BVI Food Bars And Nightlife

Fine Dining in the British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands

A yachting vacation in the British Virgin Islands and USVI is an idyllic way to de-stress and enjoy leisurely days swimming, snoozing, snorkeling, and fishing from the deck of your BVI sailing yacht charter. For a change of pace from dining onboard, the islands offer a wealth of tempting restaurants that are well worth taking time out of your itinerary and stepping ashore to try.

Fresh seafood naturally dominates most menus in the BVI and USVI with an abundance of spiny lobster, top quality conch, fresh mahi mahi, and succulent grouper. You might want to brave the national dish of fish and fungi - white fish braised with tomatoes and spices and served over a cake of okra and cornmeal. Local chefs tend to be generous with spices including jerk chicken, curry, and garlic, so order a fruity “painkiller” (pineapple and orange juice with coconut milk, nutmeg, and rum) to put out the fire!

Top Restaurants In The BVI 

Coco Maya. Photo by @fischettie

Virgin Gorda, one of the largest and most populous of the BVIs, has some excellent restaurants including Coco Maya, a toes-in-the-sand beachfront restaurant, and a bar with a fabulous view. Start with a juicy Tempura Shrimp Lettuce Wrap before savoring a mouth-watering burger with crispy onions, and be sure to order the truffle fries and other specialties.

Oil Nut Bay's restaurant, the Nova, is another upscale BVI favorite and the newest addition to the list of fine dining restaurants; so you’ll need to make a reservation well ahead of time—you can ask your charter crew or your broker to help you with this. Part of a high-end and residential community, this exclusive Virgin Gorda hideaway in North Sound serves world-class gourmet cuisine in a stunning setting. Menus change daily but generally include a selection of meat and fish from the grill with vegetarian options. Plan to stay the night in the marina and purchase a day pass to enjoy the Beach Club, wellness studio, spa, and tennis courts. Sail south and dine at The Pavilion at the Rosewood in Little Dix Bay. It offers a sophisticated dining experience in an extraordinary thatched open-sided pavilion. Sample the amazing lunch buffet spread or try the á la carte dinner menu that describes itself as “international cuisine with a little island zing!”

Two more BVI restaurants worth trying are the Dove Restaurant in Road Town, the BVI capital, and the Sugar Mill, right on the waterfront in Tortola where Sunday Brunch is a must-do.

Where to dine on Scrub Island, BVI

Caravela Restaurant on Scrub Island has its own marina, making it ideal for alfresco dining just steps from your luxury sailing yacht. Whether you’re in the mood for a premium aged steak or a four-course “Dinner in Paradise” menu in a private cabana, this high-end restaurant in the BVI has it all.

Top dining in St John, USVI

Extra Virgin Bistro. Photo by @leahruns100

Another USVI gem is the Extra Virgin Bistro in Cruz Bay, St John which has an outstanding reputation. Chefs combine locally grown ingredients with freshly caught fish, providing much-appreciated support for local businesses.

Beach Bars for Your BVI Yacht Charter

If you’re chartering a yacht through the British Virgin Islands, then making the rounds of the islands’ famous beach bars is a must. This chain of over 50 islands is known for its laid back vibes, and its many bars play a vital role in maintaining that slow charm. Intrigued? Read on for our top 5 beach bars for your British Virgin Islands yacht charter.

The Soggy Dollar

Soggy Dollar Bar. Photo by @kayseesit

After swimming up to this bar on Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay, visitors hang their soggy dollars on clotheslines to dry out while they taste test the Soggy Dollar’s famous cocktail, the Painkiller: a blend of rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, orange juice, and fresh ground nutmeg.

Cooper Island Rum Bar

Rum Bar at Cooper Island. Photo by @pachurolon

The Rum Bar at Cooper Island is the place to go for cocktails made with rare, aged rums from all over the world, including many from right here in the Virgin Islands. With a selection of over 280 rums, a knowledgeable bar staff, and an attractive design, this eco-resort’s Rum Bar boasts a hard-to-beat spot for trying out refreshing rum cocktails. This is a fantastic destination with a good varied menu and friendly staff who make you feel very welcome and comfortable. The restaurant literally sits 20 feet from the water, and you can find turtles swimming through the moorings. It is an absolutely gorgeous place to relax and have a bite as you rest up from other activities. And if you want to branch out, they also offer a restaurant, coffee shop, and solar-powered brewery. Come ready to enjoy yourself, but do consider asking your charter crew to make you a reservation beforehand (especially if you’re visiting between December and April).

Foxy’s Taboo

Foxy's Taboo. Photo by @altonbertie

Over on Diamond Cay, Foxy’s Taboo is the smaller, more secluded alternative to the original Foxy’s in Great Harbor. This family-run outpost offers lunch and dinner, a small boutique, and a perfect place to stopover on your way to the famous Bubbly Pool.

Willy T’s

Willy T's. Photo by @morganyewest

More formally known as William Thornton’s, this floating bar relocated at Peter Island is accessible only by water, making it a preferred stop for yachties from near and far. Stop by for a happy hour, but be warned—the later you go, the more adults-only the vibe.

Pirate’s Bight

Pirate's Bight. Photo by @pachurolon

Another stop on Norman Island, Pirate’s Bight combines a menu of beach bar staples—surf and turf, salads, and tacos included—with an impressive bar menu. Here, you can go all out with a satisfying seafood entree, or nosh on an array of appetizers and top it all off with a caipirinha, tropical martini, or the classic painkiller. Even better, its beachfront location in the Bight, the island’s most popular anchorage point, makes it a convenient stop for guests looking to relax in the sun, play in the water or take a snooze on the powder sand beach.

Looking for Restaurants?

Not to worry—we’ve got you covered. While there are plenty of beach bars to choose from in the British Virgin Islands, there’s no shortage of quality restaurants, either. Here are two of our top picks:

CocoMaya. Photo by @cocomaya_virgingorda

For a luxurious setup and a killer menu, there’s no better spot than CocoMaya, located on Virgin Gorda. Situated on a white-sand beach with views of the water and the Virgin Gorda boulders, this spot is sure to impress with its blend of Latin- and Asian-inspired tapas. Bring your appetite—you won’t want to leave!

For an experience in opulence complete with a gorgeous view, consider visiting the Nova at Oil Nut Bay, another Virgin Gorda resort. This plush restaurant’s menu features unfamiliar spins on familiar classics—think jerk chicken with goat cheese and Spanish almonds, or try the beef burgers with truffle cheese and red onion jam. Those feeling a little more adventurous can order a “Picnic in Paradise” and take their menu selections out to the beach. If this sounds like the spot for you, be sure to call ahead, as they only accept reservations for parties of 8 or more—otherwise, it is first-come, first-serve.

Planning a trip to the British Virgin Islands? Ritzy Charters offers a wide variety of charter yachts in the British Virgin Islands, and we’re always able to customize itineraries for your trip. Browse our fleet to learn more!