Hi Loves & Happy Friday,
This week’s blog will take you on a culinary journey across the island of Tobago. Our island may be small, but she packs a big punch of flavourful variety and I am excited to share with you ‘Asha’s Top 10 Tobago Dining Spots.’ I must admit that this list was not easy to compile, those who know me well know that I am a ‘foodie’ and with so many options to choose from you could just imagine my dilemma!
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Tobago offers a beautiful mix of dining spots which appeal to different price points and preferences for ambience and dining style. The destination is also the quintessential Caribbean so there is an abundance of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and meat and this further heightens the flavour profile of food on the island.
So, join me on this journey as I share my favourite dining spots.
BREAKFAST
Kariwak Village Holistic Haven & Hotel
Kariwak is like a hidden oasis in the vibrant tourism community of Crown Point and offers a dining experience which doubles as an escape. This hotel is open to dining by walk-ins or reservations for non-guests and features a ‘Tiki-styled’ outdoor hut as well as an open patio for dining. The highlight of the menu for me are the fresh and local ingredients and Kariwak’s signature of using herbs and vegetables from their own organic garden. Kariwak also makes their own breads, teas, refreshing drink blends and homemade ice-cream and cakes. The Kariwak taste has become such a formidable brand that a Kariwak Recipe Book has been published.
My Favourite Meal: Local Coconut Bake, Flying Fish & Kariwak Tartar Sauce
Pembois Restaurant & Terrace (Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort)
Pembois is the main restaurant at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort and both reservations and walk-ins are welcomed. You can opt to either dine indoor or outdoor on the pool terrace as you enjoy your selections from their signature all-you-can-eat buffets or meal offerings. Whether a full buffet breakfast featuring local and international fare or a barbecue lunch, you are sure to be satisfied as I always am. A full buffet dinner is also offered and each night of the week guests will enjoy a new dining experience as the theme changes. The ‘Grand Tobago Buffet Dinner’ on Fridays is a top choice for many as it features an entertaining cultural show alongside a delightful feast of traditional and authentic Tobagonian dishes.
My Favourite Meal: Magdalena Breakfast Omelette
LUNCH
Café Down Low
Café Down Low is one of the newer additions to the Tobago culinary landscape. Literally hidden away on the sometimes busy main entrance street to the famous fishing and goat-racing community of Buccoo, Café Down Low offers an unexpected retreat with a charming and rustic dining atmosphere. The surrounding gardens attract stunning hummingbirds by day and are beautifully lit at night and this creates an undeniable ambience which I absolutely love. The lunch menu features a local fare of fish, chicken, pork and hearty Tobago soup with your choice of trimmings, fresh natural juices and quality coffee. For dinner, a more international flare can be expected and reservations to dine are recommended as the spaces fill up quickly. Café Down Low also offers take away.
My Favourite Meal: ‘Sunday Lunch’ – The Traditional/Local ‘Sunday Lunch’ includes macaroni pie, rice (any style), vegetables (steamed, sautéed, fried), potatoes (baked, mashed, salad), callaloo,
coo-coo beans/peas, meat/fish (stewed, baked, fried), a fresh salad and a drink of choice.
Blue Crab Restaurant:
The Blue Crab Restaurant is a family-run establishment which has been in operation for decades. Overlooking the capital town of Scarborough, the patio is an excellent choice to enjoy your meal and there is also an air conditioned dining room. Owners Ken and Alison Sardinha are local tourism stalwarts and the cutest couple who shares funny anecdotes and memorable advice, Mrs. Sardinha’s laughter is unmistakable and infectious. The food offering is similarly filled with love and personality in every bite and reservations are also recommended. You can enjoy creole inspired meat and fish dishes, delicious sides and fresh local juices and they also offer afternoon tea with finger sandwiches and cake.
My Favourite Meal: Chef’s Creole Chicken/Fish & Local Sides
Miss Trim’s
Miss Trim’s is one of the quaint local lunch stalls that are synonymous with the Store Bay Beach in Crown Point, Tobago. With the matriarch of this family still around, Miss Trim’s has been serving tasty traditional Tobagonian dishes for over thirty years. Every day you can find creole dishes such as macaroni pie, coo-coo, callaloo, stewed peas/beans, soups, provision (root tubers, plantain and green banana), pelau (one-pot rice dish), dumplings and your choice of curried, stewed, fried or baked meats including chicken, pork, beef, fish, crab and conch. A variety of local juices and soft drinks are also available to accompany your lunch.
