From the popular Fungee, a cornmeal delicacy, to the hot and spicy Pepper Pot, a seasoned meat and vegetable stew, Antigua has a variety of dishes that have been handed down generations. Traditional customs and ways of life have lead to the evolution of these favourite regional recipes - not always enjoyed by everyone. It does take some getting used to. The local produce is rich and fresh, and what makes it even more enjoyable, is that it served with a genuine friendliness.

Food is such an important part of daily life that many proverbs have been coined keeping food in mind! “Every pepper pot ha ‘e fungee” - Antiguan proverb that means 'Every person will meet a companion'.

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Just reading our Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Guide will make you hungry! So, after some Shopping for presents from Antigua and Barbuda, relax in beautiful surroundings and taste a variety of dishes from the restaurant of your choice.

Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant and Food Guide

National Food of Antigua

Pepper pot and Fungee

The national food of Antigua is Pepper pot and Fungee. The Amerindians were the first inhabitants of Antigua and Pepper pots were part of their culinary spread. They called this stew "Tomali" - "Toma" meaning sauce and "ali" meaning clay pot. Their method of cooking the dish was also a clever way to store food.

The Amerindians made a rich brown spicy sauce using ingredients such as agouti, birds, fish heads and bones, iguana, rice rat, and seashells in a deep clay fire pot. Also included were cassava juice and flour, peppers and sweet potatoes. The meal was eaten by dipping cassava bread and other meats in this stew. The pot was almost bottomless since the stew was boiled continuously, more ingredients being added every day. The cooking method was not very hygienic - according to the missionary Father Breton, who lived among the Antiguans in the 17th century, roucou or body paint and women's hair were often known to find their way into the pot!

Like the ancient stew, the Pepper pots of Guyana are mostly meat based but recent recipes show that food habits are changing. It is quite common to find a blend of herbs and vegetables in the stew. The stew is accompanied by a cornmeal delicacy, Fungee.

Cooking methods

Roasting is the most common method of cooking. The boucon, from where the word barbecue originates, is often used for roasting. It is common to roast food in the embers of a fire too. The ash, which coats the food, is later removed. Another way is to wrap the food in clay and roast it directly in the fire. The clay is broken open when done, and in the earlier days the feathers or scales came away with it.

Boiling is not very popular, except while cooking crabs. A little water and a lot of red pepper are added to the crabs, and the whole thing is then covered with leaves. Traditionally, fish, half cleaned and still with scales, were often cooked this way. The Amerindians never used salt.

Vegetables and fruits

Maize or corn is an important part of the Antiguan meal. It is either roasted on coal or boiled to make maize cakes called Kayzu. Green maize soup is also part of a meal. Other vegetables are baked arrowroot, beans mankonti and yams kuchu. Carib Cabbage Taya is a seasoning. Peanuts and cassava are eaten together.

Among fruits, the pineapple was brought in from South America. Fruits of the prickly pear cactus, native coco plum and native seaside grapes are eaten too. Other fruits eaten in Antigua though not native to the country are avocado, guava, mamey, paw-paw and soursop.

Restaurants List

The Bay House Restaurant

The Bay House Restaurant and bar offers some of Antigua's finest dining with innovative international and regional cuisine taking full advantage of local produce, seafood and spices. Dress code is smart casual with no shorts or trainers after 7pm. The Bay House Restaurant is open continuously between 7am and 11pm.

Type : International Cuisine

Address : Dickenson Bay

Phone : (268) 462-1223

Opening hours : 07:00 to to 22:00

Bay House Restaurant

Alfresco dining is very much the emphasis here as guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner on the terrace and deck overlooking the breathtaking Caribbean Sea while enjoying a cocktail from The Terrace Bar.

Cloggy's

The delightful Cloggy's Cafe is located at the Antigua Yacht Club in falmouth Harbour. Come for lunch or dinner and try one of their famous salads or succulent grilled seafood with a variety of freshly prepared dishes each night.

