Discussion
Flying out to Barbados on Friday with the family for a week, so would be grateful for any advise on things worth doing, where to eat, etc, etc.
There will be 3 kids, ages 10, 15 & 17, so age appropriate advise would be welcomed
We are staying in a fantastic villa in Saint James area, and to date have been recommended a few restaurants, those being;
The Cliff
Tides (told to go for Sunday lunch)
Le Cabane (chilled lunch or sunset)
Horny Ram (pub for lunch/occasional drinks)
Chefette (takeaway for the kids if they are that way out)
I've already booked Sea Shed in Mullins for Saturday evening, but suppose looking for places with decent food, but more chilled with ideally music/DJ so kids enjoy it more than a formal restaurant type.
There will be 3 kids, ages 10, 15 & 17, so age appropriate advise would be welcomed
We are staying in a fantastic villa in Saint James area, and to date have been recommended a few restaurants, those being;
The Cliff
Tides (told to go for Sunday lunch)
Le Cabane (chilled lunch or sunset)
Horny Ram (pub for lunch/occasional drinks)
Chefette (takeaway for the kids if they are that way out)
I've already booked Sea Shed in Mullins for Saturday evening, but suppose looking for places with decent food, but more chilled with ideally music/DJ so kids enjoy it more than a formal restaurant type.
We went over Christmas - absolutely loved the island and the people but found the restaurants a bit underwhelming although we never made it to one of the high end places.
Had some enjoyable meals in the shack type places around the beaches.
Simone's Bajan kitchen on Christmas day was great - plastic chairs on the beach type affair. There are similar paces dotted along most of the beaches.
We spent most of the trip at St Lawrence gap and there is a square there with bars and restaurants - generally a band playing and again right on the beach. Oistins is probably the most famous set up. We spent a few days at the crane resort and whilst the food was fine it seemed a bit Americanised to us, although some will see that as a bonus.
Also a good day trip to Bathsheba.
Service is what you would euphemistically call "relaxed" in all the places so I'd say you definitely need to get in the island spirit and chill out and take it as it comes.
I am a foody so despite the above the place really got under my skin and will be going back.
Had some enjoyable meals in the shack type places around the beaches.
Simone's Bajan kitchen on Christmas day was great - plastic chairs on the beach type affair. There are similar paces dotted along most of the beaches.
We spent most of the trip at St Lawrence gap and there is a square there with bars and restaurants - generally a band playing and again right on the beach. Oistins is probably the most famous set up. We spent a few days at the crane resort and whilst the food was fine it seemed a bit Americanised to us, although some will see that as a bonus.
Also a good day trip to Bathsheba.
Service is what you would euphemistically call "relaxed" in all the places so I'd say you definitely need to get in the island spirit and chill out and take it as it comes.
I am a foody so despite the above the place really got under my skin and will be going back.
Few suggestions:
Sea Shed is excellent and think live music on Saturday night.
LaCabanne - get an early table for Sunset, wear lots of mosquitoe spray
Horny Ram ok, it’s in a shopping centre- restaurant above it, Fusion, is very good.
Cliff - I wouldn’t bother - it’s been revamped and very modern now. Food good but v expensive.
QP - the old cliff beach cafe is a nice setting but hear food is hit and miss.
Lonestar is always good.
Tides always good.
Baia - up in Speightstown - right on waterfront/rocks, food good
Sandy Lane - Sunday BBQ - not sure if they take bookings for non residents anymore but food always good but comes at a price.
There is another Fusion/Sushi place, not on sea front, which is good but can’t remember name!!
Oystins - fish market - big night on Fridays but maybe not appropriate with young ones. Can go other nights, slightly less choice but all local fare
Hope that helps
Edit: Sushi restaurant is called Nishi
Sea Shed is excellent and think live music on Saturday night.
LaCabanne - get an early table for Sunset, wear lots of mosquitoe spray
Horny Ram ok, it’s in a shopping centre- restaurant above it, Fusion, is very good.
Cliff - I wouldn’t bother - it’s been revamped and very modern now. Food good but v expensive.
QP - the old cliff beach cafe is a nice setting but hear food is hit and miss.
Lonestar is always good.
Tides always good.
Baia - up in Speightstown - right on waterfront/rocks, food good
Sandy Lane - Sunday BBQ - not sure if they take bookings for non residents anymore but food always good but comes at a price.
There is another Fusion/Sushi place, not on sea front, which is good but can’t remember name!!
