Dining

When in St. Lucia, tourists need not worry about availability of varied cuisines. Despite being a small island, travelers can enjoy European and International cuisines along with local specialties. Outdoor dining elevates the experience of tasting callaloo, curry, and pepperpot stew for the first time. The abundance of banana plantations explains the inclusion of the fruit in a variety of local preparations. There is no dearth of French, Italian and Indian restaurants, as well as pizza and steakhouses. Considering the proximity of water bodies, it is no surprise that a majority of dining options revolve around fish and seafood. Apart from the upscale establishments and dining options at hotels, tourists may choose to dine at bistros, vendors and private owned restaurants. Mexican, local Creole and Amerindian preparations are easy to find.

A. Top Restaurants

The Dasheen Restaurant

Cuisine Caribbean, International

Open: Daily 7:30-10am, noon-2: 30pm, 6:30-9:30pm

Location: Ladera Resort,

Between Gros and Petit Piton,

Soufrière Area

Phone 758/459-7323

Prices: US $22 - US $30 for a main course

A dramatic setting and breathtaking view, teamed with tasty Caribbean, international and Creole cuisine defines an experience at this restaurant. Built atop a mountain, it is well reputed and boasts of an innovative cuisine. Appetizers include unheard dishes such as St. Lucia fish pot consommé. Fried green tomato and goat cheese salads are all on the menu. The main course revolves around fresh and seasonal catch of the day. Steak, special marinating, unique seasoning and grills lend the restaurant its uniqueness.

Camilla's Restaurant & Bar

Cuisine: West Indian, Creole

Open: Tues-Sun 8am-midnight

Location: 7 Bridge St

Soufrière Area

Phone 758/459-5379

Prices US $11 - US $34 for a main course

Though, the restaurant is not a waterfront establishment, this does not undermine its appeal. A little above the main street level, the place offers an excellent and simple cuisine. Coffee, soda, or Perrier can be ordered as accompaniments with the main course. Considering the availability of fresh fish, asking for fish, shellfish, Caribbean fish Creole or lobster is a sensible decision. They do serve a variety of meat preparations as well. Beef and chicken dishes are on the roll all the time. At lunch, tourists can choose between sandwiches, salads, eggs and burgers. Diners may choose to sit at the balcony that overlooks the street. On the inside, the atmosphere may seem stuffy on occasions due to the absence of an air-conditioning system.

Green Parrot

Cuisine Continental, Caribbean

Open: Daily 7am-midnight

Location :Chef Harry Drive,

Morne Fortune, Castries

Phone 758/452-3399

Prices Lunch main courses US $17 - US $26;

Fixed-price dinner US $33 - US $41

Located around 2km on the east of the town center, the restaurant overlooks the Castries Harbour. It is immensely popular amongst visitors, emigrants and locals. Its close proximity to the downtown area makes it very popular amongst the innumerous tourists that visit the area. This laidback establishment does not present the need for urgency when placing an order, as the staff does not demand an immediate order. The special pre-dinner drink, which unsurprisingly goes by the same name, Green Parrot, is a combination of coconut cream, crème de menthe, bananas and white rum. Diners can relax and be part of the restaurants entertainment arrangements that include limbo contests or a fire-eating show, on Wednesday and Saturday nights. This of course is complimentary service and tourists don't need to shell out extra cash for it. Soup, curries, squash, egg preparations and sandwiches are great options especially as the restaurant takes great pride in dishing out St. Lucian recipes apart from using homegrown produce.

The Mortar & Pestle

Cuisine: Caribbean, International

Open: Daily 7am-5pm and 6:30-10pm

Location: Harmony Suites,

Rodney Bay Lagoon, Rodney Bay

Phone 758/452-8756

Prices: US $17 - US $31 main course

The restaurant is a waterfront establishment at Rodney Bay Lagoon. Tourists may opt for indoor or outdoor dining as according to their preferences. The great part of sitting outdoors is the never-ending view boats, docked at the marina. Their elaborate menu comprises of various preparations from the many Caribbean islands. Other international tastes along with the local Amerindian specialties too are included. Conch chowder, crab preparations and seafood options have always tempted visitors. Meta preparations are also available.

Great House

Cuisine: French, Creole and International

Open: Tues-Sun 6:30-10pm

Location: Cap Estate, Gros Islet

Phone 758/450-0450

Prices: US$19-US$33 main course

This great joint is built up on the ground stones of the actual original plantation house of Cap Estate. The backdrop boasts of a fine growth of cedar trees and the restaurant rests under their shadows. The formal dining room is situated in such that it overlooks the sea. It is an ideal combination of French presentation in a Caribbean set up. Wine, food and the restaurant service are all worth taking note of. Special cheese sauces combined with fresh herbs and sea fish add to its grandeur. Chicken, lamb, duck and beef are all part of the menu. Delectable deserts, cheesecake and the fine art of French cooking are all present under one roof here.