Island Dining

Tel: (345) 923-1986
Tel: (345) 924-2030
E-mail: n/a
Website: czechinngrill.com
Price:$

Jiri and Dahema (or George and Denise) have just opened the Czech Inn Grill in Bodden Town, where Chester’s jerk stand used to be. This new spot promises to be a real dining attraction for Inn guests. Close by, offering take-out as well as BYOB terrace dining, the menu is surprisingly varied and the food excellent and affordable. Chef Jiri, who hails from the Czech Republic, is former head chef at Morgan’s Harbour and Grand Old House, and aside from many jerk dishes, and interesting burgers (including a jerk burger), fresh, local fish, steak (the most expensive dish at CI$18), on offer are chicken schnitzel and other Eastern European specialties.

Tel: (345) 623.2782
E-mail: cimboco@cimboco.com
Website: cimboco.com
Price:$$

This delightful and affordable restaurant just opened a very welcome second location in our area, directly across the street from Countryside Village and open seven days a week. Good caesar salad and bruschetta among starters, excellent pizza and chicken wings and some imaginative sandwiches including a delicious (and filling) Caribbean roti, or rolled sandwich, with jerk chicken and curried veggies in a fire-roasted flat bread. Dine inside or on the outdoor terrace — or order “to go”.

Tel: (345) 623-2290
E-mail: chicken@chicken2.com
Website: chicken2.com
Price:$

This delightful and affordable restaurant just opened a very welcome second location in our area, directly across the street from Countryside Village and open seven days a week. They are known for their very good and affordable chicken, roasted fresh in a tropical wood rotisserie, right in the front window. It also offers a large selection of vegetables and salads as side dishes. Apparently, much better for your health than southern-fried chicken, with substantially less fat. Eat in or take out, you can buy just the chicken (quarter, half or whole), or a full meal, with corn bread and choice of two sides. A tempting, fast-food option — healthier than most!

Tel:(345) 936-4795
E-mail: info@ariacayman.ky
Website: ariacayman.ky
Price: $$$$

Mediterranean/Middle-Eastern inspired dishes.  Many choices for vegetarians and vegans, plus terrific lamb and chicken dishes.  Located in Harbour Walk; new complex in Grand Harbour right near Hurley’s supermarket.

Tel:(345) 936-4796
E-mail: info@allora.ky
Website: allora.ky
Price: $$$$

Some the best pizza on the island; extra thin and delicious crust. Other unique Italian dishes available including gelato for dessert.  Located in Harbour Walk; new complex in Grand Harbour right near Hurley’s supermarket.

Tel: (345) 947-2700
E-mail: contact@tukka.ky
Website: tukka.ky
Price:$$$$

In place of Portofino, in Gun Bay (just past East End, about 13 miles east of Turtle Nest Inn), this new restaurant offers a few Australian dishes, but many more familiar Caribbean meat and seafood appetizers and full course meals. Chef and owner Ron Hargrave and his capable staff assure you of intriguing dishes, and fresh fish from village fishermen. The setting is on the water and secluded, and the service informal yet generally efficient. Lunch and dinner are served, as well as breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, and a Sunday brunch. Ever eat a hamburger with fried egg and a slice of beet? What about kangaroo or crocodile?

Tel: (345) 324-5860
E-mail: info@grapetreecafe.ky
Website: grapetreecafe.ky
Price:$

If you’re staying at the Inn — or just passing through Bodden Town — this spot is a must! Fresh fish and the trimmings, expertly fried before your eyes, just 200′ down the beach from the Inn. Only open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and on public Holidays. You can bring your own wine and beer and enjoy the delicious food at a table under one of the thatched gazebos on the beach. Located just behind Lorna’s Texaco station, the convenience store, and small liquor outlet. The choice of fish typically includes snapper, mahi, wahoo, and grouper, or whatever the local fishermen catch, at very reasonable prices!

Tel: (345) 945-1815
E-mail: info@brasseriecayman.com
Website: brasseriecayman.com
Price:$$$

The Brasserie restaurant, hidden in Cricket Square (George Town), is a sleeper. In spite of the French name, the menu is eclectic, and includes affordable snack dishes, weekly “theme nights”, and full, classic dishes. However difficult to categorize, the cuisine at The Brasserie is imaginative, and a sure bet for a pleasant surprise, for lunch or dinner, is the daily fish/seafood specials — and Monday evening’s three-course meal for two with a bottle of wine, at CI$99 per couple, is a great deal. No culinary sampling of the island is complete without at least one visit. The tasteful “plantation” decor is a pleasant visual surprise, as well. Closed on weekends.