The view over the harbour is fabulous and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxing.

Sunday brunch from 10.30am to 4pm - Closed on Mondays

Type : International / French

Address : Antigua Yacht Club Falmouth Harbour

Phone : (268) 460 6910

Sheer

Type : Pan Asian/South American Fusion

Address : Cocobay Resort

Phone : (268) 562 2400

Cafe Bambula

Once you enter through the colourful wooden doorway you'll be transported into a peaceful Caribbean hideaway in the heart of St John's.

The food is a French medley with Mediterranean influences creating a perfect harmony between quality wine and great food.

It is opened for breakfast and lunch Monday to Saturday.

Type : local

Address : Lower High Street St John's

Phone : (268) 562 6289

Email : cafebambula@candw.ag

Cecilia's High Point Cafe

Ceceilia's exudes island sophistication, yet the casual setting in a beautifully chattel house emits a relaxed atmosphere. From the pretty antique furnished verandah, guests are treated to fabulous ocean views beyond the picturesque sandy beachfront.

The freshly prepared bistro menu is as appealing as the location. Cecilia's Italian Chef serves delicious temptations from shrimp & avocado salad to fresh ravioli.

Open Thursday to Monday for lunch, Monday for Dinner from 7pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Type : International

Address : Dutchman's Bay Coolidge

Phone : (268) 562 7070

Email : cecilias@highpointantigua.com

Website : http://highpointantigua.com

Cocos Restaurant

Perched on the hillside is a lovely Restaurant, giving every diner a stunning vista out across the sea. Cocos Restaurants serves a contemporary mix of international cuisine, with strong local influence. Fish freshly caught by local fishermen, is high on the menu, along with other specialties including spicy local dishes and more international flavors such as pasta, tender steaks and classic salads.

Type : International & Local Cuisine

Address : P O Box 431 Valley Church

Phone : (268) 460-2626 / 462

Restaurant

Our chef was trained in Europe and we ensure the highest levels of service from our staff-always with a friendly antiguan smile. Cocos Hotel was recently voted "Most Romantic Restaurant in Antigua" for second year in a row. Restaurant opens for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

The Cove Restaurant

The Cove Restaurant is Antigua and Barbuda's latest fine dining experience, located at Boon's Point on the north west tip of the island. Designed to mix contemporary and traditional styles you are greeted by flaming torches and a dramatic entrance leading into the candlelit entrance hall.

Type : Fine Cuisine

Address : Blue Waters Hotel Boons Point Crosbies

Phone : (268) 562 2683

Fax : (268) 462 0293

Email : thecove@bluewaters.net

Restaurant

From there a pre-dinner drink at the bar is a must, before choosing whether to dine in the main restaurant, or on the terrace overlooking the floodlit ocean, with spectacular views across the bay towards the Blue Waters hotel

Abracadabra

Come to this hotspot for excellent Italian fare in a chic but laid-back ambiance. The deck bar under the stars and coconut palms transforms into a lively late night dance spot. Enjoy fresh-baked pizza served after midnight. Also come for lunch served in a smaller cafe area adjacent to the main dining room. Accepts VISA and MasterCards.

Type : Southern Italian/ Mediterranean

Address : DockYard Drive
English Harbour

Phone : 268 460 2701

Fax : 268 463 8084

Email : abra@candw.ag

Commissioners

Come and get mouth watering meals at Commissioners.

Type : Local & International Cuisine

Address : Commissioner's Alley
Redcliffe Quay

Phone : 268 462 1883/1886

Fax : 268 462 1856

East

Visit East today for Asian Cuisines

Type : Asian Food

Address : Carlisle Bay, Old Road
St. Mary's

Phone : 268 484 0000

Fax : 268 484 0001

Hemingways Caribbean Cafe

Lunch is more creative with clubs, burgers, chicken and fruit salad platters. The memorable dinner menu includes one of Antigua's best curried chicken dishes. There are also good chops, steaks and seafood. Probably the biggest draw here is the verandah overlooking Heritage Quay, just half a block from the harbour.

