Where to Eat on Nevis:
From the Best Breakfasts to the Most Elaborate Cocktails
Despite its relatively small population, Nevis boasts a wealth of bars and eateries both on the coast and inland. Local flavours and international flare can be found in abundance; there’s even a thriving street food market with a roti hut and Asian wok house open daily (except Sunday) in the car park of RAMS supermarket in Charlestown.
Here’s a guide that highlights some of our family’s favourite places to drink and dine throughout the day.
Enjoy a Heritage Breakfast or Lunch
At the Montpelier Plantation
Aside the grand Nevisian stone walls of its Great House, the Montpelier Plantation serves up one of the finest island breakfasts I’ve ever eaten. A buffet of fresh island fruits, granola, and pastries accompanies a hot menu of inspired options such as goat cheese scramble and home made syrup pancakes. Freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices, loose leaf teas, and coffees are also served.
In their chic poolside restaurant Indigo, lunch is a casual affair. Island inspired salads, sandwiches, fresh fruits, and refreshing drinks can be enjoyed at tables under cover by the bar, or on palm-shaded sun loungers.
During your visit, take the opportunity to check into the plantation’s Open Spa and enjoy a selection of invigorating body and facial treatments.
At the Golden Rock Inn
Set on the north-eastern slope of Mount Nevis the Golden Rock plantation sits apart from the more traditional plantation properties such as Nisbet and The Hermitage. Defined by bold, vibrant interiors that are juxtaposed against the grey Nevisian stone walls of the Great House, its landscaped gardens and marvellous patio restaurant are the perfect setting for breakfast or lunch.
Among other recognisable menu options breakfast at Golden rock affords you the opportunity to indulge in West Indian French toast; thick slices of home-made bread cooked in an egg batter with a hint of cinnamon, it is dusted with powdered sugar, and served with whipped butter and ginger syrup. At lunch, choose from favourites such the noteworthy lobster sandwich or sample their twist on local staple the chicken roti.
Whatever your choice the accompanying views won’t fail to disappoint and you’ll undoubtedly receive a visit from one or two of the friendly thrushes that call the surrounding gardens home.
Read more about Nevis’ best plantation properties in this handy guide.
Brunch is Best at the Four Seasons
For an opulent start to the day the Reggae Brunch, held every Sunday at Mango Restaurant on the Four Seasons estate, is the perfect choice.
A sumptuous menu of fresh seafood and local flavours combine with the sweet sound of a soca beat (provided by a live steel band) as guests enjoy bottomless mimosas, Bloody Mary's, prosecco, and draught beers. This experience is the ideal alternative to a celebratory evening meal.
Read more about the island of Nevis and find Nevis travel inspiration in the helpful guides below.
On a pristine stretch of sand that borders Cades Bay you’ll find the American inspired beachfront retreat, Yachtsman Grill.
Serving up a mix of home comforts and fresh island cuisine, this restaurant is famed for its stone baked pizzas which are ideal for sharing on the sand after a game or two on the restaurant’s beach volleyball court. Alternatively, its menu of island fayre such as coconut shrimp, tuna poke, and summer squash with scallops is a refreshing way to refuel after a morning of activity.
A great spot for families, the loungers afront the restaurant make a great base for fun on the beach, and games like corn hole, beach volleyball, and basketball will keep the little ones occupied whilst you soak up a little sun.
For Light Bites Head to Yachtsman Grill
The place to be seen on Nevis, the Chrishi Beach Club is an effortlessly cool hangout where chilled island vibes are elevated by Scandinavian inspired interiors. Order a chilled bottle of rose or sample one of owner Hedda’s craft cocktails, stretch out on a palm shaded sun longer, and soak in the sight of St Kitts’ south-east peninsula.
Don’t forget, you’re on island time now, disconnect and spend an afternoon unwinding on the sand.
For an Afternoon at the Beach relax at the Chrishi Beach Club
Relaxed and friendly, beachside bar and restaurant Turtle Time is one of the most family friendly places on Nevis. Grab a stool at the 360 degree bar which offers views out across the sand and sample its signature punch, the Tipsy Turtle.
The menu is stacked with children’s favourites such as fish fingers and penne pasta, as well as more adventurous flavour choices like pesto linguine and five spice beef, The relaxed boothed dining areas are ideal for groups who need a time-out from beach activities.
Families Should Head to Turtle Time
I have to say, nowhere else in the Caribbean can you find a restaurant as endearing as Bananas Bistro.
Although a wonderful spot for both lunch and dinner, I’ve chosen to champion its cocktail lounge verandah because in my opinion there’s no better place to watch the sun set on Nevis. Entirely uninterrupted apart from a view of palm fronds and aquamarine ocean, when elevated above the tree tops and sipping on a sundowner all the stresses of life back home just melt away.
For Sundowners sit on the Verandah at Bananas Bistro
Famed for its selection of over 100 of the world’s best rums, 101 Rums Bar is a must-see when visiting Nevis. The only Caribbean bar dedicated to find aged rums, 101 offers more than just an all-encompassing selection, its knowledgeable bartenders can help you pick the perfect bottle and blend a cocktail that emulates some of your favourite flavours.
My favourite? Jungle Fever which is made with Nevis’ own Clifton Estate Rum muddled with ginger, lemongrass, and brown sugar, and served with ice and soda.
