24 Best Restaurants in Cayman Islands

Bàcaro (likely derived from Bacchus, Roman god of wine) is the Venetian slang term for a gastropub, dispensing upscale versions of down-home cicheti (the city's beloved take on tapas). This dazzling yacht club eatery, boasting gorgeous views of the marina and modish decor (terrific terrace, wonderful black-and-white fishing photos, ropes hung from the ceiling to suggest both keels and sails), delivers on the name's promise thanks to the artistry of Venetian-born head chef–owner Federico Destro, late of Luca. Some of the stunners, deftly counterpointing tastes and textures: coffee-infused cured salmon; poached octopus with eggplant mayonnaise, confit tomatoes, and squid ink crispies; asparagus flan with wild rice, cauliflower puree, and Parmesan “sand”; and Niman Ranch pork belly topped with creamy polenta, roasted shallot, and Cabernet jus. A six-course tasting menu is a good deal (with an extra supplement for wine pairings).

Despite the deceptively chill vibe at this open-air setup replete with thatching and colorful hand-painted tiles and plates, the fare is haute south-of-the-border. You won't sample finer chicharróns (in tangy tequila barbecue sauce), fish tacos, or elote (corn off the cob with cotija cheese, cilantro, lime, and chipotle aioli) outside the Yucatán, while the intensely flavored flat-iron steak with mole jus and chimichurri might make even dedicated vegetarians think twice. The friendly, skilled bartenders mix marvelous margaritas with 'tude . . . and plenty of other diabolical concoctions. There's often live entertainment, but the best show is the nightly performance of the fireballing sun as it surrenders to the natural order of things, preferably from the smartly designed sea-facing counter.

The name means "good buddies," and this strip-mall jewel percolates with conversation and good strong espresso. The airy space is convivial—blond woods, periwinkle walls and columns, and handsome artworks of beach scenes, sailboats, and palm trees—and the antipasto alone is worth a visit, as are the homemade breadsticks and focaccia, carpaccio, and insalata Caprese. The shellfish linguine in a light, silken tomato sauce, with cherry-tomato skins pulled back and crisped, and gnocchi in four-cheese sauce with brandy and pistachios please pasta perfectionists. Thirty first-rate pizzas emerge from the wood-burning oven, and meat and seafood mains are beautifully done, never overcooked. The wine list is notable (400-odd choices) for a casual eatery, offering affordability even on heavy hitters such as Biondi Santi Brunello, Jermann Pinot Grigio, and Giacosa Barbaresco; the knowledgeable staff will gladly suggest pairings.

Taikun is an archaic Japanese term of esteem, loosely translated as "Supreme Commander." It's an appropriate designation for this sensuous sushi spot, clad in black with crimson and gray accents and dominated by a buzzy communal table. Start with one of the terrific cocktails or indulge in the superlative sake flights, which can be optimally paired with your sushi. Savor the salmon rice foie gras or melting Wagyu nigiri, then dive into such sublime signature maki as the Volcano (ahi poke, spicy salmon, tempura shrimp, cucumber, shiso, orange tobiko, wasabi mayo, and kabayaki sauce). The attention to detail is such that the waitstaff grates the fresh wasabi on sharkskin at the table; the resulting flavor is explosive in the best sense.

Actuaries, bankers, and CEOs frequent this contemporary throwback to a colonial country club for lunch and for "attitude adjustment" happy hours with creative cocktails and complimentary canapés. Inviting fusion farm- and sea-to-table cuisine, which emphasizes local ingredients whenever possible (the restaurant has its own boat and garden), includes terrific bar tapas. Dishes deftly balance flavors and textures without sensory overload: this is serious food with a sense of playfulness. Save room for dessert, from an artisanal cheese plate to an ice-cream-and-sorbet tasting menu and elaborate architectural confections. Lunch is more reasonably priced but equally creative; the adjacent Market excels at takeout, and the wine list is well considered.

This popular locals' insider spot (though celeb sightings have run from Shaq to Sly Stallone), straddling the unofficial "border" between Seven Mile Beach and West Bay, resembles a little neighborhood diner transported to the ocean. Enjoy equally fresh sea breezes and food on the waterfront wood deck under one of the mismatched umbrellas. The co-owner is a longtime fisherman, and the fish-and-chips would make any Londoner proud. Other savvy seafood selections run from fiery tiger shrimp curry to specials such as lobster ravioli in gossamer pumpkin-cream sauce. Indeed, the menu is as much Capri as Cayman, with fine pizzas (try the Scotch bonnet–lobster), chicken Marsala, and fried calamari served with jerk mayo and marinara sauce.

This refined eatery glamorously channels South Beach and Santa Monica, with a sleek black bar, an earthy color scheme, and sparkly ecru curtains dividing dining spaces. Executive chef Sandy Tuason (who apprenticed with the Roux brothers, Daniel Boulud, and David Burke) masterfully adapts Mediterranean and Asian influences to local traditions and ingredients to create a "coastal cuisine" menu that offers mostly small plates and large plates to be shared family style. Seafood is the star, unsurprisingly (Tuason's marine version of a charcuterie plate makes a marvelous meal). But the mouthwatering sous vide beef tenderloin is a winner, too. Pairings are suggested for each dish, and the wine list features several fine CI$40 options and some surprising high-end bargains. Wine Master dinners pair several courses with wines (from Marchese di Barolo to Gosset Champagne), often introduced by guest winemakers or owners from as far afield as Tuscany, Australia, Napa, and Chile.

