Updated December 2023. Originally written in 2017 (and first updated in 2021), we've now fully revamped our popular list of staff-approved restaurants to reflect what's changed in the last 6 years. Enjoy!
Grand Cayman is not only known for its stellar diving, but also for its diverse culinary scene. When looking online for restaurants it’s almost overwhelming to try and decide between the massive amount of options. It’s therefore no surprise that one of the most commonly asked questions of our staff is “Where should we go to eat?”
We get this question so often we decided to make a blog post about it! All of our staff members were polled on what their favorite restaurants were, and why. Most of these establishments are on the west side of Grand Cayman, so if you are looking for restaurants on the east side of the island it's best to ask the staff at Ocean Frontiers. It’s worth noting we obviously couldn’t list every single incredible restaurant on the island, these just are our current favorites.
So without further ado, here are our recommendations:
Staff favorites:
When asked, most staff members mentioned this Mexican-themed restaurant as one of their favorites. Judging by how busy this establishment constantly is, it’s pretty clear Casa 43 is a hot spot for many locals. Featuring (in our opinion) the best margaritas on the island in a wide range of flavors with over 230 exotic tequilas, they also have some of the best food you’ll find on Grand Cayman. Don’t miss their absolutely terrific Happy Hour, with great food and drink specials from 2:30pm-6pm every day except Sundays. If you go, be sure to arrive before 6pm to avoid a long wait - Casa 43 does not accept reservations.
Macabuca is the place you are most likely to find Divetech staff out and about “in the wild”. This funky tiki bar & restaurant is the more casual side of what is properly known as Cracked Conch Macabuca (the Cracked Conch is the upscale restaurant side, where Macabuca is the outdoor bar). Located on the ironshore of Grand Cayman’s northwest point, Macabuca offers friendly staff along with great food and drinks with incredible ocean views. We highly recommend checking out their curry fries, conch platter, and Big Maca Burger. Macabuca is also a popular shore diving and snorkeling location known as ‘turtle reef.’ For a great half-day, enjoy a shore dive followed by a Macabuca Punch while watching the sunset.
Specializing in vegan/vegetarian/pescatarian fare, Vivo is so good that even die-hard meat eaters love it. Don’t believe us? Vivo’s chili sin carne was just awarded the grand prize at the 2023 Mike Flowers Chili Cook-Off! Located on the ironshore immediately next to our dive shop at Lighthouse Point, Vivo specializes in stunning views and sustainable fare. This includes organic eggs and fresh caught fish - all locally sourced and sustainable for the environment. Make sure to try their fish burger, coco-chino (cappuccino made with coconut milk), and their brussels sprouts are the best on the island!
Located in the heart of Seven Mile Beach across from the Westin hotel, this incredible sushi restaurant is a favorite of many locals. They have a massive menu featuring everything from sushi and sashimi to hibachi and noodle bowls, and also provide an extensive vegan/vegetarian menu by request. They also offer a fantastic Sunday brunch. Make sure to head there for Happy Hour 4:30pm-7pm daily for some great drink specials, and don’t forget to reserve your table in advance - this place fills up fast!
For great local foods:
If you’re looking for a good local spot, Liberty’s is your go-to place. Offering a blend of Caribbean and Chinese food options, Liberty’s prices are affordable and their portions are big. Make sure to try the jerk chicken, and if you are there during lunch time keep an eye out for Divetech staff stopping by for a plate!
This is a true, authentic Caymanian eating experience with fresh local seafood prepared in a variety of Cayman dishes. Heritage Kitchen is not your typical dine-in restaurant, but more of a take-out window with adjacent picnic table seating. It’s a cash-only business (they do accept US dollars) and also a BYOB establishment, but one that is not to be missed during your stay. They change their opening hours in low season so make sure to call ahead. They also keep a limited amount of fresh fish in stock, so get there early so you don’t miss out!
For some fancy fine-dining:
Morgan’s specializes in seafood, offering incredible daily specials and some of the freshest locally caught fish on the island. They offer great service with a lovely ambiance right on the edge of the Cayman Yacht Club, complete with views of the mangroves and canals. It’s a perfect date night place to impress your partner.
This fine Italian eatery has been an institution in Cayman since 1985. With a unique thatched roof overlooking a private lagoon, this restaurant offers Italian food with a Caribbean flair. But it’s not just the menu that makes Pappagallo’s amazing; it’s the experience of dining. This is the type of establishment whose entire staff considers serving food to be a life calling and not just a job. They’ve also got a great Sunday Brunch!
Tillies is island-famous for its great food and awesome vibes, and one of the few places on island you can dine with your feet in the sand. It’s popular with foodies and influencers alike, providing an incredible menu and backdrops perfect for your next Instagram post. Celebrity sightings are a regular occurrence - Justin Bieber was even spotted here last summer. And if you’re looking for some good pizza, check out Paradise Pizza right next door!
For watching the game:
If you’re looking to grab a beer and watch a sporting event, this is your place! Located in the heart of Seven Mile Beach, they feature a huge bar, ample tables, and numerous tv screens showing your game of choice. The added benefit is Legendz is adjacent to its two sister restaurants Eats Cafe and Yoshi Sushi. Since they share a common kitchen, Legendz is able to offer an incredibly diverse menu and reasonable prices.
Fidel’s is an authentic Irish pub that offers real pints of Guinness. You can enjoy some fish and chips or a cottage pie while watching every sports game imaginable on one of their many TVs. Make sure to head there on a Friday night for some banging karaoke.
