Cayman Islands / Restaurants

With a resident population of only around fifty thousand people Cayman boasts that it has over two hundred restaurants. On Grand Cayman there are now two weekly farmer’s markets (from 7.a.m – 1.p.m. on Saturdays at Lower Valley, Bodden Town and on Wednesdays at Gardenia Court, Camana Bay) where local producers tempt their customers with vegetables, meats, herbs and fresh juices and bread.

Visitors are likely to be amazed at the variety of cuisine on offer on Grand Cayman, ranging from Mediterranean to Chinese, French and Asian as well as a smattering of Sushi, Steakhouses and of course Caribbean. Simple burgers, steakhouses and sandwicheries are found widely but those with a sophisticated palate will not be disappointed with choosing between dishes like snapper ceviche, Stilton and Pears Napoleon, Waki shitake or handmade fettuccini served with truffle oil and parmesan alfredo sauce. At the other end of the scale a bowl of hominy porridge and a serving of stewed peas and pig’s tail can be eaten beside the sea from a local jerk restaurant – that’s the range of Caymanian dining.

Dining out is, it must be admitted, not as cheap as other parts of the Caribbean with good restaurants charging anything from $15 - $40 for a main course. An inexpensive steakhouse style meal might cost around $35 per head with two courses and a glass of beer. Dining options on Cayman Brac do include more options for local fare, but on Little Cayman there are few dining options outside the hotels and resorts.

Here is a selection of our recommended restaurants in the Cayman Islands :

Grand Cayman

Blue, The Ritz Carlton, West Bay Road - A special experience for a special occasion, Blue is the only Caribbean restaurant to have a AAA Five Diamond rating.

Luca, Caribbean Club, Seven Mile Beach - Italian-based but fused with international flavours – the freshest ingredients served with aplomb in a smart dining room with a metropolitan feel. Superlative wine list.

Cimboco, The Marquee Plaza, Seven Mile Beach - Simple café style dishes with a Caribbean theme cooked freshly at the open-view kitchen.

Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink, The Crescent, Camana Bay - Inventive dining imported by Michael Schwartz from Miami. Tasty, unpretentious food with imaginative ingredients largely sourced from local growers.

Morgan’s Harbour, West Bay - Fresh catch of the day served on the deck by the jetty. A lively atmosphere overseen by the equally lively Richard and Jane Schweiger, with a good selection of well prepared dishes.

Ortanique, The Crescent at Camana Bay - Indoor and outdoor terrace dining overlooking the water, with a good variety of tapas, seafood meat and seafood dishes.

Osetra Bay, West Bay - A magical setting by the water’s edge at Morgan’s Harbour. Sophisticated menus prepared by up and coming Canadian chef Joseph Watters.

Over the Edge, The Waterfront, Old Man Bay - Bustling ‘pub-style’ food on the North Side, popular with families.

Pappagallo Ristorante, Barkers, West Bay - Long established restaurant complete with resident parrots and macaws. Good Italian food served in a traditionally thatched building under spinning rattan fans.

Rankin’s Farm Jerk Shop, Shamrock Road, Bodden Town - Simple freshly cooked Caribbean and jerk style dishes. Outdoor picnic benches in the small garden adjacent to the servery.

Tiki Beach, Seven Mile Beach - Bamboo furniture and outdoor dining lend a ‘South Seas’ feel to Tiki Beach. Dining on the deck overlooking the water is popular, and the big rectangular bar gets lively, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Cayman Brac

Aunt Sha’s Kitchen, West End Road - Good sized portions served with a smile in a cheerful, decidedly local atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled mahi-mahi, rice and beans, and sweet and sour chicken.

Little Cayman

The Hungry Iguana, Blossom Village - Bar and patio dining in an informal atmosphere. Traditional island dishes include conch chowder, grilled fish specialities or regular themed nights where pizza, curry or fajitas will be offered.