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Anguilla Visitor Restaurant Reviews

We asked the Anguilla Guide forum viewers to give us reviews on Anguilla's restaurants. Anyone may submit a review by scrolling to the bottom of this article and by including your initials, state or country and a brief comment about a restaurant.

Please limit your comment to constructive comments or praise, no personality comments, they will be deleted.
Thanks and enjoy reading what folks have to say about the restaurants on the island.

Flavors: Under new management. The owner was very attentive and the staff was excellent. Food portions are large. If you like Greek Salad, they have one of the best.
Ripples: This is still one of my favorites on the island. JQ has a nice happy hour dinner on Sat. You can't beat $12 dinner and 1/2 price drinks. And, they take reservations.
ks - Lewes DE

Hibernia - the best; Veya, Zurra, Mango's, Cedar Grove - excellent; Koal Keel - very good, but service iffy; Barrel Stay - usually great but a little disappointed this time. Always eat too much during Anguilla vacations because so many restaurants are sooooo good.
C.G., NYC

Lucy's is a wonderful little place in Long Bay serving great Caribbean food at very reasonable prices well worth a special trip. Give it a try!
MOC, Bellport, NY, USA

Scilly Cay has a nice setting, but be warned that there was no menu or price list -just "chicken or lobster". The two lobsters weighed in at about 3 pounds,
so don't blink when you get the bill!! And be prepared to wait - and wait - and
wait ....... One of our neighbors left after about 1 and 1/2 hour
DEC, Bellport, NY, USA

Veya Their look is handsome indeed. Splendid large bar and lounge room, comfortable and warm. The wait staff is knowledgeable and smiling. Now, about the menu. The menu is very narrowly focused. Substantially every dish is listed as spiced.
The Thai calamari, is lightly spiced and delicious. Yet the duck breast has actual small peppercorns as a crust, and the average American eater will have to cut off the crust or suffer. The striking fact is, though, that every single dish is listed as spiced in varying styles, and some are just too much for the Western palate. There is no less spiced food at all. So, if you like spicy food, do try Veya. If you don't want a totally-spiced meal, have a drink and an appetizer (but watch out, the bar salted nibbles are quite spicy, too).
Wine list is thoughtful and competent, with wine prices on the usual Anguilla higher side.
NO, Chicago

Sunsets Sandy Ground - Armel is a really nice friendly person who makes you feel very welcome. If ever you go to Sunsets, you must try the Fish Club Sandwich - it is WICKED! I had it 3 times while I was on vacation for 5 days!
SR - England

We just returned from 2 great wks. over Christmas/New Yrs. in AXA and enjoying all of the great food.

Cote MerIsland Harbour beach --We ate a lunch and dinner here. We love lots about this great spot. The owner is wonderful and very personable. The burgers at lunch are fantastic--can't imagine any better. Highly recommend this restaurant for lunch. The dinner was also good but given the staffing, one chef, etc. be prepared for a long-leisurely meal. Still worth it and we drove there from the West End in a driving rain storm. We wish them well and hope that they can succeed in this location with their firm commitment to fresh ingredients in a low-key continental setting. They are even committed to trying to keep the prices low!!

ZurraGolf Course --Much already said about this new addition. The setting is very special but I do agree with another poster that it could be set anywhere and doesn't have a specific Anguilla vibe. We still liked it despite some service clitches that are being worked out. All in all, good value for the dollar.

PicanteWest End --Had 2 dinners here and continue to like the great value for dollar and service. Their seafood enchiladas are the best.

Mango's Barnes Bay--We had a better dinner here than last year but there were fewer dinners in the restaurant. Dave seemed a bit grumpy, more like the old Dave.

Altamer Shoal Bay West--We had Christmas dinner for the 5th yr. here. It was good but unfortunately not as good as past years. Not sure--could be menu change but each of the 4 of us had complaints about our dishes. Service and setting, however, continues to be very good and it was quite busy. Always like Dimitri's piano playing and he is a genuinely nice person.

Pimms Cap Juluca--Had a great dinner here right before Christmas and the restaurant was almost empty. Great service and food. Still love Wilma!

Blanchards Meads Bay--Despite the new restaurant, both Bob and Melinda were very much a presence at dinner and Melinda was cooking. We had great food and service. Not sure how the Blanchards are able to balance both places but they seem to be doing it well.

