LIBRARY BY THE SEA
LOCATION: THE KIMPTON SEAFIRE
Just off the main lobby of The Kimpton Seafire is a space where legendary authors meet storied cognacs, rums and other timeless tipples in happy congress.
Library By The Sea is quite new to the local landscape but has already made quite a splash with its collection of first editions, old Cayman photographs and a menu appreciated by even the most discerning palates.
Perfectly crafted cocktails can be paired with dishes prepared from the freshest ingredients and enjoyed in one of the many nooks to be found around the room.
Mitch Wilson of Black Tot Rum also ably demonstrated the lounge’s ability to effortlessly transform into a private event venue, when he gave a recent presentation about his company’s product and the history of rum to a captive audience.
Stop by for happy hour, an evening’s libation, or just to catch up with your reading. Silence is not enforced, and you don’t need a library card to be a member. All are welcome.
Menu must: Siren’s Song (white wine blend, elderflower, mango, honey, lemon, thyme)
V2O CAYMAN
LOCATION: REGENCY COURT, 672 WEST BAY ROAD
Vines to Ocean is a wine lover’s dream, nestled in the heart of the Seven Mile Strip.
Opened by a queen of the local hospitality industry, Cheryl Pokoradi, the room is a welcome respite from the ordinary. It combines a selection of wines worthy of a coveted cellar with the trendy atmosphere of an upscale cocktail bar.
There are many options by the glass and, of course, by the bottle, which can be savoured with a selection of tasty nibbles, seafood platters or charcuterie boards.
Also important to note is that if you’re more a fan of master mixology than a full-bodied Malbec, you’ll be well covered here. An expert bartender will whip you up your favourite martini in a trice.
Specialty events are already on the schedule, including the very popular masterclass series. Follow them on social media to get the scoop.
Menu must: Jumbo Shrimps – the dipping sauce alone…
PANE & PASTA
LOCATION: CAMANA BAY
Okay, we’re cheating a little here, as this venue has been around for a while. But when the man himself, Reno Mancini — who has been a fixture in the Cayman restaurant scene for decades — takes over as manager, attention must be paid.
Reno and restaurants go together like spaghetti and Bolognese, and with his experience and Italian background, this is a match made in heaven.
The menu has been revamped into a cornucopia of comfort food. Lasagna, gnocchi, fettucine… it’s like reacquainting yourself with old friends.
The pasta and sauces are made fresh in-house every day and the Italian deli sandwiches are great for office workers who don’t have time to dawdle at lunch. You also can’t beat the bread which — you guessed it — is also made onsite.
There are way too many dishes to list, so you’ll just have to stop in and take a look at the menu yourself… and make sure to say “Ciao!” to Reno when you go.
Menu must: Parmesan cheese wheel pasta (chef tosses selected pasta in an authentic parmesan cheese wheel)
SAINT JUNE
LOCATION: THE RITZ-CARLTON, GRAND CAYMAN
A day spent at Saint June in The Ritz-Carlton is always a good idea. The outdoor bar and lounge with an unfettered view of sugar-white sand and the Caribbean Sea has been completely revamped.
The result is a luxurious sense of the French Riviera combined with the relaxed, breezy spirit of the islands. Lush greenery adds to the décor, as well as crisp striped fabrics on the lounge seats, and large umbrellas positioned along the patio in shades that match the sand.
The lunch menu offers light fare, sandwiches, and the noble burger lifted to elevated heights with a brioche bun and smoked jalapeño aioli; while dinner leans towards more robust dishes such as Blue Hill Bay mussels and Wagyu beef Picanha.
The latest addition is the weekend breakfast, with options running from a house-smoked salmon plate to huevos rancheros. Top it off with a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne, and you’ll realise this is what weekends were made for.
Menu must: Saint June Piña Colada
LE PETIT BAR
LOCATION: JACQUES SCOTT PLAZA, 2357 WEST BAY ROAD
In case you hadn’t heard, there’s a new kid in town in West Bay — Le Petit Bar. An elegant, cosy place conveniently located in the bustling Jacques Scott Plaza, it is the ideal spot for gatherings, where charcuterie platters are made for sharing.
Choose as many bites as you like from a selection of canapes, but you should save room for the smoked fish pate, beef carpaccio, and fennel and rosemary porchetta.
It goes without saying that as the owners are Christian Esser and Shalico Christian of Wineschool3, the wine and cocktail selection is top-notch. You can even monitor your intake by selecting wine in 3-ounce or 5-ounce pours, although getting a bottle just makes sense when you’re in a group.
Look out for special events on Le Petit Bar’s social media pages, such as vintage wine tastings and cigar and cocktail dinners.
Menu must: Build your own charcuterie board (paired with a delightful glass of vino)
NOVA
LOCATION: COBALT COAST RESORT, 18-A SEA FAN DRIVE
From the great minds and talent behind Bàcaro, another dining hotspot has emerged.
NOVA, located in Cobalt Coast Resort on the north shore of West Bay, features Mediterranean Japanese fusion cuisine in a picture-perfect setting.
Dine poolside and enjoy the sunset, as you savour dishes created by chefs Federico Destro and Barnabas Bako, such as the softshell crab slider, garlic butter prawns and miso steak.
There is also an extensive drinks menu, listing an alliterative bounty of carefully curated cocktails. Fresh ingredients, homemade syrups and other delights blend to create the Gardarita, Martinique and Japa Mojito, among others. You can also go the frozen drink or beer route, or choose a wine by the glass or bottle.
Live music starts at 5:30pm on Fridays and 3pm on Saturdays, and lunch is available from noon.
NOVA has a day of rest on Tuesdays, but otherwise expect to find the doors open to welcome you.
Menu must: Espresso-cured salmon tataki
Mykonos Cayman
LOCATION: THE GROVE
The Greek islands are known for their vibrant lifestyle, carefree atmosphere, and food that takes the sea-to-table concept to the next level.
Now, the exotic flavours of Mykonos are coming to Grand Cayman, presented by an exciting new restaurant of the same name.
Mykonos Cayman will soon be opening in The Grove, positioned in the heart of the Seven Mile Strip, bringing with it some unique features guaranteed to dazzle even the most discerning diner.
For starters, it will boast the largest 100-point wine and Champagne selection in the region — music to the ears of those who appreciate the greatness of the grape.
The in-house bakery will create daily treats to tempt the palate, and then there’s that menu. Josper grilled Greek octopus with hummus, marinated cucumber and homemade teriyaki sauce, or the Mykonos roll with tempura shrimp, avocado, nori and wasabi sauce. They are just a teaser of what’s to come. Prepare to be transported.
Menu must: Kolokithokeftedes (Greek zucchini fritters with feta cheese and lemon yoghurt sauce)
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