Anguilla, the quiet gem of the Caribbean, enjoys a sterling reputation for its picturesque white sand beaches and extensive offering of quiet luxury properties. Beyond this, the island has also earned increasing acclaim of late for its breadth and quality of culinary options. Indeed, Anguilla has become something of a culinary hotspot in the Caribbean, offering both local fare and internationally-inspired gourmet dishes right on the sands of its signature beaches.
With so many options to choose from, selecting an eatery for your next Anguilla itinerary can seem a daunting task. Never fear: below, we’ve curated some recommendations perfect for every price point. Whether you’re looking to save some money for souvenirs or ready to splurge on a truly life-changing meal, Anguilla has options to please every palate.
A Budget-Friendly Experience
For a true Anguillian experience stroll up to Falcon Nest, close by Island Harbour beach wharf. It’s one of the top-rated beach shacks on the island and for good reason. You’ll receive a warm welcome from the host, who’s also the bartender and server. She’ll bring you your choice of fresh lobster, snapper, calamari or shrimp served in many delicious ways, with all the traditional sides. Eat on the patio under the shade or at one of the tables scattered on the sand close to the azure sea. For an even more casual experience sit at the bar and enjoy a rum punch. The atmosphere is laid back. Fishing boats bob on the calm waters in the background providing a lovely setting for your meal. Perhaps one of those boats brought your fish ashore earlier in the day? Prices are surprisingly reasonable.
A Mid-Range Oasis of Gourmet Delights
Shoal Bay beach is consistently voted one of the top 10 best beaches in the Caribbean, with two miles of pinkish-hued white sand, intense turquoise water edged by a fringe of coconut trees and no crowds to disturb the peace – this Shoal Bay is not to be confused with Shoal Bay West on the other side of the island. Steps from the alleyway leading from the parking lot to the beach, you will find another great restaurant at Madeariman Bar and Restaurant. The restaurant opened 15 years ago and underwent an extensive renovation three years ago. It offers casual beach dining at its best, where you can chill out in a beach chair under a shady umbrella with a refreshing drink before or after your meal, just inches away from the tempting warm water. While Madeariman may command the highest price, you absolutely get what you pay for: the seafood is the freshest, served with flair and comes in plentiful portions. The secret is the French chef-owner, who serves daily delights with a Mediterranean-Caribbean flavour. Best of all, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Indulge in a Mediterranean Menu on one of Anguilla’s Best Beaches
At the eastern end of Island Harbour and more central on the budgetary scale lies Hibernia Restaurant and Art Gallery. The restaurant was started in 1987 when the French chef and his partner moved to Anguilla. In 2013, they purchased the property and made extensive improvements. The tables now border a Balinese-style water pool, nestled in a stone sculpture garden filled with desert roses. During the off-season the owners travel widely – Japan, Burma, Laos, Thailand and Indonesia are some recent destinations – and from there they bring back treasures to fill their art gallery, as well as inspirations for their ever-changing menu. The chef’s background may be in French cuisine, which inspires the daily offerings, but his worldwide travels have introduced him to a vast variety of other influences. Travel writers have said that Hibernia serves the most creative and delicious food on the island, that it has the most inventive cooking on the island and one writer even went so far as to say this it is arguably among the most exquisite restaurants not only in Anguilla but in the entire Caribbean. High praise indeed, but true. In addition, the restaurant offers an island-wide pick-up service upon request at a very reasonable round-trip price to make getting there and back worry-free.
