The Best Restaurants in Tobago (For Lunch) – map included!

I’m the furthest thing from a foodie but a girl likes to eat. And when she eats, she loves her food to come with a view. Truth be told, you’re not going to find Tobago on any list featuring top culinary destinations. There are no 5-star dining experiences…no Michelin star chefs. And that’s OK. Because what the island lacks in pomp, it more than makes up for with small-island appeal. From the cute to the chic; beach views to tree views; local to international cuisine…here’s my list of the best restaurants in Tobago if you’re looking to savor a delicious lunch.

Shore Things Cafe & Craft

Cozy, comfy and serving a delicious mix of local and international cuisine, Shore Things Cafe & Crafts delivers strong home-away-from-home vibes. The converted house oozes all the rustic charm required for Insta-worthy shots. And, due to its perfect location, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch with an incredible view. From pizza and quiche to grilled chicken and their catch of the day, there’s always something for everyone on the prominently displayed chalkboard menu. With free wifi and a consistent stream of birds for company, you’ll see no need to rush through your meal.

• Must try: Coconut cream pie
• Average cost: Under TT $100 (US $15)
• Location: Lambeau

Traditions Bar & Grill

An extensive menu chocked full of scrumptious dishes elevates Traditions Bar & Grill to much more than your average beachfront watering hole. One of the best bars in Tobago, this staple on Pigeon Point beach takes its food as seriously as it does its drinks. Patrons are spoiled for choice and options range from Trini-style curried chicken to lobster to pasta to wings. With swimwear welcome and footwear optional, many beachgoers love the fact that it’s always chill o’clock at this ideal beach spot. As an added bonus, Traditions also serves an epic mango shot that you won’t find anywhere else on the island. Cheers!

• Must try: Curried chicken with paratha (buss-up-shot)
• Average cost: Under TT $100 (US $15)
• Location: Pigeon Point Heritage Park

Waves Restaurant & Bar

Waves Restaurant & Bar has a lot going for it – ideal beachfront real estate, great views, spacious deck, chic decor, and delectable dishes. A carefully curated menu features an inventive selection of local, regional and international dishes. Whether you’re craving a good ole Trini roti, a Mexican-inspired seafood taco or fish that’s grilled-to-perfection, you’re bound to find something to satisfy your appetite.

• Must try: Fish tacos
• Average cost: Under TT $200 (US $30)
• Location: Black Rock

Jemma’s Treehouse Restaurant

At Jemma’s Treehouse Restaurant it’s Sunday every day with an extensive spread that makes it a staple on any list featuring the best restaurants in Tobago. Serving up all the fixings and fuss of a typical Trinbagonian “Sunday lunch”, you’re able to indulge in a full-fledged family-style meal. Starting with a fresh salad spritzed with Jemma’s trademark ginger dressing, the meal is topped off with a feast that includes all the must-have sides like rice, peas, pie, and callaloo along with your preferred meat – chicken, fish or lobster, if you wish. Of course, there’s also something to be said for dining in a treehouse that has a lovely ocean view!

• Must try: Breadfruit pie
• Average cost: Under TT $150 (US $23)
• Location: Speyside

Suckhole Restaurant & Bar

There’s a reason some folks wait over an hour (sometimes close to 2) to get a table at Suckhole Restaurant & Bar. And, while it’s beach-adjacent location and kitschy decor have a certain appeal, it’s the food that draws the crowd. Perfectly flavored, beautifully plated, and chocked full of good island vibes, the meals never disappoint. It’s no wonder Suckhole is a mandatory stop on many east-bound road trips. Fair warning: Suckhole doesn’t accept reservations so try your best to get there by at least 11 am if your goal is to dine at noon.

• Must try: Lobster!
• Average cost: Under TT $200 (US $30)
• Location: Charlotteville

Speyside Overlooking Restaurant & Bar

Behind the unassuming facade of a small roadside shop, is the spacious dining room of Speyside Overlooking Restaurant & Bar. Here, the affable owner, Tony, serves as both bartender and cook. At this no-frills establishment, there’s no set menu but upon request, Tony will whip up his version of “Sunday lunch” with your choice of meat along with a combination of staples such as macaroni pie, callaloo, pigeon peas, and plantain. With banks of windows lining three of the establishment’s four walls, you’ll be surrounded by a spectacular view of the village, Speyside Beach and Goat Island. Currently, Speyside Overlooking may not appear on many lists featuring the best restaurants in Tobago, but soon enough this unknown gem will be discovered.

• Must try: Whatever he’s serving (I promise it’ll taste great!)
• Average cost: Under TT $120 (US $18)
• Location: Speyside

Cascreole Bar & Beach Club

A beachfront restaurant with a kitschy beach theme, including railings made of seine (fishing nets) and plastic squid dangling from the ceiling, Cascreole serves up a stellar combo of gorgeous views, village vibes, and generous portions of delicious food! The lunch menu might be limited, but when the food is that good, options need not be too varied. Meat options range from stewed chicken and lamb to coconut curried fish, all accompanied by your choice of sides – chow mein and peas, or (my personal preference) dumplings, cou cou, dasheen and peas. The food is prepared on the spot and delivered to your table piping hot. This, along with the natural soundtrack of the crashing waves and chirping seabirds makes Cascreole the perfect lunch stop if you’re road-tripping along North Coast Road.

• Must try: Stewed lamb with dumplings, cou cou, dasheen and peas
• Average cost: TT $55 (US $9)
• Location: Castara

Vaness’ Sunshine Food Delights

Set amidst the towering trees and lush greenery of the rainforest, Vaness’ Sunshine Food Delights serves up authentic, home-style, Tobagonian cooking. Prepared by the bubbly Vaness herself, lunches feature the usual sides of rice, peas, callaloo, and fresh salad, along with a selection of mouthwatering barbecued, stewed or curried meats. Cooked to order, sometimes there’s a bit of a wait, but time passes by quickly when you’re soaking up a view that stretches on for miles and listening to the soothing chirps of the birds flitting about. If you’re looking for a lunch spot while road tripping along the North Coast Road, Vaness’ is it!

• Must try: Curried prawns
• Average cost: Under TT $100 (US $20)
• Location: Parlatuvier

Lunch may not have top billing as the most important meal of the day, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed.  If you’re on the hunt for a lovely lunch spot, these are the best restaurants in Tobago to get a great meal with a side of pure island vibes.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in Tobago that didn’t make the cut? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to check it out and add it to my list!

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