For plant-based eats:
Opening just last year in Camana Bay, this funky plant-based restaurant has already earned itself a reputation for delicious food and incredible cocktails. They offer a diverse menu with something for everyone - from salads and buddha bowls to pizzas and burgers, and you must try their buffalo cauliflower wings. Here for the Holidays? Check out their amazing vegan holiday meals, available for dine-in or order ahead for takeaway!
In the heart of Seven Mile Beach is this cute little cafe serving up some truly delicious plant-based meals. It offers salads, bowls, wraps, fresh juices, and more. It’s so good that in September 2021, a group of filmmakers spent 30 days with us. The majority of them were vegetarian, and they reported about 90% of their meals were eaten at Island Naturals.
For international food:
If you’re looking for great Indian cuisine on the island, we’ve got you covered - as one of our staff members said “I’m British so a proper curry is very important.” Located at the end of Seven Mile Beach just before Georgetown, the friendly staff at Southern Spice will welcome you with a huge menu full of mouth-watering selections (and a separate vegan menu by request). Dine-in customers can enjoy a free soda/juice/local beer with their entree as well. We recommend trying their butter chicken and eggplant masala, with some garlic naan of course.
Looking for an unforgettable birthday experience? Check out the Italian restaurant Casa Nova, located right on the Georgetown harbor for a beautiful waterfront view. They offer great food and big portions so you get more bang for your buck. It’s also a perfect spot for a birthday - the staff at Casa Nova go all out to help you celebrate!
For a bit of everything:
The Hive is a truly unique experience here on Grand Cayman. The venue is trendy and fun, with a full bar where you can order from three different incredible food trucks to satiate any food craving you may have (including one food truck dedicated entirely to gluten-free, plant-based and vegetarian options). You can find regular live music nights here, and make sure to check out their funny constantly changing marquee sign.
Located in Bodden Town, this unassuming restaurant is a hidden treasure and so worth the trek. You’ll find their variety of local cuisines and traditional Czech dishes displayed on a large chalkboard menu, and the food is described by one of our staff members as “no frills, just delicious.” Staff picks include their barbeque, burgers, and chicken schnitzel.
For something different:
West Bay’s hottest new restaurant, Nova opened this year to great reviews and offers a unique selection of Japanese-Mediterranean fusion, beautiful cocktails, and cool vibes. Located in the newly renovated Cobalt Coast Resort, Nova is an open-air concept right by the ocean where you can listen to the waves, chill by the pool, or dip in the hot tub while you’re there. Make sure to check out their Thursday BBQ night, and happy hour is available every day except Sundays.
Located in the hot new Pickleball facility by the airport in the heart of Georgetown, The Roost is a super fun and delicious spot. Whether you’ve dinked your way to a well-deserved meal, or are just looking for something different, The Roost has you covered. Try their tacos, lemon pepper wings, and oxtail wontons.
For breakfast:
Described as a Caribbean Café, this is what you get when you combine an old-style diner with modern Cayman flair and bright paint. There’s no better way to start your day than with their eggs benedict or a breakfast bowl with a cafe latte.
Eats is one of three restaurants immediately adjacent to one another that have common ownership. While its two sisters, Yoshi and Legendz have a common kitchen, Eats has a short order grill all to itself. This establishment has a small diner feel, with a 50’s décor, that makes a great breakfast.
For lunch:
Feeling healthy? Then Seven Mile Greens is a perfect lunch spot, offering delicious soups, salads, and sandwiches all made with fresh ingredients. Located right across from Governors Beach, it’s a great spot to grab a quick bite on your way to or from the beach.
Nestled in the heart of Georgetown is this cute little plant-based bistro with the friendliest staff. Their menu is diverse and everything is homemade so they can easily cater to any allergies or dietary needs. Every table is greeted with their homemade scotch bonnet hot sauce - it’s seriously hot, and seriously delicious. Check their hours before you go as they are only open for breakfast and lunch, and make sure to try their french toast, pulled porkless sliders, and philly cheesesteak (made with seitan and cashew cheddar queso).
For sunset drinks:
Located right on the harbor in Georgetown, Rackams is a perfect spot to catch the sunset. Offering affordable prices and an unforgettable view, there’s definitely something for everyone at this chill local spot. Craft beer aficionado or looking to play some old-school video games? Check out the Outpost at Rackams, opened by Cayman Spirits Co and located on the street side.
Right next to the cruise ship terminal is Sandbar, a popular bar and restaurant with everyone from day-trippers to long-time locals. Perfect for a casually delicious meal, they offer good food (try the skewers!) and a great happy hour with a front-row view of sunset.
For late night grub:
Craving something sloppy after you got your drink on? If you happen to be in the lower Seven Mile Beach area, be sure to stop by A La Kebab and feast on some incredible Mediterranean street food. The line you'll encounter at 1:00 AM will confirm the food is good, but trust us, it's worth the wait.
Right next to A La Kebab is another popular late-night spot, this time featuring huge burgers made to order with a wide selection of toppings. Don’t forget to order one (or more!) of their mouth-watering giant cookies. Open daily at 11am, until 4am on Wednesdays Thursdays and Fridays, 2am on Saturdays, and midnight on Sundays Mondays and Tuesdays.
For delivery:
Not up for a night out? Check out the food delivery services Bento and Let’s Eat, both also available as apps for your phone. They each offer a wide selection of restaurants and deliver right to your door - just be aware the delivery fees can sometimes add up. And if you’re looking for something with fast and free delivery, Dominos Pizza will never let you down.
We couldn’t begin to include all the amazing restaurants here on Grand Cayman, but we hope you find this list helpful when trying to choose. Bon appetit!