In the last couple of years new restaurants have added to the Saba experience.  If you're a return client, you will be pleased to find the restaurants are more creative and a little competition has kept prices reasonable.   Menu prices still range from $8 to $30 and throughout the week you can find "theme" nights at certain restaurants for $12.- $14. For groups and families on a budget let Dive Saba Travel book a meal plan.  Eating is my second favorite sport after diving.  Read on to find out my recommendations and personal favorites.

Hell's Gate

The Gate House Cafe has always been a favorite among locals and tourists.  The cozy dining room with eclectic décor sets the scene for a special night out.  Return customers will be pleased to see new owners Lyliane and Michel Job kept original owner Jim Seigel's (the islands Van Gough) artwork.   Michel's menu is simply top notch.  From the starter to the dessert, everything is a work of art, fresh and original.  The evening is complete with a fine assortment of wines (even an award from Wine Spectator Magazine) which can be purchased by the bottle, by the glass or by the taste.  Wine tastings for small groups can be arranged with advance notice--pick your range from $20-$50-$100 per person.  Transport is provided for guests in Windwardside--reservations a must!  On a day off of diving, plan a French cooking class--$120 for 1-6 persons.  

In the Rainforest
Rainforest Restaurant opened in 2003.  Located along the Crispeen Trail it makes a great 'pit stop' when you're out for a hike or a romantic unique dinner setting.  The restaurant is part of Rendez-vous Ecolodge, only accessible by a hiking trail.  The organic garden on the property assures you the freshest veggies but always a nice choice of meat, poultry or seafood.  Bernt and Dana are your hosts for lunch or dinner--a memorable dining experience!  Complimentary transfer for parties of 6 or more from Windwardside.


Windwardside

Tropics Cafe - Tropics Cafe is back to being the fun divers' restaurant at Saba's most popular diving hotel (Juliana's).  Wim and Johanna still serve breakfast but the lunch and dinner schedule is now run by Brandon.  For the health minded or just darn hungry divers, Tropics is sure to be a place to please you and your friends.  Check out the lunch menu from fun Tex-Mex to burgers and salads--crowd pleasing for every level appetite.  And Movie Night is back!!  So plan for a fun Friday night like the ole days at the drive-in---burger (beef, chicken or veggie) and the move--only $12!   

The Brigadoon - Tricia and Michael are now on Saba for more than 10 years, serving up great food in a casual and fun atmosphere.  Chef Michael is in the kitchen serving up daily specials.  His seared tuna may be the best you've ever had the pleasure of enjoying--and healthy too or try some of his other signature dishes:  Shrimp Michael, almond encrusted snapper and some of the best crab cakes south of the Chesapeke Bay.  All of the fish is locally caught and they have the only live lobster tank on the island.  Now offering a huge portion of prime rib on Thursdays, fantastic large ribeye any night and even fresh sushi on Saturdays (6-7:30 p.m.--regular menu afterwards). Be sue to leave room for the famous homemade desserts!

Restaurant Eden- Formerly, YIIK and My Kitchen, this Windwardside eatery now offers fine dining in a lovely atmosphere with your hosts Nina and Norbert.  Eden has, without compare, the best coffees on the island and a fantastic bakery.  The lunch menu is extensive and interesting ranging from Dutch toasties to a fantastic Nicoise salad and other great options.  And, Eden is also a great hangout place in late afternoons when few places are open.  Just ask for the password for their internet access or enjoy a leisurely glass of wine. Prices are slightly higher than other spots on Saba but the food and service are both fantastic!

Swinging Doors - Eddie's neighborhood country bar is famous for Tuesday and Friday night BBQ.  I can never decide between the beer-can chicken or his sizzlin' ribs!  Sunday nights Eddie offers "Cook your own damn Steak" (or he will gladly cook it for you), great side dishes provided.   Other nights are great to just stop in for the latest local gossip and a cold--no fancy drinks here; no fancy prices!'

Saba's Treasure - The Johnson Family now passed the baton from Chris (who became a Commissioner) to his cousin Greg Johnson, the original owner of Brigadoon--now back on Saba after 10 years in Florida.  They still serve great pizza cooked in a stone oven, sandwiches and other simple fare but Greg's specials of fresh fish and a monthly pig roast are not to be missed.  Caribbean artist Robbie Lynn transformed a concrete house in to a work of art so that you feel you are inside a 300-year old schooner.  Streetside dining is also available.  Open for lunch and dinner; closed on Sundays. Oh, and he brought back the Cadillac marguerrita as well--woo hooo!

Scout's Place is a German owned bar and restaurant--the regular hangout for locals.  Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner are served.  Sit inside the huge dining room, at the bar with the locals or outside on the breezy terrace.  Tuesday's and Thursday's special is spit roasted chicken, the night I recommend--$14 for a half chicken, mashed potatos and cole slaw--not gourmet but good quick food at a great price.  

Bistro del Mare s is scheduled to open sometime in January 2010.  Saba's high end hotel, Shearwater Resort (formerly Willar'ds of Saba) is under renovations.  Consider this stop for lunch with its outrageous view or dinner with a jacuzzi under the stars afterwards.  Reserve ahead and the owners may give you a tour and offer the use of the hot tub on the cliff. 

The Bottom 

Formerly Family Deli - offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.  Not such a varied regular menu but consistent food and good prices. 

New Chinese Restaurant - Local hangout...half bar, half restaurant.  This place has been open for over a year but I'm still waiting for a report before I can recommend it.

Lollipop's is back...on your way to The Bottom, the one-time popular haunt has reopened its doors.  Lollipop's is a large restaurant and bar specializing in ample portions at great prices.  And sometimes, they'll even deliver.  Lollipop's is often the place for med school or special event parties.  Transport no longer provided.  Call ahead to be sure food is being served and it's not just a 'bar night'.

Diana's @ Campus Corner - Don't be scared off by the plain Jane appearance of this eatery.  The medical school dorm is located upstairs and the dining room is simple white walls and plastic furniture.  BUT, Diana is always consistent with her cooking and her portions are plentiful.  She ran Scouts Place restaurant for years and is making magic again in The Bottom.  Most famous for her stewed and curried goat, which is the best I've had on the island.

Queen's Gardens' Resort - has the island's prettiest restaurant setting with a fabulous bar--therefore, I suggest an early evening to watch the sunset while you relax on the huge, comfy lounge area.  A romantic dinner can be planned at this lovely setting.  Management now offers free taxi for parties of 4 or more so talk about it on the dive boat and plan a nice evening out! 

Fort Bay 

In Two Deep - Joannie (from Dominica) is still in the kitchen.  Open for late breakfast and lunch daily, In Two Deep allows you to escape the heat of the harbor in the air-conditioning and enjoy a milkshake or hang out with the locals and watch the boats come in.  I always get the Rueben with spicy mustard and sauerkraut but non-smokers may want to plan another spot.

Pops' Place - Want to know the melee?  This is the place.  Serving up gossip and the coldest Heineken's, Saba's icon little snack bar is now run by Vick.  You can pre-order sandwiches to be ready between dives or sit down for a proper dinner while you watch 'a whole lot of confusion' at Saba's busy little harbor..  .

Talk to me!