Trinidad and Tobago is in lockdown mode and it’s an emotional time for all as we struggle to adjust to the new normal. Practicing social distancing, remembering not to touch our faces, struggling to stay calm, and overall doing the most to #flattenthecurve is exhausting. Thankfully, in the midst of all these restrictions, some of our favorite restaurants are doing their part to ensure we can still enjoy quality cuisine, even in a time of COVID-19. Here’s a list of dine-in restaurants in Trinidad whose doors will remain open to facilitate cozy date-nights in and virtual brunches with the crew, thanks to their curbside and delivery services!
Buzo Osteria Italiana
Buzo’s pizza delivery service has always been standard procedure but now they’re stepping up their game by including free cake and a drink with all pizza take out orders! The restaurant has teamed up with Food Drop to facilitate deliveries and even offer curbside pickup if you’re looking for an excuse to leave the house on an essential food-run. Check out Buzo’s full menu here and take note of their new opening hours: 11:00 am to 9:30 pm every day.
El Jo’s
A bodega, winery, and lounge all wrapped into one, this after-work Avenue favorite has morphed with the times and given us El Jo’s on Wheels. Even though you can’t enjoy their out-of-this-world mac and cheese while people watching on their patio, it’ll taste just as good on your back porch. So, drive by and collect curbside, pop in to pick up or have it delivered to your doorstep.
Bonus: Their Premium Wine Club is still very much active with members benefiting from a 10% discount. Since we’re off the roads and confined to our homes, now might be a good time to sign up!
Freebird Restaurant
Farm to table is their specialty but Freebird has now expanded its repertoire to include kitchen to curb (or your front door). If you prefer to remain indoors for the duration of this lockdown (good for you) you can place an order for delivery. However, if you need a brief change of scenery and want to run a lockdown-approved errand, make your way down to Point-a-Pierre and pick-up curbside. You can have a look at their menu here.
Krave
If you’ve been too lazy to drive to Marabella and see firsthand why Krave is all the rave (pardon my cheesy phrasing), now’s the time for you to introduce your tastebuds to their delectable dishes. The restaurant’s “Kurb side” menu includes its stuffed chicken alfredo and pork tenderloin, among others. Prepare for a mini feast since all orders come with the soup of the day and you’ll be hard-pressed to resist the dessert options, which range from prosecco passion fruit mousse (yassss!!!) to brownie smores cheesecake (yummmm!!!). Take note of delivery zones below.
Chaud Cafe & Wine Bar
If you’re as big a fan of Chaud’s cafe frites as I am, you’ll definitely appreciate the fact that while their doors are closed, their kitchen is open for curbside collection, as well as delivery courtesy Food Drop. The menu covers a nice range of pastas, sandwiches, salads, and sides, and orders can be placed from Monday to Saturday by calling 628-9845 or emailing chaudcafe@gmail.com.
The Meena House
Your next Meena House meal is now just a WhatsApp message away. The “modernistic” Indian restaurant continues its takeaway and Thali Tray services with delivery available within Port of Spain and environs. Delivery outside of the city limits will be dealt with on a case by case basis for larger orders. Meena House is also offering gift vouchers for customers who would like to make future bookings. Check out their menu here.
Apsara
Aspara is now offering meals-to-go at affordable prices ranging from $35 to $75. Their Indian and Thai combos cater to meat-lovers and vegans alike and can be ordered for curbside pickup as well as delivery. Check out their full menu, which includes scrumptious breakfast options like chappati roti with tomato choka!
Ohana Restaurant
Ohana always made for a fun night-out but this central restaurant has adjusted its operations to cater to those looking for a cozy night-in. Their takeout menu serves up large portions perfect for a family meal while their Trini Corner also features local favorites like curry lamb, macaroni pie and stewed chicken. 
It may be a while before we’re able to get dolled up and step out for a fun night on the town. But, in the midst of all this uncertainty, it’s nice to know we can hold on to some semblance of our former lives with an occasional meal from one of our favorite restaurants. I’ll be updating this list as I learn of more options so feel free to drop your recommendations in the comments.
I’ll just wrap up with a friendly but firm reminder to practice proper hygiene, observe social distancing and, as much as possible, #stayathome.
