2 Best Restaurants in East End, Cayman Islands

The Wyndham Reef Resort's all-purpose dining room (formerly known as Pelican's Reef) converts into a refined space come evening, with its marine murals and nautical paraphernalia (rigging, fishnets) illuminated by candles and clever partitions made of framed sails enhancing its intimacy. Most of the kitchen hails from the Caribbean, but even the buffets merrily marry culinary influences from India to Italy, with dishes such as saffron-infused hummus and spring rolls with wasabi. Regular menus are somewhat stodgier, from shiitake burgers to seafood linguine. Occasional limbo contests and the iconic Barefoot Man's inimitable song stylings on Thursday can change the vibe from romantic to raucous.

Cars practically block the road at this unprepossessing hot spot for classic Caymanian food—literally Vivine and Ray Watler's home. Prime seating is in the waterfront courtyard, serenaded by rustling sea-grape leaves, crashing surf, and screeching gulls. The day's menu, sourced locally for freshness, is scrawled on a blackboard: perhaps stewed turtle (one of the few places you can still find it), curried goat, barbecued chicken, and snapper, with cassava and sweet-potato-cake sides. Burgers, dogs, and chicken-and-chips make a concession to more timid taste buds. Alcohol isn't served, but fresh tamarind, mango, and sorrel juices pack a flavorful punch. Vivine's generally closes early (and occasionally on Monday), but stays open if there's demand—and any food left.