Savor the Caribbean beyond the beach during Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week. We couldn’t pack all the flavors of these vibrant cultures into one 7-day span, so this “week” is actually 14 days in May.
As a region known for its fusion of West African, Creole, Amerindian, European, Latin American, Asian and Middle Eastern flavors, the Caribbean is a melting pot of culinary creations with restaurants helmed by chefs and restaurateurs from around the globe. Antigua & Barbuda stands as a shining example of that culinary mastery with restaurants ranging from roadside favorites to innovative, gourmet encounters.
Created by the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority as an avenue to extend the winter season into spring and summer, the event promises to be a celebration of food, people, and culture. Antigua & Barbuda Restaurant Week invites visitors and residents alike to explore the fresh local produce, seafood, and farm-to-table fare of the islands through prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus at participating restaurants (tariffs range from USD $25-$75 per meal); celebrity chef appearances; and Eat Like a Local experiences, in which islanders invite guests into their homes, shops, or businesses to enjoy a home-cooked meal (USD $15). It’s a taste of island life most tourists never get to enjoy.
The Grand Finale, held on Sunday, May 21st, is the Food and Art Experience, a sensory adventure that invites visitors to explore the art, culture, and gastronomy of Antigua and Barbuda through taste, smell, sight, and touch.
“Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week is a delicious way to explore the culture of our country,” says Honorable Charles Henry Fernandez, Minister for Tourism, Foreign Affairs, and Immigration – Antigua & Barbuda. “Because the beach is just the beginning of what these islands have to offer.”
Alex Grimley, Managing Partner Rocks Group said, “This event will showcase the diversity in culinary arts that our beloved destination has, as well as price points. With so many varied restaurants participating, it will make a perfect holiday for any gastronome. On behalf of the Rocks Group, I’m proud to be involved and to showcase our three restaurants to an international clientele this May. Sheer Rocks will feature the best in tapas at lunch, followed by an elevated menu at dinner. Catherine’s Café will offer its classic, French-inspired dishes on the beach, and our newest addition, Rokuni, will be cooking up an Asian showcase sharing menu. We will also have guest chefs and winemakers to amp up our offering.”
Barbuda’s beautiful Barbuda Belle will also participate in Restaurant Week. Owner Doc François Petit says, “From fresh lobster or fish on the grill to our authentic, homemade dishes with a French twist, we will offer a variety of menu options, perfect for toes in the sand dining or seated in our restaurant, The Mangrove.”
Erin Fuller of Gather Steakhouse and Garden Grill said, “We are so excited for customers who have not experienced our venues to join us for this great experience. My husband David and I offer two different experiences on the same property. From our farm-to-table concept at Garden Grill to a more refined ambiance with a seaside setting at Gather Steakhouse, travelers can indulge to their heart’s content here.”
Where to Stay
While you’re eating your way through paradise, relax, restore, and rejoice at the following all-inclusive resorts on Antigua.
ST JAMES’S CLUB & VILLAS: Bring the whole family to enjoy the six swimming pools and two white-sand beaches of this barefoot-casual hotspot. Drop the little ones at the kids’ club and linger at the spa, sample one of the six restaurants, or get competitive on the pickleball or tennis courts.
THE VERANDAH RESORT & SPA: There are 30 acres of coastline to explore at this family-friendly hideaway. When you’re not on-site at one of the five pools, five restaurants, mini-golf course, or clay tennis courts, you’ll be exploring Devil’s Bridge National Park, or enjoying the deep blue sea while snorkeling, sailing, paddle boarding, or pedal boating.
PINEAPPLE BEACH CLUB: Yes, there are catamarans, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, tennis courts, three pools, five restaurants, and a spa on-site. But no one would judge you if you chose to spend your entire stay at this adults-only (16+) haven in a hammock, sipping a piña colada.
GALLEY BAY RESORT & SPA: Tucked between a peaceful lagoon and the white-sand shore of the Caribbean Sea, this adults-only (16+) escape feels like a secret garden. Dine on the sand under thatched palapas, and relax with a massage after a game of croquet, yoga class, or a swim in the waterfall pool.
For more information on Elite Island Resorts’ portfolio of properties, visit www.eliteislandresorts.com.
