By Jane Shattuck
For its Barbados restaurant rankings, Zagat compiled input from 1,520 diners to judge. The following are tops in Barbados, according to Zagat. Are they really the very, very best? Here’s what a serious foodie … with a restaurant tab to prove it … who’s eaten at these places many times has to say.
Champers: Visitors and locals alike love Champers Wine Bar & Restaurant, which is why it was named Zagat’s “Most Popular” culinary experience in Barbados. It is, too. You know how the most popular kid in school is remembered forever? Well, I have friends who hadn’t been to Barbados in six years get off their plane from England and say, “Let’s go to Champers tonight.” Consistently terrific 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 décor that beautifully complements the seaside location. Great service, “consistently excellent,” says Zagat’s of this west coast, chef-owned restaurant. I’ve never been let down here; The Tides is always fabulous. It’s also quite formal (for goodness’ sake, no flip flops). Be sure to check out the wonderful art gallery there, too. St. James, Holetown
The Cliff: Popular for its romantic torch-lit cliff-side location and “truly special” food, The Cliff won Zagat’s top score for décor and noted that its service matches its inventive eclectic fare. Yes, The Cliff is outstanding. What Zagat doesn’t mention is that this is one of the very most expensive restaurants on the island; if you’re price-sensitive, go to Champers instead. St. James, Derricks
Zen: Go early and take a sunset walk on the award-winning pink-sand beach at the Crane Resort where Zen is located on the southeast of Barbados. That’s unfortunately all you’ll see of the ocean because it’s not visible from most tables inside the restaurant. This is what holds me back from dining more frequently at this otherwise excellent restaurant. Zen received Zagat’s top score in Barbados for food thanks to “simply awesome” Japanese-Thai cuisine, including amazing sushi. St. Philip, Crane Beach Hotel
Pisces: On the sea and revered for its “wonderful menu using the best local fish” and offered at “what can be considered reasonable prices for Barbados.” I agree: Pisces is terrific for other reasons as well: It has an appealing casualness; it’s within walking distance of many holiday rentals on the south coast; and, because it’s in the heart of the lively St. Lawrence Gap, you can choose from a number of other wonderful restaurants in the immediate area as well. My only complaint is that I’ve experienced very slow service at Pisces. But then we’re in the Caribbean … Christ Church
With choices like these, any foodie visiting the island will go home happily sated … with a restaurant tab to prove it.
Barbados isn’t just a pretty face; she cooks up amazing food, too, and offers it in settings that, until you visited the island, you only saw in glossy brochures. Great food, kind service, and an over-the-top romantic settings make for memorable experiences to take home from Barbados. So promises the famous Zagat guide, whose 1500-plus diners recommend the following:
L’Azure: At the Crane Resort on the southeast “corner” of Barbados, this cliff-side bright and airy restaurant is the place to go for an “incredible Sunday gospel brunch,” although it offers “fabulous Caribbean” seafood any day of the week. Go early to walk the award-winning pink-sand beach that you’ll be perched above when you dine. St. Philip, Crane Beach Hotel
Café Luna: Perched on an intimate rooftop of the boutique-y Little Arches Hotel, the “gourmet” eclectic/Mediterranean creations wow as much as the moon reflecting off the waters of Oistins Bay. Christ Church, Little Arches Hotel
Lone Star: This chi-chi west coast restaurant is a “fantastic seaside” place where you may encounter one of the many “celebs” who visit the island and are in the mood for really good eclectic-Mediterranean steak and fish dishes – and, of course, to be seen. Also, a very small, exclusive hotel of the same name promises quite special accommodations. St James, Lone Star Hotel
Josef’s: Request a table by the sea for one of the most romantic settings on the island. The “inventive” menu is often “brilliant,” whether you choose the “unique, delicious” sushi or “tasty” eclectic eats. Christ Church, in the heart of St. Lawrence Gap
Fish Pot: “Worth the drive,” Zagat says, to the far northwest coast — but remember, Barbados is only 14 by 21 miles large anyway. You’ll long remember your wonderful, fresh seafood meal and wonderful service at Fish Pot, as you look over a “sparkling” Caribbean Sea. St. Peter, Little Good Harbour
Every one of these restaurants sits at the sea’s edge, so remember to call ahead and request a table as close to the water as possible. After all, your holiday won’t last forever, so grab every bit of island beauty you possibly can. And take home some wonderful dining memories from the Caribbean island known as “The Jewel of the Caribbean.”
About the Author
Jane Shattuck invites you to learn more about Barbados here: http://OneLoveBarbados.com
For reasonably priced beachfront Barbados vacation rentals, please check her site, http://BarbadosBeachVacationRentals.com
Ms. Shattuck is an American living in Barbados, married to a Barbadian, and building a vacation rental business and a life in her new home.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Shattuck
If you ever fine yourself in Nashville, The Cruise Gourmet recommends you find your way to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel on the outskirts of town for some great dining. A bit like a Southern style theme park, it is one of the most successful convention & meetings hotels in the US. They have introduced several notable restaurants worth trying and the complex is within walking distance of The Grand Ole Opry of “Country Music” fame…perfect for dinner and a show, if you decide to go native!
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