Tel: (345) 949-2482
E-mail:  info@agua.ky
Website: agua.ky
Price:$$$$

Previously located in Galleria Plaza but now located at Camana Bay, this spacious restaurant includes a bar, lounge, dining room, a very pleasant outdoor terrace, and plenty of available parking out front. It’s open from 11:30am to 1:00am daily, with food served all day long. Very good selection of wine, and a menu which includes ceviche, fish, pasta and meat, with a number of Peruvian dishes and daily specials. Excellent service and a very flexible response to any particular request for modifying a dish. Excellent salads and a herb-crusted rack of lamb. But fish is the specialty here.

Tel: (345) 333-1944
E-mail: manager@ghrestaurants.com
Website: harbourgrille.ky/saltys
Price:$$

Located at the rear of the Grand Harbour Shopping Centre, near the Hurley’s supermarket. Smokers can indulge at outdoor terrace of the sports bar. The menu has a little of everything that you would expect at a bar — nachos, wings, quesadillas, burgers, and even wood fire pizza, which is pretty good. Breakfast specials are available on Saturday and Sunday only. Conveniently located from Bodden Town — well before George Town and most traffic.

Tel: (345) 945-5200
E-mail: manager@ghrestaurants.com
Website: https://www.harbourgrille.ky/harbourgrille
Price:$$

Also located in the Shoppes at Grand Harbour and right next to Salty’s, this recent addition to the location has a unique offering of local and comfort foods. They have a variety of pastas and pizzas to surf or turf main dishes. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Open seven days a week for dinner. Open for breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays only.

Tel: (345) 945-1915
E-mail: icoacayman@outlook.com
Website: icoa.ky
Price:$$$

This gem located in Seven Mile Shops, along West Bay Road, is primarily a deli and bakery for snacks and take-out, with the best bread and croissants on the island. But, it also boasts a dining room and a couple of outdoor tables for delicious breakfasts and lunches, including the very best Eggs Benedict we’ve ever tasted. Excellent pastries, chocolates and good salads, as well as homemade juices and a number of healthy dishes.

Tel: (345) 949-0168
E-mail: woknroll@woknroll.ky
Website:woknroll.ky
Price:$

This is a very small take-out spot located along Seven Mile Beach, with a table or two outdoors. What’s neat is that they’ll deliver to virtually anywhere on the island – for a price of course (CI$25 to Bodden Town; minimum order, CI$20). On offer is an extensive and varied menu of dishes from several Asian countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam and from the Chinese province of Szechuan. Included are many familiar dishes like hot and sour soup, spring rolls, lo mein, pad thai, tofu dishes, etc., along with many others for the more adventurous.

Tel:(345) 947-2525 
E-mail: info@alfrescobythesea.ky
Website: alfrescobythesea.ky
Price:$$

Whether for lunch or dinner, at least one visit to this terrific and very affordable ocean front terrace in West Bay is a must! The very extensive menu offers something for everyone, from appetizers, sandwiches and pasta to full meat and seafood dishes. The pizza is one of the island’s best, and there’s a decent selection of wine and drinks. Very limited inside seating (in case of rain), but much less pleasant than a table overlooking the Caribbean. Great food at bargain prices and attentive service by Millie and her staff. Well worth the trip, weather permitting!

Tel: (345) 640-0004
E-mail: info@craftcayman.com
Website: craftcayman.com
Price:$$

This “sports bar” offers indoor and outdoor dining along West Bay Road, opposite Seven Mile Beach. Limited but adequate wine list, but extensive beer selection, including several craft beers. What sets this dining spot apart from similar establishments is the menu, which features many imaginative and delicious appetizers, sandwiches and main dishes. Among them is a plate of roasted Brussel sprouts and chorizo, and various versions of poutine, a dish which hails from Québec, with hand-cut fries covered in BBQ gravy and melting cheese curds. Recent variations include a jerk chicken poutine. Menu is regularly updated, but always includes several salads, as well as daily specials.

