Rum in the Sun: A Local’s Guide to Barbados’ Top Food Spots

With the world-famous Barbados Food & Rum Festival due to take place this month (October 24-27), Prateek Basu, Culinary Director at Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle All-Inclusive Resort, shares some of his favorite foodie spots for guests visiting the island this October and beyond.

Best known as the birthplace of rum, but also benefiting from extensive, white sand beach-lined coastlines which allow for an abundance of fresh seafood, it’s no surprise that the Caribbean island is filled with an array of culinary delights that promise to take any traveler’s tastebuds on a delicious journey.

Read on for Prateek’s recommendations on where to go for the best of Bajan cuisine, from a local favorite for Friday night fish to a steak and seafood restaurant built on a site once renowned for pirates…

Famed for having the best seafood in the world, it is no surprise that Oistins Bay Gardens – located in Oistins, a fishing village located on the south coast of Barbados – is a local favourite on the island.

Head there on a Friday to catch the weekly ‘Fish Fry’ where you can try the very best of traditional Bajan food, from fresh flying fish (part of the country’s national dish), lobster and plantain to swordfish and macaroni pie. Expect a buzzing atmosphere, filled with upbeat melodies, mouthwatering aromas and chilled-out island vibes.

After filling your belly, browse local stalls filled with beautiful, handmade items, such as pottery, jewelry and prints, or dance the night away.

Champers waterside restaurant is well known across the island and beyond for its sophisticated offering.

Panoramic ocean views from Barbados’s southern shore provide a stunning setting for dining at the restaurant. Come the evening, the gentle glow of candles and lanterns add to the magical experience.

The menu is fresh, vibrant and flavor-filled, inspired by its Caribbean roots as well as global cuisine with everything from Bao Buns and Coconut Shrimp to Chicken Liver Pate and Oven-Roasted Barracuda.

It even boasts its very own Art Gallery, which proudly displays an incredible array of striking artwork.

Situated on the southeastern side of the island, Castle View is the signature restaurant of Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle All Inclusive Resort – a stunning secluded, ocean-front property which opened at the end of last year.

The names of both the resort and restaurant reflect the unique history of the site on which they are built; as legend has it, it was renowned for pirates during the 19th century with the infamous Sam Lord luring ships onto the beach and capturing the cargo for his castle. While dining in this historic location, guests can enjoy exquisite gourmet dishes with a special mention to the steak and seafood offerings – a focus of the restaurant. Dishes include seared scallops, chargrilled octopus and beetroot tartare.

At the gates of what was once the famous Sam Lord’s Castle, another delicious delight awaits. Inspired by the wish to create somewhere which truly embodied the best of local cuisine and culture in Barbados, Dis Ole House is the perfect option for anyone seeking the quintessential Bajan dining experience.

Open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday through till Sunday, head here to enjoy menu highlights such as Shrimp Tacos, Green Plantain Nachos, Glazed Ribs, Frizzle Salt Fish and Rum Cake. A garden breakfast is available on Sundays too.

Any rum lovers should be sure not to miss Mount Gay Rum Distillery. Founded in 1703, the distillery has been producing rum for over three centuries and is the beating heart of Barbados’s world-famous reputation when it comes to the sweet liquor.

Travelers can head to the parish of St. Lucy in the north of the island to visit the distillery itself on one of its tours. While being immersed in its fascinating history – such as with a visit to the original well – guests can also enjoy the gifts that the still-active distillery can offer in the present, for example, with a guided rum tasting.

For anyone looking for something a little more central, the Mount Gay Visitors’ Centre in Bridgetown offers a range of tastings and workshops to introduce guests to its world-famous rum including a cocktail workshop and painting class.

Closer to home…

For those yet to book an escape to Barbados or, alternatively, feeling nostalgic having just returned, bring some of the holiday flavors home by making your very own rum cocktail.

For this, Rum Mixologist at Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle has revealed his top secret recipe for his island famous “Rum sour cocktail” (detailed below)…. Enjoy!

To learn more, visit Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle All-Inclusive Resort.