Owner Tony Crescente and younger brother, maître d' Carlo, offer a simpatico dining experience, practically exhorting you to mangia and sending you off with a chorus of ciaos. There's some decorative formaggio (cheese): murals of grape clusters and cavorting cherubs, paintings of the Amalfi Coast, and una finestra sul mare ("window to the sea") stenciled redundantly over arches opening onto the harbor. The kitsch doesn't extend to the kitchen. Sterling Italian favorites include lemony veal piccata; gnocchetti in velvety four-cheese sauce with a blush of tomato; and the seafood grill in parsley-garlic-lemon sauce. Enjoy grappa at the marble bar of Il Bacio lounge amid its wooden wine racks (the impressive selection isn't overly Italian-centric). The patio juts over the harbor, and moonlight, abetted by a soundtrack featuring Bocelli and Bennett, can transform an amorous coward into a Casanova.

This rustic, waterfront bar is popular for sunset drinks, nightly farm-to-fork dinners, and delicious local offerings like conch fritters, wild snapper, and lobster.

Arguably Cayman's first true gastropub, Craft impresses with gorgeous postindustrial decor (contrasting warm white exposed brick with gray piping) and contemporary rustic cuisine that defies labels. The kitchen dubs it “familiar food with a twist." The globe-trotting menu changes monthly and the executive chef takes sabbaticals, traveling the world for inspiration. Stellar starters include jerk pork poutine, giant kale-cheddar pierogi with house-made bacon, and addictive beer-battered cheese curds with spicy ranch dip. Every day features a special: "Melting Pot" Wednesday (fondue), Thursday raw bar featuring sublime ceviches, and wild game such as ostrich chili or wild boar rack on Tuesday. Craft takes pride in its remarkable beer selection (including gluten-free options), with tastings, flights, and food pairings. Bourbon and rum lovers have fabulous options, and mixology mavens can dive into the house infusions.

This classic clapboard seaside shanty couldn't be homier: constructed from an old fishing vessel, the structure is an authentic representation of original Caymanian architecture. The deck is perfectly placed to savor the breezes and water views, and the chill Caribbean vibe makes it feel as if you're having the freshest seafood at a friend's home. The owners source fresh, local ingredients wherever possible and have developed relationships with Caymanian fishermen, who often cruise up to the dock with their catch. Savor jerk fish tacos, saltfish fritters, coconut shrimp with pineapple-tomato salsa, and golden crunchy breadfruit fries. Landlubber selections run from pork chops with pineapple butter to baby back ribs braised in Jack Daniels. Free Wi-Fi and occasional DJs are bonuses.

The closest thing to a genuine sports bar and nightclub on Little Cayman, the Iggy caters to the aquatically minded set with a marine mural, wood-plank floors, mounted trophy sailfish, lots of fishing caps, and yummy fresh seafood. Conch fritters are near definitive, while lionfish fingers—when available—with jerk mayo are mouth- and eye-watering. Prix-fixe theme nights offer fine value: pizza, fajitas, curry, and more. Drink in the smashing sunset views on the delightful patio overlooking the water, and also drink the house specialty Iguana Punch (rum, rum, more rum, and coconut rum with orange and pineapple juices).

Icoa, the goddess of water, worshipped by the Indigenous people of Venezuela's Paria Peninsula, was renowned for her exceptional beauty and alluring perfume. Innovative Dutch chef Jurgen Wevers crafts food that likewise stimulates the senses with cutting-edge cuisine, from Thailand to Tunisia and Tampico, taking center stage. Asian street food reigns supreme: taste buds tango to a duck-confit rice crepe with shiitakes, fired shallots, basil, cucumber, and hoisin-lemongrass broth. Fresh-baked breads make a meal in themselves. The adjacent space has been converted into a contemporary wine bar called ENOTECA with its own light menu. Desserts are remarkable, and you can also buy handcrafted chocolates infused with fresh Key limes, passion fruit, pineapple, and Cayman honey.

Overlooking the North Sound, this beach hangout rocks during the day (fantastic lunches that cost half the price of dinner, festive atmosphere including impromptu volleyball tourneys, and free Wi-Fi) and serves murderous margaritas and mudslides well into the evening to boisterous yachties, locals, sports buffs, and expats. Enjoy smoked mahi-mahi pâté, brick-oven pizzas, hefty burgers, and wondrous wraps, either on the multitier seafood platter with Christmas lights or in hammocks and thatched cabanas amid the palms. Swaddled in white muslin, the nautically themed Upstairs dining room (noted for its rare rum selection) is open nightly except Tuesday (reservations essential) and serves more creative fare at higher prices. The ultimate in romance is the catered Luna del Mar on the Friday evening closest to the full moon. Tuesday beach barbecues are popular (including limbo dancing, live music, half-price drinks, and discounted water taxi service to the "mainland").

