By NAN Lifestyle Editor
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Oct. 24, 2016: The best fine dining restaurants in the Caribbean are in thanks to the latest TripAdvisor 2016 Travelers Choice awards. Here are the top 10:
1: Bistrot Caraibes
Located at 81 Boulevard de Grand Case, Saint Martin, Bistrot Caraibes claimed the number one spot in the region as the best fine dining restaurant this year. Diners rave about the restaurant’s inventive dishes and consistently relaxed atmosphere and warm and attentive service. The mushroom and escargot in cream sauce gets high marks on the appetizer menu and entrees like the bleu cheese and mushroom smothered veal scaloppini and Thai shrimp are also big favorites among diners. Other menu options include seafood, pastas, salads and desserts and a great selection of wines. Public parking is close and free.
2: ZoZo’s Ristorante
Taking the second spot on the top 10 list is ZoZo’s Restaurant in Caneel Bay, St. John, U.S.V.I. the beautiful island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. This restaurant is just minutes from Cruz Bay and located within the ruins of a sugar mill built in the 1800’s. Among the stone
walls and high-timbered ceilings, you will be able to watch the sun sink into the Caribbean as you enjoy some of the most highly rated food on the island. Chef Michael Fortino draws influences from recipes of his own Italian family and from the regions of Northern Italy, as well the Caribbean. He offers fresh local fish and produce, and imports cheese, meat, spices and ingredients from around the globe to ensure all flavors are best expressed. The most popular dishes are the Fresh Pappardelle, Pistachio Crusted Local Mahi Mahi, or the Osso Buco.
3: Sheer Rocks
Located at Valley Road in Saint Mary’s, Antigua, Sheer Rocks restaurant is located in the Cocobay Resort and comes in at third on the top 10 list. Founded in 2010 by its young British owners, Kate Taylor and Alex Grimley, Sheer Rocks has come to represent young and innovative thinking thanks to its fresh ingredients, local produce and discreet yet friendly service. Sheer Rocks offers an extensive Mediterranean tapas menu while providing the perfect opportunity to take in those jaw dropping, west coast views during daylight hours.
The optional wine paired tasting or à la carte dinner menu is designed to excite. Everything from the fresh 7-grain bread, to ice creams and sorbets are made in house. An expert wine list, artistic cocktails and charismatic service complete the setting.
4: Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar
Coming in at fourth is the Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar at 317 Calle Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico. The elegant lounge atmosphere is matched by the truly inventive menu, a superb preparation of every dish, great service and an incredible an atmosphere. The menu includes Paella, Hand Rolled Black Truffle Pappardelle Pasta, Seabass, Risotto of Lobster and even Braised Local Rabbit & Organic White Polenta. There are many options including a six course $85 per person meal or a five course $79 meal.
5: The Cliff
At 5th on the top 10 ranking is The Cliff at Highway 1, Durants, in Saint James Parish, Barbados. Diners rave about the location which is by far one of the most beautiful spots on the west coast. It is pricy but the quality of the food, the service and the stunning location and ambience is worth every penny diners say. Dishes include Thai green curry coconut shrimp, Roast Gressingham Duck Breast and Savory Snails In A Puff Pastry Case.
6: Passion By Martin Berasategui at Paradisus Punta Cana
Located at Paradisus Palma Real Resort, 23000, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Passion By Martin Berasategui comes in at sixth on the top 10 list. Diners rave about the tasting menu and its red and black décor and service here. It is run by one of the world’s finest chefs, winner of 7 Michelin stars, and the dress code is strictly formal. Dishes include lobster, yucca, plantains and fresh fruit marinade.
7: Luca
Coming in at 7th on the top 10 list is Luca, at 871 West Bay Rd, Canal Point Dr, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Luca is known for its beachfront fine dining and Chef Federico Destro and his talented staff create fresh dishes like cumin-coriander crusted yellow fin tuna and quinoa salad, local red snapper fillet topped with lemon risotto, and herb crusted Mahi Mahi on saffron risotto. The presentation of the food is a work of art and guests also rave about the atmosphere and service.
8: Cafe Matisse
Located at Bank Lane, in Nassau, Bahamas, Café Matisse takes the 8th spot on the top 10 list. The restaurant is in a centuries old building on Bank Lane behind Parliament Square, just off Bay Street and is one of Nassau’s most picturesque Italian restaurant. Dine al fresco in Cafe Matisse’ charming courtyard and on its veranda to dishes like spinach gnocchi with a gorgonzola and walnut sauce, ossobusso alla milanese served with the traditional saffron-tinged risotto, rigatoni with a lamb and asparagus ragu, sliced duck breast in a spicy sauce with polenta.
9: Coco Bistro
Coming in at number 9 top 10 list is Coco Bistro located amidst the largest palm grove on the island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Coco Bistro is a food lover’s fantasy in a one-of-a-kind setting. Diners rave about the Caicos lobster bisque, pepper crusted tuna, red snapper with Thai curry sauce and the bone in ribeye. Be sure to make reservations at least one week ahead during nonpeak season, two to three weeks ahead in peak season.
10: The Wine Cellar
Rounding out the top 10 list is The Wine Cellar at Concordiastraat, Willemstad, Curaçao. This is a popular and exclusive French restaurant in the Caribbean and it is owned by Nico Cornelisse, a ‘Maitre Rotisseur’ from Holland. The kitchen combines authentic French cuisine with a Caribbean flair, adding a personal signature. The menu features dishes like fresh Grouper and lobster, while the finest rack of Lamb from Holland is flown-in weekly. A choice of the world’s most popular wines complements the exquisite cuisine. Finish your meal with a warm walnut- and cashew pie, Crepes Suzette or a light quesillo flan. Italian coffee is served with a selection of Dutch chocolates.
