Eat Like a Local In Antigua and Barbuda
For the foodies among us, Antigua and Barbuda is the prefect culinary destination. While international cuisines are readily available and expertly prepared, travelers looking for local fare are in for a special treat.
Photo: Dinner for two one of Antigua's beaches
Antigua and Barbuda, the Caribbean twin-island nation boasting 365 beaches along its welcoming shores, packs a diverse vacation experience into a relatively compact footprint. Nature, history, excursions, and luxury: Antigua and Barbuda truly has it all.
“Having it all” includes cuisine, of course: Locally owned venues and stalls keep the rich heritage of the islands’ cuisine alive and well, overwhelmingly opting for fresh, farm-to-table ingredients. It was in honour of these talented local chefs that Antigua and Barbuda implemented its “Eat Like a Local” initiative during its annual Restaurant Week. While that much-loved spotlight on the island’s cuisine may be over, there’s still plenty for your clients to enjoy.
Photo: Tasty lobster tails on a grill in Antigua and Barbuda
It’s time to embrace the unique flavours of Antigua and Barbuda and eat like a local. You might consider these two storied starting points, below:
Joe Mike’s: It Lives Up to the Hype
Highlights:
- A true multipurpose attraction; family-friendly
- A good accommodation option for small to mid-sized parties
- Dining formats to suit every preference - but doesn’t compromise on quality!
Part hotel, part casino, part restaurant - these are the ingredients for a good time. Clients will love the electric purple exterior of this landmark, which was once an ice cream parlour but is now a successful family-run eatery in Antigua.
35 years of history has culminated in an accessible but delicious restaurant that serves both buffet and a la carte. Clients should try the ducana and saltfish, bullfoot soup, oxtail, and the award-nominated pepperpot and fungee. Expertly seasoned dishes, prepared with love, enjoyed in good company before heading upstairs for a little bit of gaming at the casino. Or, grab the food to go and head down to the beach for lunch on the sands.
Photo: Antigua and Barbuda's National Dish Fungee and Pepperpot
Smiling Harry’s: Generations of Flavour
Highlights:
- Authentic Antiguan eatery, family-run
- Ideal beach location makes Smiling Harry’s a perfect mid-day stop
- Reputed to have the best burgers on the island
The sunkissed sands of Half Moon Bay - a secluded snorkelling favourite - are home to Smiling Harry’s, one of the legacy institutions of Antiguan and Barbudan cuisine. While Harry is now gone, his family carries on his cooking traditions and his trademark smile. Clients can look forward to classic Caribbean cuisine, served their way: delicious burgers, custom stews, and the famous homemade ginger beer. Smiling Harry’s is known as the “Thirst Quencher” for a reason!
Friendly and attentive service is the norm here, and the location can’t be beat. Prices are incredibly reasonable, and the portions are generous - think three-course lunches! Don’t miss out on the coconut curry shrimp or the excellent vegetarian options.