Cayman Islands is known as a tax haven, tucked under the umbrella of Cuba in the Caribbean. But because its residents are not charged income tax, everything else is frightfully expensive!
You can easily drop $500 on a nice dinner out, and there is no shortage of fabulous restaurants in hotels along Seven Mile Beach to check out.
But my brother and his family live in the Cayman Islands and we just popped over for my sixth visit, and together we wrote this helpful post on Things to Know Before You Go to the Cayman Islands.
But this dining in the Cayman Islands post is the inside track that he and his wife (and their two kids) gave me for their top picks on lovely restaurants that won’t break the bank.
This list is in no particular order, and I’ve been to most of them in my visits too.
Rackams
Rackams is a seaside restaurant and ideal if you’re in George Town on a cruise ship. The tender boats drop you almost at the door and the menu has lots of really great options, and especially good for families.
We tried the conch fritters, which are a must-try in the Caribbean, chicken Caesar salad, and chips with curry sauce!
Tables are scattered under a shade awning, on a part of the dock that is surrounded on two sides by the sea. Wild Tarpon hang out to enjoy the spoils of the local fish monger, so a fun thing to do is feed them and watch the frenzy as these monstrous fish – which can grow up to two metres – compete for your chip.
Yoshi
Yoshi is my family’s favorite restaurant. They come here for birthdays and feast on platters of fabulous Japanese food.
Fortunately we had an early seating when I went so we got a table easily, thanks to taking the two nieces along, and it was fun to sit at a sunken table. Although if you’re not very dextrous you’ll want a normal table and chair!
We ordered edamame to start, and a selection of sushi and sashimi, tempura veges and shrimp, gyoza and dumplings that were all arranged on a giant family platter.
It’s super affordable too, with stunning sushi rolls costing between KYD$4.95 and $10.95 (US$7-$15). The 15-year old recommends Yoshi’s signature Centipede Roll with tempura shrimp and crab, topped with sliced avocado, spicy mayo and unagi sauce. You’ll see two serves that below. It’s so good!
Inside tip: they do a great happy hour with fab cocktails and wine at the best prices.
Tukka
Tukka is a fun Aussie-owned beachfront restaurant that my brother took us to on our drive around the island. We went to Tukka East, around the island, but they have another one on the west side, nearer to Seven Mile.
They have a porch overlooking the beach with tables and chairs and amazing views, or you can sit inside if the weather’s a bit inclement – or hot.
The owner’s young son (aged about 10 I would say) was also helping when we were there, and worked as hard, if not harder, than the rest of the staff, rocking up to tables and asking if he could fill their glasses with water.
This is a great burger and pizza kind of lunch spot. I had peanut satay chicken tacos, which were delicious. Wash it down with a beer or a beachfront cocktail and it’s a great time.
Fidel Murphy’s
This is a fave of my sister-in-law and her mates! If you have a hankering for pub grub like fish and chips, peas pies and potato mash, Fidel Murphy’s is the place to go.
It’s located at Seven Mile, but set in a kind of strip mall (Queens Court Plaza) along the road. Come here for bangers and mash, a curry, or an afforable steak with a beer. It also doubles as a sports bar, so go along and join the expats to watch some football or darts, and you may even strike it lucky and join a quiz night.
Southern Spice Indian
Who doesn’t love a good Indian meal? Southern Spice is the family go-to when a butter chicken beckons. They also do vegan options. It’s located in Bay Town Plaza, at Seven Mile.
The staff are super friendly here and you’ll get great service. My niece recommends the lamb samosas. Eat in or take out.
Pani Indian Kitchen
Pani is where you come for Indian when you want to dine in. Located in Camana Bay, the atmosphere in here is worthy of pulling up a chair and ordering a wine with your vindaloo.
This is the main nightlife part of the Cayman Islands. You’ll find lots of lovely restaurants and places to drink. New ones open all the time. We came here for family-hour new year’s eve fireworks, before heading over to Seven Mile for the midnight explosions.
Casa 43
Mexican anyone? Si! I love Mexican and Indian in equal parts, so it’s nice to know there’s a good taco house here in Cayman too. Located in Seven Mile, Casa 43 is small, with an authentic vibe. The interior is dimly lit, with sombreros and colorful skulls on the walls, and dollar bills behind the bar.
No reservations required, just walk in. The gaucamole and tacos are on the recommended list. Grab a pulled beef or gringo taco and wash it down with a jug of margarita.
Cimboco
There are two Cimboco restaurants, one in Savannah (heading east) and one at Seven Mile. The latter is the one my family mostly frequent for yummy lunches of chicken wraps, salads and sandwiches. They also do steak nights for CI$29.99 including a glass of wine.
It’s a Caribbean cafe, loads of fun and a great family menu. You’ll find waffles, eggs, bacon, omelettes for breakfast. Try the Jerk chicken and rotis, and you’ll walk past a big wood-burning pizza oven as you enter.
Ragazzi Pizzeria
Don’t let the location put you off in the corner of a carpark, because Ragazzi is the top pick for Italian food. Step inside and you’ll see white cloths over tables and wine glasses all set up. Try the lasagne, says the 15-year old, and pasta carbonara. Ragazzi gets another vote for fresh wood-fired pizzas too.
Coccoloba Bar and Grill, at the Kimpton
We went to Coccoloba for lunch in this absolute beach front restaurant that literally sits in the sand in front of the Kimpton Seafire Hotel at the far end of Seven Mile Beach.
They do a fun Mexican night on Saturdays with a mariachi band and a beach buffet on the sand. They’re an all-day restaurant and we came for lunch of lobster roll, delicious chicken and fresh fish tacos.
Tillies
Located at Palm Heights hotel, Tillies is total beachfront with tables that sprawl on to the sand. Come for breakfast and try the waffles, pancakes and always a fave is avocado on toast. The fish sandwich is delish, but it’s the setting you come here for. This is not cheap, but it’s the place to be seen and to see the rich and famous swanning about.
Valet park at the five-star Palm Heights Hotel, or park along the road, then walk along the beach.
OR for a cheap and cheerful option next door, try Paradise Pizza for a casual pizza and shawarmas. It’s connected to Palm Heights and ideal for take out – or taking down the beach.
Sunset House
Located at South Sound, about 1km south of George Town and a neighborhood restaurant of my family’s, Sunset House is a hotel for divers right on the beach. It offers clean basic rooms in an outstanding location. It is also a great spot for a sundowner, with or without the wetsuit!
My Bar is an open, beachfront bar under a thatched cabana. It serves sandwiches, lobster rolls, burgers, salads, pasta, steaks, etc. Prices range from $10 to $40.
We went for dinner at their Seaharvest Restaurant and enjoyed a delicious curry – they specialise in curry (around KY$25). It’s a nice beach front spot a bit out of town.
If you’re getting ready to go visit the Cayman Islands, you’ll want to read my post on everything to know before you go!
