Cayman Islands

Eating out in Cayman Islands

From romantic gourmet to zesty local fare, scores of restaurants on Grand Cayman afford visitors a lavish variety of dining opportunities. There is something for everyone, with an emphasis on seafood specialties. Sunday brunch specials are popular at locations throughout the island and, during the peak season, reservations are a good idea.

Gourmet

Benjamin's Roof boasts an exotic menu with the likes of blackened alligator tail and Angels on Horseback (oysters wrapped in bacon, topped with garlic butter). It's primarily a seafood restaurant, although meat-lovers are not neglected. Diners are greeted by Conan the Macaw, live piano music, and a forest of potted plants. West Bay Road, Grand Cayman.

Highly Recommended

Ottmar's is a quiet, elegant restaurant styled after a West Indian great house. Mahogany furniture, chandeliers, and a fountain create the setting for excellent service and inventive international fare, including favorites like the French pepper steak flamed in cognac and doused with green peppercorn sauce and crème frêche. Grand Cayman.

Local Flair

The Wharf is a longtime favorite with locals and tourists alike, in great part for the perfect sunset views that accompany every meal. Another popular feature is the bar, which is open for happy hour every night before dinner. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman.

Romantic

Ristorante Pappagallo, nestled deep in a secluded bird sanctuary, serves inventive Italian cuisine with a touch of Caribbean flavor mixed in. The extensive wine list features many fine vintages. Pappagallo is also a landmark of architectural design encompassing more than 100,000 palm leaves that make up its thatched roof. West Bay, Grand Cayman.

Going party in Cayman Islands

Grand Cayman has a small but engaging variety of nighttime entertainment. Although strict laws close down the bars and clubs at 1:00am on weekdays and at midnight on Saturdays, there is still plenty to do so long as you get an early start. Visitors should consult the local papers for current entertainment listings, but there is always something fun going on at the resorts. Top local bands regularly appear at The Planet Nightclub and other venues.

The Planet and Sharkey's

These clubs attract a younger crowd along Seven Mile Beach for disco music played by DJs, as well as live performances. Sharkey's claims Grand Cayman's best happy hour on weekends from 8:00pm until 9:30pm, and Sharkaoke rules the house on Wednesday nights.

The Barefoot Man Band

Here's a must-see! Thrilling visitors for more than 20 years, Barefoot Man rocks the house with festive calypso beats, gentle reggae rhythms, catchy lyrics, and tender ballads. So popular is Barefoot Man that he even appeared in the Tom Cruise movie The Firm. Barefoot Man now holds court at Rum Point.

The Harquail Theatre

Located on West Bay Road, this is the venue for cultural events, including stage productions and plays by West Indian playwrights. Also featured are drama and comedy by Caribbean performers and other special exhibitions and concerts.

Prospect Playhouse

This Red Bay stage presents year-round regular performances of comedy, drama, and musicals by the Cayman Drama Society.

Common events in Cayman Islands

Scubabowl

The world's largest organized 3-day dive trip aims to educate and familiarize divers with the Cayman underwater splendor. January.

Annual Orchid Show

Sponsored by the Cayman Islands Orchid Society and the Queen Elizabeth Botanical Park, hundreds of exquisite orchids and arrangements are displayed. There are also practical lessons on growing orchids as well as orchids for sale. February.

Cay-Tex-Can Regatta

A new twist on an old theme, where the champion Texan rowing team comes down to compete against the Cayman team, but now faces the additional challenge of the Canadian team, which recently decided to join in! March.

Lions Club Annual Golf Tournament

Players of all skill levels and with either individual or 4-member teams are welcome in this high-stakes tournament. Players compete for a variety of trophies and knock-out prizes like a car for a hole-in-one, draws, and free gifts for all! March.

Batabano

The streets erupt in a non-stop party of parades and dancing for Grand Cayman's annual costume carnival weekend. A similar celebration known as Bracanal takes over Cayman Brac in June, inviting all to dress up and join in the fun. Late-April to early-May.

Cayfest

This is a local favorite, a national arts festival with exhibits, dancing, and drama highlighting the talents of local artists. This is a great chance to meet and mingle with the Caymanians! Another festival highlight is "Seaside," a day-long regatta that includes the launch of a traditional Caymanian sailing vessel. April.

A Taste of Cayman

This annual food festival hosts over 50 of the islands' most popular restaurants and lots of entertainment for the whole family. Activities include pony rides, face painting, and dance competitions, culminating in the infamous "Chile Cook Off." July.

Annual Cayman Madness Dive Vacation

The always sensational Cayman diving experience is augmented with activities such as The Saturday Night Bash, Beach Luau, Caribbean Night, Underwater Treasure Hunt, plus $10,000 of dive prizes awarded at the Luncheon Barbecue that follows the treasure hunt! September.

Pirates' Week

You won't want to miss this national festival featuring parades, regattas, fishing tournaments, and treasure hunts commemorating the Caymans' pirate and buccaneer past. October.

Cayman Turtle Farm Annual Turtle Release

Each year, the farm releases hundreds of bred sea turtles into the ocean from Seven Mile Beach as part of its annual re-population project. Visitors may sponsor a turtle for a small fee and assist in its release! November.