Are you on a quest for a good meal in Grand Cayman? You should consider the Wharf Restaurant & Bar.
Opened in 1988, it is among the oldest restaurants on the island. What was initially a local favorite has become something special, where the tourists also feel at home. To enjoy real Cooking of Caribbean Hustle with an ocean view, this is where you should be.
The location is what hits you first. You're eating literally on the Caribbean Sea, watching boats go by while you have dinner. They have already been doing it for more than 35 years, so they have had time to iron out the details. The food is great, the service is smooth, and the ambiance is pleasant as well.
Sunset is when this place really shines. The outdoor terrace faces west, so you get front-row seats for the daily show. Even if you're not normally into sunsets, it's hard not to be impressed when you're watching it with a drink in hand.
The restaurant works in different situations. Date night? Check. Family dinner? They've got you covered. Business meal? Sure.
Chef Christian Reiter knows what he's doing in the kitchen. The menu mixes local Cayman ingredients with cooking techniques that make sense. Among restaurants in Cayman, this one gets the local food culture right. This is where you’ll find the best food in the Cayman Islands—authentic island flavors done right.
The seafood menu is where they put their best foot forward:
Their other dishes show how different cultures have shaped island cooking over time. The pumpkin soup tastes like home cooking. The beef stew gets cooked slowly with local spices until everything comes together right.
They also source ingredients locally where possible, which makes a noticeable difference in taste. The cooking methods stay traditional too. It's not fusion food trying to be fancy - it's Caribbean food done properly.
The wine list has impressed Wine Spectator judges since 2004. Over 1,000 bottles mean you'll find something that works with your meal. Plus, the bar serves classic cocktails and tropical drinks that taste like vacation.
You're eating next to the ocean, so the view changes constantly. Sometimes there are boats, sometimes just waves. The sound of the water falling against the shore is background music that you can hardly find elsewhere. Its design further keeps the restaurant serene and centered on what is outside, including big windows, open-air seating, and few distractions.
Live music happens most nights, but they keep the volume reasonable. You can still talk without shouting. The 7 PM fish feeding draws a crowd - it's become something of a tradition. Families with kids seem to plan their dinner around it.
Papi's Cigar & Bourbon Collection is there if you want to extend your evening. Premium spirits and Cuban cigars are in a separate area. It's optional, but nice to have if that's your thing. The restaurant handles everything from casual dinners to wedding receptions without missing a beat.
Grand Cayman has no shortage of restaurants, but longevity means something. The Wharf has been here for decades, while others have come and gone. They've survived because they do the basics well—good food, decent service, prime location.
Most restaurants excel at one thing. Maybe the food is great, but the service is slow. Or the location is perfect, but the kitchen is inconsistent. The Wharf manages to keep all the pieces working together. That's harder than it sounds.
They handle private events too. The private dining room accommodates up to 80 people, and they have staff who are experienced in coordinating larger parties. The deck is transformed into an event space with a dance floor when required.
The Seven Mile Beach location means easy access, whether you're staying nearby or driving from elsewhere. Parking isn't usually a problem, and the beach walk option is there if you want it.
Make reservations. Seriously. This place gets busy, especially during peak season. They're open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Sunday hours are 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Want to catch the sunset? Book for 6:30 PM. That timing usually works out perfectly for the Golden Hour show. The dress code is cocktail casual, which basically means no flip-flops or tank tops, but you don't need to get fancy either.
Getting there is straightforward. It's right on Seven Mile Beach, so you can drive or walk along the beach if you're staying nearby. The beach walk is actually pretty nice in the evening. Book ahead because walk-ins aren't guaranteed, especially for outdoor seating.
The Wharf has been doing this for over three decades, and it shows. They've figured out how to serve good Caribbean food in a great location without overcomplicating things. Is it perfect? No restaurant is. But it's consistent, the location is hard to beat, and the food tastes like it should. That's why people keep coming back.
The Wharf is closed for its annual
SUMMER BREAK
From Friday, August 30th, 2024
We will reopen,
Wednesday, October 9th. We are available for any information or reservation
please contact us at
We will reply within 12 hours.
Grand Old House, our partner waterfront restaurant, is open throughout the summer, Contact us for reservations at info@grandoldhouse.com