Want to see more of the Four Seasons estate? Click here to read all about the world class golfing on offer just a stone’s throw from The Retreat.
To Sample the Caribbean’s Best Rums visit 101 Rums Bar at Mango
Whilst at The Retreat guests can take advantage of the exceptionally well-appointed Gaggenau kitchen and Liebherr 24-bottle wine fridge, and impressive outdoor dining area and poolside Viking BBQ in order to cater to their own tastes.
If you’re planning a private dining experience at The Retreat we have three local chefs on hand to help you realise your perfect menu. Design your own dishes or let them take the reins and whip up a traditional West Indian buffet as you relax on the terrace.
Whether you choose to invite a private chef to prepare a feast which can be enjoyed on the spacious terrace, sample the ‘food to go’ menus of nearby restaurants Yachtsman Grill, Indian Summer, and Turtle Time, or visit Nevis’ supermarkets and market stalls to whip up your own feast, The Retreat provides the perfect setting.
Read more about the facilities at contemporary island getaway The Retreat.
Dine at The Retreat
Known for its traditional timber buildings and charming tropical gardens, The Hermitage is a time capsule of Nevisian heritage. A small, family-run property it is blessed with an authenticity that other island venues fail to capture, and it’s here that you’ll find the best West Indian buffet in the Federation.
A homage to recipes handed down through the generations, this feast, fondly called “Pig Night” is served weekly on a Wednesday and includes local staples like line caught fish, whole roast pig, Johnny cakes, tannian fritters, and stuffed pumpkin.
My advice, save room for the mango crumble dessert. It’s made with mangoes that grow in the grounds of the plantation and tastes like sunshine.
For a Taste of the Caribbean Book at Table at the Hermitage Plantation
Amid the plush surrounds of The Retreat, Nevis' own “Rum-melier” Mark Theron will take you on a journey of discovery as you learn about the prized golden liquid that was for centuries the drink of choice for pirates and navy officers, and remains a favoured choice at bars throughout the world.
From his collection of rums sold at the highly regarded L&L Rum Shop in Charlestown, you’ll sample distinctive selections originating from French, Spanish and British Caribbean islands. Theron’s enthusiasm is infectious and his knowledge unmatched, so if you’re at all curious to learn more about the spirit that conquered the world in the 17th and 18th century, an hour or two in his company is sure to inspire.
Enjoy a Private Rum Tasting
at The Retreat
Much like The Hermitage, Nisbet is a historic sugar plantation that has been a part of Nevis’ history for centuries. However, unlike the island’s other plantation properties its sits aside the ocean, offering sweeping views over Long Haul Bay and across to neighbouring St Kitts. Although it boasts a beach-front bar and restaurant which is open daily, Nisbet is noted for its Thursday night Beachside BBQ where a toe-tapping steel band accompany a night of creole delicacies including Nevisian stew pork and goat water.
Visit for the local flavours and stay for the vibrant party atmosphere that lasts late into the night.
For an Oceanfront Dinner Try the BBQ Night at Nisbet Plantation
Nevis boasts an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants and two of the more exotic establishments I’d recommend are Indian Summer and the Oasis in the Gardens.
Indian Summer is run by the immensely likeable Vik Pariani, originally from Mumbai he has brought authentic eastern flavours to the shores of Nevis; try the fish tikka, it’s divine.
With panoramic views of Nevis Peak and quaint Charlestown, Oasis in the Garden is a delightful place for lunch. Set within Nevis’ own botanical gardens, the restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine prepared by Thai chefs who now call Nevis home. In season, on a Friday, the restaurant also offers evening reservations which affords a different perspective of the garden and the chance for a more intimate dining experience.
For Asian Flavours try Indian Summer and Oasis in the Gardens
If you’re looking for informal dining options or fancy having a couple of drinks after dinner, head down to Pinneys Beach where you’ll find the highest concentration of beach bars anywhere on the island.
My favourite? Honestly it’s hard to choose. Each have colourful characters behind the bar who’ll bring their own brand of entertainment to your evening, however for an authentic party atmosphere Sunshine’s Beach Lounge can’t be beaten.
Exuding island charm its vibrant interior and private, curtain clad booths elevate its beach side offering. Add to that the potent Killer Bee cocktails that are never in short supply and you’re in for a night to remember, as long as you don’t drink too many!
For a Party Atmosphere Head to the Bars at Pinneys Beach
Nevis has three main supermarkets which receive a weekly delivery from mainland U.S.A. and nearby islands, (fresh produce arrives on a Wednesday or Thursday). Choose from RAMS and IGA which can be found on the southern edge of Charlestown, or Best Buy which is situated in Gingerland.
Freshly caught and smoked fish can be ordered from Charlie Gaskell at the Fine Fish Co, fresh roasted peanuts can be picked up from the street seller next to Best Buy Grocery in Charlestown, and those seeking health foods and other local Nevis produce should head to Myrtle's Healthy Beginnings which can be found on the main island road between Charlestown and Gingerland.
Local producers Andy’s Organic Herbs and Lettuce,and Nevis Hydro Gardens offer fresh, seasonal salads and vegetables and are situated on the main island road in Cotton Ground. At Mansa’s store, situated in Cotton Ground opposite the Chrishi Beach Club, Nevis-grown bananas and Donrika’s bottles of island fruit juices make a great afternoon pick-me up or the basis of supplies for a jungle hike.
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