Antigua and Barbuda

Eating out in Antigua and Barbuda

The casual elan of Antigua carries straight through to its dining options, and the local flavor lends itself to just about every dish. Nearly all the island chefs specialize in dishes using island ingredients and techniques of Creole cuisine to prepare the finest fare or just to whip up a fresh salad on the beach. Whatever style suits your fancy, you'll always get a taste island spice! Fresh seafood, of course, is available everywhere and prepared in countless ways! While you're making the gastronomical rounds, keep in mind that British heritage has had a long influence here, so dining out calls for a bit spiffier dress than on most other Caribbean islands.

Gourmet

Le Bistro's casually elegant decor amid brick tile work and jade chairs is complemented by its cuisine of combined French haute and island spice. The master chef delights in creating such sterling entrees as Cornish hen sautéed with fresh pineapples and rum. Should the signature house dessert, Death By Chocolate, live up to its name, rest assured it is an exquisite way to go! Hodges Bay.

Highly Recommended

Hemingways is acclaimed not only for its magnificent menu, but for its view, as well. The French Basque chef brings to your table his life experience as the son of a restauranteur, matching French savoir-faire with the distinct flavor of the Caribbean. While you dine, the bustle of the quaint town below the dining terrace entertain you, and the cool trade winds refresh you. Thames Street and St Mary's.

Local Flair

Big Banana-Pizzas in Paradise is an exuberantly crowded spot full of locals and visitors, tucked into a restored 18th-century warehouse with road plank floors, wood beams, stone archways, and brick walls splashed with colorful photos of cool locals and favorite musicians. The pizza is the best on the island, but it's the jovial atmosphere and occasional live entertainment that really make a stop worthwhile. Redcliffe Quay, St John's.

Romantic

Shirley Heights Lookout is a double feast - one for your eyes and one for your palate. This 1790 fort was a lookout station for French ships with hostile intentions, but now the only sentries peering out to sea are history buffs by day and lovers by night. This panoramic spot is very popular for its fantastic view, creative fare like the pecan pie flambée dessert, BBQ parties, and steel band entertainment. East of English Harbor.

Going party in Antigua and Barbuda

Ah, yes, the sun must take its rest, but you needn't turn in when it sets, because Antigua has a nightlife that makes up for its diminutive size with tremendous fun. Most nocturnal diversions are focused around the resorts, but there are party cruises and some colorful local spots, as well. When in doubt, you can always seek suggestions from your concierge, usually one of the most informative people in vacationland.

The Mad Mongoose

This bar is, well, madly popular with singles and the yacht gang. Rasta colors splash the mood to life and a game room with a satellite TV entertains both doers and watchers. Falmouth Harbor.

Abracadabra

Like magic, now it's a restaurant, now it's a disco! Start your evening with the tasty antipasto misto, delicious homemade pastas, fresh seafood, and in the cozy traditional Italian restaurant. After dinner, the lights dim and - abracadabra! - the place transforms itself into a kinetic dance party! Move all night to the latest sounds and music videos on a giant 8-foot screen, or relax with a cool rum punch in the coconut palm garden. There are also many special events like live classical music and wine tastings, and jazz or reggae bands on the outdoor stage. English Harbour.

Jump-Up at Shirley Heights

and see if you can go the distance! These famous 6-hour dance parties have become a fixture of island culture and kick off at 4:00pm with steel drum music and a lavish barbecue. Later in the night, top reggae bands perform and keep the dancers jumping until 10:00pm. Drinks flow freely in this carnival atmosphere that you cannot miss and still claim to have fully experienced Antigua! Near English Harbour.

Casinos

There are 2 full-service casinos and many one-arm-bandit halls around the island. King's Casino in Heritage Quay claims the world's largest slot machine in addition to gaming tables, and the St James Club at Mamora Bay is an elegant spot with European ambiance..the sort of place where James Bond would hang out.

Antigua Community Players

This heroically versatile group performs the haunting, indigenous Antiguan/African Benna music, vigorous gospel recitals, and quite respectable productions of Gilbert and Sullivan! Changing Locations.

Jolly Roger

This floating, boisterous party sails off under the stars on Saturday nights for 4 hours of a BBQ, open bar, and island bands. Dickenson Bay.

Common events in Antigua and Barbuda

Winter Windsurfing Competition January.

Grand Prix Regatta at Jolly Harbour

This is a 2-day event between yachts of 4 differing classes competing in 7 short races. February.

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta

This is one of the foremost classic regattas in the world, including events such as the Parade of Classics, Tall Ships race, Heritage Day and gig-racing. April.

Sailing Week

Sailors bring together the world's finest sailing crafts for this famed week of competitive racing and beach parties. April.

Tennis Week at Curtain Bluff Hotel

Volley and serve against international tennis professionals for a stimulating combination of world-class tennis and instructional clinics. May.

Calypso Spektakula

This Calypso show is growing fast in popularity with international West Indian artists performing for a lively crowd of locals and tourists. June.

Carnival Celebrations

One of the best events on the island, with a week of non-stop music and dance culminating in a spectacular costume parade. July.

Annual Jazz Festival October.

Nicholsons' Annual Boat Show and Marine Trade Fair This is the world's oldest charter yacht show where boats from sloops and cutters, to schooners and catamarans, plus big power craft from all over the world converge in English Harbour, Falmouth, and the St James Club. December.