The Cayman Islands are increasingly claiming the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean title, and while Grand Cayman may be small, there are some exceptional world-class places to eat. Before I met my wife, my idea of eating out was Dominos on a Friday night, or a smoothie from the gym. A good woman has improved my taste substantially, opening my eyes to a world of amazing food, both at home and when we travel.
When eating in Cayman, similar to Manhattan, you’ll need to take a deep breath when the bill arrives. But as one might say when in the Caribbean, just keep yuh mind pon di real mission: enjoy yuhself an’ have a good time!
Here are my family’s favorites for a special treat:
Ms. Piper’s
Website; Cost $$; Family Friendly ★★★
Walk into a storybook tropical backyard. Hidden by palm trees and 7 Mile Beach hotels at the Hampton by Hilton, this beautiful garden restaurant mixes seventies vibes with an ever changing delicious menu. The tastiest, freshest salads you can find on island are, “inspired by seasonality,” allowing you to mix and match for a curated meal. Let the kids splash in the pool surrounded by pink umbrellas while enjoying their must-try lemonade or a beautiful cocktail.
Looking for more garden vibes? Every Bloomin’ Thing (EBT) Tea Room is Cayman’s take on a British garden center tea room. A great rainy day spot to try a selection of teas with your scone.
Kaibo
Website; Cost $$; Family Friendly ★★★
Not everything is about the food, sometimes the location means so much more. Kaibo Beach, located in the district of North Side, was the landing site of Queen Elizabeth II’s historic visit to the Cayman Islands. “In her honor, a dock and beach hut were specially constructed.” The now evolved Kaibo beach has one of the nicest water side set ups on island. Sail up to the dock, grab an ice cold drink and wolf down a thin crust pizza with your toes in the sand. Service is hit-or-miss so go there with no rush and the food soon come. Something you can’t miss is their unmatched Tuesday night Barefoot Beach BBQ with fantastic live music. Catch the water taxi from Camana Bay and make it a night to remember.
VIVO
Website; Cost $; Family Friendly ★☆☆
Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or just down for a delicious meal? Sneak below the right West Bay Dive Resort (Lighthouse Point) and you’ll find Vivo with nothing but iron shore between you and the ocean. We can be seen regularly driving by to pick up a Pad Thai (Asian rice noodles with vegetables, in sweet and sour peanut butter sauce) to go, but their Breakfast Burrito with a side of crispy seasoned potatoes will make you forget about meat entirely. The view and friendly owner led service makes up for the off the beaten path location.
If you’re looking for other healthy or vegan options, Island Naturals at the Grove has an extensive, mouth-watering menu. Our go to meals aren’t vegan but they are delicious. The Tuna Poke Nachos (Crispy Wonton, Avocado, Jalapeno, Radish, Wakame, Togarashi, Teriyaki & Sriracha Aioli) and Blackened Mahi Sandwich (Toasted Sourdough, Arugula, Smashed Avocado, Tomato, Pickle, Cilantro Lime Aioli).
Taikun
Website; Cost $$$; Family Friendly ★☆☆
World class Sushi in the middle of the Caribbean? Look no further than the Ritz Carlton’s Taikun. A beautiful setting for a date night - one of our favorites for special occasions. On top of the most delicious Sushi you can get on island, the Ritz is one of the few places on island with consistently amazing service. The Yellowtail Jalapeño is a personal favorite (Hamachi, Lemongrass Ponzu, Valencia Orange, Jalapeño) and you have to try the Bonsai Tree if you have space for dessert (75% Madagascar Mousse with Salted Caramel Crèmeux and Matcha Green Tea Sponge). For the meat lover, their signature Wagyu Beef Nigiri (4 pieces - Wagyu Beef Nigiri, Garlic Chip, Scallion, Japanese BBQ Sauce, Wasabi Mayonnaise) is incredible.
Grand Old House
Website; Cost $$$; Family Friendly ★☆☆
Historic colonial charm on the water. Perfect for an anniversary or impressive date night, this restaurant has special meaning to my wife and I. Watch the sunset over the South Sound water while eating an incredible meal paired with wine from their extensive wine collection. Start with the Local Fish Ceviche (citrus juices, yuzu, peppers, tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, avocado, corn chips), share the Chateaubriand (center cut of beef tenderloin, flambéed and served table side potato gratin, green asparagus, roast vegetables, red wine jus, sauce bearnaise), you’ll have no regrets.
Coccoloba Bar
Website; Cost: $$; Family Friendly ★★★
One of the most stunning locations to catch a Grand Cayman sunset. Let the kids play in the calm seven mile water, while you sip on the island’s best Pina Colada and munch on some fresh ceviche from the Mexican Street food bar. Our favorites include the Elote Appetizer (grilled corn, tortilla crisps, cotija cheese, lime, chipotle aioli) and Red Chili Pork Tacos (kimchi pork belly, spicy mayo, pickled red cabbage). It’s not only great for the humans, dogs are welcome too with their very own menu. This is our pup Charlie’s go to place for his birthday, adoption day and any other excuse we can come up with for a puppy inspired celebration. Pop in on Mariachi night for a good time, just make sure your dog isn’t scared of sombreros.
Seven Mile Beach Special Mentions. If you’re looking for some more Instagram worthy locations on Seven Mile Beach - Bonny Moon, just a few steps down the beach, leans into the upscale drinks and party vibes when the lights get low. They also have great tables on the beach when beach erosion hasn’t washed it away. Or if you’d like to bump elbows with celebrities and eat fantastic steak with your toes in the sand, Tillies has less ocean view seating but incredible food.
Carnivore
Website; Cost $; Family Friendly ★☆☆
Sadly, my favorite burger spot on island closed this week. It’s what inspired me to write about my favorite food spots on island. Carnivore was a premium butcher in Camana Bay that would cook any meat from the Butcher’s case and serve it to you right there. For those of us lacking any kitchen skills this was one of the best deals you could be offered. I’m going to miss this spot so much, especially grabbing a steak sandwich to share on the run on busy nights.
While Carnivore may be gone, the Carnivore Smash food truck lives on. You’ll find me there wolfing down a Tropical Heat Smash Burger (seasoned smash patty, melty American cheese, shaved onion, grilled pineapple, creamy coleslaw, jerk BBQ sauce and a kick of scotch bonnet aioli).
All of these places not only have great food, locations or both; they have many special memories with friends and family. For all of human history, eating together has been at the heart of our social fabric. Restaurants that attract us with amazing food are really just a great excuse to make memories with people we love.
Got a favorite spot in the Cayman Islands or even in your home town? Share it with me in the comments.
Cost Meter
$ - Standard Cayman Eating Out Prices
$$ - Above average Cost
$$$ - Expensive, even for Cayman
Taikun date night? 😘 🍣