Oystins - fish market - big night on Fridays but maybe not appropriate with young ones. Can go other nights, slightly less choice but all local fare
Hope that helps
Edit: Sushi restaurant is called Nishi
Edited by peekay74 on Tuesday 21st May 13:06
We were out there at Easter. My first visit, but my OH's ex comes from there and his mother still lives there, so her and the kids know it well.
Sea Shed was good food and live music.
We ate a few times in a tiny place near where we were staying - Bombas. Nothing fancy, but nice sunsets and good food.
Real Jamaican Jerk Food restaurant was closed when we wanted to eat in, but we had takeaway - good if you like curry goat and BBQ. Another little place on the beach, not high end but good.
We had lunch with a local friend at La Cabane at Batts Rock. That was pleasant, good local fish, outdoor tables. The flies were a bit of a nuisance until they brought over a dish of ground coffee with a lump of smouldering charcoal in it, which got rid of them immediately.
Chefettes are everywhere, and unfortunately the kids consider it an integral part of any visit to Barbados. Standard burger chain stuff.
Sea Shed was good food and live music.
We ate a few times in a tiny place near where we were staying - Bombas. Nothing fancy, but nice sunsets and good food.
Real Jamaican Jerk Food restaurant was closed when we wanted to eat in, but we had takeaway - good if you like curry goat and BBQ. Another little place on the beach, not high end but good.
We had lunch with a local friend at La Cabane at Batts Rock. That was pleasant, good local fish, outdoor tables. The flies were a bit of a nuisance until they brought over a dish of ground coffee with a lump of smouldering charcoal in it, which got rid of them immediately.
Chefettes are everywhere, and unfortunately the kids consider it an integral part of any visit to Barbados. Standard burger chain stuff.
peekay74 said:
Few suggestions:
Sea Shed is excellent and think live music on Saturday night.
LaCabanne - get an early table for Sunset, wear lots of mosquitoe spray
Horny Ram ok, it’s in a shopping centre- restaurant above it, Fusion, is very good.
Cliff - I wouldn’t bother - it’s been revamped and very modern now. Food good but v expensive.
QP - the old cliff beach cafe is a nice setting but hear food is hit and miss.
Lonestar is always good.
Tides always good.
Baia - up in Speightstown - right on waterfront/rocks, food good
Sandy Lane - Sunday BBQ - not sure if they take bookings for non residents anymore but food always good but comes at a price.
There is another Fusion/Sushi place, not on sea front, which is good but can’t remember name!!
Oystins - fish market - big night on Fridays but maybe not appropriate with young ones. Can go other nights, slightly less choice but all local fare
Hope that helps
Edit: Sushi restaurant is called Nishi
Tides is going to be a definate, and have also been advised to do the QP Bistro instead of Cliff as its more relaxed (less stuffy I was advised) which suits the family better.Sea Shed is excellent and think live music on Saturday night.
LaCabanne - get an early table for Sunset, wear lots of mosquitoe spray
Horny Ram ok, it’s in a shopping centre- restaurant above it, Fusion, is very good.
Cliff - I wouldn’t bother - it’s been revamped and very modern now. Food good but v expensive.
QP - the old cliff beach cafe is a nice setting but hear food is hit and miss.
Lonestar is always good.
Tides always good.
Baia - up in Speightstown - right on waterfront/rocks, food good
Sandy Lane - Sunday BBQ - not sure if they take bookings for non residents anymore but food always good but comes at a price.
There is another Fusion/Sushi place, not on sea front, which is good but can’t remember name!!
Oystins - fish market - big night on Fridays but maybe not appropriate with young ones. Can go other nights, slightly less choice but all local fare
Hope that helps
Edit: Sushi restaurant is called Nishi
Edited by peekay74 on Tuesday 21st May 13:06
Was also advise Spago is a great place for pizza, but doesn't look that great from the outside, but not to let that put us off.
Other than that. Have been advised La Baguette for pastries etc as apparently is wonderful.
Keep it coming though...
Just returned so thought I’d update the thread for those that said they were following it as going later in the year.
For evening meals I’d thoroughly recommend the following;
- sea shed
- tides
- qp bistro
- baia
- nishi
You can’t knock the food or service at any of the, and the setting at all but Nishi is just fantastic. Tides probably gets top place for food, qp for setting, and sea shed for a more relaxed vibe.
We called in to lone star on a few occasions for breakfast and occasional drinks and found the food great, but the service was hit and miss. Staff just weren’t as upbeat as other places. I’d also recommend JuJu’s for occasional drinks and watching the sunset.
