6 Best Restaurants in Tortola, British Virgin Islands

The sunset sea-and-mountain views are stunning at this poolside restaurant at the Heritage Inn, so arrive early for the predinner happy hour. Caribbean fusion best describes the fare, with an emphasis on steaks, seafood, and pasta, including shrimp swimming in ginger butter sauce and pork tenderloin marinated in rum. One of the better wine lists on the island and a selection of frozen drinks vie for attention at the bar.

At this Brandywine Bay restaurant, candlelit outdoor tables have sweeping views of nearby islands. The menu has a Mediterranean bistro flair but changes often; you might find grilled local king fish or a classic paella. Or, just graze on the extensive selection of tapas. 

Stop by this casual, authentic Italian outdoor café—look for the turquoise Vespa out front—for an espresso, gelato, a fresh pastry, a bowl of perfectly cooked pasta, or a crispy tomato-and-mozzarella pizza. Drink specialties include a mango Bellini, an adaptation of the famous cocktail served at Harry's Bar in Venice.

This pretty pastel Soper's Hole eatery serves the best breakfast on Tortola. Omelets, French toast, waffles, espresso, cappuccino, smoothies, and excellent bagels are served at a breezy counter–dining room combo, but the best seats are out back by the marina. Late for breakfast? No worries, it's served until mid-afternoon. The same owners operate Omar's Fusion, which serves delicious West and East Indian cuisine, down the street.  

This beachside bar and restaurant is owned and operated by island native Quito Rymer, a multitalented recording star, which explains why there's live music nearly every night of the week. The menu is Caribbean, with an emphasis on fresh fish—try the conch fritters or the jerk chicken. For a more casual meal there's pizza, burgers, and fish tacos. Picnic tables with beach umbrellas are the popular dining spot during the day, while the action moves into the high-roofed dining room at night, where you'll be serenaded by the sound of crashing waves in between the bands' sets.

Candles gleam and the background music is peaceful in this romantic restaurant inside a 17th-century sugar mill. Well-prepared selections on the à la carte menu, which changes nightly, include pasta and vegetarian entrées, but the best deal is the three-course prix-fixe menu. Conch fritters with mango chutney for dredging is a good starter. Favorite entrées include scallops in Champagne sauce, smoked duck breast, and a "risottera" menu of rice dishes. Save room for dessert, which include a locally grown banana flambéed in rum.