Anguilla

Eating out in Anguilla

Great dining abounds on Anguilla, which is home to several world-class restaurants. You can also look forward to great cooking in a multitude of "islandy" seaside shacks. Almost every place has open-air dining, and many have terraces for dining under the stars. French and Continental cuisine are popular, and Asian influences creeping in as well. Fresh seafood highlights most menus, of course, with favorites like fresh lobster, crayfish, red snapper, whelk, and conch.

Gourmet

Pimms is one the most elegant restaurants on Anguilla, where you dine at candlelit tables overlooking the beach. Some tables are so close to the water that you see fish swimming by! The ever-changing menu features imaginative seafood dishes, often with Asian touches. Specialties include pan-seared tuna with risotto, grilled Anguillan lobster, mustard-rusted grouper, and filet mignon. Maunday's Bay.

Highly Recommended

Blanchards is set on a seaside garden pavilion that lets in the ocean breeze. The sophisticated food has a Caribbean flair accented with spices from Spain, Asia, and California. Some of the delicious dishes include Cajun grouper over onion marmalade and swordfish stuffed with leeks and fontina cheese. The rich and creative desserts include cappuccino brownies and a gingerbread box filled with warm bananas and cinnamon cream. There is an excellent and wide selection of wine and fine cognacs. Meads Bay.

Local Flair

Cora's Pepperpot is one of the most charming restaurants on the island. Indulge in Cora's rotis, inspired by the roti of Trinidad. The many different varieties are made with minced stuffings of conch, meat, duck, vegetables, or potato. Other local favorites include Anguilla pea soup and steamed and curried goat. The Valley.

Romantic

Arlo's wide terrace sits on a cliff 50 feet above the sea. The chef introduces a Mediterranean flair to French and Italian dishes by combining local ingredients with European recipes. Tantalizing entrees includes seafood fettuccine, farfalle with salmon in dill sauce, and chicken stuffed with mushrooms and spinach in a lobster sauce. Lower South Hill.

Going party in Anguilla

Both locals and tourists head to the beachfront bars to start their night against a stunning sunset, and they stay for the festive local music. Many of the island's hotels also offer fun-filled evening entertainment, such as West Indian parties, barbecues, singers, and musicians.

Palm Grove Bar and Grill

This beachfront locale offers both a terrific restaurant and a happening nightspot. People come from all over the island to dance to live music on the white-sand beach. And fresh-caught lobster, crayfish and shrimp are always on the grill. Junk's Hole Bay.

Johnno's Beach Stop

Celebrities and locals alike flock here to dance the night away to the island music - soca, reggae and jazz - by local bands. The open-air setup lets in the sunlight and sea breezes, and you can snack on grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, and fresh fish. Sandy Ground.

The Pumphouse

What was once an old salt house is now one of the best barefoot beach bars on the island. The wide front entrance is brightly decorated in colored light, and the bar serves more than 30 different rums. Entertainment includes live reggae and merengue. Delicious food is a sure thing. Sandy Ground.

Common events in Anguilla

National Cultural and Educational Festival

Celebrates Anguilla's culture with dancing, storytelling, games and music. February.

Moonsplash

This 3-day music festival features local performers. March.

Anguilla Culinary Competition

The best island chefs and talented amateurs face-off for prizes with their most mouth-watering creations. The real winners are the visitors tasting all these island delicacies! May.

International Arts Festival

Artists from around the Caribbean enter their creations in a prize competition. There are also fun workshops. July.

Carnival/Summer Festival

This festival brings a week of Calypso competitions, pageants, band contests, and street dancing parties. Boat races are held almost every day. August.