Laid Back and Easy Anguilla Eateries

Boat on water at a beach in Anguilla
Author

Jesson and Co /MNI Alive

Release Date

Thursday, March 10, 2022

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The beautiful island of Anguilla claims some of the best beaches, properties and restaurants in the Caribbean. Anguilla’s people are famously hospitable and welcoming to the thousands of visitors who vacation there each year, drawn by the luxurious resorts and charming, locally owned villas. Of course, it’s more than simply the accommodations enticing Canadians to fly south to Anguilla for the winter. A thriving and innovative culinary scene has sprung to life through the island’s many restaurants and pubs, spotlighting both classic Caribbean fare and truly global gourmet dishes. If you’re interested in all the fantastic flavours Anguilla has to offer, read on for our recommendations on the best places to dig in on your next vacation. 

Gwen's Reggae Grill

Food shown on a beach in Anguilla

BBQ chicken and ribs at Gwen's Reggae Grill, Shoal Bay, Anguilla, courtesy of Anguilla-Beaches.com

First up is Gwen's Reggae Grill, located in Lower Shoal Bay East near Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts. This community staple is run by the namesake herself, Gwen, who fills the roles of bartender, grill master and maître d’. This beach bar is amongst the most popular spots on the island, so you are in for a real treat! The restaurant is set up with a plethora of patio tables to accommodate patrons in the Anguillian sunshine. Equipped with a full bar, guests won't go thirsty: there’s nothing quite like sipping a rum punch as you lounge in one of the restaurant’s complimentary hammocks. Specializing in casual Caribbean cuisine, Gwen’s has earned rave reviews for its BBQ Chicken & Ribs Combo: grilled chicken served with "meat falling off the bone" ribs, salad, fries and pasta. One night at Gwen's will have you craving for more!

Scilly Cay

Grilled Lobster on Scilly Cay, photo courtesy of Anguilla-Beaches.com

Grilled Lobster on Scilly Cay, photo courtesy of Anguilla-Beaches.com

Anguilla has multiple small cays just off the main island, providing the perfect offshore venue for those looking for more secluded adventure or relaxation. Off Anguilla’s eastern shore, Scilly Cay is privately owned by the Wallace family, who has operated the cay as a tourist destination for more than 30 years. The restaurant on the cay is open on Wednesdays and Sundays from noon to 5:00 pm, serving up fresh seafood and delightful beverages. Seafood lovers will be in heaven when they try the grilled lobster, snapper and crayfish plate: it’s accompanied by a generous helping of garlic butter, onions and sweet peppers. Families or groups can rent out the cay for the day or night (ferry and boat driver included) and throw an awesome private event. There’s dining in style, and then there’s dining on your own private island!  

ELVIS' Beach Bar

Photo courtesy of Elvis’

Photo courtesy of Elvis’

"Thank you, thank you very much," is what you will be saying after a visit to ELVIS' Beach Bar. This bar is constantly rated amongst "Top 10 BEST Caribbean Beach Bars" by USA Today's Readers’ Choice Award. This fun and lively spot offers some of the best authentic Mexican cuisines in Anguilla. Founded in 2007, this bar's evolution from a class "C" Anguillan Racing Boat with a makeshift bar into a fantastic restaurant is truly astonishing. Guests must order ELVIS' world-famous fish taco plate: a flour tortilla taco with freshly fried fish and topped with lettuce and pico de gallo. What's cool about this spot is guests can bring a piece of ELVIS' back home with them, as the restaurant sells some iconic clothes. Check out the store here!

Johnno's Beach Stop

Johnno’s, photo courtesy of Anguilla-Beaches.com

Johnno’s, photo courtesy of Anguilla-Beaches.com

This last place is amongst the most culturally significant spots in Anguilla, located in the relatively bustling Sandy Ground. Johnno's has been around since the 80s and is the go-to place for people looking to have a good time. The décor and atmosphere can only be described as casual and iconic, epitomizing open-air, beachside dining. Music is central to the Johhno’s experience: guests will enjoy a packed slate of live performances as they enjoy their meals. During its tenure on the island, Johnno's has hosted some amazing artists, one of the most famous being Sprocka, an Anguillan musical legend. Sundays, in particular, are a good day to visit Johnno's as there is live Jazz from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Looking at the menu, there are some fantastic options to choose from, however, the whole snapper is a must-try. Caught every day by local fishermen, this plate provides an authentic, organic taste of Anguillian cuisine.

Check out these amazing local spots to indulge in some fantastic food at an affordable cost!

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