Like other Caribbean islands, Barbados restaurant prices are more expensive than what you’ll find in the United States because nearly every item must be imported. Fortunately, the most important ingredient is readily available and in abundance: fish, freshly caught in Barbados, still moving fresh. Local fishermen pull in snapper, mahi-mahi (which locals call dolphinfish), barracuda, and other great options, as well as flying fish. (So proud of this local favorite, Barbados calls itself the “Land of Flying Fish”) And you don’t need to spend your kids’ college money to buy a great fish meal.
Before I tell you where, let me tempt you to prepare it the Bajan way: fresh fish coated in local spices (a blend of scallions, thyme, garlic, black pepper, marjoram, and salt), then lightly fried. Delish!Another Bajan favorite is fish steamed in a light onion and tomato sauce on coo-coo, something like polenta. The local yellow pepper sauce enhances almost all foods in Barbados and is available upon request at any restaurant (warning: this stuff is addictive).
If you know where to look, you can find seafood to die for that will leave some of your vacation budget available for something really special, like a boat trip. By the way, the following restaurants are located along the southern coast of Barbados, where prices are generally lower than in other areas of the island.
* Silver Point: A little off the beaten track, this is a stylish open-air restaurant and bar located in the Silverpoint Villa boutique hotel. Dine overlooking wild and intrepid windsurfers off Silver Sands Beach.
* South Palm: casual al fresco dining and bar on Dover Beach and part of the casual Southern Palms Resort in St. Lawrence Gap.
* Carib: Sunbathe on a sandy beach, then go scuba diving. Caribe is so casual that you can put on your swimsuit (with a cover-up) at this friendly outdoor restaurant/bar.
* OistinsAn unmissable treat is Friday nights in the small village of Oistins where you buy freshly caught fish and cook it right on the street. The music, the people and the upbeat atmosphere make for an unforgettable meal.
* Surfer Cafe and Obskewer’s BarAlso in Oistins, this casual restaurant serves espresso, smoothies, and wifi as well as simple local fare like fish chops (sandwiches).
* Lobster alive: Possibly the least expensive of anywhere on this list, but the portions are huge. Located on beautiful Carlisle Bay, this place is a shack with a lobster tank and bar that serves up an orgy of serious lobster eating.
* St. Lawrence Gap: Go to the famous area along the southern coast of Barbados called St Lawrence Gap and follow your nose; This cheap dinner is being cooked on the street. It’s fun to go to one of the outdoor grills along the famous Gap and watch your dinner being cooked in front of you. Don’t forget to load up on local favorites like macaroni and banana pie. Grab a beer at the Gap convenience store, find a spot on the beach, and enjoy the cheapest feast ever with a view as amazing as the fanciest restaurants on the island.
