A Gastronomic Guide to the British Virgin Islands

1. Tradewinds, Peter Island

Peter Island Resort and Spa is hidden away on an 1,800-acre oasis of exclusivity and tranquillity. Their premium restaurant Tradewinds features exquisite dishes created by some of the Caribbean's finest chefs. Served amid German china, French silverware and Italian crystal you know dining here is going to be a memorable experience. The variety and quality of their wine list is impressive as is their wine room with a mahogany banquet table, floor-to-ceiling wine cases and precise climate control. They also offer a private dining experience complete with a table by the water's edge, lit by flickering tiki torches, candles and the moonlight. The ultimate in romance.

2. Caravela Restaurant & Bar, Scrub Island Resort

The signature, fine dining restaurant of this pristine private island retreat, Scrub Island, is definitely worth visiting. It features outdoor seating and breathtaking panoramic vistas overlooking the marina, Camanoe Pass and neighbouring islands. The elegant inside dining area provides 5-star luxury without compriomising the wonderful views. Unwind over fresh seafood, delectable steaks, and don't forget to sample the classic handcrafted cocktails. The bar staff are very knowledgeable – not only do they create superb cocktails they happily share their insights into these amazing islands.

3. The Sugar Mill, Tortola

Set in the gardens of Little Dix Resort and built in a nearly 400-year-old stone rum house, the Sugar Mill is a formal/resort chic restaurant with excellent service and a fine dining menu. At solid polished redwood tables, adorned with the finest modern English china and in the glow of flickering candle light, you will be served by their friendly and knowledgeable staff, many of whom have been there for many years. They focus on fresh and local ingredients including lobsters, conch and local caught fish with succulent steaks, crispy pork bellies, coconut encrusted chicken breast and vegetarian options all on offer.

4. Myett's Garden & Grille, Cane Garden Bay, Tortola

Since 1992 Myett's has been serving up Caribbean Cuisine at it's greatest! Situated right on one of the best sugar white sandy beaches in the BVIs, with the most spectacular sunsets and lots of live music it is easy to see why this bi-level restaurant hops day and night. The menu focuses on fresh lobster, conch, shrimp, swordfish, tuna and mahi-mahi simply grilled with a selection of delicious sauces. Wanting a change from seafood there's also steak, ribs, spicy chicken and vegetarian offerings. We also recommend enjoying their Caribbean cocktails while watching the sun disappear below the sea. If you watch carefully you might even get to see the elusive "green flash".

5. Brandywine Estate Restaurant, Tortola

This Brandywine Bay restaurant, located on Tortola's southern coast overlooking the Sir Francis Drake Channel is all about delicious food and breathtaking views. Lush gardens, candle lit tables and a beautiful breeze with sweeping panoramas over the sea and nearby islands all add up to a magical setting. Add to this mix a constantly changing menu that delights using the freshest of ingredients and features Mediterranean Bistro flavours we think you will be impressed.

6. Potter's By the Sea, Anegada

This place has to be the epitome of laid-back rustic Caribbean beach bars. Anegada is one of those special places as close to paradise as it gets. A flat limestone and coral atoll surrounded by reefs with fine, white sandy beaches and populated with pink flamingos. Located only a few steps from the dock this is the place for lobster. You can watch them bring the lobster ashore and then cook them over the kettle drum charcoal BBQs. It doesn't get fresher, or sweeter than this. The staff are friendly and there's lots of live music to keep the party humming.

7. Scaramouche, West End, Tortola

Authentic and delicious Italian food served in an idyllic waterside setting there is no wonder that this restaurant ranks as one of Tortola's best. The eclectic, funky furniture and the groovy world music adds to the ambience as does the unobtrusive but friendly service. The menu here is definitely not your average Italian – this is sophisticated fare with an attention to detail and flavours that will ensure your dining is exciting and unforgettable. 

8. Cooper Island Beach Club Restaurant

This tiny resort has an emphasis on sustainable tourism. They grow much of what they serve and they even brew their own beer right on the island. Kick back on their comfy outdoor sofas and enjoy the sunshine with a cocktail. The beach bar and decked lounge faces west – perfect for watching a beautiful Caribbean sunset and admiring your luxury holiday home, as your Captain can anchor right out in front. The food they serve is delicious with a mix of Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asian styles.

9. Foxy's Taboo, Jost van Dyke

Located on Jost's mostly undeveloped East End, Foxy's Taboo is less of a party bar than Foxy's in Great Harbour with a relaxed but elegant island feel. Accessible more-or-less only by boat the staff are friendly and attentive, and the food simple but good – with a focus on Mediterranean dishes and great pizzas. Not fine dining but among the many great beachfront restaurants in the BVIs this one stands out. With picnic tables and hammocks right on the beach and a walk to the bubbly pool nearby it's easy to while away the time here.

10. The Clubhouse, Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda

This open-air waterfront restaurant overlooks the beach on North Sound with Saba Rock nearby. It is a gorgeous harbour with welcoming staff ashore. A popular rendezvous spot for visitors and resort guests alike the restaurant specialises in seafood with an a la carte menu that changes daily in addition to a sumptuous buffet. A tropical-nautical theme with the wreck of the beautiful yacht Ondine serving as the bar rounds off the whole experience.

As with everywhere restaurants change owners, chefs and waiting staff, as well as the fact that new ones pop up all the time, and so while we have attempted to represent these restaurants realistically we do recommend you listen to your Crew. They know the area, they know the current status of the many and varied restaurants available and their recommendations will ensure you get the dining experience you desire.

And for details about the lovely luxury yachts you can charter in this area ask one of our charter specialists.

Bon Appetit!