Turks and Caicos

Eating out in Turks and Caicos

Like everything else on the islands, dining out is a casual affair, which is not to say the meals are not delicious. In fact, the island's recent increase in tourism is attracting a flurry of talented and inventive young chefs. Fresh seafood is a mainstay on most menus, and you're likely to see grouper, tuna, conch, spiny lobster, and hogfish, which is a local favorite. Many dishes are seasoned with tangy spices, and Cajun blackening and Jamaican jerking are popular. Most restaurants are located within hotels and resorts, and reservations are generally suggested, but not required.

Gourmet

Alfred's Place has a terrace dining room that offers a wonderful view of Turtle Cove. The menu consists mostly of seafood and European dishes, with everything from lobster and veal to conch sashimi. Gourmet desserts and Caicos coffee top off the meal, with live entertainment as an added bonus. Provo.

Highly Recommended

Secret Garden offers both local and American dishes. While hungry beachcombers can get sandwiches and burgers early in the day, dinner is a more elaborate affair in the garden. House specialties include the award-winning Junkanoo-style barbecued spareribs and Conch Creole. Go on a Wednesday or Sunday night and take part in the festive sing-a-longs. Grand Turk.

Local Flair

The Water's Edge is an open-air, wood-framed restaurant perched atop a small sand dune near the sea. Many diners come by boat and tie up at a nearby dock. The delicious menu features local delicacies, such as grilled grouper, fish soup, leg of lamb, and curried lobster. Irresistible homemade pies and a breathtaking sunset view make the meal perfect. Cockburn Town, Grand Turk.

Romantic

Anacaona is set in three thatch-roofed buildings, and offers candlelight dining right by the water. The chef's 3- and 4-course meals combine traditional French recipes with fresh seafood and Caribbean produce and spices. Choices include blackened lobster salad with pineapple and red pepper salsa, and red snapper with aubergine feuillantine, onion confit, and star anise sauce. The extensive wine cellar, homemade desserts, and gourmet coffee - not to mention and the soothing ocean breeze and birdsong - guarantee a night to remember. Provo.

Going party in Turks and Caicos

Many of the hotels and resorts provide nightly entertainment. If your doesn't, Grand Turk and Providenciales have a few bars and clubs that offer music and dancing. Casino games are another popular nighttime diversion.

The Salt Raker and The Turk's Head Inn

Both are on Duke Street in Grand Turk, and offer music and sing-a-longs.

The Rack Room

On Grand Turk at Back Salina, it hosts live local bands and DJs that keep people dancing all night.

The Disco Elite

One of the islands' few discos, the party scene here is pretty good.

Casablanca

This is one of the hottest nighttime spots at Grace Bay in Provo, is a lively club with mirrors, music, drinks, and lots of fun.

The Casino at Allegro Resort

Try your hand at blackjack, craps, Caribbean stud, roulette, and poker. There are also about 100 slot machines. The casino often draws a large crowd and waiters serve frosty drinks all night.

Common events in Turks and Caicos

The Commonwealth Regatta

Also called the South Caicos Regatta, this is the biggest event on the islands. Sailboat races, donkey races, sports competitions and a beauty pageant offer something for everyone. May.

International Billfish Tournament

Held on Provo, this is a tag-and-release tournament with cash prizes. It has become so popular that there are now two rounds. June-August.

The Provo Summer Festival

A major celebration, this is a week-long annual event with races, parades, regattas, and a Miss Turks and Caicos beauty pageant. August.

The North Caicos Extravaganza

Enjoy sailboat races, parades, dancing, and an abundance of local cuisine. October.