Must-Visit Black-Owned Restaurants

Barbados is hailed as the capital of Caribbean culinary. Still, I’ll admit that, initially, I was a bit underwhelmed by some of the dining options. That is, until I finally discovered the hidden gems and the true stars of their culinary scene. Many of these businesses were Black-owned. Though Barbados receives praise for its diverse cuisine, with everything from Asian to Italian and Bajan food, there’s something about the diaspora, the seasonings, and the love that is poured into each meal. It deserves not just one but 20-plus chef kisses. Don’t get me wrong — it doesn’t need to be Black-owned to be good Caribbean food, but it certainly helps! Here are 10 restaurants that made me proud to be an Afro-West Indian.

CHILLIN & GRILLIN

 Chillin & Grillin is located within the famous Oistins Fish Market. The market overlooks Oistins Beach and has become a staple tourist stop. It’s popular throughout the week, but on Friday nights, you’ll find a lively mix of locals and tourists listening to music and dancing while sipping cocktail favorites like rum punch and eating fresh fish right off the grill. Although there are a variety of restaurants within the fish market, Chillin & Grillin consistently delivers finger-licking dishes that are flawlessly grilled and seasoned to perfection. My go-to dish is swordfish, sweet potatoes, rice, and plantain with homemade tartar sauce. The tartar sauce is a MUST! And so is the fresh-pressed gooseberry juice. It’s both refreshing and delicious. Other fish options include fresh shrimp, salmon, fried flying fish, Congolese, and mahi-mahi (dolphin), to name a few. 

SHAKERS

Shakers is a quaint, colorful restaurant filled with lively Bajan banter. It’s for sure a hidden gem! You literally have to turn down a random backstreet on the South coast to find it, but no worries! It’s absolutely safe! There’s an extensive offering of fried and battered seafood, and the ribs are succulent. Raving reviews often praise Shakers for its friendly staff and comical bartenders. 

CHAMPERS

Champers is one of the island’s popular recommendations for fine dining. It’s owned by Chiryl Newman, a Barbadian restaurateur who launched with little experience and an enthusiasm to try something new. Twenty-six years later, this waterfront restaurant is famously known for its panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, colorful local art, inviting staff, and flavorful food. Some favorite patron dishes include the crab crêpe, the seafood chowder, coconut cream pie, the rum and raisin bread pudding and the lamb. Their attention to detail is especially felt when birthday guests are greeted with personalized menus. 

The upstairs portion of the restaurant is a well-known fine art and craft gallery showcasing the works of local, resident and Caribbean artists.

INFLUENCE BAR AND GRILL

If you’re a GenZ-er or on the younger side of the Millennial scale, this place is for you. Owned by 25-year-old influencer and host, Jordan English, Influence Bar And Grill is often filled with a variety of diasporic music, including everything from hip-hop and r&b to soca and dancehall. In addition to excellent music, Influence packs the house on themed nights for karaoke, pop-up parties, taco Thursdays and game nights. When it comes to food, crowd favorites include the BBQ and sweet chili wings, Racka Ribs (Bajan style BBQ), and the surf-and-turf burger (homemade Bajan burger topped with creamy alfredo shrimp).

LONDON BAR

You CAN NOT leave Barbados without visiting a rum shop. The island is known for producing and perfecting the alcoholic spirit, and the London Bar is a popular spot to indulge. Rum shops, in general, are where many locals hang, and there’s no class division. Farmers to business executives congregate over domino games, music and rum, while sharing the latest gossip. 

The Barbados Tourism Board also recommends these rum shops to explore: Hercules, Lexies and Braddies.

DR. JUICE

Now, if you’re looking for an extremely hidden gem, you’ll have to visit my favorite juice guy, Dr.Juice! He’s a pleasant and friendly rastaman with THE BEST fresh-squeezed juice I’ve had on the island. His flavors include tamarind, gooseberry, watermelon, lemongrass, sorrel, Bajan cherry, mango, pineapple, and more. I first discovered him at Carlisle Bay while vacationing in Barbados, and upon my return, it took three months to locate him, so I’m screaming this discovery to the world! 

You can find this extraordinary man in front of the Collymore Rock KFC daily.

BLISS CAFE BARBADOS

Brunch is popular in most countries, so I appreciate this Black-owned cafe for leveling up the chicken-and-waffles game. Bliss Cafe’s chicken and waffles are very flavorful but my favorite menu item is the banana caramel waffles. They don’t come with chicken, but if you ask nicely, your server just might accommodate the request. The restaurant has a beachy bungalow vibe and is decked out in afro-inspired decor. The mini backyard has charming “Instagrammable” scenes where guests can gather and take pictures. Some other meals worth trying are the jerk chicken flatbread, the tandoori flatbread, and their elaborate milkshakes. 

MOJO BARBADOS

Mojo is renowned as a lively link-up spot for friends and the perfect place for tourists to mingle with locals. Mojo’s most popular night is Wednesday’s Reggae Night, where you’ll find a live band and a full house of socializing customers. Mojo’s burgers are one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. They’re hand-made with love and seasoned to perfection. If burgers aren’t your thing, you can also try the fish cakes, spicy tuna wrap, and steak sandwich.

DIS OLE HOUSE

This restaurant is “Unapologetically Bajan,” and I love it! The menu is filled with twists on traditional Bajan classics like the island’s national dish: flying fish and cou cou (which is a combination of okra and cornmeal). Fish cakes, provisions chips (fries), hickory-smoked ham cutters with pineapple & rum glazed sauce, and rum punch are also popular favorites. The molasses glazed ribs were my personal favorite. 

Entering Dis Ole House feels like entering the home of a grandmother, which is intentional. That’s because the eatery is modeled after the owner Julia’s grandmother’s house. The converted chattel house exudes old Bajan character, even down to the cup ware. The dining room also features family-style seating. The large backyard garden is filled with lush greenery, mahogany tree stumps, and dried coconuts for outside seating. In addition to that, the menu’s ingredients are locally sourced from neighboring vendors and the kitchen’s garden.

VELMA’S PLACE

Velma’s Place is a restaurant that offers the intimacy and authenticity of a rum shop paired with beautiful forest views. Velma, herself, sometimes serves her guests, and when I say the food is tasty… Each meal tastes like it was marinated for days and cooked with precision. I enjoyed the tender ribs, and if you haven’t tried pudding and souse, a traditional Saturday lunch of pickled pork and steamed sweet potato, you must purchase it here; it’s one of the best on the island.