Fantastic place with fantastic people. Just be prepared for the mosquitoes (we were advised to use citronella oil mixed in with body lotion, and also Avon skin so soft spray, which I’d definitely recommend.
We were staying in Saint James (Westland heights) and used to walk down to Holetown each morning. All I’d say is there are no pavements half the time so I wouldn’t do that journey at night or let young children walk around. We used the car on an evening and for the beach, and would recommend Stoute car rentals.
For evening meals I’d thoroughly recommend the following;
- sea shed
- tides
- qp bistro
- baia
- nishi
You can’t knock the food or service at any of the, and the setting at all but Nishi is just fantastic. Tides probably gets top place for food, qp for setting, and sea shed for a more relaxed vibe.
We called in to lone star on a few occasions for breakfast and occasional drinks and found the food great, but the service was hit and miss. Staff just weren’t as upbeat as other places. I’d also recommend JuJu’s for occasional drinks and watching the sunset.
Fantastic place with fantastic people. Just be prepared for the mosquitoes (we were advised to use citronella oil mixed in with body lotion, and also Avon skin so soft spray, which I’d definitely recommend.
We were staying in Saint James (Westland heights) and used to walk down to Holetown each morning. All I’d say is there are no pavements half the time so I wouldn’t do that journey at night or let young children walk around. We used the car on an evening and for the beach, and would recommend Stoute car rentals.
We love it and are looking forward to returning in November.
We stay In Mullins near the Sea shed so end up going there a fair bit. Adrians shack next door is good in the day too.
We like Bombas as we have had some great meals there Doesnt look much but great food.
Fish Pot is a must. Get there before sunset and have cocktails pre meal
Sundays and Fridays is a Great night in the Little Bristol Bar in Speights Town.
Also worth nipping into Cobblers Cove hotel for a quick drink at sundown.
\So much to do and see,.
the Monkey Sanctuary is great too . Go at feeding time and its amazing..
We stay In Mullins near the Sea shed so end up going there a fair bit. Adrians shack next door is good in the day too.
We like Bombas as we have had some great meals there Doesnt look much but great food.
Fish Pot is a must. Get there before sunset and have cocktails pre meal
Sundays and Fridays is a Great night in the Little Bristol Bar in Speights Town.
Also worth nipping into Cobblers Cove hotel for a quick drink at sundown.
\So much to do and see,.
the Monkey Sanctuary is great too . Go at feeding time and its amazing..
Just seen this, and a few adds from me. We stayed a short walk north of The Cliff last year, so southern end of St James.
Food first:-
- Agreed on The Cliff. Also heard good things about QP but didn't make it.
- We went back to Tides, and were thoroughly disappointed - the food was bland, and some nice presentation touches aside, no better than a middling UK gastropub or bistro. Maybe we had a bad day / cover-chef, but it was the biggest let down of the holiday.
- We really liked a little family-run place a hundred yards down from The Cliff on the other side of the road - Cariba (about 20-30yds up the dirt road by the pub). Their curry was brimmed with flavour and character, and the service was far more genuine too. Went back on our last day, that sort of place.
- If you are Paynes Bay way, there's a nice little ice-cream shack roadside about 100m south of the T-Junction with the Esso garage. Opening hours vary, but worth popping in. Also, just past De Clay Oven (mixed experiences there) by the roadside bit of Paynes Bay Beach there's the (VERY small) local fish market...it's been run by the same lady for decades and they prep it right there in front of you...if you want to do some self-catering worth swinging by.
- In Holetown we also liked the Bearded Rose - central courtyard in the Limegrove Centre. Slightly upmarket without being fine-dining prices like Tides/Cliff.
Beaches:-
- Holetown up by Zacchios is worth a visit - also worth renting their loungers for the day - comfy, towels included, decent service and little hassle from the guys there, and their food is pretty passable for a beachfront place that doesn't need to try. Of particular note are the stingrays and tarpon that come in VERY close to shore at the southern end of the rocky breakwater, and you can snorkel a little around the breakwater. Watch for fishermen and boat-trip guys when snorkelling though.
- Folkstone Marine Park beach is only worth going to to snorkel, and there it's tide-dependent. You need to swim out a way too, so depending on how strong a swimmer your 10y.o. is that may be too much for him.
- Google "Heywoods Beach Parking" - turn down a narrow road by some high mesh fencing, park as far down there as you can get. Zero facilities, but (outside of weekends) a beautifully quiet beach and the best off-beach snorkelling we found...all little fish, but a lot of variety and calm waters
- Carlisle Bay, specifically The Boatyard. Yes, you pay for the privilege of their beach and loungers, but it's a good spot, the food portions are huge, and you get a (naff but 'free') short boat-trip built in which takes out out to one of the wrecks in the bay. Plus pick the day right and you'll see the racehorses being led out to the water a couple of hundred yards north, which is pretty cool.
