Cayman’s best… Fine Dining

There are many restaurants that fall under the category of ‘fine dining’ in Cayman, but there are only a handful that offer a level of food, service and ambiance that always leave me feeling pampered. The restaurants on this list are perfect if you’re going on a date, celebrating a special occasion or just looking for an upscale experience.

A lot of them having dedicated pages on my website already, but you can also click the titles for direct access to their website. This #caymansbest list is written in alphabetical order, so look through and see what fits you!

Agua

This Italian restaurant, with a Peruvian twist, is located in Camana Bay and has an ambiance fit for its name as it’s adjacent to ‘the island’ and emits a sea blue colour scheme. They have a extensive wine list and some of the most creative cocktails on island to go alongside their flavourful food menu. Order the Octopus Anticucho and a Trio of Ceviche to start, followed by Tuna Tagliatelle especially if you’re an adventurous eater! Learn more about Agua by visiting their page on my website.

Ave

Ave, located at the Kimpton Seafire, has unparalleled views of Seven Mile Beach as it sits 42 feet above sea level. Grab a table outside to take advantage of the sea breeze and sunsets, otherwise stay inside and be surrounded by their mile high ceilings, spacious bar, indoor seating and an open kitchen/grill. Executive Chef Massimo De Francesca offers guests an elevated Mediterranean menu consisting of a diverse seafood selection and steaks. If you want to take it to the next level order Ave’s 3- or 4-course tasting menus with (or without) a wine pairing. If you want something more unique, then be on the lookout for any upcoming ‘chef’s counter’ events at Avecita where they serve a show stopping 5-course meal with beverage pairings. Learn more about Ave by visiting their page on my website.

Bacaro

Bacaro is an al fresco restaurant with views of the Yacht Club canal from every angle. Upon entering you’re welcomed with a distinctive décor of rope and wood inside and as you venture out to the bar and wraparound patio you’ll experience more modern touches of metal and pops of blue. The name Bacaro speaks for itself as it means ‘a wine bar offering small bites’ in Venice, so one can only expect delicious beverages, wines and Italian tapas that are small enough to order a few for yourself and the table. I tend to start with the ‘Cicchetti’ (nibbles) of Whipped Baccalá and Mad Deviled Eggs, a Tuna Tartare from the ‘Crudo’ (raw) section and the Lamb Chops or Beetroot Potato Gnocchi from the ‘Piccoli Piatti’ (small plates). Learn more about Bacaro by visiting their page on my website.

The Brasserie

The Brasserie provides the freshest dining experience on in Grand Cayman as parts of their menu change daily depending on what’s picked from their garden, retrieved from their beehive, laid by their ‘Chateau Chooks’ hens or caught by their two fishing boats. Their warm tones, tropical décor and art inside the restaurant and bar enhance their Caribbean fusion menu. If you want a more private setting then you can choose to sit outside in their garden or in one of their two private rooms. They serve a range of wines and spirits, but I’d suggest starting with one of their cocktails that include locally sourced ingredients, such as the ‘Coco Bluff’ Coconut Mojito or the ‘Chateau Chooks’ Pisco Sour. Some of the staple menu items I start with include the Smoked Fish Dip and Truffle Grilled Cheese with seasonal jam, and for your main course you can’t go wrong with the fresh catch of the day. Learn more about The Brasserie by visiting their page on my website.

Le Soleil D’or

This farm-to-table restaurant is just as dedicated to the farm-to-table movement as The Brasserie, but it happens to be located on Cayman Brac at the Le Soleil D’or. Drive along the south side of the Brac to find this high-end inn that’s home to a handful of villas and en-suite guest rooms, plus a well-maintained farm on the bluff adjacent to it. Originally the restaurant was exclusively only open to guests, but it’s worth asking if you’re on island as they opened it to the public in 2021 due to the increased cross-island tourism from Grand Cayman. Inside the restaurant has soft white and grey tones, an large area for the caring kitchen and bar staff and a menu that exudes freshness in every sentence. The cocktails (and mocktails!) are one-of-a-kind as they incorporate farm picked ingredients, like guava and dragonfruit, and the same can be said about the food menu. Even though the menu is seasonal, you can always expect freshly baked bread, dishes highlighting locally caught fish, and their freshly harvested ‘Farmer’s Garden Green Salad’.

Lobster Pot

Lobster Pot is the oldest restaurant in Grand Cayman and has been a staple for tourists and residents alike. Head upstairs to the main entrance and soak up the picturesque views of the Caribbean Sea regardless if you dine indoors or out on the balcony. Their service is friendly and attentive, while their menu showcases their love of seafood and wine. Try the award-winning Lobster Bisque or Lobster Mango Salad to start, and follow that up with the Chicken Breast in a creamy mushroom sauce or their famous ‘The Pot’, that’s filled with lobster, shrimp & king crab. Learn more about Lobster Pot by visiting their page on my website.

LUCA

A location near and dear to me is LUCA in Caribbean Club as this was where I held my wedding reception in 2018. They have a large bar, indoor dining room with glass wine cellars on either end and an outdoor patio facing the resorts pool and garden. LUCA have one of the largest wine lists on island and you can speak to a sommelier if you need any guidance. Enjoy their selection of classic Mediterranean dishes from seafood and pasta to and meat options. You can’t go wrong if you start with their Vitello Tonnato and Beef Carpaccio and order a Chicken Piccata or Braised Short Rib Parpadelle for your main course.

SEVEN

SEVEN has been a premier steakhouse on island ever since it opened in the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman. Upon entering their large dining room you’ll find cozy booths and chairs, leather-topped tables, glass wine cellars and a long fully stocked bar. Keep walking towards the glass doors and head outside on the patio if you are looking to dine with under the stars. Not only will you always get top notch service, but SEVEN incorporates Caribbean ingredients and flavours in their food and drink menus like their Conch & Clam Bisque, Jerk Chicken Roulade and Pineapple & Jalapeno Margarita. They only use the best products and currently serve diners Niman Ranch meats and also purchase sustainable seafood that include the likes of king crab, salmon and ahi tuna. Learn more about SEVEN by visiting their page on my website.

Steak Social

From the moment Chef Jonathan Rivard’s restaurant Steak Social came onto the culinary scene it’s been a hit! Their dimly lit atmosphere, attentive service, delectable cocktails and select wine list are part of the charm, but their classic steakhouse appetisers, seafood options and certified angus beef (CAB) steaks make for a great night. Order the Lobster & Shrimp Risotto or a Steak plus a one side and sauce of your choice. Due to the limited tourists, they have ‘2-for-1 Steak Night’ on Tuesdays that is the perfect option for diners looking for a memorable experience at a fraction of the cost.

Taikun

If you are looking for a high-end sushi experience then Taikun is the only place you need to have on your list. Located at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman you can expect impeccable service, stunning decor and delicious cocktails from the Silver Palm Lounge. They have the largest sake menu on island that is perfect to pair with their Asian dishes, as well as their classic and innovative sushi rolls. Try the Salmon Foie Gras or the ‘Hotate’ to start, and follow that with a California Roll or Spicy Tuna Tataki Roll. If you can’t choose I suggest ordering one of their 2-person set menus to share or the 5-course Omakase (chef’s choice) menu. Learn more about Taikun by visiting their page on my website.