15 of the best places to eat in English Harbour
Historic English Harbour is situated on Antigua's most southerly point just 40 minutes drive from the airport. It became Lord Admiral Nelson's naval base for a few years from 1784 due to the protection it gave ships from hurricanes. Today this area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the world's only working Georgian dockyard. With so many activities and restaurants nearby it is a popular place to stay for all or part of a holiday. For more information on this check out my post on how to spend a few days in English Harbour.
Many of the best restaurants in English Harbour are blessed with picture postcard views of yacht filled marinas, shimmering water and undulating hillsides but not all of them. Roadside eateries are open for lunch selling a range of local food such as ducana and fungee. The prices tend to be cheaper too for those who are looking to explore Antigua on more of a budget. The standard of food is still excellent and it's a chance to experience some of Antigua's national dishes.
Catherine's Cafe is a high end, French inspired restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Nestled snugly at the far end of Pigeon Point beach, choose from a selection of tables spread out amongst the golden sand or covered raised patio area. Whether you come along for brunch, afternoon meal with live music or dine under the stars at night it is definitely a place visitors return time after time. Food is outstanding and ambience, chilled. It is a popular venue for a celebratory meal or special occasion. Food choices include a seafood platter, fire grilled vegetables with a creole sauce and a selection of sandwiches, steaks and salads.
Maia at South Point
This fancy waterfront restaurant specialises in sushi alongside incredible Mediterranean and Asian inspired dishes. Perch at the counter-top bar with an ice-frosted glass of rosé while watching chefs flame-grill steaks to one side and delicate sushi preparation to the other.
When your table is ready, watch out over the harbour with shimmering reflections from super yachts during high season. Food from the extensive new menu is outstanding with impeccable presentation. A complimentary appetiser of rosemary focaccia is served alongside olive oil and salty tapenade.
Trappas is a superb 'no frills' restaurant popular with locals and tourists alike. The inviting venue with cheery, friendly staff is set back from the road behind a white picket fence. The ambience is lively and cocktails on point. Tables inside are cooled by fans while the outdoor seating areas benefit from a gentle breeze. Choose from a range of local and International dishes from a blackboard style menu. Dishes include catch of the day with a garlic, lime and caper butter, a big phat pork chop with mushrooms and onions, West Indian curries and Trappas 'wing dings' with a blue cheese dip.
Roquita
Roquita is part of the well known Rocks Group open for casual breakfasts and lunches. By night, the Spanish inspired tapas restaurant has a cozy dining area with ambient low lighting and tables made from wine barrels furnished with spiky cactus plants. Damion, the superb bartender with an incredible memory creates delicious cocktails whilst friendly waitresses like Samantha bring the tasty and generous sized dishes to the table. They include anchovies on garlic toast, Iberico ham, spicy chicken thighs, aged manchego and salads. Upstairs, the rooftop bar can be hired for private events.
Pillars is Admiral's Inn's waterfront restaurant within the picturesque Nelson's Dockyard National Park. It specialises in local seafood and is a wonderful spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. By night watch tarpan leap out of the glistening water while tucking into pepper encrusted mahi-mahi atop sautéd plantain with roasted baby potatoes. Caribbean nights on Wednesdays offer a special set menu in addition to the a la carte menu. A local steel band play well known tunes throughout the evening. Live jazz is performed on Saturday evenings.
Open from 12-6 for snacks or lunch, Boom's elevated position offers a covered alfresco dining experience with a welcome breeze and far reaching views over English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard. After a delicious lunch of catch of the day or burgers with truffle and parmesan fries, those with a day pass and residents of Admiral's Inn & Gunpowder Suites can take a refreshing dip in the cool, turquoise-hued infinity pool. Afterwards, relax in a poolside hammock or lounger and perhaps indulge in a spa treatment at The Powder Room Spa beneath the restaurant.
Situated in the middle of a stunning stretch of white sand, Loose Cannon at Galleon beach is a buzzing bar/restaurant with lively music serving delicious dishes and cocktails. Plates include a range of salads, pizzas and tapas dishes. Brunches are popular on weekends and daybeds and loungers may be hired. Perhaps for a special occasion hire a VIP daybed complete with mezze platter, bottle of wine or a pitcher of cocktail.
