If you’re a foodie, you’re in for a real treat in Turks and Caicos. Providenciales has a reputation as one of the top gastronomic destinations in the Caribbean, with restaurants to rival the best of any large city.
The island boasts over 60 restaurants and cafes, ranging from ultra-chic chef-owned establishments and fine dining resort restaurants to laid-back beach bars that you can wander into in swimwear and bare feet.
The range of cuisines on offer is equally impressive. Whether you are on a plant-based diet, want to indulge in typically Caribbean fare or are looking for elegant international menus, there is something for every palate and every budget.
Our guests often ask us for restaurant recommendations in the Turks and Caicos, and this list includes a little bit of everything, from international to local cuisine and venues that range from elegant to island-rustic. We also list some of our favourite new restaurants here.
Create Your Private Restaurant In Your Own Villa
Looking to dine in style? Why not? After all, it isn’t every day you find yourself on a beautiful Caribbean island. But you don’t even necessarily have to venture out to one of TCI’s many restaurants to experience the best in fine dining. If you are lucky enough to be staying at one of the beautiful villas managed by The Source, your private chef will design a culinary adventure just for you.
Our chefs are masters of their art. Well-versed in every style and type of cuisine, they prepare their menus according to your group’s preferences, ensuring every meal is extraordinary.
Choosing a villa with a private chef (or hiring a chef as an add-on) will elevate your entire Turks and Caicos experience; their commitment to ensuring your nourishment is taken care of and that every meal is a treat for the senses will be an unforgettable part of your vacation.
For The Food and Ambience
For a taste of Caribbean fusion cuisine, it’s hard to beat the award-winning Coyaba Restaurant. Chef and owner Paul Newman is continually experimenting with flavour combinations, and so the signature menu changes frequently, but the focus is European classics with a Caribbean twist: Danish baby back ribs with Haitian fire slaw, steak with truffle fries and guava ketchup, and chicken with ackee croquettes and callaloo, are just some of the options.
Every dish is exquisitely presented and complemented by an extensive choice of Old and New World wines. Savour these culinary delights in a quintessentially Caribbean setting, with open-air seating on a veranda surrounded by tropical plants and tinkling fountains.
Open for dinner only, this popular restaurant fills up fast, so reservations are recommended.
For Classic Caribbean Dishes Set On The Beach
Located next to the fishermen’s dock at Five Cays, Omar’s Beach Hut in Providenciales is the place to go for fresh-from-the-boat seafood and casual Caribbean favourites. Down to earth, informal and situated right on the beach, this is the place to sample local lobster and conch prepared in a variety of ways, tuck in to smoky, spicy jerk chicken or pork, or try a Jamaican oxtail.
There’s also a kids menu and plenty of local sides like mac’n’cheese, peas’n’rice, and sweet plantains, plus an extensive drinks menu, featuring rums, beers, spirits and frothy cocktails. Open for lunch and dinner, Omar will also prepare any catch that is brought in, so it’s one we recommend after a fishing charter.
Omar and his family also have jet skis for rent, so why not make a day of it?
Caribbean Food With Your Feet In The Sand
For another unpretentious beach bar experience, head down to Da Conch Shack at Blue Hills, where you can sit at white picnic tables right on the beach and sip potent rum cocktails in the shade of a palm tree.
As the name suggests, conch features heavily on the menu – and it doesn’t come fresher than this as it’s plucked right from the sea when you order – along with other local seafood and meat dishes. A fun spot to spend a day or an evening, there is often live music or DJs playing, and on Wednesdays the local Junakanoo band creates a lively beach party.
For Authentic Italian Dishes
One of the longest established restaurants on the island, Caicos Café, is a firm favourite among residents and an excellent option when you are looking for international flavours and an elegant setting.
Open in the evenings only, chef/owner Massimo Olivari takes inspiration from his homeland, Italy, and puts a sophisticated spin on his house-made pastas, freshly baked breads, succulent seafood and mouth-watering desserts.
The menu changes regularly but expect imaginative combinations, such as homemade open ravioli seafood with burrata and green pea sauce, lemon and butternut squash risotto with fresh tuna carpaccio, and Cajun calamari skewers with roast grape tomatoes, Tuscan bean sauce and grilled focaccia. Beautifully presented dishes, rich Italian wines and seating on an al fresco deck with the stars overhead – what more could you ask for?
And A Menu With Everything
If you’re looking for a venue to suit a family with eclectic tastes when it comes to food, then Mango Reef at Turtle Cove Marina is the place to go. Surrounded by water, with views of boats coming and going, it’s a popular spot with families for both lunch and dinner.
With a menu featuring everything from North American favourites and typically Caribbean dishes, to European and Asian options, plus plenty of seafood and vegetarian dishes, there is something for even the fussiest of eaters here. Lunches tend towards more simple fare and while dinner options are more gourmet. Situated within striking distance of Smiths Reef – one of the best snorkelling spots on the island – it’s just the place to refuel after a morning or afternoon in the sea.
Visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands will be overwhelmed with delightful options when it comes to dining. From humble beachside dining to experience the best fine dining in the comfort of your luxury villa, you really will be spoilt for choice when it comes to sampling the best of Caribbean hospitality and the best restaurants in Turks and Caicos.
This is only a small selection of the restaurants on Providenciales that we know and love, but the dining scene is dynamic and new restaurants are opening all the time.
When you stay at one of the Source’s villas, you’ll have a private concierge at your disposal who will be more than happy to advise on the best options for your party and their food preferences, and will arrange reservations and transportation for you.
