When the pandemic hit we knew we were going to be in for some difficult times as an island that relies on tourism for excursions, accommodation and restaurants. Some of the islands’ most established businesses were lost along the way, but through the ashes rose some amazing new restaurants to add to the our culinary scene. A lot of these projects had been in the works prior to the global pandemic, so when they were able to complete construction and renovations they opened their doors to Cayman residents. It may not have been the most ideal time since we stayed closed to the majority of the world until March 2022, but we’ve finally made it to our first “high season” that’s open to anyone and everyone. This peak tourist season runs from November to April, so I’m here to give you a list of my favourite new restaurants that have opened over the past 2 years.

Lloyd’s Smokehouse & Grill (Est. December 2020)

LLoyd’s Smokehouse & Grill is the sister restaurant to Casa 43 and owners Max Hillier and Chef Lloyd Brown are bringing you slow smoked meats, grilled seafood, tasty sandwiches and Southern-inspired sides. I particularly enjoy a plate of the St. Louis spare ribs, smoked sausage, king prawns, potato salad and mac & cheese as my main, but to start you should try their popular brisket burnt ends and bacon-wrapped jalapenos. They offer a selection of signature cocktails that are primarily bourbon forward to pair with your smoky meal. Located in the former Edoardo’s restaurant, it has now been renovated with dark wood, cow hides and country-inspired memorabilia both inside and out. It’s also on my Cayman’s Best BBQ & Smokehouse Joints list, so you should definitely visit this meat lovers paradise.

Tukka West (Est. March 2021)

Technically Chef Ron Hargrave’s Tukka has been around for a number of years, but in 2021 they took over the location in Morgan’s Harbour to bring us Tukka West. It’s menu is similar to the original Tukka in East End as they serve Caribbean and Australian fusion dishes, including conch & crocodile fritters, lionfish tacos and jerk chicken broquettes. So if you’re visiting the island and don’t have time to head east pop by Tukka West instead.

Seven Mile Greens (Est. May 2021)

The owners behind the delicious and inexpensive Seven Mile Burger have opened a healthier alternative in Governor’s Square, called Seven Mile Greens where they make daily soups, pressed sandwiches and plentiful salads. When it comes to their salads you can choose from over 60 ingredients to build-your-own or order one of their signature salads and bowls. Some of my favourite salads include the Chinese Chicken Salad and a classic Caesar Salad. When you order a signature sandwich you can try their globally-inspired menu; a ‘Banh Mi’ with hoisin pork tenderloin, the ‘El Cubano’ with ham & pork or the Turkey Reuben on rye. It’s perfect for a quick bite during a lunch break or before you begin your next excursion around the island.

Arepa 345 (Est. July 2021)

Arepa 345 is food truck bringing the national dish of Venezuela to Grand Cayman. In case you aren’t familiar with this dish, arepas are a cornmeal cake that are stuffed with an array of fillings. The Venezuelan national dish is called the ‘Pabellón’ which is an arepa filled with shredded beef, black beans, sweet plantain & cheese, but my other favourites include the simple, tasty ‘Ham & Cheese’ arepa and the ‘Domino’ arepa, a vegetarian option with black beans & cheese. They also have two sauces you can purchase for extra flavour in the form of a garlic sauce and gausacaca. Arepa 345 is located in the Regatta Office Park and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner arepas for your convenience. Seeing that they are made of corn this dish is also technically gluten-free if you have a gluten intolerance or allergy.

Next Door (Est. August 2021)

Next Door is literally next to its sister restaurant Agua in Camana Bay, making it hard to forget the name. The former King’s Head Pub has been transformed into a swanky lounge with a focus on mixology and innovative cocktails. Some of Cayman’s best mixologists have worked in Agua, including former Cayman World Class winner Cory Scruggs who helped to conceptualise this new cocktail bar. I admire that they don’t shy away from local ingredients like sorrel, guava and seasoning peppers in their ‘Cayman Specialty Cocktails’ and that they honour other bartenders on island by allowing them to create signature cocktails under the ‘Local Friends & Family’ section. A team of talented bartenders have been brought in to make this place a hit and you can enjoy some of the best cocktails on island here. They are popular for hosting private events and are home to weekly entertainment, including a jazz night with Leslie Carbo, patio sessions with Dan Ebanks and even a burlesque show. They also offer a limited food menu cooked ‘next door’ at Agua, which is still a popular dining destination on island. Stop in between 5-7pm every Monday to Saturday for Next Door’s Aperitivo Hour for complimentary nibbles and discounted cocktails and wines. This regular event alone is why they are on my Cayman’s Best Epicurean Theme Nights list.

