fine-dining-guide.com | International | Barbados Restaurants 2005

The west coast of barbados is a home from home to
the discerning foodie - restaurant after restaurant
adorne the caribbean sea, each offering a level of
quality that one might not typically associate with a
tropical retreat. We take a look at our favourites, listed
in order according to quality of food, setting and value
for money (the whole package)

Guy and Tammie Beasley run Tides Restaurant , (on the site of the old La Maison
Restaurant) in Hole Town, St James. The spectacular views (above) are relatively
common currency along the west coast, however the closure of The Carambola leaves
only The Cliff with a better setting in Barbados. Guy was classically trained at Le Gavroche
(when Mr Ramsay was but a commis) and this shows in the execution and timing of the
cooking as well as the saucing. When you consider that you could have two dinners here
for every one at L'Acajou (Sandy Lane) or The Cliff then it comes top for the whole package.
In addition, service is the most friendly, efficient and professional on the island

Sandy Lane is unquestionably one of the great hotels of the world; Jean-Luc Naret, the
current head of Michelin Guide Rouge Europe was once hotel manager here; everything
about this luxury resort is quality and their lead restaurant is no exception. L'Acajou, like
Tides, is in the classical mould, with the now ubiquitous Asian influences. Prices are high
but remember a dinner at the restaurant means an evening inside the gates of the hotel,
so well worth making one reservation during a fortnight holiday. Visiting celebrities are not
restricted to the entertainment industry - Heston Blumenthal is cooking here for a couple of
evenings during Summer season 2005

Where do you start with The Cliff? Paul Owens is a chef on a mission. The Cliff opened in
1995 and has rapidly become a world famous restaurant, appearing in all the Restaurant
Magazine World's top 50 Restaurants listings. The views are spectacular; Paul Owens
(from Liverpool) is the only chef on the island to warrant a cook book; the front of house
and kitchen brigades are the largest in the caribbean; they get through well over 120
covers every night; they have a restaurant manager trained in Europe (La Trompette). In
short it is a romantic paradise within a paradise. Our only reservations are the near
Michelin Two Star pricing, which to us neither match the extent of luxuries on the menu nor
the consistency of the saucing. Nevertheless, you have to go at least once!

Ostrich, Alligator, Elk and Kangaroo populate the starter menu of The Restaurant at South
Sea Somewhere between enigmatic and eccentric, Barry Taylor and Peter Bourne's menu
has warranted recognition from Conde Naste World Traveller as one of the World's hottest
new tables and further from the Office of Tourism in Barbados as the current restaurant of
the year. The team of chefs have trained on the island variously at Joseph's, La Terra,
Olive's and Patisserie Flindt (top cake shop in Hole Town - must visit - Tony Blair pictured
visiting the sister brasserie while staying in Barbados). Located in the heart of St
Lawrence Gap on the south coast, The Restaurant at South Sea has only Pisces for local
gastronomic competition.

Pisces restaurant is a second fine dining
reason to visit St Lawrence Gap in
Barbados. As the name suggests this is a
seafood restaurant. Not having visited
personally, reviews from friends and those
found on various internet sites provide
mixed reviews - perhaps in the 'not worth a
special visit' catagory - but if you're local
during your stay then recommended

D aphne's restaurant is part of the Tamarind Cove Hotel on the
west coast. The restaurant is the overseas arm of the Sloane
Square to Chelsea brigade's home away from home. An Italian
restaurant that charges high and delivers moderately. The
setting and service are plus points although we'd not rush to
visit again. However, don't let this put you off, should Daphne's
SW3 be your idea of a great dining experience then this is the
table for you; would recommend a visit to London before
considering the call from your concierge.

An apparantly chic boutique hotel (converted
from a garage in 2003) and restaurant that by
nature is "exclusive". A short walk along the
beach from the Royal Pavillion Hotel on the west
coast of the island is The Lone Star. The menu
has plenty of luxuries - including Iranian Caviar -
at very high prices. Perhaps a place to visit once
but only if you are determined to have an 'and I've
been there' story when you get home.

La Terra and La Mer are restaurants we have not visited nor have we had any feedback
from friends. These restaurants do not have websites nor are there many reviews or
pictures to be found on the internet. Should you have anything to say about these
addresses then please Contact Us with your stories and pictures and we'll publish the
best. Indeed any further feedback on those listed above would also be gratefully received.

Thank You. Happy Travelling and Happy Eating!

Postscript: June 2005, we have received some 'inside information' that Larry & Michelle
Rogers (La Terra) are taking over at Pisces - so expect alot more from this restaurant as
the season progresses.

Flag of Barbados

The Lone Star