5 Spots to Try Out Local Cayman Dishes

Native Cayman dishes are an outstanding combination of island cuisine meets home-style cooking—deliciousness that you have to experience. Admittedly, it took a few trips for us to discover what dishes were unique to the island and where to find them. Once you sample the local food, though, you’ll find yourself craving trips to Cayman not only for it’s beauty, but also for dishes you can only get on island! Here are a few places you can “taste” Cayman culture for yourself.

1. Grape Tree Cafe

If you want to try local cuisine, Grape Tree Cafe is a must-stop. Located in Bodden Town on the ocean front, this laid back walk-up offers freshly prepared home-style fish dishes. Enjoy the fare from their colorful picnic benches on the beach under beautiful palm trees.

2. Rankin’s Jerk Centre

Grab some of the best jerk chicken on island at Rankin’s Jerk Centre. Offering takeout and located in Bodden Town, this is the perfect pit stop for lunch or dinner on your way to or from the East End. It’s also crazy affordable. Probably the least we’ve spent on a meal in Cayman!

3. Vivine’s Kitchen

Vivine’s Kitchen is an island staple located on the East End. It’s off the beaten path and as local as you can get, serving dishes such as salt beef & beans and Cayman-style fish. Enjoy dining in the tiny, unassuming interior or sit at a picnic table outside overlooking the sea. Hop on one of two resident hammocks after you chow down. Tip: It’s cash only, so come prepared. 

4. Heritage Kitchen

Boasting “All Local Food,” Heritage Kitchen is a great place for native seafood dishes and a chill island vibe. The Cayman-Style Grouper is absolutely delicious. So delicious, we went back twice in one trip for it! Also, don’t miss the fish tea. (Hint: It’s actually soup!) P.S. Heritage Kitchen is also cash only.

5. Big Tree BBQ

Right across from Vivine’s Kitchen on the East End, this favorite is as the name suggests great for BBQ, but they also have local seafood like Stewed Turtle and Stewed Conch on the weekends.

We hope you enjoy trying local dishes as these restaurants.