Andrew Zimmern's Favorite Caribbean Restaurants
F&W contributing editor Andrew Zimmern may be famous as the host of the Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods, but as a trained cook he also loves delicious foods. Here, Zimmern shares some of his favorite finds while traveling all across the Caribbean, from Jamaica’s best jerk chicken to Virgin Gorda’s superb conch fritters.Photo courtesy of the Travel Channel.
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KoalKeel, Anguilla
“Incredible seafood like crayfish ravioli and pigeon pea soup make this the best spot for inventive cuisine and traditional Anguillan fare. The rock-oven chicken needs to be ordered a day in advance, and it’s worth it. The 15,000-bottle wine cellar is inspiring for grape juice heads.” koalkeel.comPhoto © Susan Croft Photography.
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The Cliff, Barbados
“Make reservations early to get a seat on the terrace for an amazing view and stuff yourself silly on Asian-influenced Caribbean food that is the best of its kind on the island. Go for the curry-tinged grilled swordfish, red chile steamed mussels and coconut conch fritters.” thecliffbarbados.comPhoto courtesy of The Cliff.
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La Guarida, Havana
“This restaurant serves grilled lobster with pineapple and some of the best traditional Cuban cooking I have found in the Caribbean.” laguarida.comPhoto courtesy of La Guarida.
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Angela's Shack, Jamaica
“A fantastic Jamaican snack shack. Order the goat curry.”Photo courtesy of the Travel Channel.
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Scotchies, Jamaica
“Best place for real Jamaican jerk seasoned with chiles, thyme and garlic then roasted on pimento wood logs and over hardwood coals. One of my favorite places to grab lunch in the Caribbean.”Photo © National Geographic Image Collection / Alamy.
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La Bombanera, Puerto Rico
“100-year-old bakery with fantastic Puerto Rican breakfast of strong coffee, local orange juice and buttery pastries.”Photo © Julia Smillie.
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Pikayo Restaurant, Puerto Rico
“Puerto Rican cuisine with a modern twist from Chef Wilo Benet, one of the finest restaurants in the Caribbean. Think miniature bite-size mofongo and grilled local shrimp with apio (a root vegetable) and chorizo emulsion. I love this place.”Photo © wilobenet.com.
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Lares Ice Cream Parlor, Puerto Rico
“So many choices with 1,000 homemade ice cream flavors. The roasted corn ice cream is my favorite.”Photo © Josue Martell.
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Marcia's Diner Restaurant & Bar, Tobago
“Serves up a delicious iguana curry and dumplings in a clean and neat little diner. Definitely worth it, but it’s no-frills, for sure.”Photo courtesy of myTobago.info.
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The Verandah, Trinidad
“Beautiful view of the Port of Spain with a menu of Caribbean creole favorites that changes weekly.” facebook.com/pages/The-Verandah-Restaurant/154842487869702Photo courtesy of the Verandah.
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Coyaba Restaurant, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
“Beautiful, romantic restaurant. The coconut shrimp tempura and the chocolate fondant for dessert are favorites.” coyabarestaurant.comPhoto © Nick Brown Photography.
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Chez Bamboo, Virgin Gorda
“Superb little café. Spectacular fish dishes like grilled snapper, conch fritters and conch chowder.” chezbamboo.comPhoto © Marta Garraus Figaredo.
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Cow Wreck Beach Bar and Grill, Virgin Gorda
“Amazing grilled lobster for a staggeringly small sum.” cowwreckbeach.comPhoto © Joe Stone, North Haven, Maine.
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The Rock Cafe, Virgin Gorda
“Caribbean lobster pasta with shellfish sauce and housemade angel hair is one of the best dishes on the island. There’s a great ambience, eating al fresco amidst the boulders and candles.” bvidining.comPhoto courtesy of The Rock Café.
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Blue by Eric Ripert, Cayman Islands
“Eric Ripert brings his amazing talents to the Cayman Islands. The menu is inspired by his seafood-focused New York restaurant, Le Bernardin, with the fresh, local ingredients of the Caribbean. A stunner.” ritzcarlton.comPhoto courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton.
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