
Photo courtesy of the Barbados Tourism Board
Let’s transfer to their meals. Local favorites embody the Roast Breadfruit & Lobster or the Catch of the Moment however there’s lots extra on the menu. Small bites embody Shrimp Ceviche with Citrus Juice, Cilantro, Red Onion and Breadfruit Crisps, Pulled Pork & Bakes with Coleslaw and Onion Rings, Smoked Black Belly Lamb Risotto with Created Roasted Pumpkin and Goat Cheese, and Tuna Carpaccio with Black Garlic Oil, Crispy Onions and Avocado Puree. We opted for one thing a bit of totally different: the Braised Oxtail pulled off the bone, Potato Goat Cheese Croquettes with Spiced Pineapple Chutney (beneath).
For his entree, Anthony ordered the Coconut & Ginger Crusted Catch which got here with ginger candy potato puree and coconut curry broth. Yum, proper?
We usually order wine with our meal even when we pattern cocktails to start out; nonetheless, provided that Cocktail Kitchen is famend for his or her cocktails, we had one earlier than dinner and one other throughout our meal . . . they had been that good.
For my major course, I had the boneless presidential Pork Chop, which they serve with Brown Butter Potato Puree, Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Sauteed Onions. Simply put, it was divine.
A couple of different attention-grabbing dishes embody their Sausage & Bacon Penne which they serve with Roasted Pumpkin and Parmesan/Sage Crumble and their vegetarian bites, such because the Beet Root Poke Bowl, a 3-Bean Taco and the Roast Breadfruit (a dish they’re recognized for). It is completed with Cilantro Chimichurri and Fried Capers.
Blue Fin
We sampled meals and drinks at two of the eating places on the O2 Beach Club & Spa. Their choices embody Elements, which gives a terrific Mimosa breakfast, in addition to themed menus from across the globe for lunch and dinner; Oro, which is their fine-dining expertise with a classic trendy fashion and beautiful views from the ninth flooring, Bluefin (the place we had lunch), which gives an informal open-air beachside grill and pizza oven, and Brisa, which has a comfy, nautically themed rooftop tapas lounge with small bites and nice cocktails, advantageous rums and liqueurs, all with an incredible 270 diploma view.
Lastly, Oasis within the poolside lounge has specialty coffees, spiked mochas (YUM) and sweets. They additionally supply a novel customized expertise at their Chef’s Table with rum or wine paring for {couples} or teams of as much as 12 for an unbelievable gastronomic occasion.
Blue Fin
We had lunch on the Blue Fin and sat exterior on the open-air patio, which has a terrific Caribbean vacation vibe. They have various actually contemporary choices on the menu, together with the Quinoa & Avocado Salad (we began with this one), the Lebanese Fattoush Salad with Citrus Dressing, Fish Tacos, the Brussel Orzo Salad with Grilled Asparagus and the Grilled Veggie & Goat Cheese Salad with Zucchinis and Mushrooms.
Above and beneath, the Quinoa & Avocado Salad at Blue Fin
I needed to order the Seafood Skewer which got here with Grilled Scallops, Salmon & Shrimp and a Garlic Herb Butter. It was the right dish for mid-day, along with a glass of Chardonnay to accompany it.
They additionally supply a wide range of informal regionally impressed bites as effectively, corresponding to Bajan Fish Cakes with a Hot Sauce Dip, Jerk Pork Skewers, a Barbeque Burger with Cheese and Bacon or their Signature O2 Steak Sandwich with Mushrooms. Divine, proper? There’s additionally loads of Gourmet Pizza choices, which is nice in case you have children in tow.
For dessert, they provided a Rum & Raisin Pound Cake (beneath), a Chocolate Brownie, Homemade Churros (good, proper?), Fruit Salad or Bread Pudding in a Rum Butter Sauce.
Above, the Rum & Raisin Pound Cake, made with Caramel Sauce and Berries Compote.
Cerulean
Cerulean is most refined advantageous eating restaurant on the Sea Breeze Beach House and its internationally targeted menu is delicious. The décor options wealthy blues with gold accents impressed by the deep blue and gold of the night sea and sky.
Cerulean Restaurant through the day. Photo courtesy of the Sea Breeze Beach House.
Before we sat down, one of many cooks known as me over to their open-air kitchen and requested me if I needed to strive one in every of these bacon delights. How may I refuse? Okay, so I had two. They had been so scrumptious; what an effective way to get me prepared for the meal forward.