Bananas by the Sea Meads Bay--Had a dinner and 2 lunches. We prefer it for lunch. The dinner was fine but not memorable. We see what posters mean about the music--it was somewhat more irritating at dinner. Good service and great location, however.

Straw Hat Forest Bay--After going to Straw Hat since it opened, we decided this is our last visit. We have consistently found it to be the least friendly restaurant on the Island. No recognition, lack of friendliness, etc. despite going at least 2 times each year. We don't get it. There are enough other good choices that we decided finally--no more. Too bad because the setting is great. Have to say that Armel is the exception.

Barrel Stay Sandy Ground beach--We had two outstanding dinner here. Can't say enough great things about the food, service, and hospitality. Graham does an absolutely outstanding job preparing and presenting all of the food himself. Jill is always friendly and with the addition of a few other great wait staff they are humming along. Their shrimp tempura was to die for.

Palm Grove Savannah Bay--Very busy and long wait but always a special spot. No complaints.

Smokey's Cove Bay--Had lunch but it look over 2 1/2 hrs. They were really disorganized. Hope it was just a bad day.

Koal Keel The Valley--Went to the pastry shop several times, not the restaurant. The quality of baked goods cannot be beat.

Overlook Back Street--Had a wonderful breaklast with great service.
Forum member meegandennee

Cote Mer , on the beach in Island Harbour was spectacular. The food at Scilly Cay was also great (and lots of it). However, we'd "order out" from there and meet the boat at the island-side landing so we could skip the trip. The boat ride itself isn't so bad--but trying to climb back to dry land Anguilla-side, espeically on a full stomach, is beyond most of us sedentary types--the dock is at least 30/36 inches above the boat's gunwales. For those of us who are on a boat perhaps once every five or ten years, the good dinner isn't worth scaling the wall. The boat ride's supposed to be an adventure, but not a fright. So order "take away" from the Anguilla dock side from Scilly Cay. We would.
T and K Hawaii

Deon's Overlook - The entire experience is wonderful. Service is excellent. The vegetarian meal I had was the best I have had in a long time: several small portions of both hot and cold items, with different flavors, textures, & colors; vegetables, grains, & proteins were all included. My husband enjoyed the bean soup & a spicy chicken dish. Portions are large. The setting overlooking Sandy Ground is very nice. We highly recommend this restaurant.
SB Nevada & Anguilla

Koal Keel was our most memorable and enjoyable dining experience on Anguilla. We have been to the island twice now and when we speak of the food, all of us agree this was the most outstanding experience. We look forward to returning and dining there again.
L.B. NC

E's Oven Probable the best meal and valu on the island. Every trip includes at least one meal at E's. Always excellent. What about Hungry's? Cheap & good.
Enjoy TS/LI

Ripples I can't believe no one has metioned this wonderful restaurant. Not only is it great for family dining it also has a wonderful night life. I have been dining at this restaurant for over 10 years and I must say Janice Boston is an outstanding Chef. From native cuisine to English it is all wonderful!!
Jennifer, Indiana

Roy's Bayside Grill What a great place. We went in for Lunch, and went back for dinner. Over the course of 10 days we ate there about 6 times. Food is GREAT, food prepares so that it can be tased for what it is, no messy sauses over everything. Service was timed well, we didn't feel rushed, but we weren't waiting. Allen at the bar makes a mean drink, is friendly and full of local information. A definite must go hot spot - call ahead for dinner reservations and don't miss Happy Hour on Friday night, the local ex-pats all show up for cheep drinks and great food specials.
PL USA

KOKOs If you want a great barbeque, and warm service, KOKO's is the place. The prices are great. Eishlyn, and Maude, I wish I had you here in Canada.
Sproka's For a fun evening of singalongs, and good company, definitely go to Sproka's Soul Kitchen by the airport, it's some of the best fun we've had on the island..
SN and FM, Toronto, Canada

Tastys I had dinner last week at Tastys and it was GREAT. I had the Grilled Tuna Steak and a Warm Goat Cheese salad that was so good. To answer a rumour that is going around.... Tastys does NOT require a coat and tie in any part of the restaurant. You may dress casual for lunch or dinner or breakfast. Your choice. My only recommendation is that you make reservations as they get very busy at night.
AT, AXA