My Favourite Meal: Curried Conch & Dumplings with Mauby (drink made from a local bark sometimes compared to root beer)
DINNER
Seahorse Inn
Seahorse Inn is one of the island’s popular choices for fine dining and a favourite of mine for dinner. Surrounded by tropical flowers with a vantage point view of the Caribbean Sea and supported by excellent and hospitable staff, Seahorse Inn is my go to spot whenever I am feeling fancy and also for special occasions with my hubby. The menu can be considered gourmet creole cuisine and with the carefully selected wine offering and delicious dessert offerings, guests are sure to be mesmerised here. Reservations are highly recommended but walk-ins are welcome also and you can enjoy signature Seahorse Inn Cocktails during the daily Happy Hour.
My Favourite Meal: Lobster Thermidor
Pavilion Restaurant & Clubhouse Bar
The Pavilion Restaurant & Clubhouse Bar is another top choice to satisfy my fine dining needs. This restaurant is located on the spectacular and exclusive Stonehaven Villas property and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can choose to dine indoors, on the terrace overlooking the gardens or alfresco, alongside the infinity pool. The menu is an eclectic mix of local and international fare and the cocktail and wine selection is also delicious and superb. The Pavilion also takes full advantage of the availability of fresh ingredients and so the ‘soup and catch of the day’ often varies.
My Favourite Meal: Pavilion Pumpkin Soup appetiser with warm Pavilion Dinner Rolls & Shrimp Alfredo for the main course.
FAST FOOD
Barcode
Situated on the Scarborough waterfront, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Bar Code is a sport and entertainment bar. Bar code is host to regular signature events including their ‘I Love Soca’ Series during the carnival season and popular spot for locals who want to enjoy great food and drinks in a casual setting. Open for lunch and dinner, one can dine and relax on the outdoor deck or within the air conditioned main space which is outfitted with screens and pool tables and the menu includes burgers, fries, pasta dishes and Caribbean-inspired selections. On Fridays they also offer a delicious local creole menu which is in high demand so be sure to get their early. So if you are searching for a place with a fun atmosphere to ‘lime’ (local word for ‘hang out) while enjoying delectable food, cocktails and rum tasting, Barcode is the place for you!
My Favourite Meal: The Signature Barcode Burger & Fries
La Cantina
La Cantina describes themselves as an ‘unpretentious pizzeria’ and this is the truth! Located in the buzzing tourism community of Crown Point, along the now popular Crown Point Food Strip, La Cantina has been serving up a taste of Italy for more than a decade. This restaurant takes pride in delivering authenticity with wood-burning brick ovens, a casual dining menu as well as international wine, cocktails and drinks. Hidden away on a small incline just off the main street in Crown Point, La Cantina is an unassuming spot with indoor and outdoor dining as well as take away and the location offers the perfect atmosphere that will appeal to family, friends and even couples looking for a relaxing and welcoming option for lunch or dinner.
My Favourite Meal: “Quattro Carne” Pizza … ham, bacon, pepperoni, spicy ground beef & mozzarella!
Anchor Beach Bar & Grill
One of the newer casual dining options on the island, Anchor Beach Bar & grill has quickly established itself on the culinary landscape and whenever I am craving a tasty quick bite I pay them a visit. Anchor can be considered a little treasure on the beachfront, located at the Mt. Irvine Beach Facility, literally on the sand, this spot offers the ‘true to type’ island experience. Cold, refreshing beers, bespoke Caribbean cocktails and super-sized rum punches accompany a simple but tasty menu of sandwiches, fish and chips, wings, wraps, loaded fries and more. Anchor also hosts bonfires, themed events and live performances from time to time. So, when you feel to satisfy that fast food craving, visit them to dine on a picturesque beachfront or to collect your tasty takeaway, you will not be disappointed!
My Favourite Meal: Anchor Wings
