10 of the Best Restaurants in Saint James Parish in 2023

Written by Leida Jutras
Updated November 19, 2023

The parish of Saint James ("St. James") is an area located in the western central part of the country of Barbados. Increasingly St. James is becoming known as the playground of the rich and famous, and as a haven for sun-starved tourists with its up-market hotel resorts. In local colloquium, St.. Here are some of the top restaurants in Saint James Parish:

1. Pallets Grill

Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Ratings

5.0 (4 review)

Pallets Grill

The food at pallets grill is 10/10 couldn’t complain with anything on my plate. I was pleasantly surprised with all of the flavors in the pork sandwich with wedges! Would definitely recommend to friends and family who are visiting Barbados.

The restaurant’s menu includes Caribbean, Bar, Seafood, Barbecue, Grill, Pub

Reviewed By Quinnie6

Better Than It Looks. I'll return. 3 people , 3 different meals , 3 happy customers. I had 1/2 jerked chicken, stir fried rice and fries, 2 salads. Portion size was just right, even the fries were good. the stir fried rice and jerked chicken was very tasty. The barbecued chicken was done just right , not dried. I don't like eating with my fingers and getting my hands dirty but with the jerk chicken I let go and cleaned the bones! I look forward to the next meal. Service was great. Cash only no cards.

2. Nishi Restaurant

Excellent
0%
Good
74%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
6%
Terrible
4%
Ratings

4.5 (2192 review)

Nishi Restaurant

Since February 2014 Nishi is under the ownership of Steve Prebble a UK entrepreneur who lives in Barbados. Nishi incorporates a funky outdoor dining area and bar where you can dine under the stars, air-conditioned dining watching our famous sushi chefs and a private dining area. We are family friendly offering everything from great sushi to homemade British pies and an early evening takeaway service. We pride ourselves on our warm personal welcome and a solid first class consistency in our sushi and hot food.

The restaurant’s menu includes British, Seafood, Sushi, Asian and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at Nishi Restaurant can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is considered to be a mid-priced restaurant.

  • Address: Second Street, Holetown Barbados Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +1 246-432-8287
  • Website: http://www.nishi-restaurant.com/
  • Working Hours: Mon - Thu: 6:00 PM - 10:45 PM | Fri - Sun: 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM
  • Features: Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront

Reviewed By Janice H

Best night. It is not very often that I find myself selfishly thinking I don't want everyone to know about a perfect experience, but I did have this crazy thought before I popped in my 5 star review. We have come to Barbados quite a few times, and tend to go to one of the ocean front restaurants to splash out for a meal once a trip. This trip, to shake it up we did Nishi. It was the coolest night on the trip. The food was amazing, two of us are not into sushi so it was just great to have such a broad selection. A couple of our gang went for the Volcano dish, that was spectacular. The service was also just right, attentive and genuinely kind and interested. I think the factor that really made the evening so magical was the singer we got to enjoy, so talented. The staff even joined in for a little dance party at the end-- It really was a memorable night so special. We will absolutely return, maybe our favourite spot now! Highly recommend.

3. Grandene's Bar & Bistro

Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Ratings

5.0 (122 review)

Grandene's Bar & Bistro

Grandene's Bar & Bistro is a small restaurant specializing in tantalizing local cuisine and beverages. If you are seeking to experience Bajan charm, delicacies and cuisine, Grandene's is the place for you. Our opening hours are Mondays to Thursdays 10:30 am until 9:00 pm; Fridays and Saturdays 10:30 am until 11:00 pm We look forward to seeing you

The restaurant’s menu includes Grill, Caribbean, Bar and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options. Most menu items at Grandene's Bar & Bistro are reasonable.

  • Address: Road View, Mullins Barbados Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +1 246-549-4080
  • Working Hours: Mon - Thu: 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM | Fri - Sat: 10:30 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Features: Takeout, Buffet, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Table Service, Reservations, Full Bar

Reviewed By wisewonderer1223

Great Bajan food, lovely staff!. We had this place recommended to us by a local and we were not disappointed it is a fab locals restaurant and bar. It might not have the ocean views but it had charm by the bucket load...the menu is unique as in one chooses...so many sides from one list and so many mains tec from another...and wow the portion sizes were huge! Fabulous flavours and wonderful friendly staff. Highly recommended for sure.

4. Cafe Bar Carizma

Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Ratings

4.5 (1042 review)

Cafe Bar Carizma

A Charismatic Cafe Bar in the centre of Chattel Village Hoeltown. Open for Breakfast , Lunch 6 days a week and Authentic Spanish Tapas on Tuesday and Thursday, in winter and Thursday's in summer with live music . Great ambience , food and wine. We have again achieved Tripadvisor certificate of excellence and now in The Hall of Fame

The restaurant’s menu includes Caribbean, Bar, Cafe, Mediterranean, Healthy and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at Cafe Bar Carizma can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is considered to be a mid-priced restaurant.

