I don’t know about you, but I have one very important guideline when choosing a spectacular vacation destination. There must be access to a myriad of spectacular, exciting, and affordable restaurants. I can’t help it – exploring different culinary cultures is just as important to me as finding historic and artistic destinations. It’s a way of life.

The Cayman Islands were, of course, no exception, and I’ve compiled a list of my 10 favorite restaurants where visitors from all walks of life are guaranteed to find affordable culinary masterpieces. From least expensive to most, here they are:

10. Full of Beans Café

Full of Beans Café is an amazing little spot on Grand Cayman. The little café is located in a strip mall and offers tons of vegetarian specialties, including juices squeezed fresh daily and lots of fresh garden herbs. This is a great restaurant for those looking for low cost beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and salads. You’ll also have a great time studying the local artwork inside the restaurant as you wait for your food to be prepared.

9. Triple Crown

Also on Grand Cayman is the Triple Crown. The restaurant is a small English-style pub serving tons of traditional dishes familiar to English and American tourists. Smoking is allowed inside this pub, but there are machines that filter the smoke relatively efficiently. Prices are relatively low and you’re more likely than not to find some sort of sporting event on one of the many televisions.

8. Cimboco

Cimboco is a very small dining establishment but what it lacks in space its dishes surely make up for in taste. The food here is creative, but not extravagant, and is just plain good. The menu is full of reasonably priced pasta, seafood, and veggie dishes sure to please any palate.

7. Chicken Chicken!

Sure, you can get chicken anywhere, and this restaurant does serve American style food. But where else are you going to find chicken that has been slow roasted on a hardwood rotisserie? Not at your standard American chicken stand, that’s for sure. There are only three tables here, so you’ll have to take your food to go, but it’s not like you can’t find a beach or park in which to lounge while you dine.

6. Lobster Pot

The Lobster Pot restaurant is one of our favorite places on Grand Cayman. The fresh seafood is prepared with a number of savory recipes and even those who normally turn their noses up at cold water dishes might find themselves thinking twice about this spectacular menu. Besides, there aren’t many places where you’ll find 12 completely unique lobster dishes, and the wine here is reasonably priced in this mid-range restaurant as well.

5. Calypso Grill

The Calypso Grill is a little bit difficult to find if you’re not paying attention to your road signs, but the trip is well worth the extra effort. A stunning menu full of eclectic fish and meat dishes will definitely tickle your taste buds. Have you ever had grilled ginger tuna? We dare you to try it.

4. Grand Old House

Step things up a notch with a fine meal at the Grand Old House. The food is a mix of European and Caribbean tastes, but you and your dining partner will probably enjoy the spectacular outdoor atmosphere just as much as the food. Dine outside under sparkling lights or venture indoors where you’ll be serenaded by a piano player as you enjoy your meal. Food prices aren’t outrageous, but they’re high – and making a choice from the extravagant wine list will definitely set you back a few dollars more than you would usually expect.

3. Reef Grill at Royal Palms

The prices at the Reef Grill at Royal Palms are on the high side, but are incredibly reasonable when you consider the stellar service, spectacular dining environment, and decadent food you’re going to receive. There are four distinctly different dining rooms, one of which is right on the beach, and the food (especially the seafood) is as fresh as it gets.

2. Hemmingway’s

Hemmingway’s is actually part of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman resort. The restaurant is on the beach and boasts a small yet eclectic menu. You’ll enjoy the stellar service and relaxing atmosphere. We recommend avoiding the wine list unless you simply want a glass or two – otherwise, it’s a bit expensive.

1. Blue by Eric Ripert

For a real treat you’ll want to visit Blue by Eric Ripert. It’s the most extravagant restaurant on our list, but this Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman hosted restaurant is known for its spectacular menu and outstanding service. Your choices include a three course meal or the chef’s tasting menu and, surprisingly, the wine list here is more affordable than in most places on the island.

The food choices you make while on vacation are just as important as the places you visit and the hotel in which you’ll rest. Choose any one of these fine dining establishments and we guarantee you’ll have something spectacular to talk about long after your vacation is over!

Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

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