Reasons to Date Food in the Cayman Islands

For those who love to impress your date, there’s nothing like taking them to a waterfront fine dining restaurant in Cayman. You can savor the delicious food while basking in the awe-inspiring view. Sample bold island flavors are from lionfish tacos to jerk chicken. It’s a cuisine as vibrant as the landscape of this beautiful trio of paradise islands.

The Local Cuisine

The cuisine of the Cayman Islands is a true blend of Caribbean flavors with influences from Jamaica (which has its own distinctive food culture) and the British. There are no rivers on the island, so locals rely heavily on the surrounding waters and a rich, diverse marine ecosystem to provide fresh ingredients for their dishes. T

he tropical climate also enables the cultivation of many fruits and vegetables, including callaloo, coconut, yams, cassava, and bananas. Trying some of the island’s traditional foods is one way to enjoy the flavor of this distinctive cuisine. These include turtle stew, conch stew, jerk chicken, salt fish and beans, and callaloo and ackee.

A trip to the Cayman Islands would only be complete with trying a plate of succulent lobster! Whether served in a risotto, pasta, or patties, the lobster here is tender and irresistible. Another must-try is lionfish ceviche, made from an ocean reef’s worst enemy that is slow-cooked with spices to produce a delectable marinade.

For an authentic local dining experience, head to Champion House II on the island’s east end. This down-to-earth eatery serves dishes like callaloo & ackee, conch stew, and Cayman-style beef with rice, beans, and fried plantains. 

The Freshest Seafood

The Caribbean Sea surrounds Cayman, meaning seafood is a significant part of local cuisine. It’s also some of the freshest seafood you will find worldwide. You can sample fresh seafood at one of the islands’ many buffets or dine at a restaurant serving dishes made with seafood from the area.

One of the best ways to experience seafood flavors is at the best restaurants in Cayman Islands. Chefs at the restaurant receive fresh fish daily from local fishermen to create delectable ocean-to-table dishes.

Try the smoked salmon served with capers, sour cream, fresh lemon, or the Thai Green Seafood Curry. Another popular restaurant for seafood in Cayman is The Lobster Pot. This popular breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot offers a wide selection of seafood options, including Caribbean lobster, grilled wahoo, and shrimp.

The restaurant has become famous for its views of the water and sunsets, so you’ll want to arrive early for a table! If you’re looking for a more refined culinary experience, The Falls Steakhouse in George Town is the place to be.

This upscale steakhouse has an extensive menu with an impressive list of wine options. All meals at the restaurant include one martini or highball, a choice of soup or salad, one starch side, one vegetable side, and a dessert.

The Best Desserts

It’s a well-known fact that desserts are an instant mood booster. So, who would want to avoid savoring one of the best desserts in Cayman? The best desserts in Cayman are made from fresh ingredients that are locally sourced.

These include crepes, fresh ice cream, and cakes. They also serve a wide variety of vegan desserts. Try a traditional fruit cake if you’re in the mood for something fruity. It is a holiday staple, made with raisins, currants, and dates that are chopped and then soaked in rum for months. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting the island.

For those who love panna cotta, Bacaro is the place to be. Their passion fruit panna cotta is creamy and smooth and melts in the mouth, offering a soul-soothing end to a meal.

The chefs at Bacaro use gelatin to create this creamy dessert, and they do it exceptionally well. You can also enjoy this at the restaurant’s sister company, The Wharf.

The Best Drinks

It’s easy for a New Yorker to write off bar food on a Caribbean island as needing to be up to snuff. However, that’s only true for some of the islands of Grand Cayman, which is home to a handful of bars that stand out above the rest.

Cocktail lovers should head to The Wreck at Rum Point, where cocktails like the From Cayman With Love pay tribute to Ian Fleming’s love of the islands and his lesser-known character Quarrel, the local fisherman who teaches Bond how to appreciate the natural beauty of the Sea.

The drink combines a Cayman-made sugarcane spirit infused with island botanicals, sea-mineral vermouth, and homemade tropical cordial. Or, go for a refreshing Caybrew beer brewed right on the island and a winner of many international awards.

It’s the perfect beverage to help wash down a plate of delicious seafood or jerk chicken. And, of course, it’s also a great way to show your support for the country’s only independent brewery.