Top 10 Dining Experiences in Grand Cayman: Casual to Fine Restaurants

Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands. It’s a major cruise ship port, home to some of the best dive spots in the world and extraordinary cuisine.

So, I’ve rounded up the most impressive Grand Cayman restaurants to share with you that will hopefully inspire you to visit this beautiful place.

Get ready for some drool-worthy photos and please continue reading only if you have a full stomach. You have been warned.

Incredible Grand Cayman Restaurants

One of my favorite things to research before any vacation is where I plan to eat. I typically don’t make it to every place on my list because new suggestions tend to pop up from locals, and a local recommendation will always override one of mine.

From Casual to Fine Dining

I have listed the best restaurants on Grand Cayman from casual dining to fine dining. Each one offers a unique experience and choices to suit every budget and traveler’s needs.

Casual Restaurants on Grand Cayman Island

Normally the local casual joints will not be online, so if you don’t ask around, you will likely miss out on something spectacular.

Expert Tip: For upscale restaurants, always play it safe and make a reservation. I have learned this the hard way that these kinds of establishments can quickly fill up, putting a real damper on any trip.

1. Duke’s Seafood and Rib Shack

Sweet Maui Ribs at Duke’s

The first night we arrived, we headed out to Duke’s Seafood and Rib Shack to enjoy some sweet Maui Ribs. Our server was incredibly helpful with food recommendations and let us in on a local secret – Spott’s beach for swimming with wild turtles!

For dinner, we enjoyed the Thai steam pot topped with fresh crab, shrimp, and lobster, which was to die for.

The delicious steam pot

We basically inhaled the sweet Maui ribs and, because we were on vacation, we didn’t mind ordering the crabby fries drenched in a cream crab and spinach sauce.

Every dish was fantastic, but my favorite was the steam pot! If you’re seeking an above-average casual dining spot in Grand Cayman, definitely check out Duke’s.

Location: Duke’s Rib Shack is located across from Public Beach in Seven Mile.

2. Pepper’s

Cayman Island restaurants are known for seafood, but also fowl too! We heard wonderful things about Pepper’s, where the main attraction is jerk chicken, so we decided to give it a shot.

It was a bit crowded with a mix of tourists and locals, brimming with a ton of energy and great live music. Everyone was here to have a good time and eat great food.

The drinks, fish and chips, and ceviche we ordered were great, but the jerk chicken was out of this world; it was gone in a matter of minutes.

Location: 426 West Bay Road – 7 Mile Road

3. Kurt’s Korner – Great for a Casual Lunch

After our stingray excursion, we stopped by Kurt’s Korner on the Northside of the island for a casual lunch before heading back to the hotel.

For starters, we noshed on scrumptious conch and crab patties, and for the mains, we ordered the grouper curry and the grilled fish special. All were so good and affordable!

Location: 426 West Bay Road – Old Man Bay, Cayman Islands

4. Vivine’s Kitchen

Another one of my favorite places to eat was Vivine’s Kitchen on the east end of the island.

Her establishment is nestled along the coast with outside seating, an ocean breeze, a hammock for lounging, and fresh food. What else could you ask for? Seriously.

Oxtail was on the menu, and I never pass up oxtail; it was so juicy and tender it nearly made me cry. My partner ordered the fried snapper, which was cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and delicate and flaky on the inside.

One of the best things about dining at a casual restaurant in the Caribbean is all the extra sides that come with the meal but aren’t listed on the menu. It’s the best surprise ever!

Location: Gun Bay

Dave and Deb’s Favorite Pick for Casual Dining on Grand Cayman

5. Kaibo

What to do in Grand Cayman

Kaibo is the perfect sunset spot that can easily be reached by high-speed ferry from Camana Bay.

Situated at Rum Point, it has an easy local beach vibe that invites you to slow down and enjoy the view.

This is also the spot where people capture that iconic pier view of Grand Cayman.

When dining at Kaibo, you can try the popular 6-course tasting menu ($70) or relax outdoors with some coconut fish curry or their famous jerk chicken.

While you are there, don’t forget to savor the mudslide! It’s their signature drink, a delightful frozen cocktail that will refresh you and lift your spirits.

Location: Rum Point

Upscale Grand Cayman Restaurants

6. Morgans Seafood Restaurant

Our lovely server from Duke’s recommended that we shouldn’t miss a meal at Morgan’s on the water.

Morgan’s offers an ocean-to-table concept, serving only local seasonal fish caught daily by their own fishermen.

We dined outside along the water, and it was an incredible experience. If you arrive during lobster and conch season (Nov-April), plan on indulging in as much shellfish as you can.

We ordered both along with pan-seared mahi and feasted like kings. Grand Cayman is truly a seafood lover’s paradise!

Location: Governors Creek, Cayman Islands

7. Mizu – Camana Bay

Have a Teppanyaki dinner

For fresh seafood, Mizu was our favorite. Located in Camana Bay overlooking the waterfront, it offers delicious locally inspired dishes infused with Asian cuisine.

One night, we enjoyed their savory mahi mahi Thai fish curry paired with a delicious local cocktail followed by marinated lamb with rice and almonds.

Much of the food here is locally sourced, showcasing fresh farm-to-table cuisine.

However, our favorite meal was definitely the Teppenyaki Experience, which is not just dinner but an enthralling culinary show. With a fire display and chopping demonstration by Chef Johnny, you’ll be captivated as your food is prepared before your eyes.

Be ready for a full night of dining and fun while sitting outside overlooking the Camana Bay Marina.

Fine Dining Restaurants Grand Cayman

8. The Brasserie

A lovely upscale restaurant in George Town that I highly recommend is The Brasserie. It serves as a cozy, intimate spot with exceptional service and delightful food and drink.

Must-try items include grilled cheese (yes, grilled cheese sounds odd for dinner but not when it’s made with truffle, brie, and homemade jam), smoked fish dip, tomato and burrata salad, and grilled tuna.

For dessert, order the crème brûlée and sticky coffee date pudding. My mind was blown from start to finish.

Location: George Town

9. Blue Ritz Carlton

On our last night in Grand Cayman, we had an exquisite meal at Blue by Eric Ripert, known for specializing in seafood and modern French cuisine.

If you’re a follower of Anthony Bourdain, you’ve likely seen Eric appear in many episodes of Parts Unknown.

Feeling fancy, we settled for the tasting menu and ordered a lovely bottle of French wine to complement our food. If you do the same, I recommend the “Eric Ripert” option from the tasting menu!

Our meal was an extra-special culinary experience, with every dish featuring creative flavor combinations and amazing presentation.

Location: Ritz Carlton, Seven Mile Beach

10. Abacus – Camana Bay

This chic eatery in Camana Bay is inspired by locally sourced ingredients. Inside, it exudes a fine dining ambiance by candlelight, while outdoors, you can dine surrounded by swaying palm trees.

Camana Bay enjoys a constant breeze, creating a relaxed and cool atmosphere. The menu changes weekly, depending on local catch and farming, and their drinks highlight seasonal fruits from the area.

Location of All Listed Grand Cayman Restaurants

For directions, here is a link to Google Maps.

If you’re searching for the perfect Caribbean getaway with exceptional fare, then Grand Cayman is definitely the place for you. So what are you waiting for?

Plan your visit to this lovely little island to soak up a healthy dose of vitamin sea, relax, explore, or both, and indulge in some of the most delicious cuisine the Caribbean has to offer.

What are some of your favorite Grand Cayman restaurants? Have you been to any listed above?

This post was originally written by Britteny Disov. Her blog is no longer in existence.


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