  • Address: 12 Chattel Village, Holetown BB1000 Barbados Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +1 246-432-7198
  • Website: http://cafebarcarizma.com/
  • Working Hours: Sun: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Mon: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Tue: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Wed: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Thu: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Fri - Sat: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Features: Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Highchairs Available, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront

Reviewed By Bare_essentials1010

Iced Lattes or Americanos. We stopped here daily for our iced Americano, Babycinno and Lattes. Really lovely team and best place to go for coffee locally

5. Island Plates

Excellent
76%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Ratings

4.5 (633 review)

Island Plates

Established in 2011, Island Plates operated at 1 Town Square, Speightstown for eight years. In October 2019, the sisters closed this location and turned towards the refurbishing of a lovely historic building in Chapel Street, Speightstown, St.Peter. There is still a lot of work to be done and they will advise you as they near completion. The good news is your favourite meals are still available for Take Away Wednesdays - Saturdays . Check out their website for more details or ring them. Island Plates...Fresh Food... It’s in the Delivery!

The restaurant’s menu includes Caribbean, Cafe, Healthy and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at Island Plates can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is considered to be a mid-priced restaurant.

  • Address: Queen's St Shop # 1 The Town Square Mall, Speightstown Barbados Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +1 246-252-7793
  • Website: http://www.islandplatesbb.com
  • Working Hours: Wed - Sat: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Features: Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Cash Only, Gift Cards Available

Reviewed By sharonrosemarybrown

Delicious homemade food. We asked Pat and Marie to craft a 3 course dinner for us with typical Barbados flavours. Fish cakes with salad garnish and a superb spicy mayonnaise then a pork curry with great accompaniments and to finish some delicious rum/chocolate and coconut balls. Another night we tried the 3 course February dinner - also great.

6. The Tides

Excellent
0%
Good
60%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
9%
Terrible
5%
Ratings

4.5 (5439 review)

The Tides

Nice dinner at The Tides. Wonderful service. A great wine suggestion from their Sommelier. Loved the Chablis. Calamari starter was below average. I have had better frozen. Coconut shrimp and bread were good. My partner loved the chicken curry. Excellent presentation in a coconut. My beef tenderloin was not an American style filet Mignon. Stacked in two pieces. Not as tender. They needed more selections of fish for the main. We only had a choice of heavily seasoned salmon, or a special which was barracuda. Beautiful views!

The restaurant’s menu includes Caribbean, Seafood, European and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at The Tides can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is generally considered to be a high-end restaurant with prices that reflect the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere.

  • Address: The Tides Resaurant, Holetown Barbados Open map
  • Phone: +1 246-432-8356
  • Website: http://www.tidesbarbados.com
  • Working Hours: Sun - Sat: 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM - 12:00 AM
  • Features: Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Validated Parking, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront, Beach

Reviewed By marcolombardelli

Romantic Dinner. We visited tides restaurant for the first time this week. In fact, this was our very first trip to Barbados. Apart from the extremely romantic setting, the food, vibe, music and staff were amazing. It was an absolutely incredible experience and we are sooooh looking forward to returning there very soon. It has to score as one of the best restaurants and location, we have every had the pleasure to visit. Highly recommended.

7. Jumas Restaurant

Excellent
27%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
12%
Terrible
38%
Ratings

3.0 (114 review)

Jumas Restaurant

Juma's is one of the most popular restaurants on the platinum coast of Barbados, providing family friendly ocean front dining seven days a week. We offer complimentary transport from anywhere on the west coast from 5pm daily

The restaurant’s menu includes Caribbean, Pizza, Seafood, ThaiThe prices at Jumas Restaurant can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is considered to be a mid-priced restaurant.

  • Address: Alleynes Bay Two Buildings North of Lonestar, Mount Standfast Barbados Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +1 246-422-0359
  • Website: https://www.jumasrestaurant.com/
  • Working Hours: Sun - Sat: 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
  • Features: Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Table Service, Accepts Credit Cards, Beach, Gift Cards Available

Reviewed By clivet3001

Don't go on your way to the airport!!!. We have visited 3 times in the last 7 days. The first two occasions everything was fine, it's a bit overpriced for the portion size, but in general the first two visits were great, so good in fact that we decided to return tonight. The night wasn't busy despite it being a Saturday but the service was truly awful, there isn't much point in going into lots of details, it was just slow and indifferent it took us two hours to get two courses and despite not being in a rush I started to get cramp from sitting in the same position for so long. We had to approach the bar so that someone could take our dessert order and even then it took a further 25 minutes for our 2 scoops of ice cream to arrive, then a further 15 minutes to replace the one that got dropped on the floor. What a difference staff make to a place like this, if this had been our first visit we would certainly never come again. There were others who also complained so I guess those reviews will make their way here as well. Don't go on your way to the airport!!!

