5 Best Restaurants in Antigua and Barbuda

This Saint-Tropez inspired beachfront haven, where white floorboards seamlessly integrate with the alabaster sands of Love Beach, is also where restaurateur Lance Leonhardt, dubbed Lancelot the Lionheart, holds court. The gregarious host is as much a part of the atmosphere as the seashell chandeliers and DJ booth, which he also mans when he's not serving up exquisitely plated and crafted delights including perfectly seared blackened scallop risotto and a twist on gazpacho adding sweet black pineapple. The mix of yachties, foodies, and the who’s who come for the superb service and excellent wine pairings selected by Lance and served in chilled glasses. Every evening at 6:15 pm the restaurant stands still as Pavarotti’s “Miserere” welcomes the sunset.

Crossing the intricate Indonesian carved wood vestibule, you are transported to the far east with a menu that features Japanese, Balinese, Thai, and Indonesian cuisine that ferries guests on a journey through the delicate, complex flavors of the East. The luxurious dark wood furniture, flooring, and dim lighting juxtaposed against bright fuchsia chair covers, crisp white serving trays, chartreuse candleholders, and airy potted bamboo make for a romantic setting. Stopover in Vietnam sampling the Hanoi Vegetable Rolls; venture to Japan indulging in the yuzu tomato salad, land in Thailand with spicy beef rice. Reservations are essential and children 10 and under dine between 6 and 7 pm.

This Antiguan institution has in recent years renovated with modern Mediterranean-ish digs, including cerulean blue and lime green walls and a stylish lounge area and bar. It's an inviting space for supping on classic regional fare with indigenous ingredients; order one of the daily specials—smoked marlin carpaccio with pink peppercorns, or prawns in a gossamer ginger white wine sauce laced with leeks—when possible. The fine wine list hits all the right spots, geographically and varietally, without outrageous markups. Co-owner Philippa Esposito doubles as hostess and pastry chef; her passion-fruit mousse and chocolate confections are sublime.

“Location, location, location” is the real draw of this spot within Nelson’s Dockyard, which is seamlessly integrated into the waterfront promenade with amazing views of the harbor and its namesake, the Boat House Pillars. Open for all meals—lunch is seldom crowded—a varied (and pricey) menu includes items like Thai shrimp cakes and a Mediterranean eggplant caprese sandwich.

Edged high atop a precipice, this open-air restaurant with tiered wooden terraces and billowing curtains hugs an infinity pool and boasts magnificent views of the bay. The cornerstone is the simple, varied menu that deftly marries local ingredients and international techniques created by Chef Mitchell Husbands. Decision fatigue is relieved by the table d'hôte dinner menu (rotating biweekly), but none of the flare is lost with impeccable plating. The fresh caprese salad with balsamic reduction whets the appetite; follow it with the flawlessly grilled wahoo and creole lentils entrée. Filet mignon and lobster carry a surcharge for guests of the hotel and breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style. Wine and mixed drinks are included in the (pricey) pre-fixe charge for visitors.