Best Italian Restaurants in Grand Cayman

Discover the best Italian restaurants in Grand Cayman, where culinary excellence meets Caribbean charm. From the timeless allure of Ristorante Pappagallo, nestled in West Bay’s lush greenery, to the vibrant flavors of Ragazzi, renowned for its authentic wood-fired pizzas and exceptional service. 

Explore the waterfront elegance of Le Vele and LUCA, offering modern twists on Italian classics with stunning ocean views. Indulge in the warm hospitality and traditional dishes at Casanova by the Sea, or savor Venetian-inspired tapas at bàcaro. 

Each venue promises a unique dining experience, blending rich Italian heritage with the relaxed island atmosphere, making them must-visit destinations for both local aficionados and international travelers seeking the finest Italian cuisine in the Caribbean.

Ragazzi

Ragazzi is a beloved Italian restaurant founded by Paolo Polloni and Andi Marcher, who turned their European and Cayman culinary experiences into a reality in the summer of 1999. The restaurant features vibrant colors, an authentic wood-burning pizza oven, and a central location, making it a popular spot for families, friends, and repeat customers. 

Known for its exceptional and consistent food, Ragazzi has received the Wine Spectator Award for Excellence for eleven consecutive years, including the prestigious Best of Award of Excellence in 2010. The restaurant offers warm, efficient service and convenient opening hours, from 11:30 AM to 11 PM daily. 

The Italian-built bar provides a comfortable spot for solo diners. Head Chef Luca Cocchieri, with his rich international experience, ensures a delightful dining experience with modern Italian cuisine rooted in tradition. Ragazzi is also renowned for its excellent catering services, making it a favorite for parties and special events.

‘The Sails’ (Le Vele in Italian) is an exquisite Italian restaurant situated on the Cayman waterfront, established in 2016. It is managed by Adriano Usini, former head chef of Ragazzi, Paolo Cognolato, former manager of Deckers, and Mr. Primo Castellan, each bringing extensive experience and a deep passion for Italian cuisine.

Le Vele celebrates authentic Italian cooking with a focus on fresh ingredients. The menu features fresh pastas, delectable entrees, and delicious pizzas made in a pizza oven imported from Italy. Additionally, they offer a three-course express lunch for CI$25 from Monday to Friday, providing excellent value.

Dine on the terrace to enjoy breathtaking sunsets at this exceptional restaurant, where every meal is a celebration of Italian culinary traditions.

Step into Casanova by the Sea in Grand Cayman and find yourself in an Italian piazza where the food nourishes your soul, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Owned by Tony Crescente, an authentic Italian, Casanova offers the true taste of Italy, using family recipes passed down through generations.

Upon entering, the staff’s warm welcome instantly envelops you in a rich tradition that has made Casanova a top Cayman restaurant. You’ll feel as though you’re the only guest, with everyone offering a friendly smile and a heartfelt “Ciao! Bella!” The stunning seascape view provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable lunch or romantic evening.

The only thing better than the atmosphere at Casanova is the food. Expect traditional Italian classics like homemade meatballs and fresh seafood pasta, along with Caribbean-inspired dishes such as conch fritters, all executed to perfection.

LUCA

LUCA, located on Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, offers unparalleled views of the beach and Caribbean Sea. Created by the successful team behind Ragazzi, Andi Marcher and Paolo Polloni, LUCA features an Italian-based menu infused with international flavors. Chef Luca adds a modern twist to the cuisine, with everything made fresh daily in LUCA’s kitchen, from breads to pastas to desserts. The restaurant also offers daily specials and a six-course tasting menu upon request.

LUCA exudes smart sophistication with its sleek, stylish decor. The attention to detail is evident in the marble floors, Venetian hand-blown glass lights, and wood paneling installed by Italian craftsmen. The restaurant’s impressive glass-encased wine cellars hold thousands of bottles, offering over 1,100 varieties. LUCA received the ‘Best of Award of Excellence’ from Wine Spectator in 2016.

Managed by Matteo Manfio, the 2020 Sommelier Stand Off winner, LUCA ensures an exceptional dining experience with meticulous attention to detail and expert wine pairings.

bàcaro

Welcome to bàcaro, the Cayman Islands’ only authentic Italian tapas restaurant and wine bar. Inspired by the traditional ‘Bacari’ of Venice, their menu features delicious and affordable small plates crafted by Venetian Chef/Owner Federico Destro. Enjoy wines by the glass or creative cocktails in the bright and airy dining room, or on the beautiful terraces overlooking the Cayman Islands Yacht Club.

The extensive menu includes a variety of cichetti (nibbles), piccoli piatti (small plates), and grandi (large plates) perfect for sharing. The weekday CI$35 Express Lunch special offers a quick, tasty bite for the working crowd, while Happy Hour from 5pm–7pm Tuesday–Saturday features specials on select drinks and tapas.