U’nique (Est. December 2021)

Chef Nicky Hull-Saldana is one of the most creative chefs on island and his new restaurant U’nique in George Town is a chance for him to excite your taste buds. His location may be tucked away, but he always brings bold flavours and creative dishes that cater to both carnivores and vegetarians alike. Some of my favourites include his Spicy Beef Tartare and smooth Chicken Liver Parfait, Grilled Mushrooms and a Seafood Medley loaded with clams, shrimps and scallops. During the week they do a lunch pairing menu where you can enjoy a nibble and a main for just CI$25. If you want a elevated culinary experience in an cozy setting then this is the place to visit!

Callaloo & Artichoke Dip at *Thatch & Barrel*

Thatch & Barrel (Est. December 2021)

Thatch & Barrel is the newest restaurant to takeover the space known as The Outpost at Pedro Castle in Savannah. Owners Luigi and Christina Moxam have launched this new venture outside of Cayman Cabana to create a seafood and Caribbean menu at one of the most beautiful destinations on island. Dine inside by their bar that serves Cayman Spirits based cocktails, wine & beer, or sit on the grassy lawn on top of the cliffs overlooking the sea. Some of my favourite dishes at Thatch & Barrel include their Lobster Lollipops, Callaloo & Artichoke Dip and their flatbreads that come with toppings like Cayman style beef, plantain, brie and shrimp.

Ms. Pipers Kitchen & Garden (Est. September 2021)

With the changeover of Comfort Suites along the Seven Mile Strip to a Hampton by Hilton came a new restaurant adjacent to their pool called Ms. Piper’s Kitchen & Garden. This open-air concept is based on a cozy cottage environment with a kitchen, dining room and pool bar. They have cocktails that are inspired by iconic women from around the world, such as the ‘Como La Flor’ (Selena) with Patron silver and the ‘Fad Muse’ (Iris Apfel) with Tanqueray flor de sevilla. Their food menu also has an worldly approach with dishes like yuca fritters, choripan, Thai-style catch of the day and a Mediterranean mezze platter. They are also home to one of my Cayman’s Best Epicurean Theme Nights for hosting a weekly Argentinian Night that delivers authentic meats, sauces, sides & desserts.

UNION Grill & Bar (Est. September 2021)

Located in Camana Bay is UNION Grill & Bar who are proud to be serving steaks, seafood, wine and cocktails in a beautifully decorated space. They have a lot of different events and specials taking place during the week so try to keep up! There’s live music by local musician Dan Ebanks every Monday, Steak Night on Tuesdays, Jazz Night on Thursdays and Happy Hour on Fridays for 2-for-1 cocktails. If you are keen to learn how to make classic cocktails, they can even teach you in their popular Cocktail Masterclass as a group.

La Casita (Est. December 2021)

La Casita is the newest Mexican restaurant to hit the food scene in Grand Cayman, but note that they are located in East End, adjacent to Compass Point Dive Resort. They are proud to have a Mexican chef leading the way so that means that even though their menu is concise they can keep it as authentic as possible. It is a quaint space with a small bar and the choice of table inside or on the screened patio. They serve an array of tacos with traditional fillings, plus enchilladas, burritos and fajitas for your main course. Visit on Sundays for their a la carte brunch that runs from 11am-3pm if you’re needing a crisp margarita, paloma or Mexican Sangria. Learn more about what’s in the area by checking out my North Side & East End District Guide.

Murph’s Kitchen (Est. January 2022)

Unable to open in 2020 as planned, the food truck known as Murph’s Kitchen officially opened in January 2022. It is locally owned by Alex Cowan, but Chef Ernie Vitunskas heads this food truck and does a heck of a great job serving globally-inspired sandwiches. They are permanently located at the Seven Mile Public Beach parking lot, but every once in a while they will setup at public events and keep you in the know via social media. Some of my favourite sandwiches include ‘The Italiano’ with pumpkin seed pesto, grilled chicken, mozzarella, tomato & arugula and the ‘Escovitch Fish Sandwich’ with fried snapper, lettuce, jerk mayo and spicy escovitch. You can also stop in for a cheeky breakfast sandwich, crisp salads and your choice of sweet potato fries, local breadfruit fries or loaded ‘Murph’s Fries’ with pulled pork, jalapeno, cheddar & garlic sauce. Chef Ernie is incredibly friendly and does a great job cooking made-to-order sandwiches if you’re looking for a quick bite for breakfast and lunch.

