5 Best Restaurants in Anguilla

One of the most famous beach restaurants in the Caribbean, Elvis' is a hub of nightlife on the island, catering to all kinds of visitors and Hollywood A-listers. The bar is actually a boat; you can sit around it or with your feet in the sand under umbrella-covered tables on the beach. All kinds of tasty liquid concoctions are on the menu plus numerous Mexican options, including their world-famous Goatchos, nachos with slow cooked goat. There are also beach snacks, fries, chips and salsa, wings, fish sandwiches, and delicious burgers. Spend an hour or a whole day and be prepared for a killer sunset on most evenings. 

This spin-off on the sands of Meads Bay Beach is the perfect antidote to high restaurant prices. Right next to Blanchards, this chartreuse-and-turquoise cottage serves delicious lunches and dinners of mahimahi BLT, all-natural burgers, tacos, and terrific salads and sandwiches, and there are lots of choices for children and vegetarians. Frozen drinks like mango coladas and icy mojitos please grown-ups, while kids dig into fresh-made frozen-yogurt concoctions. Organic produce and happy smiles are always on offer. You can dine at picnic tables or rent a beach chair.

Diners are welcome to hang around on the beach.

Now operating at lunch on Thursday to Sunday, Johnno's offers some of the best seafood on the island. Enjoy succulent fried, boiled, or steamed fish with sides like rice and peas, French fries or funchi (a hearty polenta). This is the classic Caribbean beach bar, attracting a funky eclectic mix (especially on Sunday), from locals to long time visitors. Johnno's continues to have a daytime lunch outpost on Prickly Pear Cay, with excellent snorkeling---it's a short boat trip from their Sandy Ground location.

Part of the neighboring Malliouhana Resort, this trendy beach shack has a local, laid-back atmosphere. Have lunch on the colorful benches or sit in comfortable lounge chaises under bright umbrellas while you enjoy johnnycake burgers, ceviche, and crispy snacks. On the weekend, dance under the stars with your toes in the sand to music by local bands, and witness the spectacular sunsets on Meads Bay. 

Tasty and shareable small plates, a friendly beach vibe, and gorgeous sunsets are on offer here, as are cool music, gentle prices, and potent tropical cocktails. The menu changes seasonally, but it always features tapas brought to a new level, usually traditional foods prepared in unconventional ways. Favorites include arugula and watermelon salad, mahi-mahi in a spicy garlic tomato sauce, pulled-pork sliders, and tuna poke with crispy wontons. Try the banana rum. This is different and highly satisfying fare.