British Virgin Islands / Food & Drink

For such a sleepy destination, the British Virgin Islands can lay claim to a surprising choice of dining and liming hangouts, in part, prompted by the peripatetic sailing community that frequents this collection of tropical isles. Naturally, the main island of Tortola is home to the biggest selection of restaurants and bars that cater for a rich mix of clientele, be they holidaymakers, expats or residents. Some places are local legends, owned by “Belongers” (the name for British Virgin islanders) who have built a strong reputation for themselves and their establishments, and these vary from the lively to the downright quirky.

Virgin Gorda is home to a cluster of bars and eating places followed by Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Norman Island which is famed for its floating bar set in an old Baltic trading boat. You won’t find nightclubs and casinos in the BVIs, but you will find full moon parties, steel bands, stilt dancers and even the odd singing chef!

The beautiful setting of the islands gives many of the restaurants a superb backdrop from which to enjoy the cuisine, which often offer French or Italian cuisine alongside more standard international fare. Some of the BVI’s best dining venues are in the hotels, but there are some flavoursome local eateries too and a good supply of takeaway dishes. You can wash it all down with the local rum, produced at a couple of small distilleries on the islands or try the famous BVI rum cocktail, the Painkiller.

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