When you're on vacation in Turks and Caicos, one of the best parts of your trip will undoubtedly be the cuisine. If you've never experienced it, Caribbean cooking is next level - and here in Turks and Caicos you'll find some of the world's very best chefs doing it to perfection. Of course one of the main ingredients in Caribbean cuisine is seafood (coming as a shock to nobody) and is superb. Grouper, snapper, conch, mahi mahi, crab, lobster, crayfish... it's all good and fresh as heck. While many of the restaurants use locally sourced ingredients, much of it is still imported so expect to pay a bit more than an average restaurant back home, although you will find a range of price options. When you're ready to experience the best seafood in Turks and Caicos, start with the following world-class restaurants and take it from there.
Coco Bistro
If you're looking for gourmet cuisine done perfectly, you can't go wrong with Coco Bistro. Named after the cat who roams the restaurant, Coco Bistro is a foodie's dream come true with the freshest local ingredients done up in a masterfully creative style. Tucked in a palm grove just a short walk from most of the resorts on Provo's Grace Bay Beach, this restaurant is remarkable. The dishes that you'll find here are fascinating and innovative and a true art. Coco Bistro is Canadian owned by executive chef Stuart Gray, whose reputation precedes himself. He's legendary for creating elegant dishes with well thought out details and distinctive sauces that will tantalize your tastebuds. The menu has won many awards and chances are you'll want to sample every single dish. The staff is exceptional, delivering perfect service, and overall magical times. Try the herbed ravioli of conch and grilled peppers in a spicy rose sauce with arugula leaves and pesto, shavings of parmesan and crispy fried leeks.
Lemon Café
Another outstanding restaurant captained by a Canadian and delivering supremely fresh ingredients in a fine dining atmosphere is Lemon Café. When you're seeking something pure and healthy, you come here for a great meal that will vibe you right up. It's where Provo meets exotic Mediterranean chic, they say, where Moroccan meals are a specialty. The menu is awesome as it melds flavours from around the region, with a distinctly Caribbean flare in a gorgeous ambience. They do tapas and full dishes and whatever you order you're basically guaranteed to enjoy it. Sit alfresco and soak up the finer things in life. Try the roasted yellowtail snapper with date and almond chutney.
Hemingway's on the Beach
Located at the spectacular resort of the Sands at Grace Bay, Hemingway's beachfront restaurant is exceptional dining in the perfect casual yet elegant open-air atmosphere. Named after Ernest, the service is world-class and the cuisine is something to write home about. They excel at all meals of the day, from huevos rancheros for breakfast to soft fish tacos and mango shrimp salad for lunch to fresh grouper for dinner. You might want to try the empanadas as Hemingway's won the Conch Cup for best conch dish on the island. Oh, and the sunsets from here are phenomenal so time your visit accordingly.
Coyaba Restaurant, Caribbean Paradise Inn
Coyaba is amazing, an elegantly appointed gazebo-style restaurant offering eclectic contemporary Caribbean Cuisine that is oh so fine. Coyaba means Heavenly in Arawak and that's a pretty damn good description of the experience here where the passion is apparent. The head chef and owner is an Iron Chef winner who prepares new and innovative dishes along with the classics done up with a twist for your dining pleasure. Conceptually thrilling and brilliantly executed, the meals will tantalize your tastebuds and titillate your senses. Try the seven-course gourmet tasting menu to experience as much of Coyaba as you can manage. Pair it with wine from the extensive list and a fine cigar offering. Try the scallop ceviche with ginger, and the conch Bolognese on a creamy timbale of linguine.
