Original Post Date: Sept 4, 2019
Updated: Oct 11, 2024
Dominica restaurants offer a wide variety of culinary delights for you to try out when you go on your Caribbean vacation. When visiting Dominica, newcomers often find themselves overwhelmed by the abundance of dining options available. If you are visiting Dominica for the first time, it can be difficult to decide which Dominica restaurant to pick. Most Dominica restaurants offer different types of cuisine, ranging from local (dominican cuisine), Caribbean cuisine to international cuisine. In my 10+ years of living in Dominica, I have experienced culinary pitfalls, but also had some of the most delectable meals of my life. And if you know me, you know that good food is one of my kryptonites!
So whether you’re visiting the Dominica island for the first time, or live here, these are my personal recommendations of Dominica restaurants that you should definitelty check out on your next trip to the Caribbean.
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Dominica Restaurants Recommendations in Roseau, the Capital City
Lacou Restaurant, Dominica
Lacou Dominica is a French fusion cuisine restaurant in Dominica, which offers a semi-upscale experience at an affordable price. They bring an added touch to the Dominica restaurants landscape. I have enjoyed going there for casual lunches with friends, and early evening dinners. Whilst they tend to have a set meny (that rotates frequently through the seasons), the options are enough for you to try out different flavours for 4-5 visits. You can read more about my experience at Lacou Dominica here!
Escape Bar and Grill is a great Dominica restaurant downtown where you will always have great food, and always have a good time. Every single time I have been there, I have never been disappointed.Whether I opt for the Escape Burger, Barbecue Pork Ribs or Mahi – Mahi (Fish specialty), I am always pleased. And all the friends I have been there with could testify of the same: food at Escape is simply amazing. I am also a great fan of their cocktails, especially the Mudslide and the long island ice tea. On top of that, the drinks and Whether you want a hearty evening dinner or a few bites with friends at a good Dominica restaurant, Escape is the place to go on any weeknight. Only downside? Payments can be made in cash only.
Escape Bar and Grill, Dominica
Escape Bar and Grill is a great Dominica restaurant downtown where you will always have great food, and always have a good time. Every single time I have been there, I have never been disappointed.Whether I opt for the Escape Burger, Barbecue Pork Ribs or Mahi – Mahi (Fish specialty), I am always pleased. And all the friends I have been there with could testify of the same: food at Escape is simply amazing. I am also a great fan of their cocktails, especially the Mudslide and the long island ice tea. On top of that, the drinks and Whether you want a hearty evening dinner or a few bites with friends at a good Dominica restaurant, Escape is the place to go on any weeknight. Only downside? Payments can be made in cash only.
Check out food updates at Escape Bar and Grill
The Old Stone Grill and Bar
The Old Stone Grill and Bar is a popular Dominica restaurant located in the capital city Roseau, Dominica. What I love the most about this restaurant is the fact that they offer western cuisine, but with a local touch. The appetizers and food sides have a modernized local feel, and the dinner options are really tasty. This is the first place where I tasted “dasheen croquettes” (cylinder-shaped, breadcrumb fried rolls containing dasheen, a local provision). It is a little bit pricier than a few other options, but I would still recommend it because the food is good.
Dominica Restaurant Recommendation: The Palisades Restaurant (At the Fort Young Hotel)
Even if you’re not a guest at the Fort Young Hotel, you can still take a night out and dine at this Dominica restaurant. As you side at your outside table, patiently awaiting your meal, you get to enjoy the panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea while feeling the marine breeze gently stroking your back. This is the only restaurant in the city (Roseau) that offers this type of views. If you prefer a more intimate atmosphere, you can opt for the indoor tables. Another aspect that I love about this restaurant is the fact that the dishes are very creative and redefine fine cuisine. My personal recommendation? Try out one of the Fort Young Hotel’s Sunday Brunches. For only 24 USD per person, you get an all-you-can-eat buffet made of both local and western dishes for a power breakfast!
