These Are The Best Restaurants In Bridgetown Barbados

The cuisine of Barbados is distinctive for its herbs and spices that lend it a gentle heat. When in Bridgetown, the colorful capital of the island, there are multiple places to sample Bajan flare – Culture Trip curates nine of the best.

Cuz's Fish Shack

Food Stand, Caribbean

This little shack boasts some of the best fish sandwiches you’ll ever get on any beach, anywhere. They are so good that tour drivers will often take visitors to Carlisle Bay just for this little blue shack right beside the Hilton Barbados. Locals will also drive from all over Barbados to grab a bite before it shuts for the day, which is at 5pm, or when they run out of fresh fish. The must-try is their fish sandwich – called a cutter – which is served with a chilled beer. This is a destination that’s hard to beat.

Harbour Lights

Bar, Nightclub, Pub Grub, Caribbean

At Harbour Lights, you can tuck into shrimp, chicken, fish or steak with lively entertainment from the beach, which doubles up as a dance floor. The entertainment varies from live bands to fire dancers, limbo acts and Bajan dancers. The staff are very attentive and always eager to please. It’s the place to visit for an all-encompassing Caribbean experience.

Zaccios

Restaurant, American, Caribbean

More of a traditional restaurant, as opposed to Bridgetown’s ubiquitous beach bars, Zaccios is an expert in great Bajan cuisine. Alongside signature dishes like Bajan-style chicken curry, there’s American-style fare like pizza, burgers and fries for that picky eater in the group. You’ll get a fantastic view of the ocean and beach while you dine, but make sure you get there early, as it fills up quickly – with or without ships in the port.

Water's Edge

Bar, Restaurant, Caribbean

Although part of the Bougainvillea Resort, Water’s Edge is open to everyone. Located on a private beach, guests can sit down on the boardwalk in peace and enjoy freshly made scones and cakes. Meanwhile, favorite dishes include the coconut and tomato soup and the calamari and mahi-mahi in coconut broth. Plus, it makes a brilliant date-night spot, since you can call ahead and book your own private table on the beach.

The Balcony

Restaurant, Caribbean

The Balcony is a small restaurant overlooking the heart of Bridgetown that is perfect for a cheap but tasty lunch. Another buffet-style serving, here the signature dishes include plantains, macaroni pie and flying fish. If you’re not a fish fan, there’s plenty of barbecue chicken available, too. Pro tip: pick the seats on the balcony for a great view.

Mustor's Restaurant

Restaurant, Caribbean

If you’re in the mood for some of the best flying fish in Barbados in a lesser-known spot away from the crazy tourist-pack attractions, then Mustor’s Restaurant is the place to go. It’s packed mostly with locals, which is always a good sign. Here, you’re guaranteed to get some of the freshest fish on the island in versions of national dishes.

The Boatyard

Restaurant, Caribbean

The Boatyard is a great lunch and hangout spot. You can get your own umbrella and chair on the beach, with a free drink, all while being served by some of the friendliest staff on the island. You pay BBP$40 (US$20) per person at the door, but then you use that money inside however you want – from food to drinks to the lounger rentals; think of it like a deposit. It’s an entire-day kind of place, where you can catch some sun and refuel on great food and drink.

Lobster Alive

Restaurant, Seafood, Caribbean

Lobster Alive is a small restaurant on the outskirts of Bridgetown that is known for its live jazz. As the name gives away, there are live lobsters in the tank; there are plenty of lobster-based dishes to enjoy like the spaghetti, while another must-try dish is the conch samosas. You need to book ahead or come before the rush, however, as seating is extremely limited.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.