Rachel’s Top 10 Restaurant Recommendations in Anguilla
I have been to many islands in the Caribbean, but none compare with Anguilla for the perfect balance of picture-perfect beaches, laid back lifestyle and incredible dining experiences.
It may be an extra journey, either a short flight from Antigua, or boat from St Martaan (accessible via Paris), but it is soooo worth the extra journey and I’d urgent anyone whose seeking an idyllic hideaway to visit Anguilla. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I immediately felt the relaxed friendly vibe of the island. I picked up a car at the airport (just sitting there waiting for me with the keys in it – car unlocked!! Hmmm clearly there is a lot of trust and no crime around here!) and headed off to explore the island and its many boutique hotels. Driving is easy, with just one main road linking 16 kms from west to east, with a few roads leading north and south (just 3kms), leading to lively small villages with a scattering of colourful houses, resorts and restaurants.
Anguilla is a flat coralline island, so you won’t find mountainous scenery here, but it more than makes up for it with incredible white talcum power beaches and crystal-clear turquoise ocean. Almost like a large Maldivian Island, however one where you can head out of your resort to explore the many pristine beaches and amazing restaurants, which are only a short drive, or even walk from your hotel. In fact, Anguilla is renowned for its vibrant and diverse culinary scene, so foodies – this is the island for you!
Take your pic from fine dining establishments through to local beach shacks for a taste of the true flavours of the Caribbean. Here’s our top ten top choices:
Meads Bay Beach
Blanchard’s
With its colourful wooden boards, railings, and corrugated metal roof, Blanchards is a classic Caribbean beach shack! Blanchards is somewhere where the locals go, so it’s a rustic spot to both grab a bite to eat and really get under the skin of the island’s culture. The menu, written in colourful pastels on blackboards, is plentiful and if you’re exploring Meads Bay for the day, this is a brilliant place for lunch, a quick drink on the beach or an ice cream!
Jacala
With a beautiful setting on Meads Bay, this long-time favourite serves classic French food with a Caribbean twist and is open for lunch and dinner. The fresh seafood is incredible (we’d recommend the crayfish and Mahi Mahi) and the Jacala team couldn’t be more friendly.
Straw Hat
Located at the far end of Meads Bay, Straw Hat brings unique and eclectic tastes to the menu, served in a casual, beachfront setting. The perfect spot to watch the sunset with a tasty rum punch! Reservations highly recommended for dinner.
West End
Mango’s Seaside Grill
A romantic dining experience right on the beach at Barnes Bay. Enjoy locally caught seafood. Open for dinner (and lunch in season.) Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays.
Picante
A casual, lively Caribbean Taqueria serving traditional and innovative Mexican cuisine. Open for dinner.
Sandy Ground
Dolce Vita
Located in Sandy Ground, this popular beachside restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine featuring homemade pastas and fresh local seafood. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations highly recommended for dinner.
SandBar
Sandbar’s “sea and sand” envelopes you as you enter. Lots of natural light, unobstructed views of Road Bay with its myriad boats at anchor, make this a cool and comfortable spot to enjoy creative cocktails and a casual tapas style menu. Open for dinner.
Roy’s Bayside Grill
A family-owned restaurant since 1982, Roy’s is famous for its fish and chips, an island staple. They also offer a fresh selection of locally caught seafood and Prime Angus Beef. Their hospitality, fashioned on that of the old English pub, has kept guests returning to this little corner of paradise year after year.
South Hill
E’s Oven
This locally owned restaurant is located on the main road in South Hill Village. Serving fresh, succulent seafood such as lobster and whole fish among traditional stew goat and peas and rice. Authentic West Indian cuisine.
da’Vida
Sitting right on the sandy shores of tranquil Crocus Bay, da’Vida is a laid-back, family owned restaurant that caters to all tastes. Beach Bar & Grill open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm (kayak and paddleboard rentals available.)
Hibernia
Situated in a quaint, open-air Caribbean house, this restaurant oozes charm and features an authentic Asian-inspired menu, with French and Caribbean influences. Open for lunch and dinner. Shared shuttle available.
Anguilla Hotels
This impeccable island is complemented with a charming selection of exquisite boutique retreats, all catering for both families and romantic couples alike.
Zemi Beach Resort
Zemi Beach Resort, is located bang on Shoal Beach with stunning views of the bright turquoise ocean from the stylish rooms and larger suites (ideal for families). Feet in the sand dining on the powder white beach, incredible spa treatments at their authentic Thai House and cool kids activities were the highlights for me here!
7 nights at Zemi Beach House Starts from £3,445 per person.
Malliouhana
Malliouhana is one of the islands first hotels, with pride of place at the end of Meads Bay, a lively beach with choice of restaurants all within strolling distance of the resort. However, the also a separate and completely private beach and two beautiful pools for those seeking privacy. It may be an older hotel but it is by no means old fashioned, with unique and stylish décor (the owner collects Haitian art), awe-inspiring views and the friendliest of welcomes, Malliouhana is a captivating hideaway and gets my vote for one of the most striking hotels I’ve had the privilege to have stayed in. I particularly love the laid-back beach club, Leon’s, a local favourite for bbq nights and with the upper floor dedicated to a kids club – probably the best view of any kids club I’ve seen!!
7 nights at Malliouhana starts from £3,575 per person
Cap Juluca
Cap Juluca boasts a stunning beachfront setting, spread along the best beach on the island – Maunday’s Bay (all the locals agree), and being a Belmond hotel you can imagine the quality throughout the resort is second to none, from the stylish rooms, incredible spa, kids club and friendly service. Each guest is given their own bicycle to get around the resort and butlers are located at drink stations along the beach to ensure you are never far from a cold drink delivered directly to your lounger.
7 nights at Cap Juluca starts from £5,995 per person.
