Fish fanatics beware: vacation in Turks and Caicos and there’s a good chance you’ll start dreaming about living on the islands forever.
The stars of the menus are usually conch and grouper you’ll have plenty of chances to try them served all kinds of ways. But, really, chance up your order a bit here and there. Fine dining in Turks and Caicos means you will enjoy the best lobster dinner overlooking the water or for hanging out at the touristy but fun Thursday-night fish fry off of Grace Bay Beach.
Haute Retreats 10 favourite restaurants in Turks and Caicos
Da Conch Shack
Here you will find conch prepared in different ways, and you will enjoy your meal surrounded by palm trees on the beach. Of course, there are the classic dishes of conch fritters, conch chowder, and conch salad, but you’ll also find entrées such as curried conch and conch creole. The breezy beachfront restaurant on Provo also serves fresh catch, local lobster, and nonseafood items like steaks and burgers.
During your time around Grace Bay Beach you will find it hard to resist Da Conch Shack. You will love trying these mollusks served every possible way. Here you can order conch salad, conch fritters, conch chowder, and so on and so forth. Plus the servers will literally talk a conch right out of your ear—like the conch whisperer in this photo snapped by my colleague Lisa Loverro depicts—even if you never thought one was lodged there. Honestly, it’s a Provo institution, so it really shouldn’t be missed.
Hemingway’s Restaurant
Honor the memory of Papa Hemingway’s love of island living with a meal at this popular beachfront restaurant, located at the Sands, along Grace Bay Road, in Providenciales. From the open-air deck, you can enjoy a great view of the ocean and a laid-back island atmosphere for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Dishes range from filet mignon to local lobster to award-winning conch chowder. Finish things off with a slice of key lime pie or a scoop of deep-fried ice cream dusted with cinnamon and sugar.
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Hemingway’s Restaurant
The Marine Room
The Marine Room, one of the latest additions to Turks and Caicos’ culinary scene, harmoniously combines various enticing elements. With its stunning oceanfront setting, stylish ambiance, and a commitment to using fresh local ingredients in their gourmet creations, this restaurant stands out. Guests can choose between outdoor seating with ocean breezes and indoor air-conditioned comfort, while a charming little bar adds to the overall appeal.
Situated in proximity to the picturesque Bight Beach, gracing the western edge of Grace Bay Beach, The Marine Room offers a dining experience that is not to be missed. Reservations are highly recommended for a seamless visit.
Coco Bistro
If you want to experience fine dining in a tropical outdoor setting at Coco Bistro, considered one of the top restaurant on Providenciales. Not only is the dining room set among the largest palm grove on the island, but also the chef is known for artfully blending island flavors with continental ones. Entrées may include homemade conch ravioli or jerk pork tenderloin with sweet potatoes and hot pepper honey. You can also pick up a copy of The Coco Bistro Cookbook to replicate your favorite restaurant dish at home.
Book for sunset and then eat by candlelight under the swaying palms and twinkling stars. The inventive menu is the work of executive chef and owner Stuart Gary, who fuses local ingredients and flavors together in a fashion that keeps diners (both locals and repeat visit tourists) returning.
Coco Bistro
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The Marine Room
Nestled in the Turks and Caicos, The Marine Room stands out as a recent addition to the dining scene, boasting a fusion of enticing elements. With its captivating ocean vista, sophisticated ambiance, and commitment to utilizing locally sourced ingredients in their culinary creations, it offers a truly remarkable dining experience. Guests have the option to dine al fresco or in the comfort of indoor air-conditioned seating, complemented by a charming, intimate bar. Situated close to the picturesque Bight Beach along the western stretch of Grace Bay Beach, securing reservations in advance is highly advised to savor this culinary gem.
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Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar
A waterfront chic palapa-style open-air restaurant featuring the most romantic setting along Grace Bay and probably in all of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Despite its elite clientele and higher prices, the restaurant offers a memorable dining experience minus any formality or attitude; guests are expected to wear island chic (men, no sleeveless shirts please). Oil lamps create an evening glow, and the murmur of trade winds adds to the Edenic ambience. Mesmerizing ocean views, along with exquisite service, make this an ideal choice when you want the best without a care in the world. The kitchen uses the island’s bountiful seafood and fresh produce to craft superb cuisine. They also offer a raw bar, featuring a variety of ceviches: scallops, salmon, and mahimahi. It’s a good thing the setting is amazing, as the portions are “elegantly” sized.
Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar
Casa Nonna
Casa Nonna stands as a distinguished Italian gourmet eatery situated beachside within the esteemed Ritz-Carlton at Grace Bay. Here, traditional culinary delights are meticulously crafted using fresh, house-made pasta and premium ingredients. Enhancing the dining experience is a carefully curated wine selection predominantly featuring Italian varietals.
