2 Best Restaurants in Cayman Islands

Built in 1908 as the Petra Plantation House and transformed into the island's first upscale establishment decades ago, this grande dame evokes bygone grandeur sans pretension. Outside, hundreds of sparkling lights adorning the gazebos compete with the starry sky. Live nightly music and rumors of a charming blond ghost trailing white chiffon complete the picture. The interior rooms, awash in crystal, recall its plantation-house origins. Expertly executed classics include panfried foie gras with black currant and green apple purees, salted mango chutney, and microgreens; roasted lobster in creamy Chardonnay sauce; and chicken cordon bleu. The subtle yet complex flavor interactions, stellar service, and encyclopedic if stratospherically priced wine list ensure legendary status. Nightly happy hours with discounted tapas at the restaurant's On the Rocks bar are a substantial bargain.

This weathered, powder-blue, wooden building wouldn't be out of place on some remote New England shore, except perhaps for the garish pirate at the entrance. The nautical yo-ho-hokum continues inside—painted oars, model sailboats, and droll touches like a skeleton with a chef's toque—but fortunately the kitchen isn't lost at sea, despite voyaging from India to Italy. Teriyaki chicken and scampi Florentine are worthy house specialties. Lunch is less expensive, and includes classic standbys (wraps, burgers, nachos, Lolita's chicken-fried tacos, fried or blackened grouper) and more creative options like "honey-stung" chicken fried in chili powder and crushed corn chips. The outdoor poolside bar is a popular hangout for dive masters.