7 Best Restaurants in Trinidad and Tobago

Style meets substance at veteran chef Khalid Mohammed's restaurant. Famous for his obsession with freshness and his extravagance (he presents food that rises off the plate like a Manhattan skyscraper), expect a menu of classic European dishes reinterpreted and paired with distinctively Caribbean touches like cassava (manioc) hash. Although the prices are high, it's well worth it for a special romantic evening. Those on a budget might want to try a meal at its sister property, Chaud Café, located at 1 Woodbrook Place.

Lebanese-born chef Joseph Habr has been serving fine cuisine at his Maraval location for over a decade and has more than 25 years of experience. There's an Arabic element in even seemingly conventional dishes, and the restaurant is a lovely open affair, with a dining room that looks out on a lush garden, complete with the sound of flowing water and chirping crickets. Joseph visits every table and is always happy to offer recommendations. If in doubt, it's impossible to go wrong with any of the lamb offerings. The truly adventurous may special order Joseph's renowned kibbeh nayeh—a generous portion of Lebanese lamb tartare.

You'll find some of the island's most imaginative food at this elegant establishment, an institution on restaurant row for over a decade. Chef and owner Moses Ruben creates delightfully balanced dishes with unusual pairings like Chilean sea bass with toasted coconut; it's also worth leaving room for dessert.

On the ground floor of the BHP Billiton tower, this upscale establishment caters to businesspeople armed with large expense accounts and demanding tastes, though subtle lighting, understated decor, and an attentive staff also make it ideal for a romantic dinner. The menu is varied, but most people come for the excellent Angus steaks; a well-chosen vintage helps take the edge off the inevitably large bill. The restaurant is behind the Marriott and next door to the Movietowne complex.

This eatery seats 200, but it's divided into multiple levels, so there's still a sense of intimacy. Statuary is strewn about with carefree abandon, and the sound of flowing water permeates the room.

At the elegant Coco Reef Resort, you can select contemporary dishes with an island twist from a menu that changes seasonally (the fish dishes are always worth special attention, though). The peach walls and whitewashed wooden ceiling make the resort's restaurant feel airy and light, and island breezes waft through the palm-lined terrace. A dress code is enforced, but casual chic is fine, and men are not required to wear jackets for dinner.

Though the menu is skewed toward Chinese cuisine, this extremely popular eatery offers everything from ravioli to lobster thermidor. Young professionals flock here in the evening to enjoy the cocktails, lively atmosphere, attentive but laid-back service, and consistently good (and reasonably priced) food. Parking is always an issue in the area; don't be fooled by the men on the roadside offering to find you a parking spot and "look after your car" for a price.