Saba / Restaurants

The restaurant options on Saba are limited with the majority located in Windwardside. It is best to make reservations, particularly on a Friday night, as some kitchens seem insufficiently motivated by the concept of profit to tolerate walk-in customers. On Sundays the choice is even more restricted. It's a good idea to carry back-up cash as not all establishments take credit cards despite that window sticker suggesting they do. Bills may include a service charge of up to 15%; tips are at your discretion.

Here is a selection of recommended Saba restaurants:

Brigadoon, Windwardside, expensive - A well-regarded cottage restaurant with tables both inside and out but no view. The menu includes numerous shrimp dishes but the specials are its strongest point. Dinner only, closed Tuesday.

Rainforest Restaurant, Windwardside, moderate - Set inside the isolated, rainforest-wrapped Ecolodge Rendez-Vous eco-resort, this dimly-lit restaurant uses fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit where possible. Go for a hike then have lunch, or book the candlelit dinner with nature talk held on Wednesdays. Closed Monday.

Scout's Place, Windwardside, moderate - Decorated with sackcloth and barrels, Scout's Place offers an international menu that includes Peruvian ceviche, Austrian wiener schnitzel, Balinese chicken breast and a tasty tomato soup made by “Mrs Joyce from Dominica”.

Saba Snack, Windwardside, inexpensive - Well-positioned in the heart of Windwardside, this is a good spot to sit and watch Saban life roll by while enjoying homemade cake and practising your Spanish with the Colombian staff.

Swinging Doors, Windwardside, moderate - A popular bar and diner decorated with flags, car number-plates and travel treasures. On Friday night the menu consists of three words: “chicken or ribs?”

Tropics Café, Windwardside, moderate - Part of Juliana's Hotel, this easygoing poolside café serves American-style comfort food including big salads and burgers. Closed Monday and for dinner mid-July to mid-October.

Queen's Garden Resort, The Bottom, expensive - Saba's smartest hotel restaurant offers a fine dining menu including foie gras and local lobster. Go for a light lunch, Sunday tapas, sunset cocktail or à la carte dinner. Closed Monday night.

Saba Coffee House, The Bottom, inexpensive - Run by a Saban and English couple, this is a caffeine lifeline for The Bottom's bureaucrats.  If you're hiking, it's also a handy stop for a we've-made-it-back snack or cake.

Deep End, Fort Bay, inexpensive - A useful watering-hole catering to divers, harbour workers and ferry passengers, this is the only restaurant on Saba close to the sea. Open daily for breakfast and lunch only.