Tortola

[theakston]

OK it's too f---ing cold. We're off to Tortola in a few weeks. We've never been before. Has anyone got any recommendations for good places to eat and drink? Looking for all kinds of recommendations for all kinds of price ranges. We have a week to explore the possibilities.

Thanks.

[dls]

Last time I went to Tortola was about 6 years ago. The hotel I stayed at, The Sugar Mill, had a very good restaurant. Considered by many to be among the best onthe island. For drink, one "must do" recommendation is Bomba's Shack, especially if you are there when he has a "Full Moon Party". Words alone cannot describe it.

There are a few other pretty good places, the names of which currently escape me. I'll check my file (if I can find it) and get back later.

[dls]

There are a few other pretty good places, the names of which currently escape me. I'll check my file (if I can find it) and get back later.

Some additional Tortola restaurant info w/links where available......

Somewhat upscale:

1. Brandywine Bay - Italian/International - A little east of Roadtown - http://www.brandywinebay.com/ - Also have a nice little casual cafe in Roadtown known as Capriccio di Mare

2. Sugar Mill - Caribbean/International - Little Apple Bay - http://www.sugarmillhotel.com/

Casual:

1. Mrs Scatliffes - West Indian - Carrot Bay - 1 seating nightly in her home. Kitchen and waitstaff entertains following dinner.

2. Rhymers & Quitos West Indian - Cane Garden Bay - Fairly simple island fare. Good rotis, especially goat.

3. J. Blakx - Jerk / BBQ - Roadtown - Mobile jerk wagon - great stuff

4. Foxy's - Jost Van Dyk - West Indian - http://www.foxysbar.com/ - Great Beach Bar with pretty good food. Note - if you don't have access to a boat, there's a ferry and a water taxi service to Jost

2 to avoid that I can recall. Pussers and Skyworld. Pussers has 3 or 4 locations on the island serving tourist food (mediocre burgers, etc) and proprietary clothing, knick knacks, etc. Skyworld has a beautiful view from the highest on the island. Food is very overrated and overpriced. Best bet is to go for a drink before or at sunset then leave and eat elsewhere.

I'll send more when (if) I recall them.

[theakston]

Thanks dls excellent posts. Foxy's looks excellent - micro brewery too!!Is it possible to get over to Jost Van Dyck for an evening or do the taxis only run during the day?

[dls]

Is it possible to get over to Jost Van Dyck for an evening or do the taxis only run during the day?

Scheduled service with most ferry operators post a final daily return from JVD to Tortola between 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. See link below for one of the services.

I don't know where you are staying but, you may want to check with your hotel regarding transport to JVD. I chartered a sailboat for several days when we were there and anchored just off Foxy's beach one afternoon. Another evening, we went to Foxy's on a private power boat owned by some people we met. One of the group mentioned that their hotel could make arrangements with a local for round trip or return transport in the evening.

http://www.jostvandykeferry.com/schedule.html

[RickG]

I like the Sugar Mill a lot. They use a lot of local product and grow some of their own. Check out the papaya trees. Barbecue at the Bomba Shack is good. It is usually one price for as much as you can get on your plate. I second Mrs. Scatliffes - home cooking and real food. The goat curry is tasty. Roti at the Roti Place or Struggling Man's are a great lunch. The restaurants on Cane Garden Bay are usually pretty reliable - Myett's and Stanley's. Expect things to move slower in the restaurants. The small places start prep after you order.

[theakston]

Thanks guys -- looking forward to escaping the ice for a bit. Anyone have any experience of Quito's gazebo? I have a CD with him and the Edge so I would like to check it out.

Quito Rymer's webpage

Edited February 3, 2004 by theakston (log)

[dls]

Thanks guys -- looking forward to escaping the ice for a bit. Anyone have any experience of Quito's gazebo? I have a CD with him and the Edge so I would like to check it out.

Quito Rymer's webpage

I make it a point to get to Cane Garden Bay at least 2 or 3 times during each visit to Tortola. Quitos, Rhymers (same family), Stanleys and others are always a good time. Simple fare for lunch - seafood, good sandwichs, and great Rotis. Dinners are a bit more elaborate but still with a laid back island feel.

Note: Best to call ahead to make sure Quito is in if you are going solely for the music.

For a little history and additional info on Cane Garden Bay see the following link.

http://www.bviwelcome.com/articles/canegrdn.html

[Zeb A]

There are a few other pretty good places, the names of which currently escape me. I'll check my file (if I can find it) and get back later.

Some additional Tortola restaurant info w/links where available......

Somewhat upscale:

1. Brandywine Bay - Italian/International - A little east of Roadtown - http://www.brandywinebay.com/ - Also have a nice little casual cafe in Roadtown known as Capriccio di Mare

2. Sugar Mill - Caribbean/International - Little Apple Bay - http://www.sugarmillhotel.com/

Casual:

1. Mrs Scatliffes - West Indian - Carrot Bay - 1 seating nightly in her home. Kitchen and waitstaff entertains following dinner.

2. Rhymers & Quitos West Indian - Cane Garden Bay - Fairly simple island fare. Good rotis, especially goat.

3. J. Blakx - Jerk / BBQ - Roadtown - Mobile jerk wagon - great stuff

4. Foxy's - Jost Van Dyk - West Indian - http://www.foxysbar.com/ - Great Beach Bar with pretty good food. Note - if you don't have access to a boat, there's a ferry and a water taxi service to Jost

2 to avoid that I can recall. Pussers and Skyworld. Pussers has 3 or 4 locations on the island serving tourist food (mediocre burgers, etc) and proprietary clothing, knick knacks, etc. Skyworld has a beautiful view from the highest on the island. Food is very overrated and overpriced. Best bet is to go for a drink before or at sunset then leave and eat elsewhere.

I'll send more when (if) I recall them.

Several years ago, we had a great meal at Brandywine--and it has a nice location as well.