Grand Cayman, set like a shimmering stone in the middle of the crown that is the Caribbean sea, is as 'grand' as its name suggests. Here, the pristine palm-lined beaches are studded with towering luxury resorts, a heavenly escape for those seeking refuge from fast-paced city-living, and can afford to soak up the sun in what is often referred to as the most expensive place on earth. It's then no surprise that the food offering in Cayman is of exceptional quality and caters to the most discerning of palettes. Below we have put together a shortlist of establishments consistently delivering the grandest of fine dining experiences to both locals and visitors in Grand Cayman.
Blue by Eric Ripert. Photo: The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman
Blue by Eric Ripert
Undoubtedly, Grand Cayman's foremost food establishment, Blue by Eric Ripert, formerly of Le Bernardin in New York, serves up sophistication in palatable bite-sizes and garnishes it with flair. Each element of the establishment has been infused with that intangible and elusive element that evokes the need in its epicurean patrons to return time and again. Elegant haute cuisine served up sans ego. Come for the food, stay for the feeling.
Dishing elegance at Bacaro. Photo: Bacaro Restaurant, Grand Cayman
Bacaro
Drawing inspiration from Venetian wine bars, Cayman's answer to a romantic Venetian wine bar sits soundly aside the Cayman Yacht Club. The waterfront restaurant offers panoramic views and an inspired menu of fresh food fare and a slightly elevated take on the happy hour offering. The menu includes an extensive selection of wines, desserts, and Venetian Cicchetti, or small plates of assorted Italian tapas. It's the perfect meeting place whether meeting up with friends, going on a romantic date or savouring it all up solo.
The shimmering bar at Luca. Photo: Luca Restaurant.
Luca
Luca is known for serving up sensational contemporary Italian cuisine, with exceptional service, seaside. Fusing European elegance and Caribbean comfort they create an inviting atmosphere. They make an effort to source local, fresh ingredients to prepare simple yet impressive dishes, placing a strong focus on faultless presentation. The restaurant tailors to the needs of its clientele by accepting all vegetarian, vegan and dietary requests. If you want to send a bottle of wine to a guest or acquaintance or buy a client, family member or friend dinner from they will make sure to arrange these services for you discretely and effortlessly.
AVE
Ave is the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa’s signature restaurant offering the ultimate in fresh local seafood and produce presented with Mediterranean flair. Executive Chef, Massimo De Francesca, has created a menu that is sophisticated without being too intimidating, incorporating both local and international flavors. This menu is paired perfectly with a unique and exciting selection of handcrafted cocktails while overlooking iconic Seven Mile Beach, on the outdoor terrace or indoors where the decor is elegant, yet light and inviting.
Seven at The Ritz Carlton
Seven is one of four restaurants housed in the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman, and is renowned for offering guests an elevated dining experience. Seven showcases:
Grand Cayman's most extravagant champagne Sunday brunch,
an Exceptional Niman Ranch All-Natural Beef taste experience,
Grand Cayman's most delectable and expertly crafted patisserie selection,
a Wine menu featuring over 350 international wines,
a Bar selection of classic and Caribbean-inspired cocktails and a Cuban Cigar selection,
Oceanfront cabana dinners available for parties of two to twelve (additional set up fee and reservations required)
a luxury take on the 5-7 p.m. happy hour that includes a selection of bourbon-inspired cocktails and bar bites
Seven is open daily for Breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m., for dinner service from 6 to 10 p.m. and for Brunch, every Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m.
The Brasserie
The Brasserie is one of Grand Cayman's longstanding 'eco-friendly' advocating establishment. Here, they pioneered the farm-to-table movement and have built a reputation for all-round eco-efficient restauranteering. Reintroducing a strong focus on local farming, they embrace Caymanian heritage and passionately infuse everything they do with it.
The Brasserie offers fresh, honest food made exceptionally well, with every seasonal menu showcasing everything from fresh flavours and local ingredients straight from the garden. Their dedication to the honest and true representation of the tastes of Cayman, is what keeps their customers returning for more.
Catch
At Catch, the fresh ingredients are the main attraction. Here, effortlessly elegant Alfresco dining is achieved by means of the open-air, dockside deck, the beautiful wooden pier stretching out from it far into the blue water. Whether it is a coincidence that the color palette is an ode to lush palm greens and the orange hues reminiscent of a warm setting Caribbean sun, remains unclear. It aptly captures the laid-back essence of island-living without sacrificing on style. As can be deducted from the name of the restaurant, they pride themselves on delivering the freshest catch of fish daily, right on the kitchen doorstep. Prepared by professional and skilled staff who are united by a love of the Caribbean's food as well as its folks. Take a virtual tour of Catch Restaurant here.
