British Virgin Islands · Jost Van Dyke

Dining & Nightlife on Jost Van Dyke

Splash into a fascinating selection of restaurants and visit Jost Van Dyke. Picturesque, secluded and totally memorable, Jost Van Dyke Island is located just to the west of Tortola, and features a superb Caribbean destination in the heart of the British Virgin Islands.

It's not as big as Tortola, or the other large island Virgin Gorda, and therefore there are less established venues for tourism. That doesn't mean, however, that the quality of tourism here is low. In fact, it can be seen as a sort of testament to the fun-loving spirit of the 150 inhabitants here that even the select few places to party on this secluded island really do excel.

Start off a warm evening in the tropics by visiting any of the fantastic places to dine. The cuisine on the island ranges from sumptuous Caribbean dishes to a delightful selection of international samples, depending on where you go to eat.

One of our favorites is the legendary Ali Baba's, not only for the excellent platters of seafood, but also for the comfortable, inviting and personal atmosphere that you can feel immediately upon walking through the door. That's why it's important to greet Ali Baba, the owner and make sure that you get a good seat.

Once it's time to order, just choose from any one of the countless options. Selections from the menu include fresh tuna, snapper, seared wahoo, and a butter and spice grilled king fish. Also enjoy shrimp and lobster, and, if seafood's not your thing tonight, then delve into the exquisite chick or rib platters. You'll be highly satisfied no matter what you choose. You can also come here for breakfast and lunch, as well as dinner, and are invited to call ahead for dinnertime reservations by dialing (284) 495-9280. Ali Baba's is located on the Great Harbour.

Another fantastic and delectable dining locale on the island here is Abe's by the Sea. Catering to sailors and yacht owners alike, this fantastic destination features the full range of seafood that includes conch, lobster and other fresh catches of the day. Diners can also choose a delightfully prepared chicken platter, if seafood isn't the top preference of the night. Also, keep an ear out to determine whether or not one of the infamous pig roasts is happening during your stay here on Jost Van Dyke. You are sure to be amazed.

The Sandcastle Hotel also features pure island delight when it comes to dining. Not only are the accommodations superb here, but the food is delicious. Delve into a course of the most sumptuous Caribbean or world cuisine and discover true enjoyment. Okay, maybe some of the menu items have been microwave thawed, but so far we can't tell a difference in the taste. And even if you could, they serve a stiff martini that'll be sure to wash the worst away. The fresh food comes in the form of fish: mahimahi, snapper and even delightfully prepared chicken. The Sandcastle restaurant can be found at The Sandcastle hotel, which is located in the beautiful White Bay. If you're coming for dinner, be sure to call ahead and make a reservation. Their number is (284) 495-9888.

When it comes to nightlife, be prepared to make your own. While there's always a chance some spicy local music could burst forth from a street corner or catch a local tavern by surprise, you're probably going to have the most fun impromptu, after a few bottles of wine, standing up from the red-and-white checkered cloth dinner table and beginning to dance mock tango with your friends or loved ones. It's campy, but fun, and the eager locals are always ready to join in, turning the slightest whim into a full blow party. It's cool.

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See you on the Island, John "Big Hat" Walsh