The Caribbean Winter Season is underway in English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda. If you are a discerning eater, with the budget to match, then these are the restaurants you must try. The restaurants have been chosen for the merits of the food, the fine dining service, wine selections, and frankly, price.

Everything in the Eastern Caribbean islands is more relaxed, so fine dining can easily be a white tablecloth while your toes are in the sand, or near enough. Also, take it as a given that there are many restaurants in English Harbour, that have great food and have not been included on this list only because they are more casual, family-friendly and I have kept the list short for easy reading.

1. Catherine’s Café

Catherine’s is not a café in the traditional sense of the definition. As described by the management, they are: “A French-inspired beachfront venue”. Located right on Pigeon Point Beach, one of the Caribbean’s finest white sand beaches, Catherine’s serves a wide range of snacks, appetizers, salads, mains, desserts, wines and cocktails. As with most fine restaurants in the Caribbean, seafood is well represented- Oysters, Scallops, Prawns, Lobsters, Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, and more grace the menu. French Rosé is extremely popular!

Catherine’s Café hosts parties, Jazz Nights, Band Nights and other fun events. Nightly.Media reports on activities in our daily updated Feed Posts, which are posted and curated events and special offer announcements.

2. Slates

Slates is one of Antigua and Barbuda’s newest gastronomy culinary experiences. Slates is located outside English Harbour, overlooking Willoughby Bay. Hosts Colin and Bex McGurran have started their own restaurant after collaborations in other Antiguan restaurants Loose Cannon, Lemongrass and Julia’s. Colin McGurran is a recognized Michelin Star Chef in the UK. With an attentive staff and an excellent menu, Slate’s does not disappoint!

The menu has seafood selections in starters and mains, while also giving more meat variety than many fine dining restaurants in the Caribbean. Portions may be small, but the dishes are rich and filling. There are salads and vegetarian options. There is a fine selection of wines, and the bartender will serve up a variety of cocktails. On the high side of price, but also value.

3. Pillars Restaurant

Pillars Restaurant is located within Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda. Set against the backdrop of restored 18th-century naval architecture, the restaurant offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience. Guests can enjoy meals on the outdoor terrace overlooking the harbour, with shaded seating and views of historic stone pillars that once supported the original Admiral’s House. The venue blends colonial charm with modern comfort, making it suitable for couples, families, and history enthusiasts alike.

Pillars Restaurant serves a diverse menu featuring Seafood, International and Caribbean-inspired dishes. The wine selection and cocktails are first class. Pillars is active with special menu dishes, daily dishes, pairings, Jazz and Steel Band Nights. Nightly often shares Pillars events on our Home Page and Events Page.

4. Maia

Maia South Point Restaurant & Lounge is a refined fine dining restaurant on the waterfront of Falmouth Harbour, just up from the Antigua Yacht Club. Maia is cosmopolitan, elegant and relaxed. It is situated within South Point Resort and is open to guests and the general public. It is possible to arrive by dinghy or get valet parking.

Maia’s menu draws inspiration from Asian, Mediterranean, and Caribbean cuisines, with standout offerings from its sushi bar, locally caught seafood, and farm-to-table ingredients. The restaurant gets good reviews for ambience, high quality food and drink, attentive service, and the excellent view.

5. Colibri

Colibri Bistro, Bar & Lounge is an award winning French Creole Bistro renowned for fine dining in a most casual garden setting. The Owner Didier Deleau is attentive and ensures consistently good results for his guests. Didier, a longtime resident, has a loyal following of tourists, yachties and discerning locals every season Colibri opens.

Starters may include housemade pâté, French cheese and charcuterie boards, tuna tartare, and seasonal ceviche. Fresh seafood could be Mahi Mahi, Tuna or Lobster. Quality steaks, duck and other meats are served with pasta and vegetarian options like roasted vegetable couscous. Desserts range from crème brûlée and chocolate fondant to tropical fruit sorbets. The bar serves handcrafted cocktails, infused spiced rums, and curated wines, with a dedicated tapas menu. Grab a cocktail and enjoy the entertainment in the outdoor lounge.  

6. KŌYA

KŌYA is a new fine dining restaurant that is getting good reviews and a lot of interest for their unique menu. They serve a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian food, with fresh local ingredients. Nikkei‑inspired dishes cover a range of sushi, tempura, and sashimi offerings. However, the range is deeper with Korean BBQ, duck, chicken, desserts and cocktails served.

Guests enjoy a waterfront backdrop that enhances the dining experience, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. The design emphasizes elegance and artistry, making the space ideal for romantic dinners, special occasions, and intimate gatherings.

7. Incanto

Incanto Restaurant, located at the Antigua Slipway in English Harbour, offers a refined Italian dining experience with panoramic views of the marina. Known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes, Incanto specializes in Mediterranean seafood dishes, handmade pastas, and classic Italian desserts. Popular menu items include seafood carbonara, Mediterranean linguine, and tiramisu, all prepared by experienced Italian chefs.

Incanto is the place to be for Antigua Sailing Week Races that end in Nelson’s Dockyard. Bystanders and supporters cheer as fine yachts show their colours after the finish line. Mimosas, Champagne and Rosé rule. If you want Italian fine dining, a casual, elegant setting right on the water then Incanto is a good bet. Keep an eye out for offers and events on Nightly.Media.

8. Abracadabra

Abracadabra has a new head chef, Simon Tranter, known for success as the former owner of Trappas Restaurant and as a Yacht Chef. Abracadabra is an Italian Institution in English Harbour, originally known for good food and a very lively nightclub bar atmosphere. Over the years, if you haven’t partied at Abras then you likely haven’t partied at all.

Abras is now operating as a Steakhouse with fine cuts of Striploins, Porterhouses, Tomahawks, Tenderloins, and Ribeyes. These are charcoal-grilled for deep, smoky flavor and expertly cut in-house using Certified Hereford Standard beef from the UK. Steak is accompanied by all-new menu additions.

9. Lemongrass

Lemongrass Thai Kitchen and Lounge, located just off Dockyard Drive in English Harbour, Antigua, offers a vibrant and refined Thai dining experience. The menu features traditional Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, green papaya salad, massaman curry, and banana spring rolls, all prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. Guests can also enjoy sushi, Thai-inspired cocktails, and vegetarian or vegan options.

With its warm ambiance and beautifully plated dishes, Lemongrass has quickly earned a reputation for quality and consistency among locals and visitors alike. Lemongrass hosts Happy Hour, Band Nights and Special Offers. Good food, good fun.

10. Lite N Eze

Lite N Eze is not often recognized as a fine dining establishment, which is a mistake. The food is wide-ranging from Caribbean inspired dishes like fish cakes, wings, to Mediterranean and International seafood and meat dishes. Presentation is notably good, as is the food. The table service is attentive.

The bar serves expertly crafted cocktails and unique offering like Guinness draft. The venue also screens live sports and hosts regular music nights, adding to its appeal as both a dining and entertainment destination. Look out for special offers and family nights.

That’s all folks!

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