Conjuring up delicious dishes with seafood such as conch, mahi mahi and Anegada spiny lobsters, Tortolan cuisine is something to be savored. Meats are often grilled and Tortolans are famed for their barbecue. In Road Town, you'll find superb local cuisine at bargain prices, including a wide selection of well-priced West Indian and barbecue restaurants, grilled seafood, simple sandwiches and plenty of vegetarian options. If you're self-catering or just putting together a beach picnic, Riteway Food Market, next door to the Prospect Reef Resort and Ample Hamper, a gourmet deli next to the village Cay Marina are good places to hit.

C&F Restaurant Purcell Estate phone 284/494-4941. Located just east of town, this lively local favorite is difficult to find so call ahead for directions or take a taxi. It's worth it, though; the barbecued fish and seafood is hands down the best on the island. It's open evenings only and always busy so be prepared to wait. Main courses cost upwards of US$12.

Callaloo on the Reef Waterfront drive phone 284/494-3311. This breezy restaurant in the grounds of the Prospect Reef Resort is run by culinary institute students who hone their skills on dishes like ravioli in a pumpkin cream gratin and citrus-and-ginger pork in a pineapple sauce.

Capriccio di Mare 196 Waterfront drive phone 284/494-5369. An Italian restaurant whose outdoor patio is a great place to sip espresso or enjoy a light meal. The menu includes an array of pizzas, sandwiches and salads, but the tasty bowls of pasta for under US$13 are the main draw. The mango bellini is also a highlight. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Closed Sun.

Courtyard Coffee Shop Main Street phone 284/499-2194. A good place to take a break from sightseeing and shopping in the area. Specialty coffees, teas and pastries served from 7.30am.

Crandall's Pastry Plus Fishers Estate south of town, near Moorings-Mariner Inn and Prospect Reef Resort phone 284/494-5156. This bakery does the best pastries on the island, though the coffee leaves something to be desired. Also sells cakes and West Indian food to go. Open till 5pm.

Healthy Choices Wickhams Cay I phone 284/494-4733. A good choice if you're vegetarian or just fancy a break from seafood and grilled chicken. Does low-salt and low-fat soups, salads and veggie meals. The baked patties are highly recommended.

La Dolce vita 200 Waterfront drive phone 284/494-8770. Choose from 24 flavors of delicious ice cream served in waffle cones, both of which are home-made.

Le Cabanon Main Street phone 284/494-8660. An airy and relaxed French bistro good for lunch - try the cured ham and goat cheese tartine - or dinner. A light lunch costs around US$7; dinners can go as high as US$30. Late at night, the restaurant turns into a disco of sorts.

Midtown Restaurant Main Street phone 284/494-2764. Almost always open (7am-11pm daily) and a favorite among locals. Cheap and delicious local cuisine - the curried whelk is excellent, while less adventurous souls can't go wrong with the baked chicken.

The Pub Waterfront drive, near Fort Burt phone 284/494-2608. Long-time Road Town favorite serving up everything from burgers to steaks to fresh fish, with nightly specials, such as prime rib on Thursday and all-you-can-eat mussels on Wednesday. Has a great waterfront location to enjoy the happy hour and lie music at weekends.

Pusser's Road Town Pub Waterfront drive phone 284/494-3897. Road Town's nautical take on the English pub is a popular tourist choice. If you're hankering for some English fare, you can sup a pint and down a plate of bangers and mash (US$12.95). For something a little more Caribbean, try one of the many rums on offer followed by the jerk chicken or pineapple quesadilla (US$8.95).

Rita's Bar and Restaurant Wickhams Cay I/Omar Hodge Bldg phone 284/494-6165. Delicious soups, ribs and seafood, all cooked West Indian-style.

Roti Palace Abbott Hill, just off the southern end of Main Street phone 284/494-4196. The place may be crowded and hard to find, but once you try one of the mouthwatering rotis packed with seafood, meat or veggie options and served with a side of rice and plantains, all seems right with the world. Prices are hefty, though, ranging between US$8 and US$16.

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    Tortola that are worth a visit:
Peter Island, Cooper Island,
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