Tel: (345) 947-2517
E-mail:  manager@southcoastbar.com
Website: southcoastbar.com
Price:$$

Located in Breakers and just a few of minutes east of Turtle Nest Inn, this oceanfront restaurant offers a relaxing atmosphere and very good local cuisine at affordable prices. It’s in fact just a couple of hundred feet before the Lighthouse restaurant. This is one of few restaurants with tables right on the beach, literally at the water’s edge, illuminated by a gas torch permanently installed in the water!. There’s also an indoor dining room and bar. They have a delicious seared tuna with wakame salad among their appetizers; tasty lobster tail, juicy pork chops, as well as a couple of very good pasta dishes among their entrees, along with a decent selection of wine and beer.

Tel: (345) 949-3948
E-mail: dine@calypsogrillcayman.com
Website: calypsogrillcayman.com
Price:$$$

Located in Morgan’s Harbor, this restaurant has consistently good food, a varied and fresh menu, locally caught fish, lively ambiance and a scenic location. Some favorties are their Beef Carpaccio and Lobster Bisque appetizers, as well as their Seafood Pasta in wine sauce entree. They arguably have the best sticky toffee pudding dessert on the island.

Tel: (345) 949-2272
E-mail: hola@lacasita.ky
Website: lacasita.ky
Price:$$

This “Authentic Mexican, Mezcal & Tequila Bar” is located in the East End district. They claim to specialize in regional Mexican dishes and the freshest of local ingredients. Very good food at a reasonable price. They also have Sunday Brunch!

Tel: (345) 943-9674
E-mail: office@yoshi.ky
Website: yoshi.ky
Price:$$$

Located in the Cayman Falls Shopping Centre (opposite the Westin Hotel), along Seven Mile Beach, Yoshi offers some of the best sushi on the island at a reasonable price. Whether you’re new to sushi or not, the staff is very helpful and informative, with useful suggestions.

Tel: (345) 947-4892
E-mail: info@gtyachtclub.com
Website: gtyachtclub.com 
Price:$$

Conveniently located about a two-minute drive from the airport, this restaurant is a perfect “last meal stop” for guests with afternoon or evening flights. Along with the mouthwatering warm fritters with butter you’ll get as your complimentary appetizer, their lunch/dinner menu includes a tasty selection of pastas, sandwiches, and pizza just to name a few. Their Cracked Conch appetizer is addictive with the three different spicy dipping sauces that it comes with. The Oxtail Shepherd’s Pie entree is a unique twist to this long-standing recipe. If a Mojito is your drink of choice, you’ll be intrigued by their Mango-Ginger or Dirty Coconut flavor options. It doesn’t hurt that this restaurant boasts a relaxing, marina/sea view or that they have an outdoor pool for the kids either.

Tel: (345) 749-8486
E-mail: info@vivo.ky
Website: vivo.ky
Price:$$

An eco-friendly, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, dairy free, and organic restaurant located in the West Bay area. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A few notable selections are their coconut pancakes (made with coconut flour) and coconut bacon (actual coconut strips seasoned to taste just like bacon). They also have a selection of lionfish on the menu. A unique, ocean-side dining experience.

Tel: (345) 949-7633
E-mail: casanova@candw.ky
Website: casanova.ky
Price:$$$

Italian cuisine in a fun and lively ambiance. The menu offers a great variety of quality food at a reasonable price. Beautiful terrace with views of the George Town Port. The tables closest to the ocean are best. Warm and friendly staff.

Tel: (345) 946-7049
E-mail: morgansharbour@gmail.com
Website: morganscayman.com
Price:$$$

Formerly Morgans Harbour Restaurant in West Bay, this favourite of ours is now relocated to the Cayman Islands Yacht Club; a convenient location to grab a bite to eat if you happen to have a catamaran tour in this vicniity. Their varied menu features something for every appetite, from sandwiches and an excellent jerk burger with melted Brie cheese, to an original chicken schnitzel and the freshest of fish caught by local fishermen — all excellently prepared and at very reasonable prices. Excluding drinks, it’s easy to get away with a filling meal at around CI$20, on the seaside terrace or indoors, both in an intimate and informal atmosphere. Open daily from 11:00am to 12:00am.

Tel: (345) 749-4800
E-mail: enquiries@bacaro.ky
Website: bacaro.ky
Price:$$$

Located at the Cayman Islands Yacht Club in West Bay, this convenient location boast an elegant Venetian-style cuisine. You can relax and enjoy the calming environment, with the option of indoor seating or an outdoor harbour-view,  while trying the many creative items from the tapas menu.  A great option for individuals wanting to grab a quick bite or large groups looking to share a family-style meal.