Appetizers included engaging dishes corresponding to a Breadfruit Crab Cake with Pickled Beets & Roasted Red Peppers, a Salt Bake Celeriac with Carrot & Coconut Puree, a Honey-Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Caramelized Nuts, Cumin & Thyme Fried Cream Cheese, or the Chicken & Mushroom Profiterole with Saffron Cream Sauce.
We opted for the Seared Scallops with Citrus Salsa, Yam Puree, and Tobiko and Micro Greens in addition to the Passion Fruit Ceviche, served with Local Fish, Avocado and Mint Mousse.
Above and beneath, the seared scallops at The Cerulean
For mains, there have been loads of nice decisions as effectively, whether or not you’re a steak or seafood lover or a vegetarian (they’d a terrific Roasted Veggie Quinoa for instance, served with a Squash Puree and Black Beans, in addition to a Pumpkin Risotto and a Roasted Veggie Trio with Ginger Jus).
A couple of call-outs embody the 4-Hour Sous Vide Pork with Sweet Potato Mash, Carrot & Red Peppercorn Sauce, a Rosemary Crusted Lamb Rack with Spinach, Carrot Puree, Rustic Breadfruit & Mint Jus, and their Charred Grilled Steak with Mushrooms and Pumpkin Ginger Puree
Notice all of the ginger and pumpkin proper? Both are laced all through the menu in each meat and vegetarian dishes.
For my entree, I ordered the Pan-Seared Salmon which they serve with Asparagus, Red Bliss Potatoes, Saffron Cream Sauce & Honey Mandarin. Yum! It was fantastically offered as effectively.
Above and beneath, the Pan Seared Salmon at The Cerulean
Anthony opted for the Sous Vide Pork and as soon as once more, a sublime show throughout.
Like most nice eating places in Barbados, they provided a terrific assortment of each wine and cocktails, particularly Rum-Infused Cocktails. For instance, their Seaside Eclipse was great, which they make with Eclipse Rum, Silver Rum, Lime Juice, Cranberry Juice and Simple Syrup.
Dessert choices had been equally delish. We shared two desserts: the Chocolate Petite Gateau with Mango & Lemon Fluid Gel, Orange Cheese, Caramel & Cream and the Coconut Cheesecake, which was accompanied by Stewed Pineapple and Guava Puree. Both had us at whats up. We ended our night in heaven with these well-selected delicious sweets and two cappuccinos.
Above and beneath, the Chocolate Petite Gateau at The Cerulean
Coconut Cheesecake at The Cerulean
The Coconut Cheesecake at The Cerulean
Other eating choices there embody Mahogany Lounge for stylish décor. The lounge celebrates the majestic mahogany bushes that had been as soon as on the location by incorporating them into the design of the furnishings. On the menu, you’ll discover Bajan and Caribbean delicacies with a contemporary worldwide aptitude. There’s open-air seating and a stylish beachside bar which we liked. The Aqua Terra restaurant is a little more informal and is open for lunch and dinner. They are recognized for his or her contemporary seafood and steaks. There can be an informal lounge seating underneath the shade of umbrellas alongside the sundown deck right here.
The Flying Fish is positioned simply off the seashore and adjoining to the household pool the place you can order many family-friendly decisions scorching off the grill or pizzas, pastas and salads. It’s nice for cocktails as effectively. De Rum Shop Café is a superb alternative for Bajan pastries, corresponding to stuffed rolls and candy treats together with native juices, smoothies and wholesome shakes. You can additionally strive the Bajan Rum Punch or personalized rum-infused connoisseur coffees. Tipsy on the Beach is a stylish open-air seashore bar and lounge the place you can order cocktails and snacks. Private eating choices can be found within the tiffany gazebo or underneath the stars on the deck.
Champers
As quickly as we set foot in Barbados and began asking round about nice eating places, Champers got here up repeatedly. And so, we had been thrilled once we discovered that our Barbados Tourism Board hosts had organized our last evening’s dinner at this foodie gem alongside the coast.
The ambiance is elegant inside and outside. Note beneath the way it extends into an open-air deck overlooking the ocean, which is the place we sat on that advantageous evening.
While we had been ready for our desk, a waiter greeted us with cocktails. Of course, they’d rum. A couple of non-rum examples embody the Sea-Clusion made with Ophir Gin, Cucumber, Lime, Salt & Pepper, the Ginger Smash made with Absolut Orient Apple Vodka, Ginger Syrup, Mint & Pineapple, and their Lotus Petal, made with Raspberry Vodka, Cassis, Fresh Lemon, Strawberry and Cranberry. With rum, how about their Spicy Affair, which is served with White Rum, Guava, Fresh Lime, Scotch Bonnet and Pineapple. Tempting proper?