Read more about fine dining at the Palisades Restaurant (Fort Young Hotel)
Dominica Restaurant with a French, Parisian Style and Vibe
Le Petit Paris is just this fun, trendy and and friendly French cafe to check out when you visit a caribbean island! And because they are located on the bayfront, you get a really great view of the sea at lunch or dinner time. They are a really great option if you want to experience just a taste of French cuisine once in a while.In fact, I took some of my college students there once after a French class (it was a fun experience for them to try ordering their meals in French!).
They host weekly pizza nights (which most people love). This is perhaps not the best option if you want to stick to your diet when traveling. Unless, of course, you’re having a cheat day!
What I love the most about it is the fact that I get to relive a small part of my childhood every time I taste one of their French pastries.
Find out more about everything Le Petit Paris offers
Dominica’s Restaurant for Exclusive, Local Cuisine: Pearl’s Cuisine
If you’re looking for local delicacies for breakfast and lunch, Pearl’s cuisine is a great option. Their menu is very diversified, and you are in for a full local treat from start (appetizer) to finish (dessert). They do have a specific Saturday breakfast menu that includes items such as: souse, accras, bakes, stuffed pies, local cocoa tea, etc. This one tends to run out pretty quick (by noon time) because typically, locals would order these items for breakfast.
Check out weekly menu options and prices at Pearl’s Cuisine
Dominica Restaurants in Portsmouth, the second tourist city in Dominica
The Riverside Restaurant
I can’t begin to describe how much I love this restaurant. Riverside is an Asian-owned restaurant in Dominica, that offers affordable Asian and International cuisine. I have been to this restaurant 3 times, and have never once been disappointed. And the food is always so good that I take pictures of everything.
If you’re visiting Portsmouth for a business or leisure trip or spending time in the Anse de Mai area, the Riverside Restaurant Hotel is a must-stop! The food is amazing, the service is great, and their prices are a lot cheaper than what you would find in Roseau, for sure.
My personal recommendations are the Lobster meal, Pork Ribs, Green Thai Curry. Their crispy fried calamari is the best I’ve ever had. And the chicken wonton (appetizer) is also worth a try.
Dominica Restaurant Recommendation: The Banana Tree Restaurant (formerly C& D Beach Bar and Grill)
I discovered C&D Beach Bar and Grill during a recent staycation weekend in Portsmouth, and it did not take a lot for me to fall in love with this place. First, there is a beachfront, and this takes the restaurant to a whole new level. Secondly, the staff is very kind, knowledgeable and welcoming. Third, the food is… just everything, from prom presentation to taste.
When you eat at C&D restaurant, you can tell that the food is a product of wide culinary experiences, ranging from French, American and Caribbean cuisine. No wonder why this is one of my Dominica restaurants to eat at when I go to Porstmouth.
Dominica Restaurants in Toucarie, Dominica
Keeping it Real Toucarie, Dominica
Keeping it Real Toucarie is easily one of the best Dominica restaurants to have a fresh lobster meal. According to locals and visitors, this is an undisputed gem. With its laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff, Keeping it Real Toucarie embodies the essence of island hospitality, making every visitor feel like a cherished guest. Here, the lobster isn’t just a dish—it’s a culinary masterpiece, expertly prepared and served with a generous side of Caribbean flair. Beyond just lobster meals, they also offer fish, chicken, and pork meals, so you have plenty of options to eat even if you are not a seafood aficionado. Another thing that I love about this restaurant is the sea view. No matter where you turn, you can face the relaxing waves of the Caribbean sea as you enjoy some of the best flavors of the island. My recommendation when visiting is to make sure you call in advance (at least 4 hours) to make a reservation, so that they can prepare your meal for you. This is one of Dominica’s restaurants where I have found that the food is always fresh, and I have always had a great experience.
The Almond Deck, Dominica
The Almond Deck (TAD) is another one of Dominica restaurants that you can stop at when you are in Toucarie. Just a few minutes away from Keeping it Real, they are known for their standard regular dishes, their relaxed atmosphere and their Instagram worthy photo backdrop. They also have occasional live events (such as karaokes or jams), which would make for the perfect excuse to explore the area while dining at a good spot.
