Cayman Brac Dining, Bars and Pubs

Cayman Brac

When it comes to authentic island cuisine, Cayman Brac is the place to be. With less tourist traffic and less demand for resort-style pomp, traditional cooking has thrived here. Aunt Sha's Kitchen is one of a number of local hangouts catering to real island folk. They specialize in conch fritters and homemade key-lime pie. Sonia's Restaurant is similarly homey. Their specialties include red bean soup, steamed turbot and baked chicken. Despite its innocuously tourist-friendly name, Tropical Delight serves up "tropical delights" like turtle stew! Authentic indeed! They also offer tamer selections like roast beef, as well as special menus for kids and vegetarians. The Captain's Table actually is tourist friendly, offering a familiar list of American-style specialties like burgers and fries (though, to stay competitive, conch fritters and other Caribbean staples have made it onto the menu). When authenticity gets tiresome and you long for some of that resort-style luxury, La Esperanza's in-house restaurant is pretty ideal. Or grab a festive island cocktail at the Tipsy Turtle before a luxurious seafood dinner at The Palms, both located inside Brac Reef Beach Resort.

Without a doubt, Cayman Brac has a pleasant variety of things to eat, but for an exponentially broader assortment of choices, remember that Grand Cayman is just a short plane or boat ride away. Following is a district-by-district breakdown of what's hot on the big island.

George Town

This district is the beating heart of Grand Cayman's culinary scene. It is here that you will find everything you need to keep your belly full and your spirits up. For perhaps one of the most adventurous dining experiences on the island, sign up for one of The Brasserie's "Blindsided" dinners, regular prix fixe events at which each gourmet course is a surprise to the diners. This will definitely allow you to stretch your gastronomical limits. At the Grand Old House, located in an old plantation home just south of George Town proper, one dish in particular cannot be missed: the turtle steak. Chow down if you dare! Some consider Indian food to be a bit of an adventure as well, so if you're in the mood, head straight for Bayside Cafe, a local favorite. After so much adventure, you might be in need of a trusty, classic bistro-style eatery; Bacchus, with its hearty menu, full bar and strong wine list (as the name implies), is the place. They are open late every night of the week.

Seven Mile Beach

Tired of the hustle and bustle of "metropolitan" George Town? Time to hit the beach! Thankfully, you will find no shortage of killer dining options here. Just minutes away from George Town, Seven Mile Beach is five and a half sandy miles of scintillating culinary possibilities. Hemingways, inside the Hyatt Regency, is an upscale affair, serving Caribbean-inflected Spanish-style tapas. At Aqua Beach Restaurant & Bar, the dining room is surrounded by exotic aquariums. Quite a view to accompany their expertly mixed cocktails and beautifully presented seafood specialties. If you'd care for music with your view, pop into The Wharf Restaurant for ocean views and live harp, along with yet another fine seafood-centric menu. Cafe Mediterraneo serves up quite a bit of seafood as well, but they also have a wide array of other options ranging from kebabs to pizzas.

If pizza sounds good, you might be working on a bit of an Italian craving. If so, Edoardo's is the place for you. Choose from pastas, pizzas and a whole list of old-world entrees. Pizza is definitely the star of the show at Cimboco, which features a wood-burning oven that churns out crispy and delicious pizzas. For a snack as portable as a slice of pizza, but perhaps a bit more exotic, head for Al La Kebab, curer of many a late-night falafel craving. Note that they offer a number of sauce options not often seen elsewhere. Need a meal more upscale than a slice or a kebab? Decker's has an extensive wine list and a cigar-loving clientele, as well as a menu whose influences range all over the globe but always remains rooted firmly in island tradition. Sure, beach life is great, but if you find yourself longing for a bit more George Town-style boundary pushing, sit down to a dinner of dolphin and conch at Reef Grill, an award-winning SMB tradition. If you'd prefer to eschew adventure in favor of grilled simplicity, visit Copper Falls Steakhouse for a good ol' American-style dry-aged slab of beef. If slabs of beef are not your cup of tea, step inside Bamboo, a high-energy lounge full of young people and a terrific sushi bar. DJ's Cantina is full of energy as well. They serve up Mexican cuisine with fresh ingredients and a touch of modern whimsy. Clearly, Seven Mile Beach is home to solid representations of cuisines from the far reaches of the Earth, but you mustn't leave without a trip to Chicken! Chicken! Caribbean Wood Roasted for a taste of authentic local soul food (complete with homemade cornbread).

West Bay

Located due north of Seven Mile Beach, West Bay is still somewhat centrally located and still chock full of great grub from all around the world. Dine on deck at Calypso Grill for a lovely meal featuring exotic seafood preparations–all overlooking the water. Love island flair, but long for a little bit of Italian heartiness? Ristorante Pappagallo serves up old-world specialties with a helping of new-world freshness and attitude.

Northside & East End

The further you stray from George Town, the more your food options dwindle. However, lack of quantity does not indicate a lack of quality. Castro's Hideaway, located within the East End's Reef Resort, is an energetic bar and grill full of good times and party people. Choose from more fresh seafood, or opt for a range of other American-friendly pub-style favorites. A short trip up the coast, you'll find the Kaibo Yacht Club, a restaurant specializing in combining the flavors of New Orleans with the flavors of the Caribbean. After traveling the length of Grand Cayman's coastline, you might want to end your day with a session at The Wreck Bar, in the Northside's Rum Point district. While away the stresses and worries of a hectic road trip over a cold cocktail in this unadorned local watering hole.