As the sun sets, must-try dishes include Polpette, Beetroot Potato Gnocchi, Olive Crusted Burrata, Crispy Lobster Croquettes, and Braised Veal Cheek. Finish with a sumptuous dessert or a digestif at the spacious bar. The warm hospitality of Restaurant Manager/Owner Barnabas Bako and his team, combined with the delectable food and drink offerings, make dining at bàcaro unforgettable.

Pane & Pasta Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant

Pane & Pasta offers fresh, hand-crafted Italian cuisine made by passionate chefs. Perfect for families, this restaurant provides an authentic Italian dining experience.

Their extensive menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner feature a variety of classic dishes, including sandwiches, soups, salads, pastas, sauces, pizzas, and daily homebaked goods—don’t miss the bombolone (Italian doughnuts)!

Begin your meal with a classic Italian cocktail, like an Aperol Spritz or a Limoncello Mojito, and explore their traditional Italian wine list. You can also take home a selection of fresh items from their retail section to recreate a special meal in the comfort of your home, condo, or villa!

Agua

Fourteen years ago, Italian owners Cristiano and Walter founded Agua Restaurant and Lounge to offer a fresh dining experience, avoiding typical Italian restaurant stereotypes. After moving to Camana Bay’s waterfront in 2018, Agua continues to innovate with its stylish, airy space and Italian-Peruvian inspired menu. 

Known for its ceviche and Tuna Tartare with passionfruit sauce, Agua’s signature dishes include Agua Tuna and a 10oz Skirt Steak with chimichurri sauce. The extensive wine list complements the menu, and patrons can enjoy meals in an intimate wine room or at the plush bar with cocktails crafted by award-winning mixologists. Agua’s unique menu, elegant setting, and attentive service make it a standout in the Island’s dining scene.

Agua’s mixologists have also opened Next Door, Camana Bay’s newest cocktail venue, located adjacent to the restaurant.

Allora

Allora elevates the traditional Italian dining experience in the Cayman Islands, blending authentic culture and cuisine. From early-morning pastries, both sweet and savory, to traditional pizzas and quality wines, Allora offers some of the most genuine Italian dishes outside of Italy. The lively atmosphere enhances your experience as you savor fine coffee and dip flaky croissants for breakfast. As the day progresses, Allora transports you to Italy’s hills with flatbreads, focaccia, and classic pizzas. Every dough is meticulously prepared in-house, fermenting for a minimum of two days before being perfectly stretched.

Gino’s Pizzeria

Gino’s Pizzeria, located in Caribbean Plaza on the Seven Mile Beach corridor, is Cayman’s premier spot for New York-style pizza. Enjoy pizzas made with fresh ingredients, including a special housemade marinara sauce and pizza dough. Their menu features a wide variety of specialty pizzas available by the slice or whole pie. Perfect for groups, you can share delicious appetizers like Conch Fritters or Jumbo Chicken Wings, or have pizza delivered directly to your condo pool. 

Delivery is available island-wide, including beer and wine. You can dine on their outdoor patio or opt for delivery to your home or office. They also offer catering for large groups. 

The minimum order for delivery is CI$30. Delivery is free between West Bay and Savannah, CI$25 to Bodden Town/Breakers, CI$50 to East End, and CI$75 to North Side.

Website: http://www.ginos.ky/

Ristorante Pappagallo

Ristorante Pappagallo, nestled in Cayman’s West Bay, captivates diners with its timeless charm and unique setting. Crossing the wooden bridge into this tropical haven, surrounded by lush greenery and the serene countryside ambiance of Grand Cayman, transports guests to another world.

The restaurant’s architecture, featuring sturdy wooden beams, thatch roofs, and large woven fans, exudes rustic elegance. At night, warm lights reflect on the lagoon, illuminating silvery tarpon and creating a golden ambiance.

Chef Alex Menegon’s passion for fresh, simple Italian cuisine shines through in every dish. With a menu of seasonal Italian classics and a wine list boasting over 400 selections, Ristorante Pappagallo is a beloved destination for global connoisseurs and local patrons alike, year after year.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Grand Cayman’s Italian dining scene offers a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences, from the rustic elegance of Ristorante Pappagallo’s countryside charm to the vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere of Ragazzi and the exquisite waterfront dining at Le Vele and LUCA. 

Whether you seek traditional recipes passed down through generations at Casanova by the Sea or the innovative small plates at bàcaro, each establishment promises exceptional cuisine paired with warm hospitality. 

Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, these restaurants showcase the best of Italian culinary traditions amidst the Caribbean backdrop, ensuring unforgettable dining experiences for locals and visitors alike.