Antigua and Barbuda / Food & Drink

As one of the Caribbean’s larger and more lively islands, Antigua has a good selection of eating and watering holes, though some tend to be more seasonal depending on when the sailing crowd is in town.

During winter and spring, when the island comes alive with yachts and their crews competing in the various festivals, races and regattas, Antigua’s bar and restaurant scene is at its most vibrant. This is particularly so around the sailing hubs of English Harbour and Falmouth where visitors can choose from a string of atmospheric venues in pretty settings, including some lovely waterfront locations. The places here are known to be among the liveliest on the island - especially the stretch between Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbour.

In late summer/early autumn, things are quieter as many yachties go elsewhere and some bars and restaurants close for a month or two. Another lively spot to head for is Dickenson Bay, home to one of Antigua’s prettiest beaches, and some well-established haunts, a number of which have live music. The capital, St John’s, has a few good bars and a casino, mainly centred around the tourist spots of Redcliffe Quay and Heritage Quay, and a range of moderately-priced eating spots.

Antigua also has a long tradition of distilling rum, thanks to its past as a sugar producer and visitors can try a number of the island’s own labels or snap up bottles of Cavalier Rum, produced by the Antigua Distillery.

Barbuda cannot compete with its larger sister island when it comes to eating and drinking haunts, but it does have a sprinkling of small restaurants and bars. These mainly cater for locals, though visitors can expect a friendly welcome.

For more information about restaurants and nightlife on Antigua, including our recommendations please select a Food & Drink category below or from the side menu.