Guests of Casa Nonna have the choice of dining al fresco on the beachfront terrace or enjoying the comfort of indoor seating with air-conditioning. Live entertainment graces the ambiance on Sundays and Mondays, adding an extra dimension to the dining experience.
Casa Nonna at The Ritz-Carlton Turks and Caicos Restaurant – Grace Bay, Caicos Islands | OpenTable
Bay Bistro
When you choose to eat at Bay Bistro you are directly on Grace Bay Beach. You have the option of dining on a covered deck, on an open-air patio, or with your feet in the sand, surrounded by palm trees with the sound of lapping waves. You should not miss the coffee-rubbed tuna appetiser with a hint of wasabi or the fish-and-chips that are quite lovely. If you love meat, the beef tenderloin is to die for. Seasonally, lobster is brought to their back door daily by local fishermen. End the evening with homemade ice cream. Their weekend brunches include such favorites as eggs Benedict—one of the few places on island to find it—with mimosas included. Be sure to reserve if you are coming with a large group, as it is quite a popular way to begin a lazy day. Around the time of the full moon, call for the date of their memorable beach barbecue: grilled shrimp, roast suckling pig, side fixings—all enjoyed while sitting around a wonderful bonfire on the beach.
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Bay Bistro
Mango Reef Restaurant & Bar
Mango Reef’s menu features a wide variety of food options, and the staff provides wonderful service. What impressed me most about this menu was the range of vegetarian options.
If you’re looking for a meat-free meal full of flavor, look no further. The Deep-fried Vegetable Spring Rolls were crispy and a great start to my meal.
Try the Vegetable Risotto and you will love it. The other Mango Reef favorite was the dessert.
Don’t miss the Vanilla Creme Brulee, and the unique ice cream flavors like Cinnamon and Rum & Raisin.
Baci Ristorante
Nestled alongside the serene waters of Turtle Cove Marina, Baci Ristorante beckons as a charming Italian eatery, dishing out delectable classics at wallet-friendly prices. Renowned for its culinary prowess, Baci crafts pizzas using their signature freshly made dough, hailed by numerous patrons as the epitome of classic pizza perfection on the island.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standout dishes in Turks and Caicos cuisine?
The stars of the menus often include conch and grouper, served in various delicious ways. Conch dishes like conch fritters, conch chowder, conch salad, curried conch, and conch creole are popular. Additionally, you can enjoy fresh catch, local lobster, and nonseafood items like steaks and burgers.
Where can I experience fine dining in Turks and Caicos?
You can indulge in fine dining experiences at several restaurants, such as Coco Bistro, Hemingway’s Restaurant, The Marine Room, Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar, Casa Nonna, Bay Bistro, Mango Reef Restaurant & Bar, and Baci Ristorante. Each offers a unique ambiance and menu showcasing local ingredients and international flavors.
What is the ambiance like at these restaurants?
The ambiance varies from casual beachfront settings to elegant open-air dining with ocean views. Some restaurants offer indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing guests to enjoy the island breeze or dine under swaying palms and twinkling stars.
Are there vegetarian options available at these restaurants?
Yes, many restaurants offer a range of vegetarian options, including deep-fried vegetable spring rolls, vegetable risotto, and unique ice cream flavors like cinnamon. Mango Reef Restaurant & Bar is particularly praised for its wide variety of vegetarian dishes.
How can I make reservations at these restaurants?
It’s recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for popular dining spots like Hemingway’s Restaurant, The Marine Room, and Bay Bistro. Reservations can often be made online or by contacting the restaurant directly.
Are there any must-try desserts in Turks and Caicos?
Yes, desserts like key lime pie, deep-fried ice cream dusted with cinnamon and sugar, vanilla creme brulee, and homemade ice cream are highly recommended at various restaurants across the islands.
What should I expect in terms of pricing at these restaurants?
Pricing varies depending on the restaurant and the dishes ordered. While some restaurants offer wallet-friendly options, others cater to a more upscale clientele with higher prices. It’s best to check the menu or inquire about pricing when making reservations.
Can I enjoy live entertainment while dining at any of these restaurants?
Yes, some restaurants like Casa Nonna offer live entertainment on specific days, enhancing the dining experience with music and lively ambiance.
Is there a recommended attire for dining at these restaurants?
While most restaurants maintain a casual atmosphere, some may have specific dress codes, such as island chic attire. It’s advisable to inquire about the dress code when making reservations, especially for upscale dining establishments.
Are there any special events or themed nights at these restaurants?
Some restaurants host special events like beach barbecues, Thursday-night fish fry events, and weekend brunches with unique offerings like eggs Benedict and mimosas. It’s worth checking with the restaurant or their website for any upcoming events during your visit.
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