The beach itself is home to a shipwreck with a plethora of marine life and turtle sightings so make sure you bring your snorkel too!
Bumpkins
Bumpkins cafe bar is located at the entrance to Pigeon Point Beach. The casual venue with a relaxed vibe is directly on the beachfront, well positioned for stunning sunsets. Cocktails are popular here - their specialities are pina/banana coladas, blended and served in tall glasses or in paper cups to take away. Food is great - a selection of burgers, salads and fish and the staff here are amazingly friendly.
Club Sushi & Steak House
Open 7 days a week for dinner, The Club House is a covered, open air restaurant with the dining area built around palm trees. The atmosphere here is vibrant - loud music with happy staff and a busy bar area. Booking is recommended especially on themed evenings - Wednesdays for quiz nights, Saturdays - all you can eat sushi for EC$110 and Sundays, steak and live music. Sushi fans can order a love boat - the wooden, boat shaped sharing platter is ideal for two people, brimming with edamame, sashimi and maki rolls. Other dishes include a selection of burgers, salmon teriyaki, fish tacos and fresh catch of the day. Food here is of a high standard with a fun ambience.
Indian Summer
Access the restaurant via a pathway adjacent to a palm tree decorated with a spiral of fairy lights. Smell the spice blend aromas escaping from the kitchen into the spacious dining area as friendly staff greet you. Without a reservation expect to wait a while, either at the countertop bar area or perhaps in one of the outdoor courtyards with a favourite drink. The extensive menu has flavourful, authentic Indian dishes including Goan Fish Curry - fish cooked in a Goan masala coconut sauce, Dal Makhani - a black lentil dish with spices and cream and well known favourites such as lamb korma and chicken tikka masala. Happy Hour is available from 5-6:30pm daily. Book a table in advance to avoid disappointment. Takeaways may be pre-ordered by phone to collect.
Lemongrass Thai
Experience Thai cuisine in a partially open-air restaurant where the ceiling is decorated with an abundance of colourful umbrellas and a breeze flows throughout the upper level. Watch authentic dishes being prepared from the open kitchen and enjoy dishes such as vegetable spring rolls with sweet chilli sauce, creamy Panaeng curry and Pad Thai Noodles. Save room for one of the delicious desserts. Khao Niew Ai Tim is highly recommended, vanilla ice cream with sticky rice and caramelised pineapple and peanut.
Saturday 'Bangkok' nights are lively with a DJ, free shots on the hour, exclusive cocktails and special deals on buckets of Carib.
Galley Bar
Galley Bar is one of English Harbour's hidden gems. Tucked away to the rear of historic Nelson's Dockyard is the former Seamen's Galley containing ovens and fireplaces where seamen and yard workers cooked. Now an open-air, covered bar/restaurant with views over the marina, it is a popular place for yachties, tourists and locals to meet for food and drink. The catch of the day is consistently outstanding served with a side of veggies, salad, rice or chips.
Colibri
Colibri is without a doubt one of English Harbour's finest restaurants serving exceptional food within a pretty courtyard with live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. The owner, Didier, takes time to socialise with diners, ensuring a good time is had by all. Expect charcuterie and cheese platters, fresh seafood dishes, mussels with parsley, garlic & chilli butter topped with breadcrumbs. Happy hours are daily from 5-6pm.
2 of the best restaurants in English Harbour for local food
Mama's Delight, Piccadilly
Mama's Delight is approximately 15 minutes on foot from English Harbour and it is worth the walk. Climb the steps of the brightly coloured building and select a table on the verandah overlooking the street or wait for it to be boxed up to takeaway. Sip on one of the chilled local juices while waiting for your meal. Well seasoned dishes change daily including a choice of rotis, stewed chicken and bull foot soup. I can recommend the fungi with pan fried fish in creole sauce, served alongside yam, vegetables and potato salad. Make sure you arrive very hungry!
Zelma's Kitchen
Zelma's Kitchen is a roadside restaurant on Dockyard Drive beside the harbour. It offers a range of tasty local dishes such as fried snapper or bbq chicken. Take a seat on one of the brightly painted benches with a chilled local juice, perhaps tamarind or lemongrass.
Further Reading...
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