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 $18 and throughout the week you can find "theme" nights at certain restaurants for $10-$12. 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 - 2004 brings Tropics back to basics.  Wim will be supervising the cooking and bartending as the restaurant goes back to three meals daily and a more active bar scene.  For the health minded or just darn hungry divers, Tropics is sure to be a place to please you and your friends.  Hand-made burgers from choice USDA beef can be found on both the lunch and dinner menus.  The focus is good and affordable, luring you in for more than just breakfast---but be careful when Wim offers you a cocktail, some of the potions are irresistible!  Friday nights are great fun.  Remember the feeling of a drive in?  Well, it's that feeling but the big screen in poolside near your lounge chair-- burger and a movie for just $10.

The Brigadoon - Tricia will be back in a few months but in the meantime, Marylene will greet you at the door and serve your first drink.  Meanwhile, 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 tool or try some of his other signature dishes:  Shrimp Michael, almond encrusted snapper.  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 the latest edition, fresh sushi on Saturdays (6-7:30 p.m.--regular menu afterwards) and $10 "homestyle" nights on Mondays and Wednesdays.  Leave room for the famous homemade desserts!

My Kitchen ("Mein Koekeijn") - Formerly, YIIK, this Windwardside eatery blends its Dutch ownership with West Indian delicacies.  Open for lunch and dinner with the great salads (I love their mozzarella salad) as well as burgers, pastas, seafood and meats.  Occasionally, owner Willem offers a Spanish night as well as monthly wine tastings.  Located at the foot of Mt. Scenery, it's a perfect place to eat after conquering the mountain during the day or great ambience at night time. 

Swinging Doors - Eddie's neighborhood country bar is famous for Tuesday and Friday night BBQ.  I can never decide between the grilled chicken breast or his sizzlin' ribs so I get the combo plate served with all the fixings.  Sunday nights Eddie offers "Cook your own damn Steak" supplying you with a nice thick steak that you grill on his outside barbeque, complete with a fan, 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 - opened its doors in February 2004.  Newlyweds Chris and Marvy used to run Rumors.  They now serve great pizza cooked in a stone oven, sandwiches and other simple fare.  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.

Galaxy Restaurant and Disco - Changing managment; stand by for update..

Scout's Place is a German owned bar and restaurant--the regular hangout for locals.  Daily 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--$10 for a half chicken, mashed potatos and cole slaw--not gourmet but good quick food at a great price.  

Willard's of Saba is Saba's high end hotel but also a restaurant with an outrageous view.  Corrazone specializes in her native Philippine dishes.  Reserve ahead and the owners may give you a tour and offer the use of the hot tub on the cliff.  Pricey but an experience you won't forget!  I recommend it more for lunch to really enjoy the great view or an early dinner to enjoy the view.

The Bottom 

Family Deli - offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.  Not such a varied regular menu but consistent food and good prices.  A great place to grab a sandwich to go or pre-order a pizza to pick up after a night dive.  Check with Sea Saba for specials.  Sundays are often Columbian specials from enchiladas to special soup

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.

King's Crown - Located at Queen's Gardens Resort, a romantic dinner can be planned at this lovely setting.  At the moment, Bas the hotel's manager is doing the cooking but management is rumored to change again this summer.  Again, I might better recommend experiencing the beautiful setting for lunch after a hike to avoid the $20 taxi ride from Windwardside for up to four people.  If there's four or more of you, then dinner is a reasonable option to share the taxi expense.

Fort Bay 

In Two Deep - Mike's wife Sally has been running the restaurant now for about a year with Joannie (from Dominica) still in the kitchen.  So it's good to have this place back to a better level of service and consistent good lunches.  Saturday nights sometimes offer a seafood special--watch the Saba bulletin boards for dinner openings.  Open for 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 - Fun has returned to the Fort Bay!  After 16 years, Carlisle "Pops" Granger, has retired and leased the facility to Elvira and Sugie Hassell.  Return divers may recognize Sugie, a fisherman of many years.  Snacks and the coldest Heineken on the island are always ready but try to find out when Elvira is serving up a local special--from welk stew to Johnny Cakes and the island's only lobster sandwich.  Pops' Place is a great place to catch the melee and a good local snack.

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