Field notes

Guest recommendations.

Our shortlist for the questions we get asked most — where should we eat, what should we do, where do you go on a Sunday. Written by us, kept current. Things move on the island; ring ahead for the special-occasion places.

For the proper meal

Restaurants.

  • Cocktail Kitchen

    St Lawrence Gap

    Our favourite — and yes, the cocktails are the best on the island.

  • Champers

    South coast

    Stylish oceanfront, cliff-top setting, sweeping views. The place for the occasion dinner.

  • Uva Barbados

    South coast

    Exceptional food from one of the island’s finest chefs.

  • QP Bistro

    South coast

    Good international cuisine and the island’s best live music acts. Take a seat.

  • Sea Shed

    West coast

    Excellent food along the pristine west coast.

  • Larry Rogers at Mullins Bay

    West coast

    Same coastline as Sea Shed. Different chef, equally good.

  • Local & Co

    Holetown

    In the heart of one of our historic towns. Strong culinary experience.

  • Dis Ole House Kitchen & Garden

    South coast

    A chattel house turned restaurant. Bajan home cooking in a cosy, rustic setting.

Breakfast & on the run

Casual & breakfast.

  • Bliss Cafe

    South coast

    Solid breakfast and brunch.

  • Surfer’s Café

    South coast

    Breakfast and lunch on the road.

  • Cuzz Cafe Fish Stand

    Pebbles Beach

    Legendary fish sandwiches. Casual, fast — gone by noon if you don’t get there early.

  • Chill Café Bar & Grill

    South coast

    Karaoke night plus south coast beach views.

Where the locals are

Rum shops & Bajan eateries.

  • Velma’s Bar

    Countryside

    A bit of a drive — and worth it. Truly authentic local food, deep in the country.

  • Wendy’s

    West coast

    A proper local spot. Bajan plates, sports on the TV, regulars at the bar.

  • The Bay Lounge

    East coast

    First-class views of the rugged Atlantic side, paired with local cuisine and music.

  • De Thirsty Lizard

    Countryside

    Good food and good vibes, popular with locals outside the city hustle.

After dark

Drinking & nightlife.

  • St Lawrence Gap

    The Gap

    The strip. Restaurants, bars, clubs — all of it. Five minutes from us.

  • Oistins Fish Fry

    Oistins

    Friday night, Pat’s Place. Go before 7pm to avoid the queue.

  • Savvy On The Bay

    South coast

    Street food, bar and live entertainment on the beach. Spoilt for choice.

  • The Boatyard Beach Club

    Bridgetown

    Daytime beach bar that often turns into a DJs-and-live-acts party in the evening.

  • Worthing Square Food Court

    South coast

    Gourmet and street food, lunch and dinner.

  • Zouk Lounge

    Holetown

    Nightclub on famous 1st Street, west coast.

  • The Dive

    St Lawrence Gap

    Local hangout. Good drinks, popular DJs, live acts.

Worth the drive

Sights & history.

  • Harrison’s Cave

    St Thomas

    Our premier attraction. Limestone cavern, proper adventure.

  • St. Nicholas Abbey & Steam Railway

    St Peter

    17th-century Jacobean plantation house. Steam train tour with unmatched views and rum tasting.

  • Garrison Savannah

    Bridgetown

    UNESCO World Heritage. Where Barbados declared independence from Britain.

  • Barbados Museum & Historical Society

    Garrison

    Compact, informative, well-curated.

  • George Washington House

    Bush Hill

    Where George Washington stayed in 1751. Excellent guided tours.

  • Mount Gay Rum Distillery

    St Lucy

    The world’s oldest rum distillery. History and flavour, paired.

Days out

Tours & activities.

  • Tiami Catamaran Cruises

    West coast

    All-inclusive sailing. Adventure and relaxation in equal measure.

  • Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises

    West coast

    Lazy day on the water, or full party. You choose.

  • Island Safari

    Off-road

    Expedition with knowledgeable drivers. The Barbados beyond the traditional offerings.

  • Lickrish Food Tours

    Bridgetown

    Guided walking food tour through the capital.

  • Stade’s Rum Beach Club

    South coast

    Rum experience paired with beach lounging.

Essentials & finds

Shopping & plazas.

  • Limegrove Lifestyle Centre

    Holetown

    The island’s luxury shopping destination, with casual and upscale restaurants alongside.

  • Sheraton Mall

    Sargeant Village

    One-stop. Movies, clothes, electronics, household, food.

  • The Walk at Welches

    St Thomas

    Convenient plaza for services and shopping.

  • W Plaza Welches

    St Thomas

    The island’s newest plaza. Modern services and culinary options.

  • Lanterns Mall

    Hastings

    Good shopping, essentials, mixed food options.

Ready to come down?

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