Cayman’s best ItAlian restaurants
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that one of my favourite cuisines is Italian, and lucky for us Cayman is home to some fantastic restaurants. If you are craving pizza, pasta and wine, these are #CaymansBest Italian restaurants in alphabetical order.
Andiamo at the Ritz-Carlton
This al fresco restaurant is located on the eastern aspect of the Ritz-Carlton campus. A welcoming staff is an established feature of the Ritz, but you’ll love the warm wooden furniture and blue-hued tones throughout. Indulge in their use of quality ingredients from their burrata-based appetisers and Mediterranean seafood, to classic pastas and napoletana-style pizzas. I absolutely adore the Chicken Milanese sandwich, crispy Calamari Fritti and vegetarian Mushroom Truffle wood-fired pizza. They have a selection of old world and new world wines, but also feature refreshing cocktails that are perfect for an afternoon. Their talented chefs can accommodate for any dietary restrictions so just let your server know in advance. Learn more about Andiamo by visiting their detailed page on my website.
Bácaro
The restaurant’s name translates into exactly what you’ll be eating here, ‘Italian Tapas’. This open-air concept has a nautical decor and wraparound deck that faces the mansions and canals of Yacht Club. They have an exceptional cocktail programme and their menu invites diners to order a few plates to share since the majority are smaller portions. The ‘cicchetti’ (nibbles), small and medium plates are the most popular. I’d recommend the fresh Tuna Tartare with avocado and mango salsa, rich Mad Deviled Eggs and tender Duck Confit. Learn more about Bacaro by visiting their detailed page on my website.
Casanova
Sitting along George Town waterfront is longstanding Italian restaurant, Casanova. As soon as you enter you’re greeted by a wall of photographs capturing the joy and fun that guests and staff have had their over the years. You can dine inside with their Italian cityscape and terra cotta coloured walls or sit outside on their upper or lower patios that are just a few feet away from the sea. The prices are reasonable and the food selection ranges from pastas, pizzas, seafood and meat courses. Order the classic Lasagna, Linguine Alle Vongole with white wine & clams, or the Penne Contadina with chicken & mushrooms in a pink sauce. Ever since I was a teenager, Casanova has always been the place for locals to visit for birthdays where they sing the best rendition of the ‘Happy Birthday Song’ on island. The energy of this restaurant is one of the most vibrant and memorable, which why both tourists and residents keep coming back.
Italian Kitchen
You may have noticed that all of the restaurants on this list are located along Seven Mile Beach, but luckily for those of you in East End and North Side there’s Italian Kitchen. This unassuming restaurant is found in a small plaza adjacent to Morritt’s Resort, but has a warm, Mediterranean decor upon entry. They have a large menu that features pizzas and pastas, but also antipasti plates and a handful of meaty entrees. They have a selection of vegetarian options and even gluten-free pastas and pizza crusts for anyone with dietary restrictions. Order their Wild Mushroom pizza with goat cheese and leeks or their creamy Spaghetti Carbonara with or without gluten-free pasta and pizza options. Their team will even deliver if you’re staying in the Cayman Kai area, so no need to drive if you’re wanting a night in. Learn more about The Italian Kitchen by visiting their detailed page on my website.
Luca at Caribbean Club
Luca is a contemporary Italian restaurant with a modern decor, including a sleek bar at the entrance and glass-encased wine room along two walls. Dine inside for table or booth seating or opt to sit on their covered patio to hear the sounds of the waves crashing on the beach. It’s a romantic venue which makes it perfect for a date night or even a wedding as I personally held my reception here in 2018. When dining here, don’t expect only traditional Italian cuisine as they often use Mediterranean ingredients in a creative way for their appetisers, pastas and entrees. They make a one-of-a-kind Vitello Tonnato and sumptuous Parpadelle with short rib and porcini mushrooms. Their wine list is extensive and easily recognised as one of the best on island as they win Wine Spectator’s ‘Award of Excellence’ annually. Their sommelier is there to help you navigate this list and help you choose the perfect pairing.
Ragazzi
Ragazzi has been a staple Italian restaurant along the Seven Mile strip for decades. Sure they have a cozy setup with tables being mere feet away from one another, but honestly it just adds to it’s charm. During the weekend you can expect a busy bar with residents sipping on a glass of wine from their premium wine list as they dine solo or wait on their takeout. Their homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas are wildly popular because they have such a large selection and they even offer gluten-free options for both. If you’re indecisive like me I’d recommend going half and half on your pizza, where I’ll order the Diavolo (classic pepperoni) and Veneto (homemade sausage, mushrooms, spinach and truffle oil). Learn more about Ragazzi by visiting their detailed page on my website.
Ristorante Pappagallo
One of Cayman’s oldest restaurants is located deep in West Bay and sits peacefully on a lake in an multi-acred bird sanctuary. It stands alone as a high-ceiling, thatch-roofed building with a private room, bar area and a dining room surrounded by tropical birds. Their bartender Lupo has a unique take on cocktails as he uses fresh ingredients found literally on top of the bar, but you should note they also have a respectable wine list too. At Pappagallo you’ll find a large Italian menu with classic Italian course - antipasti, meats, seafoods & pastas - that will delight any diner. It is a unique setting that is beloved by residents and worthy of a visit.