Guadeloupe — Food and Restaurants

The food in Guadeloupe can be described as a combination of Creole and French cuisines with a touch of Southeast Asian and African flavors. Most of the dishes are hot and spicy, with notable ones being boudin Creole (spicy blood sausage) and goat colombo (similar to Indian curry). Fresh seafood is a staple, including la Creole, a fish stew like bouillabaisse. Vegetable dishes can also be enjoyed in Guadeloupe, with favorites like accras (vegetable or cod fritters) and calaloo (spinach and bacon soup). When it comes to drinks, Guadeloupe is particularly famous for its rum punch, which is made from rum, syrup, butter, and lime. It is also possible to find international food if the craving hits.

Bars and Pubbing in Guadeloupe

There are many nightlife spots in Guadeloupe, including nightclubs, discos and bars. Some are independently owned, while others are part of large hotels. Jazz and piano bars are common. Major cities like Pointe-a-Pitre, Basse-Terre, Abymes, Baie-Mahault, and St Anne has the highest concentration of choices, but resort towns like St Francois, Le Moule, Gourbeyre, and Bas-du-Fort are popular also.

Pointe-a-Pitre’s marina is one of the best places to be if you are up for a party. It has a wide selection of bars like Indiana Bar and Coyote Café (Pointe-a-Pitre), which are two of the most well established in the city. If it’s a sultry jazz night you're after, head to Spy Bar (Pointe-a-Pitre) in Hotel Bas du Fort.

Next to Le Lollapallooza restaurant is the upscale Cubano de Gosier (122 Avenue de Montauban, 97190 Le Gosier), which is known for its Latin music, disco, extensive drink selection, Creoles, and high-society guests. Club Med (Quartier Caravelle, Ste-Anne, Grande-Terre, 97180) is another choice. For those who prefer a more laid-back atmosphere, there are an abundance of beach bars on the coastal resorts. Some of the more notable ones are in Le Moule Beach on the eastern shore of Grande-Terre.

Dining and Cuisine in Guadeloupe

As a tourist destination, Guadeloupe has many restaurants to match your taste buds and budget. French specialties with a hint of island flavors offer a gastronomic treat. Some of the island’s top chefs are West Indies natives who practiced and studied on mainland France to create a mix of two cuisines with surprisingly delicious results. Visitors are also encouraged to try the local fish and seafood dishes. Manman’dlo La Sirene (Route du littoral – Section Roche d’Or, Capesterre 97140) is one of the best places to enjoy a fresh catch and international recipes and they offer late-night reservations. Another notable seafood restaurant in Capesterre is La Playa (Iieu-dit Bernard, Capesterre 97140), which is popular for the mixed appetizer plate, shellfish and friendly staff.

Authentic Creole cuisine is hot and spicy, though some tourist-centric restaurants turn down the heat. For authentic creole dishes, try dining at small canteens. L’Eddy’s Papillon (40 Bourg N 40, Bouillante 97125) specializes in Cajun favorites. Also in Bouillante is La Touna (Pigeon-Malendure, Bouillante 97125), a family-friendly establishment that accepts reservations for its French, Creole and Cajun favorites.

While in Lamentin, La Belle Chaudiere (Lieu dit Ravine Chaude, Lamentin 97129) is known for its impeccable service, great ambiance and excellent cuisine. In Basse-Terre, one of the top dining destinations is Le Phoenix (3 Rue Schoelcher 97100 Basse-Terre). For local flavors, try Habitation Desmarets (Desmarais 97100 Basse-Terre).