Tel: (345) 947.5555
E-mail: agavegrill@gmail.com
Website: agave.ky
Price:$$

This small and welcoming Mexican cantina is off the beaten track, but well worth a visit! Terrific and varied appetizers, sides, and numerous main courses including burritos, enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, tomales and relleños, all at bargain prices! Open for lunch and dinner from Monday through Saturday, with a small number of tables (a couple outside) in a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, but no reservations. The beef enchiladas platter at CI$9.75 is delicious, with real shredded beef (not ground meat), as is the chicken tacos platter (also CI$9.75) and the side called ragout of sweet peppers and onions (CI$3.50). The platters are a meal unto themselves, with refried beans, rice, salsa, etc. A favourite of ours!

Tel: (345) 946-6239
E-mail: info@cafe.ky
Website:cafe.ky
Price:$

Small and quaint restaurant in downtown George Town for those who want to enjoy deliciously modern and healthy food prepared responsibly (no animal products are used). Delicious breakfasts, excellent black bean tacos and Jerk tofu (island bowl), and a different soup every day. Terrific chocolate chip cookies and caramel brownies. They also make their own ice cream with coconut milk. Open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Friday (9am to 4 pm), and Saturday (from 10am to 3pm). A paradise for vegans, but an enjoyable and intriguing alternative for all.

Tel: (345) 949-1119
E-mail: manager@pappagallo.ky
Website: pappagallo.ky
Price:$$$$

Top-notch, Northern Italian cuisine with a Caribbean flair, and an extensive wine selection, expertly served in your choice of two large rooms (one with superb macaws and parrots, the other overlooking the lagoon) or on their screened, outdoor terrace. Pappagallo is situated in Barkers (West Bay), at the extreme northern tip of Grand Cayman, so count on about a 45-minute drive from Turtle Nest Inn. But the restaurant’s location, in a bird sanctuary beside a natural lake, like its thatched roof, is what makes dining here an exotic experience.

Tel: (345) 947-8899
Website: thecaboosecayman.com
Price:$

Formerly known as Kurt’s Korner, this little local dining spot features only outdoor tables, but all under a canvass cover in case of rain. It’s located on Frank Sound Road, just before the junction with North Side Road leading to Rum Point. The menu includes appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, Cayman specialties and locally caught fish and seafood, along with a vegetarian special and a kids’ menu. Very limited choice of alcohol, so you might want to bring your own wine. Simple, but tasty and inexpensive fare served seven days a week from 11:00am to 10:00pm.

Tel: (345) 947-3155
Website: rankinsjerk.com
Price:$

Probably the best dining value on Grand Cayman — less than a mile west from Turtle Nest Inn, in Bodden Town. Very tasty jerk chicken or pork. A quarter chicken, complete with rice and beans, spicy sauce and “festival” (Jamaican corn bread), for only CI$5.00! A large portion is CI$7.00. A nice walk, if you eat at a picnic table on their lawn. Otherwise, take the car, carry it back to the Inn, pop open a bottle of wine and enjoy. Other local dishes may include oxtail stew, baked chicken, BBQ ribs, etc. If you’re coming to Grand Cayman to “go native” — or to keep costs down — Rankin’s Jerk Centre is a must! Closed on Sunday.

Tel: (345) 949-3287
E-mail:  eatscafe@gmail.com
Website: eats.ky
Price:$$

Eats, in the Cayman Falls Shopping Plaza (opposite the Westin Hotel), consists of a more family-oriented room and a “bar”-type room, and offers take-out, good and substantial American breakfast,  lunch, as well as reasonably priced dinners. Very popular for snacks, sandwiches, burgers and a range of full meals. No coleslaw but, if you’re into avoiding meat, try the tasty, oriental-style, vegetarian stir fry, served in small or large portions.

Tel: (345) 949-9333
E-mail:  info@grandoldhouse.com
Website: grandoldhouse.com
Price:$$$$

Good food and service at a superb, oceanfront location in South Sound. The Grand Old House seems to present itself as a spot for “special occasions”, but it’s not any more costly than other upscale dining spots — and more worthy of its pretensions than many. It’s a big operation, with dining areas inside and out, and some of its marketing may suggest a “tourist trap”, but the food — continental and Caribbean fare — is consistently delicious, the service attentive and efficient, the choice of wine extensive, and the ambience most romantic.

