A guide to food and drink in St Lucia

Exploring St Lucia's delicacies

In the tourist areas you can expect to find all kinds of food, from beach cafes serving up fast food to fine dining establishments offering the best St Lucian and international cuisine.

Get lost among the colonial architecture of days gone by though, and the more traditional flavours are yours to savour, so don’t be afraid to explore. St Lucia’s people tend to be friendly, and enjoy share the secrets of their kitchen with you.

Local vibes at Flavours of the Grill, Gros Islet

You can’t miss this brightly painted blue, pink and lime green wooden house. And you’ll be glad you didn’t as Flavours of the Grill serves up some of the best authentic and inexpensive Caribbean cuisine in the area.

Dine outside on the patio area and watch the world go by as you tuck into all the local favourites including curried goat, green fig pie and of course, rice and peas. Visit on a Friday night and you can enjoy the atmosphere of the ‘Jump Up’ street party directly outside.

Meat feast at the Big Chef Steakhouse, Rodney Bay

Don’t be fooled by this restaurant’s unassuming exterior, because Big Chef Steakhouse is one of St Lucia’s highest rated restaurants. Elegantly furnished with polished wooden floors and ambient lighting, relax in the air conditioned dining room and await your preferred cut of certified Angus beef cooked to precision.

Not only will you find a selection of melt-in-your-mouth steaks, Big Chef also sources the freshest fish from local fishermen on a daily basis and showcases an impressive seafood menu. Try the pan–seared catch of the day cooked in a simple lemon and garlic butter or the fabulous lobster burger.

Fine dining at the Rainforest Hideaway, Marigot Bay

If you’re looking for a truly memorable evening, Rainforest Hideaway is just the ticket. A 20-minute drive from Castries, the sophisticated restaurant is set right in the mangroves on the waterfront of the famously beautiful Marigot Bay and can only be accessed by boat. Start your evening by jumping onboard Captain Bravo’s cute public ferry and taking the two-minute trip across the water.

Enjoy a glass of champagne as you sit at your table on the wooden deck, extending over the water, while you listen to the tropical birds sing their evening chorus in the forested hills. The European and Creole influenced Prix Fixe – or fixed price – menu includes a mouth-watering selection of fresh seafood, jerk dishes and tenderloin meats. Most nights live jazz music is played to accompany your meal.

Waterside dining at The Coal Pot, Castries

It’s all about the ambience at this waterside dining spot on the bay of Vigie Cove. Having built a long-standing reputation over 40 years, the charming and unique restaurant serves up fresh and delicious local cuisine.

Barracuda is a firm menu favourite, as is the dorado and kingfish. Whatever you decide on, rest assured it was caught that day. Enjoy open air seating along its charming veranda bordering the water. Cute little lanterns illuminate each table and the friendly staff endeavour to give you a memorable experience.

Laid-back magic at The Reef Beach Cafe, Vieux Fort

Sip a tropical pina colada or ice cold coconut water as you enjoy the cool sea breeze at this delightful beachside cafe in Vieux Fort. Steps away from the tranquillity of Sandy Beach, take a seat outside under the shade of the trees or venture inside to the bar, playing 1950s hits.

The menu is bursting with freshly caught seafood and complemented with delicious garden salads. Pizza, hamburgers and French fries all make an appearance on the blackboard too, so if you’re craving some home comforts on St Lucia holidays, The Reef Beach Cafe won’t disappoint.