Of the three Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman has by far the most dining choices in cuisine. There are gourmet dining choices galore and international cuisines like Thai, Chinese and Indian are also easily found. American fast-food choices include such familiar fare as Subway and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Most restaurants are on West Bay Road along the Seven Mile Beach corridor. Local food, such as jerked meats (spicy slow-barbecued chicken or pork), peas and rice (usually bland white rice and green peas) and fried plantain (a type of banana), is most common on menus in the outer districts.

The Farmer's Market, on Smith Road just north of George Town (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm), has a decent number of local delicacies. The self-serve lunch buffet at the Fort Street Market in downtown George Town, on Fort Street and Harbor Drive, has a fine selection of island dishes prepared by the chefs at Champion House. You can grab lunch at either of these two places for under US$10 per person, a real bargain hereabouts.

Almond Tree House North Church St, George Town phone 345/945-0155. Dining on the water's edge is the best seat in the house here. Seafood choices are the main event, and the coconut shrimp appetizer shouldn't be missed. Main courses start at US$17. Daily noon-midnight.

Bed Harquail Bypass, George Town phone 345/949-7199. The servers here may wear pajamas (hence the name) but the cuisine is anything but casual. The well-prepared entrees include a delicious vegetable lasagna, prawns sautéed in a ginger lime sauce, various curries and meat dishes. Prices start at US$15.

Café Mediterraneo West Shore Centre on West Bay Rd, George Town phone 345/949-8669. The best seats in the house are the plush semi-private booths, perfect when sipping on one of the wines from the ample list. Tasty menu choices include nicoise salad, calzones filled with prosciutto, ricotta, spinach and tomato, pastas, steaks and rack of lamb. Main courses start at US$14. Daily 11.30am-10.30pm.

Casanova Fort Building, South Church St, George Town phone 345/949-7633. Complete with a mostly Italian wait staff, this traditional restaurant is an island favorite. Choose from an array of fresh pastas, ravioli, catch of the day, veal dishes and risottos, among others. Pasta dishes cost US$13 and up. Reservations are essential. Daily, no lunch Sunday.

Coffee Grinder Seven Mile Beach Shops, George Town phone 345/949-4833. This café is a good choice for breakfast and lunch. Selections include freshly made pastries, soups, black-bean wraps and sandwiches, plus rich and full-bodied coffees. Prices range US$5-10. Daily 7.30am-6.30pm.

Grand Old House South Church St, George Town phone 345/949-9333. The outdoor ocean-side gazebos surrounded by palm trees provide an elegant backdrop for romantic dinners. The gourmet Continental cuisine won't disappoint and includes such expertly prepared dishes as roasted duck with coriander and anise seeds crowned on roasted polenta cake and glazed apples. Reservations are essential. Entrees start at US$22. No lunch on weekends.

Heritage Kitchen Boggy Sands Rd, West Bay (no phone). Well worth the 20-minute drive from downtown George Town. Indulge in fish tea (basically a fish stew touted as an aphrodisiac, US$5) or one of the freshly fried fish options (US$10). If you're brave, try one of the local hot sauces, made from the world's hottest pepper - the scotch bonnet. Mr. Powell, who runs the kitchen, also owns the little museum next door which he may open for you if he's not busy. Fri and Sat 5pm-2am, Sun noon to late.

The Reef Grill at Royal Palms Seven Mile Beach, George Town phone 345/945-6358. Connected to a popular beach bar with live bands most evenings, the lovely outdoor garden setting is amid baby royal palms; there's a more formal dining room indoors. Seafood reigns supreme - the signature dish is a tender Chilean sea bass served with coconut rice. Reservations recommended. Entrees begin at US$17. No lunch.

Cayman Islands
     travel guide

Cayman Islands
Overview
Where to go
When to go
Getting there
Costs & currency
Communications
Food and drink
Brief history
Best of Cayman Islands
Info and sites
Diving, hiking
Festivals and holidays
Scuba diving