Type : Local Cuisine

Address : St.Mary's Street

Phone : 268 462 2763

Fax : 268 560 1669

Email : hem_ways@hotmail.com

Home Restaurant

The Home Restaurant in Antigua West Indies uses only the freshest ingredients to create Authentic West Indian Dishes that include local fish, fruit and vegetables, plus herbs from our own garden.

Type : International & Caribbean Cuisine

Address : Luther george Place
Camnles Terrace

Phone : 268 461 7651

Fax : 268 461 0277

Email : ritagohome@hotmail.com

Website : http://www.thehomerestaurant.com

Home Restaurant

Antiguan Chef Carl and German wife Rita invite you to enjoy a dining experience that offers an insight into the heart of Antigua's Culture, and to enjoy a meal that you will remember for a long time to come.

Menus

From Chef Carl's Classics Menu

Appetizers

Conch Salad
Fish Cakes with Papaya-Pimiento-Sauce
Crab Cakes with Cream-Sherry Sauce
Lobster Bisque
Carib Gumbo
Fire Cracker Chicken, Hot and Sweet Sauce

Main Courses

Lobster Carl
Snapper Filet Stuffed with Crab Meat served with Lobster Sauce
Potatoe Crusted Grouper, with Mustard Sauce
Linquini with Cockels & Shrimp
Chicken & Shrimp Coconut "St. Lucia"
Pork Tenderloin with Tamarind Sauce
Grilled Duck Breast, Ginger Plum Sauce
Chicken Breast with Fresh Pinapple & Mango in a Coconut Curry Sauce
Sizzling Filet Mignon

Desserts

Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce
Guava Mousse
Coconut Creme Brulee
Chocolate-Coconut Mousse

Kentucky Fried Chicken

For delicious finger licking chicken vist KFC.

Type : Fast Food

Address : Corner High & thames
Fort Road

Phone : 268 481 1532/33/462

Fax : 268 481 1520

Email : kfc@candw.ag

Le Bistro

With over 25 years of unrivalled dining experience, Le Bistro remains Antigua's most exclusive French Restaurant. Patrick Gauducheau, owner of the bistro is an award winning chef and features in the top 100 Who's who of world chefs.

The wine list is first class featuring superb French vintages and champagnes.

Open for dinner year-rounf from 6.30pm, closed on Mondays.

Type : French

Address : Hodges Bay P.O Box 390

Phone : (268) 462 3881

Fax : (268) 461 2996

Email : pgbistro@candw.ag

Website : http://lebistro-antigua.com

Opening hours : 18:30 to to 22:30

Lydia's Caribbean Seafood Restaurant

Longing for some good tasting seafood? Visit Lydia's today.

Type : Seafood

Address : Jolly Beach Resort
Bolans village, P.O Box W2009

Phone : 268 562 2445

Fax : 268 562 2302

Mama Lolly's Vegetarian Cafe

"Where no meat is still a treat" - this is the promise made to customers by mother and daughter partnership Maxine and Donna-Lee. Their successful vegetarian cafe & takeaway serves up an affordable wholesome vegetarian menu (with the exception of fish specials).

Open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm.

Type : Vegetarian

Address : 9E Redcliff Quay, P.O Box 348 St John's

Phone : (268) 562 1552

Email : maxine_tapper@hotmail.com

Millers By The Sea

This waterfront dining spot is a longtime favourite for locals and visitors to Antigua. The spacious open-air restaurant serves three meals daily and stays open late. Entertainment includes jazz and calypso some nights. Sunday is Caribbean night. The restaurant specialises in seafoods like lobster, shrimp and fish, and it serves buffets popular with Antiguans. Also come for the beach barbecues on Sundays, with dancing on the sand.

