Cayman Islands Restaurants

1. Coccoloba

Despite the deceptively chill vibe at this open-air setup replete with thatching and colorful hand-painted tiles and plates, the fare is haute south-of-the-border. You won't sample finer chicharróns (in tangy tequila barbecue sauce), fish tacos, or elote (corn off the cob with cotija cheese, cilantro, lime, and chipotle aioli) outside the Yucatán, while the intensely flavored flat-iron steak with mole jus and chimichurri might make even dedicated vegetarians think twice. The friendly, skilled bartenders mix marvelous margaritas with 'tude . . . and plenty of other diabolical concoctions. There's often live entertainment, but the best show is the nightly performance of the fireballing sun as it surrenders to the natural order of things, preferably from the smartly designed sea-facing counter.