Tel: (345) 949-8210
E-mail: info@italiankitchencayman.com
Website: italiankitchencayman.com
Price:$$

Located in the Morritt’s Center in the Gun Bay area (just past East End, about 13 miles east of Turtle Nest Inn) this Italian restaurant has authentic and affordable cuisine and atmosphere, with a couple of outdoor tables. Their woodstone oven pizzas are a delicious alternative to fast-food pizza and their garlic knots are a unique appetizer. This is the only Italian option to the east of the Inn, and definitely worth the trip. Open only for dinner and take-out, Tuesday through Sunday.

Tel: (345) 945-3484
E-mail: ragazzi@ragazzi.ky
Website: ragazzi.ky
Price:$$$

Ristorante Ragazzi Pizzeria is located in Buckingham Square Centre, along West Bay Road. Although the menu features a wide variety of fish, seafood and pasta — and there’s a selection of daily specials (presented on a portable blackboard) — Ragazzi’s claim to fame are the many varieties of gourmet pizza baked in a wood-burning brick oven, one of the best pizzas on the island. There’s also an excellent wine list, including a number of choices sold by the glass. Just across the parking lot, the owners of Ragazzi have opened Azzurro, a caffe pasticceria offering homemade pastries, Italian coffee, sandwiches and salads.

Tel: (345) 949-6141
Whatsapp: (345) 324-5234
E-mail: none
Website: thaihousecayman.com
Price:$$$

The best Thai cuisine on Grand Cayman is located in Elizabethan Square, in downtown George Town. Superb dishes that compare favourably with the best Thai food we’ve eaten anywhere. A limited but decent wine selection. To start, there are very good chicken satay skewers, a small cucumber salad, egg rolls and cold spring rolls. Among main courses, try the spicy basil chicken, the crispy garlic beef, the ginger fish, as well as the vegetarian Pad Thai noodles. A combination of clear rice noodles, tofu, bean sprouts, cabbage, scallions and a dash of peanuts.

Tel: (345) 623-4550
E-mail:reservations@luca.ky
Website: luca.ky
Price:$$$$

Luca, recently opened by the owners of Ragazzi on the ground-floor of the Caribbean Club, an upscale condo complex along West Bay Road, offers an impressive selection of Italian/Continental dishes in a very sleek interior. There’s a snazzy bar section and several outdoor tables overlooking a pool and Seven Mile Beach. Very good service and a superb wine list compliment the cuisine that already ranks among the island’s best. Recently tried dishes were the prosciutto e melone appetizer, the spinach salad, and as main courses, beef stroganoff pappardelle and the yellowfin tuna — all excellent.

Tel: (345) 946-2815
Tel 2:  (345) 945 2433
E-mail: info@gatewayofindia.ky
Website: gatewayofindia.ky
Price:$$$

Formerly located across from Seven Mile Beach (next to The Strand shopping centre), this first Indian Curry house is now located at the Cayman Business Park (in George Town) for pick up and deliveries only. The quality of the cuisine however, has not changed — the food here compares well with Indian fare we’ve tried in several countries. There are delicious vegetable samosas and “aloo dosa” for appetizers, superb tandoori lamb chops (not to be missed) and chicken tikka kebab for main dishes, and very tasty vegetable sides like “aloo giobi” (sauteed cauliflower and potatoes), “masala dal fry” (lentil stew), and the mixed vegetable “korma”. Main dishes are all served with safran rice, raita, pappadum and Indian “pickles”, and are quite reasonably priced. Free delivery requires a minimum purchase of two or three entrees.

Tel: (345) 947-7333
E-mail: none
Website: pizzahutcayman.com
Price:$

If you’re from the USA or Canada, no introduction to this fast-food outlet is needed. Decent pizza, wings, etc., delivered right to your apartment or condo door here at the Inn, typically in less than 45 minutes. Located in Savannah, pick-up on your way back from town is also convenient. If you’re in the mood to stay put for an evening of watching a movie or TV, here’s a cheap and easy dinner option, probably leaving you with leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. Delivery seven days a week.

Tel: (345) 947-1188
E-mail: none
Website: dominos.ky
Price:$

If you’re from the USA or Canada, no introduction to this fast-food outlet is needed. Decent pizza, wings, etc., delivered right to your apartment or condo door here at the Inn, typically in less than 45 minutes. Located in Savannah, pick-up on your way back from town is also convenient. If you’re in the mood to stay put for an evening of watching a movie or TV, here’s a cheap and easy dinner option, probably leaving you with leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. Delivery seven days a week.