10 Great Restaurants in Antigua

Cloggy’s is an Antiguan institution – the beloved Falmouth Harbour haunt attracts hordes of loyal locals and visitors. Chicken shwarma is the signature dish. Tender and smothered in spicy seasoning, some say it’s the best on the island. Other worthy contenders include the smoked salmon salad and the catch of the day.

Grab a table on the deck to enjoy the view of yachts sailing by as you wait for your meal, preferably with a rum-infused cocktail in hand. The venue doubles as a sailor’s bar, so expect things to get lively as the evening wears on.

Papa Zouk is your best bet for a freshly caught seafood feast in Antigua that won’t break the bank. A duo of German globetrotters founded this unpretentious St John’s locale, though you’ll be hard-pressed to spot any European influence at all. Vibrant murals, tartan tablecloths, and fishing-themed decor set a distinctly Caribbean scene. The only downside? It’s inland, thus lacking the sea views.

The butterfish and Barbudan snapper are superb – order them deep-fried or slowly steamed. A tangy layer of guava-pepper teriyaki sauce gets smothered on top for extra zest, best washed down with a big glass of aged rum.

Trappas is a hit among locals and wandering yachties in Antigua for its delectable Caribbean-style seafood. The colourful ramshackle cottage sits between Falmouth and English Harbour, and its lack of seafront acreage makes it an affordable, more casual affair.

A big blackboard lists a rotating menu showcasing the catch of the day, with options like tuna sashimi and breaded calamari. While seafood is the focus here, you’ll find several land-raised dishes on the menu, too – try the pork schnitzel or West Indian curry.

Ana’s on the Beach straddles the turquoise waves of Dickenson Bay, where refined culinary creations pair perfectly with the idyllic scene. Chic outdoor tables, a cute contemporary art gallery, and comfy sun loungers invite you to while away the afternoon – don’t come here for a quick meal.

An eclectic array of seafood dishes adorn the menu – the seasonal lobster mustn’t be missed. If you tire of seafood, there’s a solid selection of Italian fare and a few tasty vegetarian options, too. Prices are fair, given the stylish ambience and quality of the cuisine.

Shirley Heights Lookout sits, as the name hints, high up on a hilltop overlooking the island and the sea in Antigua. The panoramic locale occupies a restored artillery battery, giving you a dose of scenery, history, and gastronomy in all at once.

Seafood dishes and smoked meats comprise the menu, with enormous portions and the option for an all-you-can-eat experience. Come Sunday afternoon, the venue puts on a barbeque and rum-fuelled party, with live local bands and dancing late into the night. The boisterous event has been running for 3 decades and has earned legendary status on the island.

Miracles of the Caribbean serves refined regional flavours in a warm and welcoming locale. It’s a bit fancy but far from pretentious. And like most Antiguan restaurants, seafood takes centre stage – the sautéed prawns and seafood pasta are divine. Fancy something different? The chef does a mean goat curry that packs a spicy punch.

Although you won’t get water views at this popular Jolly Harbour haunt, its elegant fairy-light-clad ambiance makes for a romantic night out. Locals frequent the joint in greater numbers than visitors – that's always a positive sign.

Incanto Restaurant & Lounge Bar is a tad pricier than other dining spots in Antigua, but worth the splurge if you’re craving upscale Italian cuisine. You’ll find all your usual Mediterranean favourites on the menu, with the gnocchi or risotto among the must-tries, plus a few fancy options like sautéed eggplant parmigiana and lobster linguine. Regional dishes are available, too.

The elegant eatery overlooks English Harbour to guarantee a scenic meal. What’s more, the must-see historic site of Nelson’s Dockyard is just a 4-minute stroll away – a great hike if you want to work off some excess carbs right away.

Hemingway’s is a quintessential Antiguan eatery that does delectable Caribbean and Creole cuisine in a laidback, casual locale. Grab a seat on the rickety wooden terrace to people-watch on this lively street in St John’s.

On the menu, you’ll find artfully prepared Caribbean classics like saltfish fricassee and roasted jerk pork tenderloin topped with a tangy pineapple sauce. There’s an impressive local rum list to go through, some of which comes pre-packaged in your meal – the flambéed lobster with Cavalier rum is a good pick. Save space for dessert because the Antiguan bread pudding is superb.

Jacqui O’s Beach House is tucked away on the top end of Turner’s Beach and does fabulous Antiguan fare in a postcard-perfect setting. The whitewashed wooden abode boasts a pretty patio and comfy loungers facing out to the turquoise sea. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of distant Montserrat.

Traditional Caribbean cuisine with a chic European twist defines the menu – try the black pineapple gazpacho or the catch of the day. The manager-cum-mixologist does the tastiest cocktails this side of St John’s – great for a boozy afternoon.

C&C Wine House is your go-to venue for well-prepared Caribbean and international fare accompanied by fine imported wine. The seared tuna is a great pick of the bunch, but the prawn fritters, spicy chicken pasta, and dry-age steak are equally divine.

Despite its location in the heart of St John’s bustling downtown, this sophisticated establishment exudes a laidback vibe. That is, of course, unless a cruise ship has just sailed into town (it’s opposite the port), at which point things can get a little hectic.