It's a toss-up as to which is sexier at this pan-Pacific bistro: the sleek decor or the glistening, artfully presented food. The first, courtesy of Hong Kong designer Kitty Chan, is as sensuous as a 21st-century opium den with a back-lit dragon, contemporary Buddhas, glowing granite bar, wildly hued throw pillows, and enormous mirrors. The bartenders have developed a loyal local following for their flair in more ways than one. The chef's trot effortlessly all over Asia for culinary inspiration: terrific tuna tartare, decadent duck gyoza, killer kung pao chicken, smashing Singapore fried noodles, heavenly honey-glaze ribs, beautifully crispy Okinawan-style pork belly, and two dozen ultrafresh maki (try the signature roll). An extensive tea selection and a sake and wine list are also offered.

This fun, funky seaside spot brims with character and characters (a soused regular might welcome you by reciting, "The daily lunch special: chilled barley soup . . . That's beer"). Expertly prepared local fare (Cajun chicken, conch steak, or Cayman rock lobster escoveitch, served with rice and beans, plantains, and fried festival bread) is a bargain, especially at lunch, though the chef also surprises with such gussied-up fare as shrimp in Pernod sauce and turtle steak in Port. The nutty nautical decor—brass ships' lanterns dangle from the ceiling, and steering wheels, lacquered turtle shells, and fishing photos adorn the walls—contrasts with cool mirrored ads for Gitanes and Mumm Cordon Rouge and the trendily semi-open kitchen with fresh fish prominently displayed. The jukebox jumps (country music rules the roost), and the tiki-torch-lit terrace offers stunning views and fresh breezes.

In every respect, from the decor to the cuisine, Pani is a joyous celebration of street food from around the subcontinent, with haute gloss. The space breathtakingly creates an Indian street bazaar indoors: bamboo-and-burlap awnings, billowing multihue fabric, representations of such deities as Ganesha, a wall of dyed tea bags, and huge brass tandoor urns in the open kitchen. Among the many standouts (with just the right amount of heat, which the restaurant will happily adjust) are prawn tandoori, wonderfully complex savory chaats, lentil dosas (crepes), and paneer butter masala. The vast vegetarian options are good enough to convert the most ardent carnivores, and the express lunch is one of Cayman's best bargains.

Neapolitan-style pizzas, shawarmas, and flatbreads are served in a garden flanked with leafy palms and an authentic Italian brick oven.

Inspired by the vibrant culture and glamour of the 1960s jet set society, Saint June provides an inviting atmosphere where guests can savor refreshing cocktails and exquisite dishes. Signature creations include local favorites like jerk chicken with mango slaw, and South American dishes such as Argentinean beef empanadas and Mexican esquites (toasted corn). Guests may also enjoy the Tourist Tree, made from local botanicals, or inventive drinks like Chic and Skinny, blending mezcal with local flavors. All this, surrounded by the stunning beauty of Seven Mile Beach.

East meets West at this elegant eatery, and the combination makes for a tasty meal. The Thai chefs turn out splendid classics like yum nuer (sliced chargrilled strip loin tossed with green salad in lime dressing), and seafood lovers can opt for the fresh sushi; plentiful vegetarian options include curries perfumed with lemongrass. Sunday's all-you-can-eat Thai sushi buffet (just CI$19.95) is a bargain. Desserts return west, besting those at most Asian restaurants; dark- and white-chocolate mousse cake with crème anglaise and raspberry coulis is a standout.

The industrial-chic setting of this wildly popular pizza and pasta joint cleverly recalls similar Brooklyn eateries in DUMBO and Williamsburg with natural wood tables for family-style dining, exposed piping, oversize metal lighting fixtures, distressed floors, and silk-screen paintings of musicians like Ray Charles and Diana Ross in Fauvist tones. The food proves equally trendy and appealing. You might start with the bountiful butcher’s board of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie or a definitive fried calamari tossed with blistered tomatoes, artichokes, olives, and aioli. Pastas are all Mamma mia garlic and attitude (marvelous meatballs), while the creative pizzas (the jerk chicken is dynamite in more ways than one, and the Nutella s'mores 'za makes a divine dessert) display Wolfgang Puck–ish flair. The attention to detail shows in everything from the garnishes on the craft cocktails to the marvelously presented flowerpot brimming with homemade sourdough.

This modish locals' lair serves superlative sushi. The main room's scarlet cushions, cherry blown-glass pendant lamps, leather-and-bamboo accents, orchids, and maroon walls create an exciting vibe. Savvy diners literally leave themselves in Yoshi's hands (the rolls and nightly sushi "pizzas" are particularly creative), while the raw-phobic can choose from fine cooked items, from tuna tataki (meat or fish steak, served raw or lightly seared) to tempura and teriyaki. The congenial staff recommends sake and beer pairings, but the wine and martini selections are also admirable for an Asian eatery.