8. Fusion Rooftop

Excellent
62%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Ratings

4.5 (564 review)

Fusion Rooftop

We were in Barbados for 2 weeks and this was our favorite meal. We ordered 5 items (maybe 1 too many) and they were all great. The standout was the special Lobster Risotto which was truly outstanding. The service was just right, attentive but not rushed. Everything we ate was great and what we couldn't finish they boxed up with soy sauce and ginger to eat the next day. There is parking right at the mall in back. I would make a reservation to make sure you get in. I will be back!

The restaurant’s menu includes International, Sushi, Asian, Contemporary, Fusion and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at Fusion Rooftop can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is generally considered to be a high-end restaurant with prices that reflect the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere.

  • Address: 1 Highway LimeGrove Lifestyle Centre, Holetown Barbados Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +1 246-271-1258
  • Website: http://www.fusionrooftop.com/
  • Working Hours: Mon - Sat: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Features: Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music

Reviewed By Anthony E

Great restaurant. We had a really wonderful evening and the experience was worth the money . This restaurant will be at the very top of our list for when we return.

9. The Mews

Excellent
54%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Ratings

4.5 (588 review)

The Mews

Located on trendy 2nd Street in Holetown, Barbados, The Mews is known as the first and only restaurant to offer Farm to Table, Barbadian Fine Dining using fresh ingredients and produce from local farmers and suppliers. The restaurant is situated within a traditional Barbadian 'townhouse' with artwork from top local fine artists on display. After hours, the cosy downstairs bar becomes a bustling after dinner rendezvous and drinking spot. Enjoy a friendly, intimate atmosphere in this charming, lively locale. What you should know about us: Dinner is served Monday to Saturday (Sunday in the season) from 6:00pm. Live Entertainment on Friday nights. Reservations are recommended.

The restaurant’s menu includes Caribbean, Contemporary, Fusion and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. The prices at The Mews can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is considered to be a mid-priced restaurant.

  • Address: Second Street, Holetown Barbados Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +1 246-432-1122
  • Website: http://themewsbarbados.com
  • Working Hours: Sun - Sat: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
  • Features: Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Street Parking, Wine and Beer, Live Music

Reviewed By Stephen R

Excellent. I only have one gripe about The Mews. The music was a little loud at one point but our table was directly above the musicians. Otherwise great, friendly and efficient service, good food, reasonable prices for Barbados and a rather lovely interior. We started with pumpkin soup and the house salad, mains were the shrimp curry and pork belly, I had two glasses of the house merlot - a good choice - and with a bottle of still water the bill was 283 Bajun. Really enjoyable and recommended to all.

10. SeaCat

Excellent
57%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Ratings

4.5 (719 review)

SeaCat

SeaCat is a restaurant, located in Halcynth House, Trents, Holetown Barbados. Local style wooden chattel house with large covered back deck with seating capacity for 60 and parking at back.. The restaurant’s menu includes Caribbean, Seafood and available in Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options. The prices at SeaCat can vary depending on the menu and the time of day, but it is considered to be a mid-priced restaurant.

  • Address: Halcynth House, Trents, Holetown Barbados Open map
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +1 246-422-6802
  • Website: http://theseacatrestaurantbarbados.weeblysite.com
  • Working Hours: Mon - Sat: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Features: Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Highchairs Available, Gift Cards Available

Reviewed By ghenix

Simply great seafood. I went to the Sea Cat for my last night in Barbados, and it was certainly a great way to round off a week on the island. The staff were lovely from the first moment I walked in. The place has a lovely chilled vibe and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. I started with the grilled prawns. Big and juicy. I did think they were slightly overseasoned, but overall still a satisfying start to the meal. For my mains, it had to be grilled sea cat (octopus). I love octopus, but have had to avoid it, as it causes my gout to flare up. But it was the last night of my holiday, and any suffering would only happen when I get back home, so sea cat it was. I loved it. Good charred flavour and the right amount of chew, and with good portions. This made me a very happy boy indeed. For dessert, I rounded out the meal with a key lime pie. Tangy and creamy and a crisp base. Certainly did the trick. If I had discovered this place earlier on my holiday, I suspect I might have been back.