BAYSIDE (Est. January 2022)

Chef Joe Hughes has taken the leap of opening his own restaurant and it has paid off with BAYSIDE at the Jacques Scott Plaza in West Bay. He’s brought a globally eclectic menu to the area where every dish is better than the last. For breakfast try the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes or Korean Bacon with scrambled eggs. For lunch order the Chicken Katsu Sando and Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad. In the evening order the Honey Garlic Chicken Wings and one of their Sourdough crusted pizzas (personally I love the Italian Sausage with broccolini). The space is fully renovated with indoor and outdoor seating, but you can grab a seat at the bar to watch the latest sporting event and sip on some of their creative cocktails (or mocktails). It is one of my favourite restaurants on island and I make an appearance regularly to see what else I can try! Learn more about them by visiting their page or see what you can get up to after in my West Bay District Guide.

Door No. 4 (Est. February 2022)

Door No. 4 in The Grove is a sleek lounge and bar pushing out innovative cocktails thanks to owner Simon Crompton, a former Cayman World Class winner and one of the most well-known mixologists on island. His talented team of bartenders are some of the most popular on island, which makes a drink here even more fun. Some of my favourite cocktails include the ‘Hopscotch Dandy’ made with Johnnie Walker Black Label, the ‘Martini Full Circle’ made dirty with pickled conch and pearl onions, and when I’m in the mood of a nonalcoholic beverage I always get the hoppy and fruity ‘Not An IPA’. If you start to feel peckish they have a menu with nibbles and small plates, such as Truffle Popcorn, Wahoo Tataki, Smoked Braised Short Rib and Korean BBQ Wings. Grab a seat outside on the patio or inside at the bar, high-top or one of their cushioned seats. They have regular weekly events including a weekend brunch menu, Tiki Fridays (notice the teams attire and specialty cocktail) and Habachi & Highball Wednesdays. Next time you’re in the area, stop by and have a drink for me!

Cumin Goat Noodles at *San Si Wu Noodle Co.*

San Si Wu Noodle Co. (Est. June 2022)

Temporarily Closed due to relocation*

San Si Wu Noodle Co. is the brainchild of brothers and chefs Dylan Benoit & Lucas Benoit. Their passion for Asian flavours after exploring and staying in the region over the years has allowed them to bring authentic flavours to George Town. It’s truly impressive how they are serving bold, flavourful dishes out of a kitchen space that cant literally fit two people. They are making handmade noodles, filling dumplings and baking Macanese Egg Tarts daily so expect a freshly made meal every single time. My favourite noodles are the Cumin Goat noodles as they are made with goat raised on Cayman Brac by Bluff Farms and the meat is so tender and well seasoned. Takeaway is popular as you can phone ahead, but they do have a few communal tables at the top of the outdoor stairwell if you’d like to grab a seat. Read more about them on their page or visit the George Town District Guide to learn more about the area.

The Edgy Vedge (Est. August 2022)

The Edgy Vedge is the latest restaurant to move into Camana Bay and strives to serve ‘Damn Good Food’ that also happens to be 100% plant-based and vegan. Owners Sian Weinzweig and Christina Ravdas have brought in Executive Chef Doug McNish to consult on their vegan menu. You can expect the use of vegetables, fruit, cashews and soy-based products like other vegan restaurants on island, but they appear to have gone a step further by serving some vegan junk food too. Some of my favourite dishes include the Shroomy Pizza with truffle oil, the Buffalo Chik’n Sandy and the Cauli Wings with vegan ranch sauce. Don’t ignore their vegan cocktail and mocktail menu as Ravdas is the 2022 World Class Cayman title holder, so she’s conceptualised drinks that are absolutely delectable. If you don’t have time to unwind in a restaurant setting, head into the other door to enter their Marketplace. This has a grab-and-go concept if you’re in a rush and offers soups, salads, pastries and coffees. Whether you are vegan or just an omnivore wanting to cut back on your meat intake, you’ll enjoy what they have available at The Edgy Vedge.

So there you have it! These are the 16 restaurants that I hope you’ll give a chance when you next visit Grand Cayman. As always, feel free to send me a message if you have any questions or comment below on your favourite new restaurants. Cheers!

Cayman’s Newest (& Best) Restaurants To Open Since 2020

Seven Mile Greens (Est. May 2021)

Arepa 345 (Est. July 2021)