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Dining in Antigua

Local creations like pepperpot (a thick, spicy beef stew) and ducana (sweet potato and coconut pudding) share the bill with seafood stalwarts such as spiny lobster, conch and red snapper. But Antigua's choices in international restaurants have grown, and the resort chefs specialize in everything from Brazilian to Italian cuisine. Reservations at popular eateries are always a good idea, especially during high season. As in the rest of the Caribbean, dining out in Antigua can be expensive. (Prices noted below are per person, excluding drinks and service charge): Coconut Grove Beach Restaurant: True to its name, this eatery sits underneath a stand of tall palms on the edge of Dickenson Bay where the waves wash up just feet away. It specializes in exciting seafood dishes such as the tangy fish curries and succulent lobster tails, as well as daily drink specials like mango daiquiris. And when the sun sets over the bay, Coconut Grove smacks as much of moonlit Caribbean romance as it does fine food. AE, DC, MC, V. Lunch = US$9-$25; Dinner = US$18-$32. Siboney Beach Club, Dickenson Bay, St. John's. 268-462-1538. Julian's: One of the top-rated restaurants on the island, this stylish 18th-century restored building sits on a busy corner in St. John's. Inside, the eponymous Julian Waterer cranks out some stunning food combining seafood, sauces and fresh produce. There's a cozy bar and a good wine list. Two seatings for dinner during the season, closed Mondays. AE, DC, MC, V. Dinner = US$20-$35. 268-462-4766. Hemingway's: A Caribbean cafe overlooking the shops of Heritage Quay, with alfresco dining on the second-floor balcony. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served above the crowds, with great grilled lobster, fish kabobs and even good steaks on the menu. All credit cards. Lunch = US$8-$15; Dinner = US$10-$22. 268-462-2763. Le Bistro: Reservations are essential at this haute French classic on the island's north shore. Le Bistro is one of the most well-established restaurants on Antigua because of its constantly varied Gallic menu, which highlights specials such as lobster in basil, white wine and brandy sauce, snapper in puff pastry, crepes Suzette and bananas flambi. A plant-filled setting and carefully chosen wine list round out the many reasons to repair here. AE, MC, V. US$22-$34. Closed Monday. Hodges Bay, St. John's. 268-462-3881. Chez Pascal: A pretty dining room high on a hill above Galley Bay, just outside St. John's. Chef owner Pascal Milliat hails from the gastronomic capital of Lyons, France, and he lays out a multi-course symphony of tastes and textures. Dine inside or on the wind-cooled patio. Open for lunch and dinner daily. All credit cards. US$10-$40. 268-462-3232.