The meals actually lived as much as its hype as did the ambiance. Here are just a few wonderful starters on the menu to get your juices flowing: Roasted Cauliflower and Mushroom Tart, Camembert Fritti, Lobster Tacos, Spring Rolls, Chicken Liver Pate and Coconut Shrimp with Cabbage & Apple Slaw. There’s additionally the Roasted Duck Leg with Cous Cous and Plum Gel Micro Salad.
We went with lighter choices, and ordered one in every of their featured dishes: Seared Scallops with Bacon Mash, Creamy Leeks and Tropical Fruit Salsa. It was heavenly to say the least. Perfect pairing was a pleasant Sauvignon Blanc which I ordered by the glass as we had cocktails to start out.
Main programs included an Oven Seabass with Parmesan Gnocchi, Seared Ahi Tuna with a Quinoa Salad and Zucchini Fritti and the Surf and Turf, which was a half of a lobster and 4 ounces of a Fillet Mignon with Garlic Mash. Anthony went for the Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Garlic & Potato Puree, Grilled Veggies and a Thyme & Port Reduction.
Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin at Champers
Other nice entree choices included an Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb with Minted Pea Puree, potatoes and veggies, an Oven Roasted Barracuda with Parmesan & Herbs, creamed potatoes and seasonal greens, and Sauteed Prawns in a Thai Curry and coconut sauce. Vegetarians would love their Medley of Chickpea & Lentils in a Madras Curry or their Wok-Seared Vegetables with Asian Noodles, Tofu and Toasted Sesame Seeds. Two thumbs up! We would undoubtedly return.
The Crane
Although we didn’t dine at The Crane Resort, we did spend a while there. It’s an enormous property and there are a number of eating places on-site: The Zen, L’Azure, D’Onofrio’s, The Carriage House, The Grove, The Village Cafe and a bar. Below is one in every of them with porch seating and nice nature views.
A extra informal choice at The Crane, additionally on an out of doors veranda is beneath.
Oro Restaurant
The O2 Beach Club & Spa’s ninth-floor Oro Restaurant has breathtaking views of the South Coast of Barbados. It is elegantly designed and you would say, opulent in each means. Luxury eating at its finest.
For appetizers, they’ve an exquisite crab bake, a Forest Mushroom Soup with Whipped Cream & Chives and a Crispy Goat Salad (yum) to say just a few. Like most Barbados coastal eating places, seafood is a specialty. Here, they provide Jumbo Scallops with Bacon, Onion and Apple, or a Caribbean Lobster Tail and all the time have a Fish of the Day dish.
Vegetarians can go for his or her Truffle Mushroom Risotto, a Ricotta and Spinach Filled Pasta with pesto and tomato on high, Cauliflower Cutlet with home made yoghurt, or the Grilled Portobello Caps (wonderful) with Bousin Cheese Crostini. Meat lovers will love their 48-hour braised Lamb Shank or the Herb Roasted Lamb Rack with a Cabernet Sauce, the Classic Roast Duck with Blackcurrant Sauce and Red Cabbage, or their Filet Mignon with Roasted Carrots and Butternut Squash. I like Pork Belly they usually had it on the menu with Parsnip Puree (attention-grabbing alternative), and Apple Slaw.
Bottom line, the ambiance and repair are exhausting to beat. There’s a purpose that this gem of a restaurant is so well-liked – make sure to make a reservation should you go. For extra data, go to their web site.
Worthing Square Food Garden
Worthing Square Food Garden can be positioned on the south coast, which is the place we spent most of our time. This out of doors meals corridor is full of 20 or so road meals canteens and pop-up meals vehicles, every providing distinctive delicacies and dishes. The enjoyable choices right here come from Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad and Venezuela. There’s even a Mount Gay bar and an ice cream parlor.
We went there through the day; beneath are just a few snapshots on a sunny afternoon.
Cocktails
Barbados has no scarcity of cocktails as now we have talked about all through this text. Every restaurant gives them however you may also discover nice cocktails proper on the seashore. Below, we ordered two delicious Pina Coladas at an informal eatery on Rockley Beach, a brief two minute stroll from Tapas Barbados.
Above and beneath, cocktails on Rockley Beach
Above, a cocktail at COCKTAIL KITCHEN in St. Lawrence Gap
Cocktails at Tapas Barbados on Rockley Beach
A Pina Colada on the Blue Fin Restaurant
Another Pina Colada close to Rockley Beach
An genuine however primary Rum Drink at a neighborhood bar within the northern a part of Barbados on our drive from St. Nicholas Abbey again to the South Coast
Restaurants @ a Glance
Below is a brief video highlighting the meals in Barbados. Enjoy!
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