Barbados

Eating out in Barbados

Barbados has a battalion of European, North American, and local first-class chefs who prepare some of the tastiest meals in the Caribbean. The island is now a prime dining destination, with its recent sweep of the Caribbean Culinary Awards! Chefs use local and imported ingredients to create variations on local delicacies and devise entirely new delights. Together the blend makes for a distinctive Caribbean flavor. In addition, Barbados has a legion of "authentic cuisine" restaurants, where you can enjoy Italian, French, Far Eastern, and other ethnic cooking. The national dish is flying fish and cou-cou, which is like mashed potatoes made from corn meal and okra covered with an au jus. Roti, a folded pastry filled with spicy potato and meat in a curry sauce, is the Caribbean fast food. Seafood is fresh and tasty, and of course is the prime menu item.

Gourmet

The Cliff is an open-air restaurant built into a coral stone cliff set on four levels. The cuisine is sensational "haute" and quickly made this restaurant a premier choice on the island. A combination of West Indian and international flavors leads to new twists on traditional dishes, such as grilled snapper drizzled with three types of coriander sauce. While the selections all seem familiar, creative innovations make them new. St James.

Highly Recommended

David's Place by the Sea earns its slogan "Barbadian Dining at Its Best," as you can always rely on being served delicious, authentic Bajan cuisine. The softly lapping waves of St Lawrence Bay against the pilings of the open-air deck accompany the soft strains of classical music wafting through the air. An extensive wine collection is available and David is always there to make sure your evening is going perfectly. Christ Church.

Local Flair

The Whistling Frog welcomes you through an open foyer with turquoise green ceramic tiles, a pink-white coral lion fountain, and an "island-life" mural. Your eating fun begins with an All-You-Care-To-Eat buffet breakfast served from a funky barrow in this pub-style restaurant and sports bar. Pub food includes local favorites such as Pan Fried Flying Fish and their "secret recipe" Jerk Chicken stews. Christ Church.

Romantic

Carambola sits on a cliff overlooking the sea. Its white canopies, white linen, and a hint of gardenia in the open-air dining terrace set the mood. Bearded fig trees and palms sway by your table and every night you can see large rayfish glide gracefully by to feed on the leftovers thrown to them by the staff. Friendly and attentive service complements the menu of classic French gourmet cuisine with a Caribbean flair and an Asian touch. St James.

Going party in Barbados

The sun has set and the sky is filled with sparkling stars - time for bed? No way! Barbados has a vivacious nightlife, with everything from discos, to sports bars, to flashy cabarets and dinner shows. Bajan calypso is one of the best and there are plenty of places to find a local band playing it. Don't miss a moonlight cruise with local musicians/DJs pumping the party!.

Baxters Road

This street in the capital is where Bajans go "caf crawling," that is, hopping from bar to bar to hear the variety of music being played. The hot spot of the crawl is usually Enid's, especially on weekend nights. Bridgetown.

1627 and All That

This impressive and innovative dinner theater combines a history lesson with wonderful entertainment! The absorbing and highly-acclaimed folkloric show includes a cocktail hour, large Bajan buffet, a tour of the museum, and transportation from your hotel. St Michael.

Plantation Restaurant and Garden Theatre

The island's foremost showcase for Caribbean Cabaret involves lots of exotic costumes, thrilling choreography, reggae, calypso, fire-eating, limbo, and still more island spectacle. Frequently featured on international TV, this show highlights multi-ethnic talents like the Yoruba Dancers of Africa, the Zombie Jamboree of the Bahamas, and the Cariocho Festival Latino of Cuba. Christ Church.

The Waterfront Café

Hands-down one of the liveliest watering holes on the island. It occupies a turn-of-the-20th-century bananas and fish warehouse that now reverberates pulsing music off the walls while the Creole food, beer, and pastel-colored drinks flow endlessly. Alternating live reggae, ragtime, rock, and jazz keep the rhythm fresh. Bridgetown.

The Casbah

This exquisite west coast nightclub and bar caters sophistication and comfort. With its Moroccan charm, air-conditioning, refined waiters, and silky throw cushions, you could easily feel like royalty! Rock the Casbah or relax in the Baku Courtyard Bar and Brasserie where great food is served to a friendly mix of locals and visitors. Holetown.

Crocodile's Den

Described as the ultimate west coast fun spot, this hip and energetic bar has a congenial atmosphere that's fun for everyone with games like pool, darts, backgammon, and others. You can watch sports on the satellite TV, or just enjoy a tropical drink while listening to live piano music. Croc's also has DJs spinning great tunes spanning 50 years, and salsa lessons every week - cha cha cha! St James.

Common events in Barbados

Barbados International Windsurfing Competition

This event attracts some of the world's best windsurfers, who say that the ride in Barbados is second only to Hawaii! January.

Holetown Festival

This week-long event commemorates the landing of the first European settlers in 1627. Festivities include street fairs, a concert by the Royal Barbados Police Band, chamber music in the historic church, a road race, and more. February.

Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup

An invitational race where horses from Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, and Trinidad and Tobago compete at historic Garrison Savannah. March.

Oistins Fish Festival

A celebration of the life and contribution of this fishing town to the island. The day features fishing and fish-boning competitions, boat races, a Coast Guard exhibition, food, arts and crafts, dancing, singing, and road races. April.

Barbados Caribbean Jazz Festival

This event in Bridgetown features 3 days of original and traditional jazz music by up-and-comers as well as established stars. May .

Crop Over Festival

The island's major national festival celebrates the sugarcane harvest and its hard-working men and women. All over the island, communities participate in fairs, concerts, calypso competitions, cart parades, and other cultural activities. The highlight of the event is the grand costumed parade. June - August.

National Independence Festival of Creative Arts Celebrates independence, achieved in 1966. Artistic competitions in dance, drama, singing, and acting garner much of the attention in this festival, which lasts nearly a month. November.