Grenada · The Spice Isle
From beachfront restaurants to vibrant markets, Grenada's food scene is as rich and flavourful as the Spice Isle itself.
Where to Eat
Grand Anse · International / Caribbean
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.
The Carenage, St. George's · Caribbean Fine Dining
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.
Lagoon Road, St. George's · Authentic Grenadian
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.
St. George's · Authentic Grenadian
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.
True Blue Bay Resort · Caribbean-Mexican Fusion
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.
Grand Anse Beach · Casual Caribbean
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.
Grand Anse Beach · French-Creole Seafood
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.
Mount Cinnamon Resort · Refined Caribbean
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.
Calabash Hotel, Lance aux Epines · French-Caribbean Fine Dining
At the award-winning Relais & Chateaux Calabash Hotel, this is one of Grenada's finest dining experiences. Sophisticated French technique with local ingredients. A true special-occasion destination.
$ = under $15 · $$ = $15–30 · $$$ = $30–60 · $$$$ = $60+ per person (USD)
The National Dish
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.
Street Food
Curried 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.
Starter
Made 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.
Seafood
The 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.
Main
Grenada'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.
Breakfast
The 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
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.
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.
A slightly bitter, refreshing bark-brewed drink sweetened with sugar and spices. An acquired taste and a true local experience.
Made from the creamy, tropical soursop fruit. Sweet, tangy, and incredibly refreshing on a hot day.
Markets & Groceries
The Fish Market
Market SquareGrenada'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.
A 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.
The 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.
A 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).