The twin-islands of Antigua and Barbuda possess some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and with one for every day of the year the destination is the ultimate beach-lovers paradise. Restaurants dot the coastline and visitors will quickly discover that Antigua and Barbuda is also known for some seriously good food.

Surrounded by turquoise Caribbean seas, seafood is a main feature of Antigua and Barbuda's cuisine. The catch of the day, varies from Barbuda's spiny lobster, best served grilled with a dollop of garlic butter, to traditionally fried snapper.  Antigua's Conch water and stuffed shellfish are amongst its' gastronomic specialities with mahi mahi, and other fish worth sampling.

Traditional Antiguan cuisine is colourful, full of flavour and unpretentious. The national dish is a tomato-based stewed saltfish, and ducana – a sweet potato and coconut blend steamed in sea grape leaves. At the roadside, examine lunch menus, for special Antiguan meals, like pepperpot, souse, and bbq pigtails, or grilled crab backs.  This is also the perfect opportunity to get a quick lesson in roasting corn on a coal pot or chopping and peeling sugar cane.

The destination's luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants offer a blend of the islands' culture sprinkled with international flair.  Foodies will find a mixture of everything on the menu, from rich and spicy Creole dishes to European and Asian cuisine.

Le Bistro is one of the finest and most sophisticated and independent restaurants in Antigua with an incredible selection of wines from France and around the world. World class chef, Patrick Gauducheau, creates a menu of classical French dishes adding Caribbean flavours for an exciting twist. www.antigualebistro.com

Seafood lovers will be at home at Papa Zouk's Fish'n'Rum restaurant, famous for its bouillabaisse soup and lobster. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere with special rum punches and the largest rum selection in the Caribbean. 

D-Boat, established earlier this year, is a newcomer to the foodie scene in Antigua. Converted from a 1974 Oil Tanker into a state of the art offshore experience, D-Boat has it all out on the ocean with beautiful views, constant entertainment, a water park and a great menu, not to mention that fantastic feel-good atmosphere. Accessed by shuttle boat from the nearby harbour, D-Boat is perfect for families in the day and at night the bar comes alive as diners party all night long on the water. www.dboatantigua.com

Set on a historic Sugar Mill plantation, and housing an art gallery, is Harmony Hall.  The restaurant offers great ambience, seclusion and an eclectic Italian cuisine. For an after-lunch stroll, there is a beach, and dingy dock, within walking distance of the restaurant www.harmonyhallantigua.com . Nearby, is The Bay Restaurant at Nonsuch Bay, offering a selection of local and international cuisine prepared by an award winning chef.  Nonsuch Bay Resort will host its third annual Food and Wine Festival in November 2014.  www.nonsuchbayresort.com   

As far as drinking goes, the aged 5 year old English Harbour Rum, is the rum of choice, on a night out in Antigua.  Visitors partying at the famed Shirley Heights can sample the rum, in a fruity rum punch while enjoying the view of English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard.

For more information on gastronomy and restaurants in Antigua and Barbuda, visit: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or call the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority on 0203 668 3800.

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Paradise Islands in the Caribbean Sea

Located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, Antigua and its sister island Barbuda are known for their numerous coves, bays and clear turquoise-coloured waters. Served by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick Airport, the eight and a half hour flight will drop you into a tropical paradise to enjoy one of Antigua's 365 white sand beaches. Steeped in culture and history with breathtaking panoramic views it is the perfect destination for family holidays, honeymoons, photo/fashion shoots and more.