Barrel Stay is a fabulous restaurant right on the beach. Graham and Jil could not be more pleasant and hospitable. We ate there 2 nights during our stay. The grilled lobster is a must to try as Graham prepares it perfectly and has ruined me for eating any other lobster!
Shelley, Mystic,CT

June 2006 Assorted Bananas! gorgeously redone by Bob and Dale..stunning building Excellent food especially crayfish,sunsets,lovely bar!Flavours.Excellent in everyway.great view of sandy ground.great mix of Anguillans,travellers,tourists.KOAL KEEL,always tops,intown but you are treated royally..food has lots of indian touches,tour and tasting of rums and wine cellar,we ALWAYS go back to this truly historic and treasure trove of Anguilla.The 3 above are our favorites and we have been to almost all..Suggestion for travellers new, try all levels non and beachside even small bakeries have super food,lunches to go! Enjoy!

Assorted Tremonanos, Olivers, Strawhat, Hibernia are some of our very favorites on the island, but each for something different. The best lobster is Richardson's Bar and Grill or Smitty's.
JM, NJ

Picante By far the best food on the island. Theron and Chloe treated us like family. Can't wait to go back!

Assorted Been coming to Anguilla 15 years. Our favorites in order are Hibernia, Koal Keel and recently Tasty's. For lunch no one beats Uncle ernies.

Taste of Anguilla - featured on the TODAY show in NYC this date....the helpers (2 women) cutting ingredients with LONG polished fingernails made me sick. I would not want to eat at this restaurant - I am shocked the owners featured these women on camera with those unsanitary hands. I think you should review this place again and check out the kitchen help - or your Dept of Health should do so.
A former restaurant owner in Miami.

Mangos -One of our top three restaurants on Anguilla. Mangos is a fun spot, with excellent service and extrememly tasty food. I have not a had a bad meal yet. Put it on your dining list.
TP USA

Assorted Been coming to Anguilla 15 years. Our favorites in order are Hibernia, Koal Keel and recently Tasty's. For lunch no one beats Uncle ernies.

Zara's Chef Shamash does an excellent job on everything. Best lobster in Anguilla and the Rasta Pasta is great. Went there 2 nights in a row on our last 2 days on the island. Very reasonable prices for super food.
EG-NJ

English Rose affordable, reliably good long wait but lillian makes strong drinks so the time goes faster.
sf - barbados

Koal Keel - an outstanding restaurant set in a restored 18th century building just north of The Valley near Crocus Hill. The open air dining room serves some of the very best food (island cuisine or wonderful Tandoori specialities such as Tandoori Rack of Lamb or Tandoori Snapper) on the island; we make sure to have dinner there on each trip to Anguilla. Also, you can enjoy the Patisserie or the Vintage Rum room, or take a tour of the 15,000 bottle wine cellar. This is one of the more expensive restaurants on the island, but it is definitely worth it!
SL, Minneapolis, MN

Picante has excellent food and drinks at the right price. The carnitas platter and seafood enchilladas were to die for. WE LOVE Picante!!
AB, CA
Picante this was the find of our trip. We ate at Blanchards, Mangos and all the other more expensive places on Anguilla and found Picante to be equally as good. The margaritas are exceptional and the ribs...MMMMM!! My husband and I liked the salsa so much that the chef came out to the table to tell us how he made it. We went back a second night and were treated to complimentary shots of tequilla. A GREAT PLACE!
TP, USA

Koko's (Island Harbor)--located about 100 yards past the Arawak on a craggy, unpaved lane, KoKo's is the closest thing to a "find" we discovered on this trip. Only open a few months, KoKo's is a family run operation. Warm and charming, Ishelyn (aka "KoKo") will welcome you and make you happy you came. In the kitchen is Ko Ko's mother and mother-in-law. Fish caught each morning by her brother, might include snapper, butterfish, hind, mahi, crayfish, lobster. Grilled to perfection, served with garlic butter, garlic bread, salad, rice, potatoes or pasta, and grilled corn, you will feel pleasantly full and satisfied for less than $20 per person. Right on the beach, KoKo's is not glamorous. In fact, it looks something like a tiki bar. But don't judge this book by its cover...we really liked KoKo's and even did take out on a second night.
MH NY

