Barbados West Coast hidden gems - Food - Cheap Places to eat in Barbados
- Karen
- Jun 19, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 5, 2024
When you think of the West Coast of Barbados you probably think of the 'Platinum Coast' and fancy (and expensive) restaurants such as The Cliff. These sorts of establishments are great if you like that sort of food, or want to pay the prices. But what if you want to just have something good and local?
This guide shows you some of the hidden gems just a stone's throw from The Cliff. You can find great food on the Platinum Coast without the Platinum cost.
Chef Glam's Pop up restaurant
Walking along Highway 1 on the West Coast near The Cliff and Paynes Beach you might see a sign advertising a pop-up restaurant by Chef Glam. The first few times I walked past I didn't pay much attention but then the sign changed and had a link for Instagram included. Hardly any businesses on the island have websites so this was a nice change. After a quick look I decided to visit the next Friday and Oh! What a night! The food is simple but amazing, the setting is beautiful and the whole family welcome you literally into their home (the tables are in the mum's garden). This is what a Barbados West Coast hidden gem should be cheap place to eat in Barbados. Everyone should try here when they visit. If you want to see my full review on the night it's here. This is a cash-only establishment. Below is a sample menu as it changes each week.
The Roti Den
The Roti is a Bajan staple and everyone should try at least one while visiting Barbados. It is a pancake-like wrap with your choice of filling. Little shops can be found all around the island but when on the West Coast I visit The Roti Den. I get the vegetable roti since I don't eat meat but don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. It is packed with flavour and the weight of a small child. Vegetables, chickpeas and a curry sauce all wrapped into a handheld meal. Great for lunch without breaking the bank. Walk across the road to the beach and have the same view as The Cliff restaurant at a fraction of the price a great cheap place to eat in Barbados.
Paynes Bay Fish Market (Fish, Fish and more Fish on Google map)
This one is for anyone in the area who is staying in self-catering. This small, unassuming hut holds a goldmine of fish. The local fishermen can be watched bringing in their haul, and then the hut sells them to the public. Each day has different fish on offer depending on what the fishermen have caught. The owner will wash and prepare the fish and even has herb rubs on offer if you want to buy these too. It works out cheaper than the supermarket and you can't get much fresher. I was a bit intimidated the first time I walked over but Mrs Young is friendly and so knowledgeable she will soon put you at ease. This is a cash-only establishment.
Wendy's Sports Bar
When we first arrived in Barbados a few locals told us we should take a trip to Wendy's. We were put off by the fact it was a sports bar, I'm not really into sports. But one night we didn't want to cook so took a short trip to the bar. It's off the main road into the residential area so I didn't really know what to expect. On arrival, I was a bit confused, to begin with, as they have a bar and a little room with an order window and drinks in fridges. The staff were very helpful and pointed us to the little room and went through the options for the day (these change depending on the day you visit). It's always fresh, local-style food and tastes amazing. The sports aspect doesn't detract from enjoying your time here and if you like sports this is a great place to spend some time with great food and drinks. Two meals and drinks for less than £20 and you can pay by card at the end of your meal if you are not sure how many drinks you might want.
LemonRock Bar & Restaurant
This one is tucked away a bit down one of the residential streets. It is up a bit of a hill, which had put me off but we thought we would give it a go and boy was it worth it. They have a simple menu of local favourites but do have fish and vegan options which is welcome since I don't eat meat. We have been a few times now and the fish has been cooked to perfection each time and they have skin on hand-cut chips which is a nice change to the store-bought that seems prevalent on the island. They have also made a really nice job of making the restaurant attractive, including a very Insta-worthy wall and games if you are settling in for the night. We had a main course combo meal and drinks each (a beer and a soda) for around £20 or £54 BBD which is well worth it and you can even pay by card. Would suggest you make the effort to find it if you are in the area just follow the route on your maps as it is a bit of a walk from the main road (5-10mins)
This is by no means an extensive list and I will keep adding as I find more and give them a try so check back when you can.
Try some of the local food, explore the areas on the Platinum Coast without the large price tag and support the local people.
Find more reviews for the West Coast of Barbados below
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