+ What Are the best places to eat in the Cayman Islands?
Creating flavorsome food is one thing; making sure it looks good is another skill entirely. Here in Grand Cayman you’ll find an avid mix of restaurateurs, chefs and foodies doing both.
Too many cooks spoil the broth? That’s not the case for Cayman’s food scene. An eclectic mix of high-end eateries and rustic restaurants all embrace the growing trend of sustainability - sourcing their ingredients from local farms and waters whenever possible.
Over the years Cayman has earned the reputation as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. With over 200 restaurants to choose from it’s easy to see why. Cayman is constantly reinventing itself and the buzzing food scene is no exception. With a long list of mainstay restaurants and new additions popping up you could spend a week alone sampling all the flavor’s Cayman has to offer.
In recognition of limited time, here’s our run down of must-visit eateries. From authentic Italian trattorias to waterfront wonders - these are the ideal places to while away lazy lunches, enjoy alfresco afternoons, and savor some of the most enchanting evenings you’ll ever have.
+ What About Local Or Traditional Food In The Cayman Islands?
The Cayman Islands are known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, and fresh seafood and locally grown produce are the cornerstones of traditional. Many local dishes can be found at top-rated restaurants on Seven Mile Beach, however step off the beaten path and you’ll discover some of the island’s most sough after traditional dishes.
From conch soup and stew, to coconut shrimp, fish rundown, fritters and more. One of the most popular dishes is a fish fry where locally caught Mahi Mahi, Snapper, and sometime Baracuda are lightly fried and served with plantin, rice n’ peas and callaloo.
Another popular local food is Jerk Chicken and pork. Heavily influenced by Cayman’s Jamaican diaspora, jerk stands can be found across the island smoking succulent meat seasoned with jerk spice.
And don’t forget to save room for dessert. Cassava cake, also known as heavy cake, is a traditional Caymanian dish made from cassava, a root vegetable, coconut milk, sugar and spices. The cake is so popular that a competition is held annually at the Taste of Cayman festival to find the islands ‘best’ Cassava Cake.
+ Are the restaurants in George Town the best in Grand Cayman?
With more than 200 restaurants in Grand Cayman, incredible restaurants can be found in every district from Seven Mile Beach to Rum Point.
Seven Mile Beach touts the largest concentration of restaurants offering breathtaking views, especially at sunset, coupled with first-class dining experiences.
Some of the best restaurants can be found within minutes of Seven Mile Beach, and George Town is no exception. For one of Cayman’s top Italian eateries visit Le Vele on the George Town waterfront, which offers incredible Italian food and regionally themed dining experiences. A little further north and overlooking the harbour you’ll find The Wharf featuring fresh, delicious dishes prepared using locally sourced ingredients. About a 5 minute drive from George Town, you’ll discover Grand Old House, one of the oldest restaurants in Grand Cayman. Located in the district of South Sound and housed in the Petra Plantation House from the early 1900s. Its expansive ocean front veranda provides breathtaking views to accompany excellently prepared Caribbean-inspired cuisine.
+ What makes Cayman Islands restaurants different than elsewhere in the Caribbean?
Touted as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands offers something for everyone with more than 200 restaurants. From five-star dining to fresh fish prepared straight off the boat to cuisine from all over the world, the best restaurants in the Cayman Islands are usually just around the corner.
Restaurants in Cayman are not just a place for a good meal, but an experience within itself with many restaurants offering world-class cuisine alongside an incredible view. Kaibo, located in Cayman Kai, offers both a regal and refined dining restaurant, along with a more casual beachfront restaurant. Luca, an Italian seafood restaurant located on Seven Mile Beach, boosts a wine collection of more than 4,500 bottles with over 1,000 different varieties from around the world and has received the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence since 2010.
The Cayman Islands also hosts the annual Cayman Cookout in January hosted by esteemed Chef Eric Ripert – seafood master and co-owner of Le Bernardin in New York City and Blue right here in Grand Cayman at The Ritz-Carlton. Regarded as one of the most prestigious celebrations of food and wine in the world, this event regularly attracts an impressive roster of globally recognized culinary stars including Jose Andres and Emeril Lagasse.
