Trinidad / Restaurants

The rapid development of a bona fide restaurant and fine dining culture in Trinidad has been truly extraordinary, a reflection primarily of the rich history of its cosmopolitan cuisine and continuing economic and business growth into the 21st century. The odd restaurant will always close of course, but in early 2010 alone, another half dozen had opened. Indeed, ‘eating’ is fast becoming the new ‘drinking’ which is saying something in a country not renowned for its teetotalism (also, see our Special Interests section on Food and Cooking). The Tourism Development Company now present an annual culinary festival in November and a glossy magazine dedicated to the Republic’s food, Cré Olé, has already won two international awards.

Trinidad’s gastronomic excellence has also featured in the New York Times and on international TV food shows, so any number of high quality chefs and gastronomes are doing their bit in raising the country’s profile food-wise. Nor is it simply the top end of the market which is expanding - inexpensive outlets, food courts in shopping and entertainment venues, and the vaunted street food sellers have all increased apace, without sacrificing standards of taste or nutrition.

Gourmet shops have opened and, while healthy competition is good for business, insider knowledge always helps in finding the latest ’hot’ spot. Ariapita Avenue in Port of Spain’s Woodbrook district has become the epicentre of this burgeoning food culture but in truth there are good restaurants now all over the city and further afield. It’s a dynamic, constantly evolving business so be sure to call for reservations at the better establishments, especially over the Thursday-Saturday period.

Here is a selection of our recommended Trinidad restaurants:

Port of Spain

Angelo’s Italian Restaurant, Woodbrook - Top-notch, expensive Italian cuisine, a family affair presided over by Angelo Cofone, his wife and two of his sons in a beautifully styled gingerbread house, the former Plantation House restaurant. Southern Italy inspired fish and meat dishes, wonderful pasta and Calabrian specialities.

Melangé Restaurant, Woodbrook - International fine dining of the highest quality supervised by Moses Ruben, who indulges a labour of love at every turn, treating customers like personal house guests. Fantastic presentation and service, clam chowder, seafood crepes, rabbit dishes, chicken paella, great steaks and rack of lamb are all recommended.

The Verandah, St Clair - Stylish family run establishment of almost 30 years standing in another delightful gingerbread house. Phyllis Viera and daughter-in-law Lisa oversee splendid Caribbean freestyle fare, lots of local organic vegetables and herbs, and great seafood done with West Indian flair.

Prime Restaurant, Invader’s Bay - Located close to the MovieTowne cinema complex, a swish very expensive eatery under new head chef Cristian Grini along with Andre Rocke, won Caribbean Restaurant of the Year from Table Talk in Jamaica. Modern cutting-edge decor, vast global wine list, the most extensive in the country, and the only place in the Caribbean with a CAB licence (Certified Angus Beef); with seafood imported from Chile and Australia, a place for the deep pocketed.

Battimamzelle Restaurant, Cascade - A sublime dining experience in an elegant boutique hotel, specialising in gourmet Caribbean fare. A good place to stay if you’re interested in classy food and surrounds.

Solimar, St Ann’s - A longstanding favourite of Trinidad’s gourmands, tapas a speciality, recently reopened after extensive refurbishment but with the popular Joe Brown still in residence and hosting magnificent food and wine festivals.

Chaud Restaurant, Queen's Park Savannah - Great location on the Savannah, private upstairs dining room seating 30 from which to savour Khalid Mohammed’s passion and knowledge of Caribbean fusion fare; seafood, duck, and beef are favourites.

Hyatt Regency - Stunning atmospheric waterfront location on the Gulf of Paria with food and prices to match.

Carlton Savannah, Cascade - The capital’s newest hip hangout and hotel with two high class restaurants, CA-SA and Relish, the former arguably one of the finest dining rooms in the capital, moodily lit. International cuisine with a Caribbean twist.

Apsara, Queen’s Park Savannah - Exceptional northern Indian dishes from chefs Ramsingh and Nimal, in sumptuous ambience. Vegetarian options and fine desserts with gracious service and attention to detail.

Tamnak Thai, Queen’s Park Savannah - Housed in the same high ceilinged old colonial mansion as Apsara, tremendous red, green or yellow curries with authentic ingredients and seasoning. Lush outside patio and water feature, both places are top grade eating experiences.

Laughing Buddha - Expensive, but the only truly authentic Japanese food house in the country, in a rather incongruous downtown environment but with an exceptional reputation and range of sushi and maki dishes. Tinkling water, Tatami seating area and good service add to the overall feel.

Shanghai Experience, MovieTowne - Expensive luxury Chinese restaurant with Cantonese and Szechuan options, interiors by celebrated Carnival designer Brian McFarlane.

Veni Mangé Restaurant, Woodbrook - Moderately priced creole inspired institution in its twin guise of restaurant and meeting place, featured in 1000 places to visit before you die and not without good reason. High quality local food in colourful artistic surrounds.

Beyond Port of Spain

Ylang Ylang Sea Terrace, Mt Plaisir Estate Hotel, Grande Riviere - Wonderful beachside location on the north coast, drawing fifty types of organic vegetable and fruit produce from its own 18 acre farm. A centre of holistic awareness overseen by Italian Piero Guerini, the eclectically decorated restaurant excels in ‘new creole cuisine’ with an international influence. Inexpensive starters and singular Italian desserts.

Sails Restaurant & Pub, Chaguaramas - Moderately priced international and Caribbean fare in a maritime location on the western peninsular. Pub style, presided over by chef Didier, only fresh fish served daily.