4 minute read
Fabulous Food
from EXPLORE Cayman 2023
by Acorn Media
Fabulous Foodand Tasty Must-dos!
From the top of West Bay to the far reaches of East End, Grand Cayman is rich with mouthwatering cuisine and tasty tipples heralding from every corner of the globe. Though our foodie scene is culturally diverse and ever-evolving, the Island continues to honour its foodie roots, celebrating local favourites with visitors and residents alike and sharing our famous Caymankind hospitality. Here, we’ve listed just some of Cayman’s culinary must-dos. For the best Island restaurant guide, pick up a copy of the Good Taste magazine. For reviews, full menus, exclusive promotions and online reservations, visit www.caymangoodtaste.com.
Though it is now a global favourite, brunch is a longstanding institution in the Cayman Islands. Waking up on a Sunday morning never felt so good knowing you’re heading into an afternoon of dim sum spreads, sumptuous cuts of meat, seafood staples, exotic vegetarian platters and of course, lashings of bubbles in-between.
BRUNCH: A CAYMAN INSTITUTION
Some of the hottest brunch spots include Anchor & Den at The Marriott (SEE PAGES 70-71), where you can indulge in boulangerie favourites as well as sushi bites and divine desserts. Or there’s LUCA (SEE PAGE 78) which promises an incredible spread of gourmet food, first-rate service and an unbeatable view over Seven Mile Beach. For a more casual brunch vibe, head to Tukka East (SEE PAGE 127) or Tukka West where carving stations and unbeatable BBQs feature every weekend. Or Harbour Grille (SEE PAGE 112), where you can feast on a roast dinner before munching on a slice of your favourite pizza. Endless bubbles are guaranteed!
WATERFRONT DINING
Being surrounded by waves of turquoise and beautiful canals woven through harbours, Cayman is certainly not short of waterfront dining options. No matter your budget, many of the Island’s restaurants deliver fantastic ocean views, cooling sea breezes and heavenly sunsets. Cracked Conch (SEE PAGE 60) offers fine-dining with a panoramic oceanfront backdrop in West Bay, and if you’re after casual Caribbean cuisine, sister restaurant Macabuca (SEE PAGE 60) is the place for you. Along Seven Mile Beach, it’s difficult to beat Tortuga Beach Grill & Bar (SEE PAGE 81), where you can taste Caribbean delights and sip on cold beers and cocktails with an unbelievable sunset view. Out East, there’s a number of options including, Tukka East (SEE PAGE 127), Upstairs at Kaibo and La Casita. For a peaceful and romantic evening away
Anchor & Den
Cracked Conch
Union Grill & Bar
from the beach, you can eat on the harbour at one of the Island’s yacht clubs. At Bàcaro (SEE PAGE 77), you can enjoy still waters, local ingredients and Venetian flavours. Agua and Morgan’s are also fantastic spots for harbourside dining.
CARIBBEAN SIPPING
Enjoying a cocktail by the Caribbean Sea, whether boozy or not, is a must whilst in Cayman. At the helm of most local bars and restaurants you will find a skilled mixologist, stirring up innovative drinks which lend to Cayman’s creative cocktail culture. The most notable cocktail bars are Next Door in Camana Bay, The Cocktail Bar at Harbour Grille (SEE PAGE 112) and Door No. 4 in The Grove. However, you’ll find other fantastic flavours at more casual bars like Macabuca (SEE PAGE 60), My Bar at Sunset House (SEE PAGE 113) and Tortuga Beach Grill & Bar at The Westin (SEE PAGE 81). The Island is also home to a number of wine bars, including West Indies Wine Company (SEE PAGE 95), which is a tasting room and bottle shop.
LOOK OUT FOR
Of course, having the title of Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, there are many more restaurants and bars to shout about. More notable restaurants include Abacus (SEE PAGE 93), a Caribbean-inspired fish and steak restaurant. You’ll find them in Camana Bay. Also in Camana Bay is Union Grill & Bar (SEE PAGE 94), a chic cocktail bar specialising in grilled meat, fresh seafood and artisan cocktails. And if you’re looking for a spot of light lunch, look no further than Scoops (SEE PAGE 80), which sells sandwiches, Caribbean patties, delicious coffee and the softest Jamaican ice cream.
CLASSIC CAYMANIAN CUISINE
Proud of its foodie heritage, Cayman celebrates its delicious culinary beginnings throughout the bars and restaurants across the Island. The following dishes are just a snapshot of Caymanian culture and can be found at many eateries, including Heritage Kitchen in West Bay, Rankin’s Jerk in Bodden Town and Vivine’s Kitchen in East End. Rundown A slow-cooked stew made with fish, breadkind (starchy ground vegetables), dumplings, coconut milk, peppers and onions. All ingredients are slowly cooked until the flavours marry perfectly.
Conch Stew, Conch Fritters, Conch Every-
thing! Conch appears in endless recipes, and on many menus, in Cayman. Whether fried as fritters, stewed in rundown or cured in ceviche, all are delicious and need to be tasted. Cracked Conch and Macabuca are both fine choices! (SEE PAGE 60) Cassava or Heavy Cake This deeply indulgent dessert is a beautiful mix of coconut milk, vanilla, brown sugar, spices and grated cassava. Perfect for a sweet tooth! Mudslide This boozy milkshake is an Island staple. Done slightly differently at every establishment, the Mudslide usually features vodka, coffee liqueur and Irish cream. Enjoy bar-hopping to find your favourite combo!
Top Tip: Grand Cayman is a trove of great eateries and bars. To help navigate your precious time on the Island, use the Cayman Good Taste app for everything from making reservations and browsing menus, to checking out the latest events and exclusive promotions.