Type : Local & International

Address : Fort James

Phone : 268 462 9414

Fax : 268 462 9591

Opening hours : 08:00 to to 23:00

Napoleon Cafe

On the run and need a sandwich stop at Napoleons cafe.

Type : Baguettes/ Salads

Address : Redcliffe Quay

Phone : 268 562 1820

OJ's Bar & Restaurant

For great tasting Seafood OJ's is the place to go.

Type : Local & Mainly International Seafood

Address : Crabbe Hill

Phone : 268 460 0184

Fax : 268 462 8651

O'Grady's Pub

O'Grady's has always been a magnet for the local British community. Lunch or dinner is home cooked and runs the gamut. Sandwiches, burgers, savory meat pies, liver & bacon, scampi, steak or go for the dish of the house, fish & chips for USD12.

Typical bar drinks available with plenty of Carib Beer always on hand. Be forewarned that most Antiguan bars serve red wine chilled. You'll luck out on Wednesday nights when talented singer, guitarist and (corny) comedian Laurie Stevens performs.

Open Tues- Sat 10a- closing

Type : Local & International

Address : Redcliffe Street

Phone : 268 462 5392

Opening hours : 10:00

Roti King

Roti King serves a combination of Caribbean and Indian cuisine in the form of Trinidadian fare to excite your taste buds. The speciality is roti, made with a curried filling of beef, chicken, shrimp, conch or mixed vegetables.

Open for lunch and light snacks throughout the day.

Type : Rotis

Address : St. Mary's Street St John's

Phone : (268) 462 2328

Russell's Bar & Seafood Restaurant

Antiguan heritage site Fort James is home to Russell's Bar & Seafood Restaurant. Steeped in history, Fort James dates back to the early 18th century, the restaurant offers superb views over the entry into St John's harbour.

Indulge yourself in the Caribbean inspired seafood selection, from freshly steamed cockles in white wine sauce to whole red snapper or grilled Antiguan lobster.

Russell is a charming host and is always willing to spend time day or night with his guests. Live music sessions are hosted throughout the year including live jazz night every Sunday.

A great spot to watch the sun set!

Type : Local

Address : Fort James

Phone : (268) 462 5479

Email : russellsfortjames@email.com

Website : http://www.russellsfortjames.com

Shirley Heights Lookout

Up on a hillside overlooking English Harbour, this area called Shirley Heights is a stopover for most visitors. Some come to see the massive fortifications on the hill, others to see the view and still others come to party at The Lookout Restaurant on the hill. Thursdays and Sundays are especially popular as there are often steel-pan bands and a festive atmosphere.

Type : Local & International Cuisine

Address : Shirley Heights

Phone : 268 460 1785

Fax : 268 460 3490

Turners Beach Restaurant

Great tasting seafood.

Type : Local & International Cuisine

Address : Turners Beach
Johnson's Point

Email : turnersbeach@msn.com

Restaurants in Antigua & Barbuda

Food is such an important part of daily life that many proverbs have been coined keeping food in mind! “Every pepper pot ha ‘e fungee” - Antiguan proverb that means 'Every person will meet a companion'.

Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant and Food Guide

National Food of Antigua

Pepper pot and Fungee

Cooking methods

Vegetables and fruits

Restaurants List

The Bay House Restaurant

Bay House Restaurant

Cloggy's

Sheer

Cafe Bambula

Cecilia's High Point Cafe

Cocos Restaurant

Restaurant

The Cove Restaurant

Restaurant

Abracadabra

Commissioners

East

Hemingways Caribbean Cafe

Home Restaurant

Home Restaurant

Menus

Kentucky Fried Chicken

Le Bistro

Lydia's Caribbean Seafood Restaurant

Mama Lolly's Vegetarian Cafe

Millers By The Sea

Napoleon Cafe

OJ's Bar & Restaurant

O'Grady's Pub

Roti King

Russell's Bar & Seafood Restaurant

Shirley Heights Lookout

Turners Beach Restaurant

Local time: 03:41:17 AM

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