GRAND CAYMAN'S BEST RESTAURANTS
Check out 2023 guide to Cayman's best restaurants. From fine dining to local shacks, we give you the low-down from a local's point of view. When we are not out on the water with our clients, there's nothing we love more than eating (and drinking) out. Cayman is justifiably known as the gourmet capital of the Caribbean with dozens of fine dining restaurants, local joints and great bars. Here's our list of some of the very best to suit all tastes and budgets.
UNION GRILL & BAR - undeniably Cayman's finest grill restaurant with more Angus steaks and lobster than any other place. They have live jazz on Thursday and a cool female singer on Saturdays. Cocktails are world-class, the interior is super-chic and it has a terrace with water and marina views in trendy Camana Bay. www.unioncayman.com
KAIBO BEACH - this is an institution on the Northside of Cayman. Nestled on a lovely sandy cove this restaurant has a casual dining beach option with brick-oven pizzas, burgers and fish. Upstairs at Kaibo is more formal with a great selection of rare rums in a plantation-style space. It's a one drive from George Town by car or 25 mins by water taxi from Camana Bay.
COCOLOBA - on the beach at the Kimpton Seafire Hotel, this casual dining spot serves great local beach food and coastal Mexican faves, Tiki drinks and ice-cold margaritas. It's a cool place for lunch and early evening bites. You don't need to be a hotel guest to enjoy the amazing sunsets.
www.seafireresortandspa.com/grand-cayman-restaurants/coccoloba/
PEPPERS - a local institution for jerk and BBQ food, with a comprehensive family-friendly menu. Located mid-7Mile, Peppers has an open-air thatched roof, wooden seating and benches, with live music Saturday night (Latin/Cuban ensemble). We love the easy-going style, tasty jerk, burgers and happy staff. www.peppers.ky
BACARO - a classy Venetian-inspired Italian restaurant at the Cayman Islands Yacht Club. Bacaro serves small tapas-style plates as well as larger dishes. The cocktails are well crafted and they have a substantial wine selection. You can dine inside or on the breezy wrap-around terrace overlooking the harbour water.
TAIKUN - inside the Ritz-Carlton hotel this upscale sushi restaurant turns out some of the best Japanese dishes on the island. Expect impeccable sushi, sashimi and a fine range of sake. https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/grand-cayman/dining/taikun
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PARADISE PIZZA - tucked away inside the grounds of the Palm Heights hotel is Paradise Pizza, known for its shawarma and artisan pizzas. Expect a small menu, outdoor vibes (bring mosquito spray) and occasional music nights.
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CASA 43 - Cayman's best Mexican restaurant with all the usual tacos and tasty regional dishes. The margaritas, tequillas and mezcals flow all night and the atmosphere is frenetic. Casa could be a little 'dive-bar' in style but nevertheless great fun.
TORTUGA BEACH GRILL - situated on the most expansive stretch of Seven Mile Beach, Tortuga Beach Grill at the Westin hotel offers lively alfresco dining in a casual pool-side setting. Their lunch and dinner menus are diverse, very family friendly and include salads, tacos, burgers, and flatbread pizzas. Happy hour is always busy from 5pm-7pm with great sunsets.
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BARS WORTH A MENTION:
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DOOR No. 4 - located in The Grove this small cocktail bar is all about craft/artisan cocktails with small bar snacks. Talented mixos will keep you in the vacation spirit.
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UNION GRILL & BAR - in Camana Bay, long marble bar, sophisticated city vibe. Top class mixos, gourmet bar snacks. Jazz on Thursday.
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LONE STAR - open-sided roadside diner/sports bar. Lots of TVs. burgers, fajitas etc. Local crowd and tourists mingle.
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RACKAMS - in George Town on the waterfront, hangout spot for diver masters and crew, reliable fast food, great sunsets.
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BACKROOM BAR - cocktail and cigar bar on mid-SMB, smoky vibes, excellent drinks.
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MACABUCA - Tiki-style bar and fast-casual food at the top end of West Bay close to the turtle farm, diving and snorkeling from the deck, awesome sunsets.