Dominica Restaurants Recommendations in Scottshead, the fishing community
Chez Wen Cuisine
Chez Wen Cuisine is one of the best Dominica restaurants in the Scottshead area. I went there with a friend back in 2016, when she was visiting Dominica for the first time. They specialize in seafood, but also offer other menu options. I would particularly recommend the shrimp or lobster meals: they were my “coups de coeur”. I also love the fact that they offer free Wifi, which is a big plus especially for tourists. Compared to other restaurant options, they are a bit on the pricey site, but it is definitely worth it.
Explore menu options Chez Wen Cuisine
Dominica Restaurants in Coulibistrie, Dominica
The Lobster Palace (Sunset Bay, Coulibistrie)
Now, I can’t talk about tasting lobster in Dominica without talking about “THE” Lobster Palace! In my books, this is another great Dominica restaurant for many reasons. My sister took me there with a small group of friends for my birthday. Although I had been there before, this was actually my first time trying their lobster.
Whilst we were looking at our menu options, trying to order different things so we can clearly taste each other’s plates, our waitress (Gabriela), took the time to explain to us what was the difference between “medium rare” and “medium well” steak.
If she hadn’t done that, we would have probably ended up with something unsatisfying. On my end, I thought I knew what I wanted (hello, lobster)! But after chatting with Gabriella, she helped me to correct my order, and that is how I ended up with this delectable lobster mountain.
I also love the fact that they have a picture menu, which helps you see what you order before you place your order (which Gabriella pointed out to me).
Finally, when the owner realized that it was my birthday, he made sure to play a special birthday song, offered me a decorated slice of cake, and gave us free birthday shots on the house! This level of attention and customer care, truly made my experience memorable there.
Check out the dinner menu at the Lobster Palace
Dominica Restaurants in Calibishie, the most scenic village in Dominica
Coral Reef Restaurant
Coral Reef is a great Dominica restaurant in Calibishie where you can stop by and have lunch when exploring Calibishie. The sea view makes it very relaxing, and the food is simply a culinary delight. Every single time I have visited Calibishie, I have stopped there, and it never disappoints. Whether I sit in with friends for lunch or order a takeaway, I always have pleasant experiences. It’s also a family-owned business, and the service has remained consistent across the years!
See what other travelers loved about Coral Reef
There you have it! My top pick of the best Dominica restaurants to stop at during your next visit! Certainly, there are many, many great places to eat in Dominica. The final choice depends on our individual preferences. But to me, these are definitely my favourite restaurants in Dominica. I would go there time and again, and recommend them without a doubt.
Now that you know the best Dominica restaurants where you should go when you visit, here is some additional information you need prior to you coming to the island!
Things to Know Before you Travel to Dominica, the Caribbean
Getting to Dominica, The Caribbean: you can get to Dominica either by flying, or using a connecting ferry from neighboring islands. Most airlines that fly to Dominica serve the Caribbean region. If you are coming from Europe, Africa, Asia or the Americas and want to get cheap flights to Dominica, you will need to make a stopover in another island (Barbados, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, etc.) If you are coming from the Caribbean, you can easily get direct flights to Dominica. Ferry companies also provide connections with neighboring islands.
Best time to visit Dominica, The Caribbean: there are so many things to do in Dominica all year round, so every day is a good day to visit the Nature isle! But if you’re looking for specific activities happening on island, make sure you check out my Dominica Travel Guide which highlight essential information you need to have for your trip to Dominica. Nonetheless, here are the best recommendations for the best time to travel to Dominica:
- February – March: Carnival Season
- May – June: Jazz and Creole Season
- July : Dominica Dive Festival
- September – November: Dominica Independence Season (during this season, the World Creole Music Festival is also held, at the end of October)
- December: Christmas season
Dominica Weather: in general, the weather in Dominica is sunny all year long. Just like any other Caribbean island, Dominica is prone to hurricanes. The hurricane season starts in June and ends in November.
Dominica Currency: Dominica currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. This currency is used in the 7 islands which are part of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). These include: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla and Montserrat. 1 USD = 2.67 XCD approximately.
Dominica Language: English and Creole French (Antillais Creole/Dominican Creole) are the official languages in Dominica.
Now that you know one of the best Dominica accommodation options to stay for an eco-conscious Caribbean vacation, you definitely need to check out my bucketlist experiences for summer travel when you visit Dominica!
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