Choosing where to eat on the water in Cayman is kind of like skimming through Spotify: it’s easy to stick with your most listened to, but sometimes it’s worth checking out the new releases. So while the classics keep doing their thing, there are plenty of interesting new restaurants around Cayman that you should make a point to eat at. Some of these places have been open for a few years and others a few months, but each of them is worth checking out.

1. Catch Restaurant & Lounge

One thing Cayman does better than just about anywhere is seafood. Well, that and beaches.  There’s no wrong time to visit Catch but they have one of the best lunch menus in town serving up fresh ceviches, salads, and not surprisingly catch of the day. Tucked in the lee of Morgan's Harbour, the working dock sees fisherman and private charters come and go, adding to the buzz and authentic waterfront vibe. For reservations visit www.catch.ky

2. Agua Restaurant & Lounge

Ok, so it's currently closed as they move to their new digs in Camana Bay, but when Agua opens this summer you can bet your bottom dollar it'll be the new island hot spot. From the same team as Catch, Agua has been a favourite on Cayman's culinary scene since opening in 2012. When we sat down with owner/manager Walter Fajette to ask about the change in location and upcoming menu, he said to expect a twist of classic Italian blended with contemporary Peruvian. We can't wait! Visit www.agua.ky to sign up and be the first to hear when they reopen their doors.

3. Bàcaro

The story goes that bàcaro is a uniquely Venetian word synonymous with a humble restaurant serving good, simple food. Derived from earlier times, bàcari signalled a watering hole when men and women could stop for respite and aperitivo on their way home from a hard day's work. The addition of cicchetti was discovered to keep them drinking longer. Eventually these wine bars received a tawdry reputation and went out of style. But like all good things, eating small plates became fashionable again; the food got a gourmet makeover (much like the gorgeous interior of Bàcaro) and the wines came from reputable purveyors, and so a new era began. 

The menu is as stunning as the decor and ranges from baccala crostini and salt block tuna to duck confit and braised veal cheek. It’s one of our favourites for celebrating, people watching or just being on vacation. In case you’re in need of a pick me up after a hard day, pull up a pew at the waterfront bar and let their mixologists tickle your taste buds. Insider tip: ask Freya to whip you up something special - she just knows! Visit www.bacaro.ky for reservations.

4. Hemingways

A popular Seven Mile Beach hotspot, Hemingways is back and better than ever thanks to the same creators of Ragazzi and Luca. Taking inspiration from Asian fusion, the menu offers mouthwatering favourites with a local twist.

It's all served up in a chic, beachfront space with casual bar, lounge chairs, cabanas, and a tropical terrace. It’s a Friday night must, complete with DJ and poolside bar but it's also the perfect lunch time setting to grab a seat on the patio and enjoy the views of famous Seven Mile Beach. Visit www.hemingways.ky for more information. 

5. South West Collective

We absolutely love the hearty, well-crafted dishes made with finesse at this airy cafe-bar and coffee house smack bang on Grand Cayman's George Town waterfront. The perfect coffee, swift, friendly counter service, superb salads, fresh ramen, kombucha, juices, shakes, and their signature fish n’ chips - not to mention the variety of rotisserie chicken, pork and daily lunch specials - keep the clientele coming back.

Husband and wife, Jessie and Lachie, have lovingly curated every corner of this ultra hip haunt, The South West Collective. Famed for it’s off-beat events, funky Friday night happy hours, and all round healthy vibe, it may well be the best cafe in town.

6. Kaibo

Recently renovated in beautiful beach blues, Kaibo still lives by it's famous instructions: take one thatched tiki bar, and in it muddle one-part European beach chic, one dash breezy Californian cool and a generous pour of Caribbean nauticalia. Shake well and serve over a laid-back Cayman beachfront.

Garnish with a crowd-pulling menu and lashings of sunshine, filtered through coconut palms. Sit back, drink in, and relax. Add in Kaibo Espresso serving gourmet coffee and pastries on the quiet beach, with free wifi, and only a short walk from Starfish Point, and you have the perfect lunch hideaway. Arrive by private charter or by water taxi for the ultimate experience. 

7. Grand Old House

This classic destination isn't just one of the oldest restaurants in Cayman, it's also located in one of the oldest buildings too, formerly a Caribbean Great House in the 1900s. Today, the long wooden bar and linen-topped tables are always full.

The restaurant looks largely the same as it did when it opened over 50 years ago. Its ocean front veranda offers impeccable lunch time charm but why not beat the heat and relax over lunch in one of their private dining rooms or air conditioned restaurant. Grand Old House is uniquely Caymanian, and an enduring symbol of good taste. For reservations visit www.grandoldhouse.com

8. Macabuca

Awesome waterfront tiki bars are becoming increasingly rare on the shores of Cayman as cosmopolitan hotels and developers snap up highly sought after waterfront locations. Holding top spot in the hearts of many though is this popular go-to for locals who lust over cold beers and good food. The tiki bar at Macabuca provides the ideal lunch time chill out thanks to its great drinks roster and open air setting. The food is wholesome and served up fast, boasting an all day menu including local conch, calamari, buffalo wings, arguably the best burger and fries, and killer fish tacos.

The little brother of the Cracked Conch restaurant, Macabuca has one of the best shore diving and snorkeling locations on the Island. Sundivers dive shop is on site and offers all the diving and snorkeling amenities you could need.