OVERVIEW OF GRAND CAYMAN RESTAURANTS: Our biggest surprise with the food in the Cayman Islands was how expensive it was. I know food is always pricier on islands but we were shocked that every meal was so high. To be fair, we did eat at very nice restaurants so I’m sure if we looked around we would have found cheaper options. Many restaurants have beautiful views of the crystal blue water and some take that opportunity to incorporate activities like fish feeding into your meals. If you want to sit close to the water’s edge (which I like to do because fish spotting then becomes a kid activity) make sure you make reservations. Most places will happily place you where you’d like to be seated but they’ll need advanced notice. Grouper, Wahoo, and Sea Bass are local fish and were on most menus. You may want to ask your bartender what their drink special is…some were outstanding!
AQUA: (Seven Mile Beach) Although this restaurant was not located on water, the outdoor seating had a tropical feel. The food presentation was beautiful and even simple food like burgers looked elegant. There was a nice wine list and the bartenders made great drinks. The restaurant had a casual feel to it and the bar had a lively crowd. The ceviche is a must have.
CRACKED CONCH: (Near the end of Seven Mile Beach) This may be one of the most beautiful restaurants we’ve ever eaten at. It has the ambiance of a sophisticated restaurant but with a laid back feel. It is situated on a rocky coast with a panoramic view of the water. There was a lovely sunset and then the rope lighting around the railings made for a nice dining atmosphere. One of the most memorable things about this restaurant is divers come here to night dive and you can watch them swimming around under the water right from your seat. That entertained the girls at the end of the meal so we were able to have an after-dinner cocktail.
RACKAMS: (Georgetown) The outdoor seating allows many of the tables to be right up to the edge of the water. It is a casual place and can be loud, which we prefer when we have the kids with us. The service was wonderful and they paid as much attention to the kids as they did to the adults. After dinner the hostess came up to the girls and asked them if they wanted to help feed the tarpons. They were so excited and it became their favorite restaurant of the trip. The only downside to this night (and it had nothing to do with the restaurant) was that since it was not close to our hotel I had planned on walking around Georgetown to do some shopping before our meal but all the shops were closed. It felt like a ghost town. Luckily the restaurant was able to fit us in for an earlier time.
MACABUCA: (Attached to the Cracked Conch) We heard people referring to this place as the little brother restaurant to the Cracked Conch and we knew we had to try it. It is a fun Tiki bar that is located right next to it. Again, a gorgeous view of more of the rocky coastline. Sundivers, a dive shop, is located on the premises in case you feel like going for a dive or some snorkeling after your meal. We ate here for lunch after going to the Turtle Farm since it is right across the street.
THE WHARF: (At the start of Seven Mile Beach) This place is huge and there were tons of tables but the service was surprisingly fast. The fish selection was wonderful and they have a great wine selection. Their kid’s menu has the typical kid choices but they also have food like lobster bisque, breaded shrimp, and steak which was a nice change for kids with daring taste buds. The most memorable part of this dinner was the harpist that walked around playing music. When he came to our table and played Beauty and the Beast for our girls they felt so special.
VERANDA: What a pleasant surprise this restaurant turned out to be. Our condo was right next door and we were so tired we decided to change our dinner plans to just eat someplace close. It turned out to be a wonderful night out. When we arrived there (with no reservation) we only had to wait 15 minutes to be seated. What happened next absolutely floored my girls…the hostess gave them each an adorable turtle stuffed animal for them to keep. She said it was for them to always remember the Cayman Islands. The girls were beyond thrilled and they still play with them. Situated in the Marriott, it has a huge covered outdoor patio with a beautiful view of the beach. There was a nice wine selection and the food was delicious. The menu has lots of options for kids and they host an unlimited lobster night that we heard people raving about. Get there early and go to the outdoor lobby of the hotel to see the Koi ponds and turtles while you have a cocktail.
