Food & Dining
From beachfront restaurants to vibrant markets, Grenada's food scene is as rich and flavourful as the Spice Isle itself
Where to Eat
The Beach House
$$$A casually elegant beachfront restaurant set among tropical foliage with indoor and outdoor dining. Known for seared tuna, fresh seafood, and creative cocktails. Friday Mojito Nights with a DJ until late.
BB's Crabback
$$$Run by celebrity chef Brian Benjamin, this waterfront restaurant offers stunning harbour views. The signature crabback is fresh crab baked with herbs, wine, and cheese sauce, served in a crab shell. Featured on Ainsley Harriott's Caribbean Kitchen.
Patrick's Local Homestyle
$$A beloved institution serving a fixed tasting menu of 15-20 local dishes family-style, including callaloo soup, lambi creole, curried goat, oil down, and banana cake. Call ahead to reserve — everything is cooked fresh.
Ants Nest
$$A local favourite and a must-visit for anyone wanting to taste real Grenadian cooking. Their Oil Down — the national dish — is legendary. Generous portions, warm hospitality, and an authentically local atmosphere make this the place to experience Grenada on a plate.
Dodgy Dock
$$A vibrant, open-air oceanfront restaurant with colourful decor. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Wednesday Street Food Night is the most popular. Live music on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Umbrellas Beach Bar
$–$$A two-storey beachfront bar right on Grand Anse Beach. Known for generous portions at great prices — the Umbrellas Burrito and Carib Jab Wings are highlights. Live music on weekends. Great value.
Coconut Beach
$$–$$$Dine with your toes in the sand under thatched roofs. Lobster is the specialty — thermidor, wrapped in crepe, or tossed with pasta. The Seafood Platter and Coconut Pie are local favourites.
Savvy's at Mount Cinnamon
$$$An eclectic mix of gastro-pub favourites and West Indian fare with what many consider the best sunset view over Grand Anse Beach. Friday night beach bonfires are a must.
$ = under $15 · $$ = $15–30 · $$$ = $30–60 · $$$$ = $60+ per person (USD)
Oil Down
No visit to Grenada is complete without tasting Oil Down — the island's national dish and a source of deep cultural pride. Layers of breadfruit, green banana, plantain, dasheen, dumplings, and salted meat are simmered for hours in rich coconut milk with turmeric, thyme, and local spices. As the coconut milk is slowly absorbed, it “oils down” into the ingredients, giving the dish its name and a deep golden colour.
Traditionally a communal affair, Oil Down brings families and communities together — you'll find it at celebrations, fetes, and weekend gatherings across the island. Every cook has their own recipe, and the best versions take all day to prepare.
For an outstanding Oil Down, head to Ants Nest in St. George's — widely regarded as one of the best places on the island to experience this iconic dish, cooked low and slow the traditional way.
Grenadian Cuisine
Influenced by African, French, and East Indian traditions, Grenadian food is bold, aromatic, and built around the island's world-famous spices
Roti
Street FoodCurried meat, seafood, or vegetables wrapped in soft flatbread. A staple grab-and-go meal across the island, with every vendor having their own signature spice blend.
Callaloo Soup
StarterMade from dasheen leaves simmered with coconut milk, okra, garlic, crab or saltfish, and generous amounts of nutmeg. A rich, deeply flavoured soup found on nearly every menu.
Lambi (Conch)
SeafoodThe mild white meat of the conch marinated with local spices and herbs, then grilled, stewed, or curried. Look for Lambi Creole on restaurant menus — a prized Caribbean delicacy.
Pelau
MainGrenada's hearty one-pot rice dish with seasoned chicken, pigeon peas, and caramelised sugar that gives the rice its distinctive brown colour. Comfort food at its best.
Bake and Saltfish
BreakfastThe quintessential Grenadian breakfast. Round pockets of lightly fried dough stuffed with saltfish souse — salted cod in a tangy, spiced onion and pepper sauce. Often served with cocoa tea.
The Spice Isle
Grenada is known worldwide as “The Spice Isle” — the flavours that define Caribbean cooking grow abundantly here
One of the world's largest producers — it's even on the flag
The lacy red covering of the nutmeg seed, more subtle and peppery
Grows fresh on the island, used in cocoa tea and baked goods
The golden spice that gives oil down its signature colour
A fragrant staple in slow-cooked stews and cocoa balls
Locally grown and featured heavily in daily cooking
Drinks to Try
Cocoa Tea
Hot chocolate unlike any you've had. Locally grown cocoa beans roasted and ground with cinnamon, nutmeg, and bay leaf into cocoa balls, then grated into hot milk. Rich, dark, and warming.
Rum Punch
Every bar has its own recipe using Clarke's Court or Westerhall rum. The classic island formula: one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak.
Mauby
A slightly bitter, refreshing bark-brewed drink sweetened with sugar and spices. An acquired taste and a true local experience.
Soursop Juice
Made from the creamy, tropical soursop fruit. Sweet, tangy, and incredibly refreshing on a hot day.
Markets & Groceries
The Fish Market
Market SquareSt. George's Market Square
Produce MarketGrenada's largest open-air market, with stalls brimming with tropical fruits, root vegetables, fresh herbs, and locally grown spices at bargain prices. Saturday mornings are the busiest and most atmospheric — a sensory experience and cultural highlight.
St. George's Fish Market
SeafoodA vibrant working fish market where fishermen bring in the daily catch. Expect red snapper, tuna, kingfish, mahi-mahi, and seasonal lobster. They'll clean and fillet your fish on the spot. Visit early morning, Tuesday through Saturday.
Real Value IGA
SupermarketThe island's largest supermarket at Spiceland Mall, Grand Anse. Wide selection of imported and local goods, wine and spirits. The closest thing to a Western-style supermarket on the island. Accepts credit cards.
RAMS Supermarket
SupermarketA popular local supermarket chain with a solid selection of groceries, household essentials, and imported goods. Well-stocked and conveniently located, RAMS is a reliable option for stocking up during your stay.
Cooking at the Villa
With fresh seafood, tropical produce, and world-class spices all within reach, cooking at Corten Villa is a delight
Fresh Seafood
Head to the St. George's Fish Market early morning for the freshest catch — red snapper, tuna, mahi-mahi, and kingfish from $2–3 USD per pound, cleaned and filleted on the spot.
Local Produce
Grenada's volcanic soil produces incredible fruits and vegetables year-round. Look for breadfruit, plantain, dasheen, mango, papaya, passion fruit, and fresh herbs at the markets.
Spice Shopping
Pick up whole nutmeg with a grater, mace, cinnamon sticks, and turmeric at Market Square — a fraction of the price at home and wonderful souvenirs.
Grocery Tips
Stock up on basics at Real Value IGA in Spiceland Mall. For fresh fruits and vegetables, the Saturday market at Market Square can't be beaten. Bring cash to markets (EC dollars preferred, USD accepted).