The west coast of barbados is a home from home to
the discerning foodie - restaurant after restaurant
adorne the caribbean sea, each offering a level of
quality that one might not typically associate with a
tropical retreat.  We take a look at our favourites, listed
in order according to quality of food, setting and value
for money (the whole package)
Guy and Tammie Beasley run Tides Restaurant, (on the site of the old La Maison Restaurant) in Hole
Town, St James. The spectacular views (above) are relatively common currency along the west coast,
however the closure of The Carambola leaves only The Cliff with a better setting in Barbados.  Guy was
classically trained at Le Gavroche (when Mr Ramsay was but a commis) and this shows in the
execution and timing of the cooking as well as the saucing.  When you consider that you could have two
dinners here for every one at L'Acajou (Sandy Lane) or The Cliff then it comes top for the whole package.
In addition, service is the most friendly, efficient and professional on the island
Sandy Lane is unquestionably one of the great hotels of the world; Jean-Luc Naret, the current head of
Michelin Guide Rouge Europe was once hotel manager here; everything about this luxury resort is
quality and their lead restaurant is no exception.  L'Acajou, like Tides, is in the classical mould, with the
now ubiquitous Asian influences.  Prices are high but remember a dinner at the restaurant means an
evening inside the gates of the hotel, so well worth making one reservation during a fortnight holiday.  
Visiting celebrities are not restricted to the entertainment industry - Heston Blumenthal is cooking here
for a couple of evenings during Summer season 2005
Where do you start with The Cliff?  Paul Owens is a chef on a mission.  The Cliff opened in 1995 and
has rapidly become a world famous restaurant, appearing in all the Restaurant Magazine World's top 50
Restaurants listings.  The views are spectacular; Paul Owens (from Liverpool) is the only chef on the
island to warrant a cook book; the front of house and kitchen brigades are the largest in the caribbean;
they get through well over 120 covers every night; they have a restaurant manager trained in Europe (La
Trompette).  In short it is a romantic paradise within a paradise.  Our only reservations are the near
Michelin Two Star pricing, which to us neither match the extent of luxuries on the menu nor the
consistency of the saucing.  Nevertheless, you have to go at least once!
Ostrich, Alligator, Elk and Kangaroo populate the starter menu of The Restaurant at South Sea
Somewhere between enigmatic and eccentric, Barry Taylor and Peter Bourne's menu has warranted
recognition from Conde Naste World Traveller as one of the World's hottest new tables and further from
the Office of Tourism in Barbados as the current restaurant of the year.  The team of chefs have trained
on the island variously at Joseph's, La Terra, Olive's and Patisserie Flindt (top cake shop in Hole Town -
must visit - Tony Blair pictured visiting the sister brasserie while staying in Barbados).  Located in the
heart of St Lawrence Gap on the south coast, The Restaurant at South Sea has only Pisces for local
gastronomic competition.
Pisces restaurant is a second fine dining
reason to visit St Lawrence Gap in Barbados.  
As the name suggests this is a seafood
restaurant.  Not having visited personally,
reviews from friends and those found on
various internet sites provide mixed reviews -
perhaps in the 'not worth a special visit'
catagory - but if you're local during your stay
then recommended
Daphne's restaurant is part of the Tamarind Cove Hotel on the
west coast.  The restaurant is the overseas arm of the Sloane
Square to Chelsea brigade's home away from home.  An Italian
restaurant that charges high and delivers moderately.  The
setting and service are plus points although we'd not rush to
visit again. However, don't let this put you off, should Daphne's
SW3 be your idea of a great dining experience then this is the
table for you; would recommend a visit to London before
considering the call from your concierge.
An apparantly chic boutique hotel (converted from a
garage in 2003) and restaurant that by nature is
"exclusive".  A short walk along the beach from the
Royal Pavillion Hotel on the west coast of the island
is The Lone Star.  The menu has plenty of luxuries -
including Iranian Caviar - at very high prices.  
Perhaps a place to visit once but only if you are
determined to have an 'and I've been there' story
when you get home.
La Terra and La Mer are restaurants we have not visited nor have we had any feedback
from friends.  These restaurants do not have websites nor are there many reviews or
pictures to be found on the internet.  Should you have anything to say about these
addresses then please Contact Us with your stories and pictures and we'll publish the
best.  Indeed any further feedback on those listed above would also be gratefully received.

Thank You.  Happy Travelling and Happy Eating!
Copyright fine-dining-guide.com  2004-2005. All Rights Reserved.
Postscript: June 2005, we have received some 'inside information' that Larry & Michelle
Rogers (La Terra) are taking over at Pisces - so expect alot more from this restaurant as
the season progresses.
Flag of Barbados
The Lone Star