Picante this was the find of our trip. We ate at Blanchards, Mangos and all the other more expensive places on Anguilla and found Picante to be equally as good. The margaritas are exceptional and the ribs...MMMMM!! My husband and I liked the salsa so much that the chef came out to the table to tell us how he made it. We went back a second night and were treated to complimentary shots of tequilla. A GREAT PLACE!
TP, USA

Picante has excellent food and drinks at the right price. The carnitas platter and seafood enchilladas were to die for. WE LOVE Picante!!
AB Sacramento, CA

Koko's (Island Harbor)--located about 100 yards past the Arawak on a craggy, unpaved lane, KoKo's is the closest thing to a "find" we discovered on this trip. Only open a few months, KoKo's is a family run operation. Warm and charming, Ishelyn (aka "KoKo") will welcome you and make you happy you came. In the kitchen is Ko Ko's mother and mother-in-law. Fish caught each morning by her brother, might include snapper, butterfish, hind, mahi, crayfish, lobster. Grilled to perfection, served with garlic butter, garlic bread, salad, rice, potatoes or pasta, and grilled corn, you will feel pleasantly full and satisfied for less than $20 per person. Right on the beach, KoKo's is not glamorous. In fact, it looks something like a tiki bar. But don't judge this book by its cover...we really liked KoKo's and even did take out on a second night.
MH, NYC

Picante If you love Mexican or southwest food, don't miss Picante. Delicious! We ate there twice during our 11 days recently. The steak enchiladas were one of the specials both nights, and they are to die for. And their guacamole is the best I have had. Fabulous!
Kookyboy
Their Seafood enchilada's and fish taco's are the best in our opionion here! And oh, that Mexican pudding!
Ellen Orlando
Two thumbs way up for Picante.
Don't pass the fish tacos. I've had a lot of fish tacos in my day and hey are as good as any I've ever had.
Ghostrunner

The Roadwell Cafe. Set amidst palms and and a rolling, grassy lawn I found the setting to be both peaceful and beautiful. Rich textures of stone and wood combine to create a haven of natural beauty. It didn't hurt at all that the food and service were fanastic. On your next trip to Sandy Ground, stop by their little retreat and enjoy a wondeful meal with sweeping views of this wondeful little harbor.
Waverider

Sunsets is where Ship's Galley used to be and the food was very good. Many of you know Armel. She is a partner in the restaurant was acting as waitress also. Armel's seafood pasta was delicious, as was the fish club sandwich.

Bananas is where Coco Plum/La Indigo was located. What a nice, bright atmosphere with the white sand and turquoise water as a backdrop. We had luncheon salads and both were quite good. Also, very friendly service.
Sandytoz

Fat Cat Food is always fresh and excellent- matter of fact even when not buying main courses I always end up with several trips for their potato salad-have to admit it's better than the salad I make- Side point, there is a paper back book trade set up there also.
Baysiders
The Fat Cat has some very good salads. We liked all the ones we tried: tabbouleh, shrimp, veg/pasta, albacore tuna, cole slaw and they had others (chicken, potato, etc.) that we didn't get around to trying. Their little spinach quiches are very nice and their "patties" too (although the saltfish type is definitely an acquired taste). They generally had a few cheeses (gouda, brie, Swiss). A couple of main courses that we enjoyed were chicken marbella and baked fish. Didn't try the soups but they always seemed to have a couple including conch chowder. In the sweets department, their coconut cookies are scrumptious!
Bob Rhode Island

SPROKAS proved to be a truly enjoyable evening. The tapas were very tasty and the entertainment provided by the very talented Sproka himself was engaging and fun-filled! A must see!!
Elodias is a beach bar/restaurant extraordinaire! Carol and Vernetta never forget your name and offer the best chicken salad and cheeseburger on the island! Oh yeah, the beach is magnificent too.
SD/Ottawa,ON

ZEN Perfect !!! Service, Food, Ambiance, Wine, and Desert. Sebastian got it right ! A must for any visitor to Anguilla!
Sarah

Blanchards We ate at Blanchards twice our last trip. It is awesome. The atmosphere is beautiful, and the spicy lobster is to die for. It is truly a spot you don't want to miss.
TP USA

Straw Hat - Wonderful food! We went with a group of 20 and everyone said that it was the best food they had on the island all week and we ate everywhere on the island from small stops to fine dining. Service was wonderful at Straw Hat and friendly staff, terrific location, very relaxing atmosphere. TW USA

