Eating Out

Turks and Caicos has almost every kind of restaurant you might wish for, especially on Provo. From small beach shacks to gorgeous upscale dining rooms and everything in between, this destination is a gastronomical delight. There are cafés and delis, international restaurants, and some of the best chefs in the Caribbean; what you won't find is fast food or restaurant chains. Typically, the restaurants offer wide choices, so even vegetarians and picky eaters will find something appealing on most menus. If a restaurant does not have a children's menu, the chef will usually be willing to make something to suit your kids, so don't be afraid to ask. Restaurants cater primarily to American tastes (especially on American holidays). Dinner usually starts a little later than Americans are used to; most restaurants are full by 8. Most restaurants are upscale and expensive, though you will also find a few slightly less expensive, more casual options. A typical meal averages $80 to $120 per couple without a bottle of wine, much more if you add that in.

Always check your bill carefully before paying. Restaurants can become so busy at times that bills can get combined with another table’s.

Unless otherwise noted, restaurants listed are open daily for lunch and dinner.

Turks and Caicos Cuisine

The most typical foods on these islands come from the sea. Grouper and snapper are usually the catch of the day, often grilled with jerk spices. But be sure to ask whether the fish is fresh caught or brought in. In season, spiny lobster is brought in daily—as long as the seas aren’t too rough—and used in many ways, in addition to the more familiar thermidor and broiled. One favorite food in the Turks and Caicos is conch; it even has its own festival in November, with recipe and tasting competitions. Conch is made every way imaginable, including the typical cracked conch and conch fritters. Macaroni and cheese, fried plantain, and peas ’n rice are common side dishes, especially in spots that serve local food. Coleslaw here even has a Caribbean twist, often including pineapple or mango. For a typical island breakfast, order broiled fish with baked beans and grits.

Paying

Most major credit cards (Visa, Discover, and MasterCard—Diner's Club less so) are accepted in almost all restaurants. American Express is accepted in far fewer establishments. It's smart to bring more than one type of credit card with you just in case. Call your credit-card company to see if they charge an additional foreign transaction fee; most add 2.5%, even though all transactions in the TCI are in U.S. dollars. If a place takes cash only, it's noted on the review.

Reservations and Dress

We mention reservations only when they are essential (there's no other way you'll ever get a table) or when they are not accepted. We mention dress only when men are required to wear a jacket or a jacket and tie, which is currently not the case anywhere in the country. Although you don't need fancy dresses or even long pants at most places, you will look out of place in a T-shirt and tennis shoes.

Wines, Beer, and Spirits

You can expect to pay more than you would at home. Imported U.S. beer is particularly expensive; a case of Bud Light or Miller Light can run $65 to $75. For beer lovers, it's always fun to try something new: the brewery for Turks Head, which is a heavier-tasting beer than its American counterparts, offers tours. In addition, some other Caribbean brands are available in local stores, including Kalik and Red Stripe. Of the rums, Caicos Rum is made for the Turks and Caicos and bottled here. Turks and Caicos’s Bambarra Rum is a bargain compared with other rums. Remember that although you can always buy alcohol at a bar, it’s against the law to purchase it from a store on Sunday.