Dining is a big part of a great vacation, but you don’t necessarily want to spend all your time traveling to reach different restaurants. Luckily, when you stay at Turtle Nest Inn, we’ve got you covered. There are a wide range of restaurants on our side of the island, some of which are just steps from the Inn. Check out these eateries, they’re some of our favorites.
1. Czech Inn Grill
From burgers to salads, the Czech Inn Grill has a bit of something for everyone. If you want to leave satisfied, check out the “belly full” portion of the menu which includes jerk chicken, jerk pork, and Asian pork ribs as well as generous sides of roast potatoes, sweet fries, and rice and beans. They also have excellent burgers and sandwiches. There are popular European dishes such as chicken schzitzel and gulas. If you prefer something small, “the bites” portion of the menu features mussels, chicken wings, conch fritters, and other tasty treats.
Draw up a chair to the bar, and if you want a drink, feel free to take advantage of this restaurant’s BYOB policy. Best of all, it’s only a 0 2-minute drive (1 mile) from the Inn.
2. The Lighthouse Restaurant
Located just a couple miles down the road in Breakers, the Lighthouse Restaurant bills itself as a “beacon of fine dining” on a “tranquil waterfront setting”. The dinner menu includes tuna tartare, conch chowder, calamari, coconut shrimp, conch fritters, and seafood curry as well as a variety of dishes from around the world.
Highlighting the island’s historic connections with Great Britain, the menu also contains Guinness Beef Pie as well as a few Italian style dishes, such as an antipasto platter and a wide range of pasta dishes. After dining, you can pick up a few souvenirs from your Grand Cayman vacation at the gift shop.
3. Over the Edge
Over the Edge is located on the north side of the island, an easy 15-minute drive from the Inn, and it offers gorgeous views of the ocean. The menu contains many classic dishes such as steak, shrimp, and chicken wings. The menu also offers numerous seafood specialties, including codfish, yellowfin tuna, dolphin, and lobster tail. Regardless of what you order, the Cayman fried bread and the rice and beans helps to complete the meal. They also serve breakfast.
4. Tukka
Located on the east side of the island, Tukka is just a short and easy drive from the Inn, and it offers the great views you expect on a Grand Cayman vacation along with a fusion of Australian and local Caribbean cuisine. Tukka hosts a number of different events that can really make your Grand Cayman vacation special. Come feed the Frigate birds every afternoon at 5 p.m., try the local catch of the day on Fridays, or enjoy the brunch on Sundays. If the timing is right, come to the full moon rising event where you can watch the full moon rising over the ocean as you dine.
5. The Caboose
Formerly known as Kurt’s Korner, tthis small local joint offers tasty, fulfilling selections. Traditional and authentic Cayman fare is on the menu with specials including oxtail, whelk, turtle stew, or curried goat all served with a heaping serving of rice and other trimmings. But it’s the conch fritters that will surprise you. The Caboose does not skimp on the seafood, so prepare to be wowed by the portions.
Start your meal with fritters, crab cakes, or coconut shrimp, all served with their signature sauce. Tiger Prawns, grilled, fried, or sautéed are a perfect appetizer, as well. Follow that with pasta, soup, or the fantastic house salad for the main meal. Or, try the delectable Cajun chicken . How’s a conch steak or mahi-mahi sound? Look for rThe Caboose, at the end of Frank Sound Road, behind the North Coast Barn, just 13 minutes (13.7 km) from the Inn. This is also a BYOB restaurant.
6. Grape Tree Café
Only open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the Grape Tree Café is located just a few steps from our inn. There, locals and tourists sit side by side and enjoy some of the island’s most delicious fried fish. That includes fried and roast snapper, mahi mahi, and swai. Of course, you can also get conch fritters and on Saturdays only, you can try some chicharon and cassava. The restaurant was established by Osbourne “Ozzie” Bodden in 2009. He, his wife Nancy, and their friendly staff always have a warm welcome for visitors.
7. Rankin’s Jerk Centre
For authentic island cuisine, Rankin’s Jerk Centre is a must visit. This local joint is situated about 1 mile from the Inn, just off the coast on Shamrock Road in Bodden Town. For the main dish, consider indulging in the iconic taste of jerk chicken, jerk pork, or fish. Then, you may want to round off your meal with rice and beans, cornbread, and spicy sauce. If you want beer or wine, you can BYOB to this restaurant. Once you have your food, enjoy it onsite, or head to the beach for a picnic. They also serve breakfast.
8. The Brasserie
The Brasserie is the leader of the field-to-table movement on the Cayman Islands and is well known for fresh, sustainable, and innovative foods. The fabulous restaurant works with local growers, harvests fresh vegetables from its own kitchen garden, and brings in fresh fish in its own fishing boats every day. tIt’s known as “the island’s secret pleasure” because it’s inland, hidden away from Grand Cayman’s main strip. Not to fear though, this restaurant is on our side of George Town, and it’s only 18 minutes, via Bodden Town Road/Shamrock Road from Turtle Nest Inn.
The Brasserie serves lunch and dinner Monday through Friday. Always offering local seasonal foods, the restaurant menu changes on a daily basis. Perhaps enjoy fresh lobster, fish grilled on hardwood coals, chicken confit, handmade pasta, steaks, or a build-your-own charcuterie board. Shared plates are always available.
The Brasserie is an elegant business complex which, in addition to the restaurant, includes The Market which serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. You can enjoy a traditional breakfast, build your own, or grab something to go. A casual lunch at The Market is served by the pound! The Wicket Bar offers juice and smoothies, craft beers, wine by the glass, and tasty homemade infusions and liqueurs.
During the Harvest Dinner Series, the staff serves exquisite, seasonal family-style meals under the stars. If you like wine, the Swirl is a monthly wine tasting where you can purchase your favorite bottles from Brasserie Purveyors. During the winter months, you can attend cooking classes and learn techniques that let you bring a bit of your Grand Cayman vacation back home.
A must try is the Monday night “Secret Pleasure” which is an a la carte menu including a bottle of wine for just CI$89 per couple.
9. Salty’s Sports Bar
Salty’s Sports Bar is a local favorite with an outside bar, a good vibe and a huge menu. This sports-bar-with-an-island-feel is open seven days a week and is family friendly. It offers 19 screens plus two large screens, so you can watch all the most important sports events. It’s easy to make a day of it, as the property includes Hurley’s Market and many retail stores for your shopping pleasure.
This rather new bar has a definite nautical theme. Pretty pin-up girls and pictures of ships braving the high seas adorn the walls. The authentic brick oven makes for delicious wood-fire roasted pizzas and quesadillas. Hotdogs, burgers, fish and chips, fajitas, and fresh salads are also on the menu as well as vegetarian options. Located behind the Hurley’s Supermarket at Grand Harbour, this bar and grill is just 14 minutes via Bodden Town Road/Shamrock Road from the Inn.
For more detailed info on recommended dining or other activities for your next Grand Cayman Vacation, please visit the ‘Dining & Activities’ link on our website. We would love it if you stayed with us. Fill out our online form to learn about our accommodations and availability.