The island of Anguilla has been recognized as the Caribbean’s leading culinary destination for 2024 by the World Travel Awards, now in their 31st year. Outshining contenders like Bermuda, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Saint Lucia, this British Overseas Territory has long been nicknamed the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean—and once you taste its food, it’s easy to see why.

While Anguilla’s cuisine shares similarities with other Caribbean islands, locals have a way of elevating it. Seafood reigns supreme here, from freshly caught lobster and crayfish grilled to perfection, to fried fish (often snapper or jack), seafood salads, and rich conch soups. Grilled specialties are abundant, alongside Caribbean classics like johnny cakes, goat and oxtail curries, and jerk chicken. Don’t miss the Anguilla Bush Tea, a fragrant herbal drink made from bayberry shrub, lemongrass, soursop, basil, and mint.

A must-visit for authentic local flavors is Tasty’s, a beloved island institution. Their Caribbean Sampler Breakfast features saltfish, filet fish, plantains, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and johnny cakes, perfectly paired with bush tea. For lunch or dinner, favorites include Caribbean Curry Goat Stew, slow-cooked oxtail, grilled snapper, mahi-mahi, crayfish, and Tasty’s signature Seafood Salad loaded with crayfish, snapper, lobster, shrimp, and conch.

Anguilla isn’t just about the food—it’s also home to some of the Caribbean’s most stunning white sand beaches, many of which are lined with casual, toes-in-the-sand restaurants. Top spots include Sunshine Shack on Rendezvous Beach, Blanchard’s Beach Shack on Meads Bay, Hank’s in Shoal Bay, and the Cap Shack at Maundays, where you can enjoy barbecued crayfish, lobster, beef short ribs, tuna, and the daily catch.

For a unique experience, take the 10-minute speedboat to Sandy Island, where you can sip guava daiquiris or rum punches while feasting on drunken coconut shrimp, barbecued crawfish, and ribs, all accompanied by live music on the tiny island’s pristine beach.

For sunset dining, Straw Hat on Meads Bay is a longtime favorite, offering dishes like goat gyoza dumplings and creole-blackened chicken, often with live music. Other upscale options include Blanchard’s, perfect for elegant beachside dining, and Veya, set in a treetop-style space serving creative dishes such as shrimp cigars and jerk tuna with poached pineapple.

If you’re craving something more vibrant, head to Picante, an authentic Mexican spot on the island. Enjoy spicy jalapeño margaritas, guacamole, enchiladas, tuna tacos, and end the evening with freshly fried churros with dark chocolate sauce.

With its combination of exceptional cuisine and breathtaking beaches, Anguilla has earned every bit of its culinary crown—and it’s a must-visit for food-loving travelers in the Caribbean.