ZEN Nice addition to the island, great goat cheese salad and crazy duck breast with honey sauce.Atmosphere welcoming and prices very reasonable MANGOS service impeccable, nice setting on the beach, great wine list!!!
EC - Belgium

Dune Preserve - Best vegetarian food ever great view & atmosphere! L&D MI

Barrel Stay Graham the chef and hostess Jill made this an excuisinal delight!! The best food and service on the island! We'll be back and back again as will all our friends that visit!! Pam from New Jersey
Mangos
For me one of the best run restaurants on Anguilla. Service is normally impeccable and the food is wonderful. On occasion you can feel rushed but don't let them move you along, savor the fine food and lovely setting. One of my first favorites and still in the top 3. Sag - NY

Restaurants–Ate at Frangipani three times and dinner was very good. Restaurant closed 7 Aug for the season. Straw Hat Excellent food and congeniality. Picante Lime Brick chicken and seafood enchilladas with cocolate pudding for dessert. Excellent. Koal Keel which was excellent. Ambrose was in rare form and delightful. He's a one man floor show. Trattoria Tratmonto for my seafood ravioli fix. Wonderful. Altamer which was excellent. The fish sampler entree is still my favorite. Howard from Florida

Islander Tips Most restaurants in Anguilla, and all the smaller ones, use standard form restaurant checks from the US that include a line for sales tax. Anguilla does not have sales tax, or VAT, on meals. Restaurants are required by government to add a service charge of at least 10% to restaurant charges. Most of them use the sales tax line to do that, and the server indicates this by writing "tip" or "service" or "SC".
Always check your "check" to make sure that the service charge and not a sales tax has been added to the bill. The service charge can be anything from 10 to 20 percent, usually 15 percent.

Picante ........GREAT mexican food in Anguilla. Hard to believe but true. From the margarita's to the chocolate pudding dessert, was to die for. Reasonable, and causal. Just a delight! Can't wait to get back. NowayEllen

Oliver's has been a favorite our past three trips. We visited during Carnival and unfortunately, the service was not up to the usual standards. My husband's meal was incorrect. Apologies were made. He told the waitstaff he would keep it rather than wait for his original order. It was $10 more expensive than what he ordered. Price was not adjusted. The food was excellent as always. PJ MA

Tasty's is an exceptional value for very good food, well prepared at reasonable prices.
-WN Idaho USA

The food at Straw Hat is consistently good, often great and always innovative but it's the entire experience that makes the lasting impression on me. The lighting, the locaiton, the staff, the music in the background - it's a very special place. Go for the great food, come back time and again for the sheer joy of it.

Tastys
Tasty's food, good value and friendly service make up for it's lack of beachside location. The salads are inspired and well, tasty and breakfasts are a wonderful treat. With their wonderful local specialties and plenty of fresh fish Tasty's should be on everyone's list. SAG N.Y.

Bistro Phil - excellent food (lots of it), the best creme brulee I've ever had, wonderful service and great atmosphere DW U.S.A.

Bistro Phil
After 7 visits to the island, went to Bistro Phil for the first time in May. Wonderful food, lovely staff, beautiful setting. special mention of massive gin and tonics, and out of this world tuna tartare. Fairly expensive, but not outrageous. Visited again during our time on the island and would certainly recommend. Melanie Burford, London

lunches- Roy's Bayside - excellent fish sandwich, fan blowing which made eating at Sandy Ground tolerable at noon, good service
Smokey's -awful calamari, great ribs, excellent rum punch, service OK
Gwen's -love her chicken salad and rum punches-ordered at counter, service is usually slow. PJ MA

Flavours Our 2nd visit to the "new" Flavors was as good as the first. We had no reservations.( this was during Carnival) We were seated in 5 min. Service was outstanding. Food was outstanding. Prices were very reasonable. Loved the johnny cakes as the bread. PJ MA

Barrel Stay
Very good food.
Beautiful presentation
Relaxing atmosphere
DB VA/USA

Cedar Grove at Rendezvous Bay Hotel
Too often over looked - reasonably priced good to great food (esp. fish dishes and local favorites), good service - they need to open up the area by the water more often to really compete in the great location arena but the atmosphere is cheerful and welcoming. E.D. NY

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