Antigua Restaurants

Antigua is home to plenty of restaurants where patrons can taste island relaxation

British Tradition, Island Flavors

A day of sailing, golfing, or touring the lush island of Antigua may not be fast-paced, but it will certainly enhance your appetite for dining on local, or familiar, delicacies.

Whatever you crave, from Italian to contemporary eclectic to traditional West Indies fare, you'll have no trouble finding a restaurant to accommodate. Though there are many fine restaurants throughout Antigua, most are located at the island's hotels and resorts. Visitors will also find a selection of independent restaurants in St. John's, English Harbour and Dickenson's Bay.

Vacationers also find that hotel restaurants generally provide excellent fare, but keep in mind that you won't be able to eat at some of all-inclusive resorts unless you're a guest there. Make sure to call the resort restaurant in advance to make a reservation and confirm that non-guests can dine there.  Many locally owned restaurants on Antigua close on Sundays, so this would be a great time to try out a hotel restaurant.

Most hotels and restaurants automatically add a service charge of 10 percent and a government tax of 7 to 8.5 percent, depending on the type of establishment, such as a hotel restaurant or a free-standing eatery. It's always worth asking if the service charge is included in the quoted price or if it will be added later. If the service was good, you might want to leave extra over the 10 percent service charge. Most hotels accept major credit cards, but it's best to call ahead to check.

Antiguans generally dress more formally for dinner than other Caribbean islanders, perhaps because of Antigua's British heritage. Wraps and shorts - but not beachwear - are typically considered appropriate attire for the lunch meal, but dinner attire may require more formal attire, even jackets and ties for men and dresses for women.

During the winter season (December through April), reservations are recommended at restaurants around the island. If you have your heart set on a particular place, call a couple of days in advance.

When spending time in Antigua, it's easy to find your style of restaurant, but it's best to consider your preferences before stepping out to dine.


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