- One word of caution: Sargassum. It smells and it clogs up beaches AND water when it arrives, and they take a while to clear it. Try and google where it's going to be before you head out, and make plans to be elsewhere accordingly.
Boat trips:-
- Worth doing one. If you can afford it, a quieter boat will be more personal. We did Silver Moon and they were very good (boat, service and food), and went above and beyond when our 5y.o. daughter got freaked out by being in open water in Mrs H's arms (short version - I grabbed her and swam back to the boat 1-handed, but muppet-me misjudged the current and suddenly found myself missing the steps by about 2 metres - captain jumped in to help and got her calmed down before I even got back in the boat).
Sightseeing:-
- For families, there's a small and OK wildlife park in the middle somewhere, and I'd also recommend the monkey sanctuary...teenagers may be too-cool for that stuff, but our (slightly younger) kids loved it.
- The St Nicholas Abbey railway is not worth the money or the trip, and we're told the Abbey tour itself is nice but well overpriced also.
Food first:-
- Agreed on The Cliff. Also heard good things about QP but didn't make it.
- We went back to Tides, and were thoroughly disappointed - the food was bland, and some nice presentation touches aside, no better than a middling UK gastropub or bistro. Maybe we had a bad day / cover-chef, but it was the biggest let down of the holiday.
- We really liked a little family-run place a hundred yards down from The Cliff on the other side of the road - Cariba (about 20-30yds up the dirt road by the pub). Their curry was brimmed with flavour and character, and the service was far more genuine too. Went back on our last day, that sort of place.
- If you are Paynes Bay way, there's a nice little ice-cream shack roadside about 100m south of the T-Junction with the Esso garage. Opening hours vary, but worth popping in. Also, just past De Clay Oven (mixed experiences there) by the roadside bit of Paynes Bay Beach there's the (VERY small) local fish market...it's been run by the same lady for decades and they prep it right there in front of you...if you want to do some self-catering worth swinging by.
- In Holetown we also liked the Bearded Rose - central courtyard in the Limegrove Centre. Slightly upmarket without being fine-dining prices like Tides/Cliff.
Beaches:-
- Holetown up by Zacchios is worth a visit - also worth renting their loungers for the day - comfy, towels included, decent service and little hassle from the guys there, and their food is pretty passable for a beachfront place that doesn't need to try. Of particular note are the stingrays and tarpon that come in VERY close to shore at the southern end of the rocky breakwater, and you can snorkel a little around the breakwater. Watch for fishermen and boat-trip guys when snorkelling though.
- Folkstone Marine Park beach is only worth going to to snorkel, and there it's tide-dependent. You need to swim out a way too, so depending on how strong a swimmer your 10y.o. is that may be too much for him.
- Google "Heywoods Beach Parking" - turn down a narrow road by some high mesh fencing, park as far down there as you can get. Zero facilities, but (outside of weekends) a beautifully quiet beach and the best off-beach snorkelling we found...all little fish, but a lot of variety and calm waters
- Carlisle Bay, specifically The Boatyard. Yes, you pay for the privilege of their beach and loungers, but it's a good spot, the food portions are huge, and you get a (naff but 'free') short boat-trip built in which takes out out to one of the wrecks in the bay. Plus pick the day right and you'll see the racehorses being led out to the water a couple of hundred yards north, which is pretty cool.
- One word of caution: Sargassum. It smells and it clogs up beaches AND water when it arrives, and they take a while to clear it. Try and google where it's going to be before you head out, and make plans to be elsewhere accordingly.
Boat trips:-
- Worth doing one. If you can afford it, a quieter boat will be more personal. We did Silver Moon and they were very good (boat, service and food), and went above and beyond when our 5y.o. daughter got freaked out by being in open water in Mrs H's arms (short version - I grabbed her and swam back to the boat 1-handed, but muppet-me misjudged the current and suddenly found myself missing the steps by about 2 metres - captain jumped in to help and got her calmed down before I even got back in the boat).
Sightseeing:-
- For families, there's a small and OK wildlife park in the middle somewhere, and I'd also recommend the monkey sanctuary...teenagers may be too-cool for that stuff, but our (slightly younger) kids loved it.
- The St Nicholas Abbey railway is not worth the money or the trip, and we're told the Abbey tour itself is nice but well overpriced also.
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