10 Best Local Restaurants in Antigua

Roti King in Antigua lives up to its name – you won’t find better flatbread delicacies anywhere on the island. The spicy goat roti is the signature dish, but you can’t go wrong with the chicken curry or shrimp, either. If you’re feeling famished, order some tamarind smothered pholourie (Caribbean fried dough balls) on the side. The portions are big.

The staff at this legendary St John’s locale serve each dish with a smile, and the bargain basement prices give budget-conscious diners cause to grin as well. It’s located a few blocks from the port, making it a great choice for cruise passengers seeking a quick local bite.

Cuties in St John’s Redcliffe Quay attracts hungry shoppers searching for a satisfying Caribbean meal. Standout dishes include the flame-grilled steak with sweet potato chips and the deep-fried prawn fritters. There’s also a tempting selection of international dishes that cater to visitors stumbling in from the nearby port.

The casual restaurant features a distinct island theme and laidback vibe – 2 hallmarks of an authentic Antiguan eatery. Service can be slow at times, so grab a freshly squeezed fruit juice or margarita while you wait.

Roti Sue is your go-to venue for lip-smacking roti on the southern end of the island. This unpretentious eatery is run by a lovely lady named Sue, who’s mastered the art of making this delectable Trinidadian dish. Sue offers 4 roti options – veggie, chicken, beef, or shrimp – all of which come drenched in curry sauce then ram-packed with potatoes and chickpeas.

Look for the bright-green building overlooking Falmouth Harbour – you’ll easily spot it from a distance. Inside, the laidback vibe and friendly service make dining here a casual affair. Affordable prices ensure the place remains popular with the local crowd. 

De Underdog offers an affordable alternative to the upscale waterfront venues in Antigua and sits a stone’s throw from Jolly Harbour. The casual Caribbean restaurant does a mean goat curry plus deep-fried delicacies like fish fingers and prawn fritters. If you’re craving more familiar flavours, you’ll find juicy burgers and quesadillas on the menu, too.

De Underdog doubles as a sports bar, attracting a lively mix of locals and visitors most nights. The manager is always up for a chat and will happily switch on the sports match of your choice. Pop round on a Tuesday if you fancy karaoke.

Big Banana Pizzas in Paradise resides in a renovated 18^th-century rum warehouse in St John’s historic Redcliffe Quay. As you’d expect, its wood-fired pies are the star of the show – order the lobster or seafood pizza for a Caribbean twist. Burgers, wraps, baguettes, and pasta add variety to the menu, best accompanied by a fresh fruit crush.

The cosy, open-plan venue has a fully licensed bar and a big screen TV playing the day’s sports highlights. Live musicians grace the stage on some nights, attracting a boisterous mix of locals and travellers. The restaurant also has an airport branch if you fancy a quick pizza slice before your flight.

Smiling Harry’s does the best Caribbean fare on the east coast of Antigua, including an eclectic blend of meat and seafood dishes. The goat curry and shrimp salad are the picks of the bunch, though you can’t go wrong with their tasty chicken treats. The place packs out with locals at lunchtime, which is always a good sign.

Despite the scenic location overlooking Half Moon Bay, Harry’s is surprisingly affordable. Enormous portions and refreshing ice-cold drinks make this a pleasant pitstop while on a snorkelling tour of the bay.

Sandra’s is your go-to Jolly Harbour venue for authentic Caribbean cuisine with waterfront views. The laidback beachside restaurant has a small selection of tree-shaded tables, letting you dine with your toes in the sand. If those are taken, the wooden verandah affords equally breathtaking views.

Caribbean seafood classics like deep-fried prawn fritters and grilled saltfish fill the menu, all plucked fresh from the ocean that day. Jovial staff provide superb service and rent out jet skis for a post-lunch adventure. If you’re thirsty, try their signature cocktail: Sherwin’s Pain Killer (but not before hopping on a jet ski, that is).

Honeycutters is your best bet for finger-lickin' wings in Antigua. Each tender morsel comes smothered in their signature BBQ sauce. If you’re more of a burger lover, this beloved fast-food haunt does hearty creations with your choice of fillings. The steamy fish stew is a superb alternative for those watching their carbs.

This St John’s institution has been filling Antiguan bellies for generations, and its rock-bottom prices keep the locals coming back for more. It’s located directly opposite the port – perfect for a quick comfort food fix when your ship docks. Keep an eye out for the Honeycutter’s food truck that frequents the city’s top parties and fetes.

Chippy Antigua is the brainchild of an English expat couple who’ve become famous throughout the island for their fabulous food van. The mobile venue does a roaring trade, with fellow expats and loyal locals in the queue.  

The owner, a deep-sea diver and commercial fisherman, catches most of the menu and the rest comes from the local epicurean market. His wife takes charge of the cooking, preparing British recipes like meat pies, sausages, and fish and chips, all with traditional sides such as gravy or mushy peas. Her Antiguan seafood dishes are just as good.

Jackee’s Kwik Stop on English Harbour is a friendly, family-run business that’s been cooking outstanding Caribbean cuisine for over 25 years. You’ll find 3 generations working the room at any given time, all of whom serve each dish with a smile.

The venue is a hit for its decadent all-day breakfast. Featuring a mountain of eggs, pancakes, and bacon, it’s a potent hunger (or hangover) cure. For a lighter start to the day, order the Antiguan breakfast instead, which comes with salt cod, spinach, eggs, and banana. Standout lunch options include jerk pork and shrimp salad.