DINING & NIGHTLIFE IN ANGUILLA

Restaurants

“Along with astonishing beaches – there are more than thirty of them — Anguilla now has equally astonishing new resorts and an energized restaurant scene…They’re the swank club in the Caribbean with no sign on the door: If you didn’t know it was there, you’d just sail on by.” — Food & Wine
If Anguilla’s beaches are the most enviable feature of our island, then our world-class restaurants come in a close second. The island has an award-winning dining scene that offers discerning travelers international sophistication, elegance and creative cuisine that fuses the fresh local flavors from our land and sea with elegant imports. The artistry of our chefs, both Anguillian and from abroad, is unmatched anywhere in the Caribbean.
Anguilla’s brand of casual-chic infuses the entire island experience; however, it is particularly evident in our top restaurants. A-listers and celebrities are at home and comfortable with our island style of elegance and glamour — one that is free from the restraints of neckties, jackets, high heels, and “who’s who”. Everyone is everyone on Anguilla because if you are here, you are already part of something.
Foodies and wine connoisseurs rejoice at Anguilla’s amazing selections. In addition to the culinary arts, we boast two of the region’s largest wine cellars at Malliouhana Restaurant and Koal Keel Restaurant. Malliouhana, winner of Wine Spectator’s Grande Award, houses more than 25,000 bottles of wine, and Koal Keels cellar, Le Dome, holds more than 35,000 bottles.
A large part of Anguilla’s appeal is the food experience. First-class in a way that is unseen throughout the region, from fusion to traditional, to service that bends to suit, chic in a way that is welcoming and inclusive — Anguilla’s restaurants are attractions in and of themselves.
For a comprehensive guide to Anguilla’s restaurants visit The Gourmet Guide at Skyviews.

Casual Dining

Your Anguilla vacation is more than an evening out — it is an experience, and one of the best ways to experience Anguilla life is through our many casual restaurants and local spots. Popular with locals and visitors alike, Anguilla’s casual dining experiences offer excellent food and an opportunity to get into the culture. A secret among those who know the island, many of Anguilla’s top chefs also have their own independent enterprises — offering top notch cooking techniques usually served with a side of local flavour.
Take advantage of all of Anguilla’s restaurants without hesitation. The island holds itself to a higher standard of excellence when it comes to dining and food — so you know it is always going to be a treat.

Clubs

When night falls, and even on occasion when the sun is up, Anguilla offers a unique mix of entertaining venues that are all its own. There are no casinos, no flashing lights, no tourist traps – but lots of pure fun. Join in, be yourself, make some friends, all are welcome!
Sandy Ground is where the barefoot and intoxicating action is, just about every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. There’s darts and great conversation at Ripples, Reggae and a light bite at The Pumphouse, everything from goat tacos to an outdoor movie theatre at Elvis’ Beach Bar, and a classic Jump-Up at Johnno’s. If you need to catch up, we are told that Sammy’s rum punch is just the drink to do it.
The Dune Preserve, Rendezous Bay is a long-time favorite spot. Check with your hotel or some of the locals to be sure of which nights it is open. The music and mood of this artistically crafted place makes you instantly feel like part of the cool crowd. And nearby at The Cove, Smokey’s offers musical entertainment on Saturdays and other evenings.
The English Rose Restaurant has Karaoke on Fridays and The Red Dragon Disco still kicks it up on the last Friday of every month with the “Over 30s” party that lasts until morning. The new and hot spot, The Strip, next to the People’s Market in The Valley (a stretch of local eateries and bars) swings on the weekend. An opportunity to meet the locals.
If you can’t stay up that late, no worries, Anguilla dances all day long — you just have to know where. For instance, on Sundays Shoal Bay is a favorite for sand mashing (that is dancing Anguilla-style). Check out Gwen’s Reggae Grill, Elodias’ Beach Bar and Madeariman Reef. And on Sundays at Dad’s in Sandy Ground provides live music for your dancing pleasure.
Anguilla loves entertainment. From muscial talents that appeal to today’s generation, to traditional local song and theater and everything in between, there is always something happening here. But perhaps even more important than the entertainment is Anguilla’s ability to offer visitors a chance to blend in and become a part of Anguilla life — not just for your stay but for the time that passes between this trip and your next.

Beach Bars

With over 33 of the world’s best beaches, it would be inconceivable to think that Anguilla had not cultivated at least a few dozen glorious beach bars to go along with a perfect day at the beach.
Uncle Ernie’s, Shoal Bay and Johnno’s in Sandy Ground were, for some time, Anguilla’s most famous “beach bars” in the true sense of the word. Uncle Ernie’s marks the public entrance to Shoal Bay Beach and has stood there for as long as the island has welcomed tourism. Johnno’s has been a staple of the Anguillian dance scene for as long as anyone in Anguilla who can still dance can remember.
On the East End, the tiny island in Island Harbour, Scilly Cay, continues to host A-listers and celebrities between its conch shelled walls and thatched canopies — redefining the parameters of a beach bar. And Palm Grove, at the end of Savannah Bay at Junk’s Hole is still a secret hideaway.
Elvis’ Beach Bar, Sandy Ground is the place to be. Elvis is the King and he twitters, tweets and YouTubes from his sailboat-cum-bar — giving the world a virtual taste of Anguilla while giving Elvis’ Beach Bar a star on the Anguilla map.
But the beach bar scene all began with a man named “Smitty” in Island Harbour — and before there was electricity, Anguillians would drive, hike and bike to the East End for a game of pool, rum punch and good times.

Barbecue

The local food on Anguilla is roadside barbecue. Mostly available on the weekends, on Friday nights the smoke from the split oil drum grills wafts into the sunset air with the savory smells of ribs and chicken. Barbecue is all over the island, from Long Bay to the East End, and although a non-official restaurant of sorts, each barbecue develops a reputation based on their cooking.
Big Jim’s at Blowing Point is one of the island’s most well-known barbecues. Hungry ferry passengers grab a bite en route to their homes or neighboring islands. Ken’s BBQ in The Valley is one of the island’s most popular stops, and Ken’s brother, Paper, across from the East End School, is growing a following for his barbecue as well. In Long Bay, B & D’s operation has built itself into a full-fledged establishment, and cooks all over the island compete for your palette.
Ribs and chicken are the staple, but not the extent of the Anguilla barbecue. For over thirty years, Mabel Gumbs, one of Anguilla’s tourism pioneers and senior ladies, has been making her way to The Valley with her corn soup. Get there early on Saturday morning, her soup is usually gone before midday.
And at Sandy Ground, next to Syd An’s apartments, conch soup brews alongside ribs and chicken on weekend nights, ready to fuel and refuel dancers who have come to the village to jam.
During festivals and holidays, fish from the sea is brought right to the coals, and ribs, chicken and tents pop up all over the island as family and friends picnic together and celebrate special events.
Barbecue is a part of local Anguillian life, one that the island is happy to share, and one that is well worth the sharing.