More and more often travelers are hearing about Turks and Caicos, and often because a big-name celebrity has been spotted there. It is not a surprise, it was the rich and famous who first started to encourage development of the island in the 1960s, and since that time it has become a world-class destination for celebs, sailors, royalty and the elite. Of course, a lot of others head here, and enjoy the hundreds of beaches, the gorgeous weather, and the tasty local specialties.
So, whether you are paying a visit on a yacht, staying in one of the gorgeous villas, or booked at a resort, you need to get out and enjoy the many dining options of Turks and Caicos.
The Local Fish Fry
If you ask anyone who has spent any amount of time on the island what a “must have” dining experience is during a stay, it is around 99% likely that you will hear the words “fish fry”.
This is an every Thursday happening on the island and also an ideal way to meet locals, other travelers, and taste unforgettably delicious dishes. You will hardly be able to resist if you are anywhere near Provo because the delectable aroma of the fish is going to travel far and wide. Vendors come from all areas of the island and converge on Bight Park.
Whether they are whipping up batches of conch salad, steaming lobsters or frying fish, the fragrances are impossible to ignore. The meal includes more than just fish, and you will be able to sample grilled corn, macaroni and cheese (usually with an island twist, such as lobster mac and cheese), crab and rice, and a blend of any fresh vegetables to make a diversity of salads.
The most highly recommended vendors include Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl, Cactus Bar & Grill, Doreen’s Place, Froggie’s on da Beach, Hole in the Wall, Kay Jo’s, Middle Caicos Cafe, Miss Moonies, Native Cuisine, Sailing Paradise, Smokey’s on da Bay, Three Queens, Uncle Dough’s Salad Bar, and Upstairs Bar & Grill. Each will put their own twist on this meal and you’ll definitely want to go there when hungry.
The Restaurants
In addition to the fish fry, the island has some pretty fantastic restaurants. Some of the most frequently recommended are a blend of excellent cuisine and flawless locations. Infinity is an oceanfront find on Grace Bay beach and is considered a top of the line establishment. You can dine on the terrace overlooking the beach or head inside where the Caribbean décor is utterly charming. Their food is a wonderful Caribbean fusion that looks at the best local ingredients. We recommend their lobster tasting menu as it is truly imaginative and delicious. Don’t forget their pineapple cheesecake too.
Coyaba is also a bit hit and equal parts location and food. It is a garden restaurant that has a constantly changing menu adapting to the freshest local foods. They have a huge wine cellar and offer one of the island’s only seven course tasting menus. Their specialty is Jerk Wellington Chicken and they make fantastic tropical fruit meringue.
If you want to savor a local favorite, Coco Bistro is the place to visit. Tucked into a palm grove in Provo, it offers traditional dishes that are so delicious, the restaurant actually published a successful cookbook. They use herbs grown in their own gardens and their house specialty is the roast lamb, which is presented in an innovative goat cheese potato dish and garnished with beet root and a local beer and onion sauce.
Clearly, the island of Turks and Caicos is a gourmand’s adventure, and we encourage you to get out and taste everything from the fish fry and beach shack offerings to the finer establishments’ best dishes.