Rosemary Parkinson, Contributor

Scotty's always has innovative Bajan nosh at cookshop prices.

Carving the Sunday Roast at Atlantis. Charlie and Esther run the most fun bar in town. - Photos by Rosemary Parkinson

Restaurants are plentiful in Barbados. Some comprise little huts that sell 'cutters' (a Bajan bread with various fillings - best one is ham and egg or saltfish), saltfish cakes to 'a lead pipe' (can fill an elephant). There are also middle-o'-de-road-sized and priced spots and highly-sophisticated gourmet ones. Ins & Outs Barbados, Menu International (with menus and prices) and Friends are just a few of the free informative magazines available as guides to everything there is to do or eat on the island.

Not every advertised place is perfect, but I can recommend the following. Just remember all rum shops are great! Remember prices are approximate. Bajans quote in Bajan dollars. I have converted to U.S. for Jamaica.

SOUTH COAST

Scarlet in Payne's Bay is Caribbean trendy.

Scotty's Eatery & Grocery: Through St. Lawrence Gap, past the football field, on the right. It is easy to find because of the people and is open daily (and nightly), with extensive delicious Bajan buffet taken up a notch at exceedingly good prices. Chicken in Guava Glaze, Spinach in Wild Rice, Fish Stuffed Potatoes, Lamb in Lychee Sauce are examples. Rum shop prices for drinks. Musical nights. US$2.50-US$30.

Cuzz: a little hut on Pebbles Beach - open from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Great cutters (see above). Very inexpensive - US$2.00 for a cutter. Drinks available. Great beach.

The Food Court: Cheapside Market upstairs, Bridgetown - open daily, except Sundays. Great Bajan nosh from ladies such as Ms. Harriett, Ms. Dora, Ms. Pilgrims. Saturday is pudding and souse. Very inexpensive - US$2.50-US$12.

Charlie's Bar, Maxwell Road: The place for great music and of course the craziness of Charlie and Esther. The nosh is good too. Pool table. US$10-US$30.

Waterfront Café: The Careenage, Bridgetown. Best melts of flying fish. Caribbean Buffet every Tuesday. New Orleans type Jazz, Thursdays. Bar solid. Atmosphere the tops, right among the yachts. US$12-US$70.

David's Place, St. Lawrence Main Road. Barbadian, Caribbean Seafood and Vegetarian platters. Overlooking the water. US$16-US$85.

Lobster Alive, Wesley House, Bay Street - open daily for lunch and dinner but Sunday Brunch is a must - pick your own lobster from a retaining tank. On the beach. US$25-US$135.

Opa Greek Restaurant & Bar, Main Road, Hastings - great souvlakis, gyros, moussaka - stuffed grape leaves and humus. On the water. Huge bar. US$18-US$68.

Reggae Lounge, St. Lawrence Gap. Party place. Nightly music, bands on special nights. Funky bar and dance floor. Pool table. Some nights have US$12 drinks free - check guides. Food outside US$6.

Braddy's - through St. Lawrence Gap, left at Dover playing field, left on the next corner. University of life as people from all walks of life gather at this rumshop. Braddy is loved by all. Best Chicken Wings or Pork pieces. Inexpensive.

McBrides, St. Lawrence Gap. Good nosh. Live Bands. US$10 up.

After Dark, St. Lawrence Gap.Check outside liming bars and eatery.

Nelson's Arms2, St. Lawrence Main Road opposite. Club Extreme. Many pool tables. No food. Solid Bar.

Harbour Lights, Bay Street. Party place. Great hamburgers. US$10 up.

Club Extreme, St. Lawrence Main Road. Best Saturday. US$20

St. Lawrence Gap and Baxter's Road (Bridgetown) for side-ah-road late night fish or chicken. US$10 up.

WEST COAST

Cuzz on Pebbles beach is a must.

Scarlet in Payne's Bay, St. James. Gourmet Bajan Food. The hot spot of the West Coast now. US$12 up.

Calabaza Restaurant & Bar, Prospect, St. James - amazing gourmet food. On the water. Open nightly. Great bar. Friendly staff. Worth the love. US$12 up.

Daphne's, Payne's Bay, St. James. On the beach. US$34 up.

The Mews: 2nd St., Holetown, St. James. Great bar lime. Good food. US$12 and up.

Lone Star, Mount Standfast, St. James. The place to spot the stars. Saturday lunch is best. On the beach. US$15-US$65.

The Fish Pot, Little Good Harbour, St. Peter. 17th century small fort at water's edge. Fresh fish daily. US$14-US$70.

Elbows - a place to hang out on 2nd Street, opposite The Mews, Holetown.

Crocodile's Den, Payne's Bay, St. James. A crazy hang-out bar with pool tables. To meet The Crock is a trip in itself. Cover charge on some nights.

EAST COAST

The decor at Apsara is out of this world.

Apsara Tamnak Tai: Worthing, Christ Church, open for lunch and dinner: Monday to Sunday; Indian and Tai cuisine in an amazing themed décor. US$10 upwards.

Round House, Bathsheba. Great Bar. Good nosh. Incredible view of Atlantic Coast. Try the Flying Fish Pate - to die for!

The Cove: Family Restaurant and Art Gallery. Cattlewash. Sunday buffets. US$32.50.

Italia Coffee House: For the best in coffee, five locations, Quayside, Rockley my favourite, from espresso, cappuccino to iced latte and mocha frappe. US$3 up.

All of the above are in the south coast location.

Atlantis, Bathsheba - older than I am. Great buffet on a Sunday. Special view of the sea..

Curry beef and coucou taken up a notch.