Islands are usually associated with white sand, clear water and luxurious palm trees, under which you can always find a shady place to relax with a cocktail… But the best islands in the world are much more dynamic, diverse and…tastier than just mixed coconut juice with rum.
The culture of the place you travel to usually greatly influences the perception and impression of your trip, so we have put together a selection of the best islands in the world, with food being the main criterion.
No.10. Oahu, Hawaii
On Oahu, you can find a variety of dishes from a wide variety of cuisines from around the world – from various Asian to Zambian cuisine. And all this can be sold both in stalls and kiosks on the street, and in various bistros and restaurants. Many establishments use pineapple as tableware, and all because of the Dole pineapple plantation not far from here.
Try to catch the turquoise Shark’s Cove Grill truck for a teriyaki chicken sandwich.
And find Nico’s Restaurant on Pier 38, which serves some of the best loco moco on the island – rice and eggs, but in burger form, served with onion-mushroom sauce.
No.9. Hilton Head, South Carolina
When the first resort on the island opened, it almost immediately became clear that this destination would be appreciated by everyone who is partial to delicious food. They say that there are so many good restaurants here that it is impossible to see them all in a week. Start with Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte, a restaurant that locals consider one of the best on Hilton Head. Try snapper, cobia and oysters here.
No.8. Capri
You know what is more popular among tourists in Capri besides the famous Blue Grotto? Ice cream. My favorite flavors are stracciatella and almond with lemon. Find the one you like best.
By the way, this is a great dessert after dinner at the Aurora restaurant (try the fig and ham pizza) or at Trattoria Il Solitario, a restaurant in traditional Capri style with an ivy-covered terrace and its own garden.
No.7. Harbor Island
Just off northeastern Aluthera lies Harbor Island, a laid-back Bahamian islet famous for its crispy fried fish and rice and peas.
Stop by for a cocktail at the colonial-style Landing’s bar and lunch at Sip Sip, which features paintings by Amos Ferguson.
No.6. Maldives
The Maldives is famous not only for its seafood and fruits, but also for its luxurious accommodations. The new Maalifushi by Como resort now offers a luxurious bungalow that is just a stone’s throw from Madi for Maldivian seafood barbecue or Tai for excellent sushi and sashimi.
You should also definitely go to the underwater restaurant Subsix, where you should try sea bass, Jaffna shrimp and fennel crab.
No.5. Santorini
Join the locals for authentic Roka-inspired restaurants and be sure to try the mezes, a signature Greek snack (pie filled with eggplant, tomato, apple and feta cheese). The rest of the day can be spent exploring the caves or simply swimming along the coast of the ancient island.
The best way to celebrate the night is at the Selene restaurant. Order pastitsada – chicken with cheese, caramelized onions and tomato confit, or wheat porridge with cinnamon and Greek coffee.
No.4. Sicily
Young chefs like Giuseppe Costa are cultivating new approaches to cooking, with an emphasis on seafood. At Costa’s Il Bavaglino, try rice with cuttlefish. And be sure to get to Syracuse to enjoy the views from Regina Lucia. Here you should order octopus with chickpeas.
By the way, they serve free Prosecco here.
No.3. Maui, Hawaii
Of all the islands of the Hawaiian archipelago, Maui is the most popular. And this is not surprising, at least there are a lot of restaurants here that are definitely worth visiting. One of them is Mama’s Fish House, where they catch and serve fish 24 hours a day. Try the grilled seafood served on papaya leaves with coconut rice.
No.2. St. Barth
A tiny piece of the French Riviera, floating in the Caribbean Sea, has excellent conditions for those who are accustomed to being selective about their food. Locals and tourists often gather for candlelit dinners at the Bartolomeo restaurant, located in the gardens of Le Guanahani Hotel. The absolute hits of the menu are risotto with crab, lime, raspberries and licorice and egg with quinoa, spinach and ricotta.
No.1. Nantucket
Despite the fact that the island of Nantucket, located near Cape Cod, is very small, there are quite a lot of quality cafes and restaurants here (Topper’s at The Wauwinet serves excellent oysters, and the local bar yacht club has an excellent collection of rum and whiskey).
The island is best known for its charm and small-town charm: it’s great to eat pies on Independence Day, try chocolate chip cookies in coffee shops and eat sandwiches made from homemade bread at the Straight Wharf restaurant.
