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 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. 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 outside dining under the stars or the cozy dining
room with soft music and eclectic décor set
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 Gogh) 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. Transport is provided for guests in Windwardside--reservations a must!
In the Rainforest
Rainforest
Restaurant is new for the 2003 season. 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. Barnt and
Marianna are your hosts at this new property, a memorable dining
experience! Complimentary transfer for parties of 6 or more.
Windwardside
Tropics, The Natural Cafe - A whole new look for the 2003
Season...Caroline and Steve continue to offer fantastic dining with a
great south view to the sea. Part of Juliana's Hotel, a healthy
breakfast @ Tropics is included in your dive package if you stay at
Juliana's. But it's more than just breakfast...Caroline grows most of the herbs she
uses in her food and buys everything organic when possible. With partner
Steve's creative touch, Caroline has transformed the look and feel of
Tropics as well as the menu. The daily chalkboard menu is now
refocused on an even healthier theme, the dining room more comfortable
and inviting. From fresh fruit juices and smoothies to bountiful
salads, soups and full entrees. You'll not only think the food is
great but will feel great too. Now open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tropics
is the place to count on for tasty meals, a fabulous snack or just a
healthy diversion, all at reasonable prices.
Brigadoon - Tricia, quick with the drinks but even quicker with a
joke greets you with a huge smile at the door. You'll find her husband
Michael in the kitchen serving up daily specials such as Shrimp Michael or
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!
YIIK - Open for lunch and dinner with the best burgers on the island,
try the "divers
down - hikers up". 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. Carl and Rudolph
offer a variety of salads, seafood and
local dishes---the creamy lobster bisque is fabulous. Saturdays are
normally Seafood Night--Carl's favorite is partially sautéed lobster in garlic butter
and then flambéed in a hazelnut liqueur. Just back from a trip to
Thailand, watch for Asian specials on Wednesdays.
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!
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 special is spit roasted chicken, the night
I really recommend.
Willard's of Saba is Saba's high end hotel but also a
great 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!
The Bottom
Family Deli - offers breakfast, lunch and dinner
daily. Not such a varied 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.
Lime Time - Local hangout...half
bar, half restaurant. Serving drinks to the locals can sometimes be the
priority here but the food is good, reasonably priced and served with a
smile. My favorite thing on the menu is the beer battered
shrimp.
Lollipop's is back...on your way to The Bottom, the
one-time popular haunt has reopened its doors. Patrick Hassell, a
young Saba man who has been living in Florida for four years brought his
entrepreneurial spirit back to Saba and leased Lollipop's--a large
restaurant and bar. Initial reviews have been great (good value
for money) and complimentary transport when there's a few of you or the
spirit moves them.
Diana's @ Campus Corner - Don't' be
scared off by the medical school dorm located upstairs. Diana is always consistent
with her cooking and her portions are huge. 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.
Mango Royale - Chef Charles is back. Located at Queen's Gardens
Resort, a romantic dinner can be planned at this lovely setting.
Charles' menu is an interesting mix of his native Dominican background and international
dishes. $20 taxi ride from Windwardside for up to four
people. If you dive with Sea Saba, free transport is available on
Tuesdays.
Fort Bay
In Two Deep - Only open for breakfast, lunch and Sunday
brunch. Cool off 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. 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
pistaches, Pops' Place is a great place to catch the melee and a good
local snack.
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