My final post on Antigua, before we head to our third destination on this Caribbean adventure, offers an insight into how we eat while travelling—especially since the Caribbean is known to be expensive.
First of all, that in order to stretch our funds so we can complete the rest of our travel plans, we do not eat in high end restaurants and spend the sort of budget you would if you were on your annual two week holiday.
We do, however, pack a couple of outfits so if we decide to treat ourselves whilst away we have the wardrobe to do so.
When I plan a trip, accommodation will often be self catering so that breakfast can be in our temporary home along with the occasional main meal and snacks. After all, even on a budget, a decent breakfast and good coffee can set the tone for the day.
Alongside the ingredients for these meals we will also buy a few staples like water, bread, butter/spread and fruit.
Hopefully the owner will have supplied cleaning materials including washing up liquid (if there is no dishwasher) and we tend to bring our own toiletries from home. Everyone has their own viewpoint on this but smelling something familiar in the shower each day and ensuring my hair looks and feels human is important to me!
Supermarket Prices in Antigua
One of the biggest factors affecting our food choices is the cost of groceries on the island. Food shopping in the Caribbean is rarely cheap, as many goods are imported. Antigua, however, is not as commercialised as other Caribbean islands that we have visited which for us is a bonus.
There are plenty of roadside fruit and vegetable stalls, a daily market in the capital – St John’s, as well as local eateries and roadside spots where homeowners barbecue chicken and meat in large oil-drum grills.
I thought I would share some food prices with you to give an idea of how much you can expect to spend if you have opted for, like us, a self catering visit.
The first supermarket we stopped at on the evening of our arrival was the Perry Bay Supermarket in St John’s. This was the only place, we later discovered, that sold fresh milk rather than long life milk.
However the majority of our shopping was completed at the “Epicurean Fine Foods and Pharmacy” , in St John’s, which was about a 20 minute drive from where we stayed. As stated on their website they stock a range of UK, US and Canadian products. For those shopping from the UK most of the products are “Waitrose”.
Tap water is generally treated in Antigua, but it is highly recommended to drink bottled, boiled, or filtered water to avoid stomach issues.
Listed below are some of the items we purchased at the supermarket (based on the currency conversion from XCD to British pounds at the time of purchase) with a comparison to prices in a Tesco supermarket in the UK:
- 500g carton of low fat, Greek natural yoghurt cost £4.72.
Tesco price £2.30 - 2% fat milk cost £3.97 for 4 pints
Tesco skimmed milk cost £1.65 - Granola 500g cost £3.96.
Tesco price £2.45 for 500g - Weetabix (24) cost £5.77.
Tesco price £3.50 - Honey 454g Jar £7.83
Tesco price £1.75 - Pears cost 48p each
Tesco price 52p each - Bananas cost 24p each
Tesco price 16p each - Raspberries cost £3.91 for 320g
Tesco price £4.30 for 300g - Local Lettuce £1.99 each
Tesco price 89p - An English Cucumber £3
Tesco price 99p - Large packet of Ruffles Crinkle Cut Crisps, 180g cost £4.67
Tesco price for 150g is £1.25 - Local brand of Diet, Caffeine Free Coke, 2 litre bottle £1.97
Tesco price £2.15 - Water 5 litres £1.67
Tesco price £1.80 - Total in Antigua: £44.18
Tesco Total: £23.71
87% more in Antigua.
This really highlights how quickly self-catering costs can add up.
In total across our 10 days we spent £134.22 at the supermarkets.
Prices, as you can see, are much cheaper in the UK and, therefore, often eating your main meal of the day at a local eaterie in Antigua can be cheaper than actually buying all the raw ingredients yourself and cooking it in the kitchen provided.
Local Food to Try
We are more than happy, in the Caribbean, to venture out and explore local places to eat.
The national dish in Antigua is Fungee and Pepperpot. Fungee (pronounced “foon-jee”) is a savory, firm cornmeal and okra dumpling similar to Italian polenta, while Pepperpot is a rich, hearty stew made with assorted meats, vegetables, and spinach. It is a quintessential dish highlighting African and Caribbean influences.
We never actually came across this meal whilst in Antigua but maybe we didn’t go local enough?
Other local favourites also include jerk chicken and pork (similar to Jamaican cuisine), roti, and fish such as snapper, mahi-mahi and grouper along with tropical fruits/vegetables. Look out for the famous Antiguan black pineapples!
Antiguan food is generally seasoned, flavorful, and savory, but it is not typically prepared with intense chilli heat
Rum is considered the national drink of Antigua and Barbuda, reflecting the island’s rich Caribbean history. Locally produced rum, particularly brands like English Harbour Rum and Cavalier Rum, are very popular.
Additionally, Wadadli beer is recognised as the national beer which is actually a light lager named after the original name for the island.
Eating Economically
Supermarkets:
Whilst the supermarkets in Antigua do not sell hot, cooked foods as much as you might find on other islands it is available at the Epicurean in St Johns. Times available on their website.
There is a choice of two counters; the first stocks typical Caribbean food and the second Asian food. This is served in plastic box containers, weighed and sealed for you to take home.
For both counters you need to take a ticket from the adjacent machine and wait for your number to be called. We tried this on a Sunday Afternoon and there was a long wait. If it’s busy I would suggest taking a ticket on entry and getting on with your shopping whilst maybe popping back every now and again to see which number they are at!
On a positive note the food is freshly cooked and monitored in terms of how long it is on display before being replaced with fresh stock. Serving spoons etc are allocated to each dish and sterilised regularly to avoid any cross contamination!
We bought starters and mains from the Asian selection for two for £16.34 cheaper than most takeaways in the UK, and a great option when you don’t feel like cooking.
My Half Eaten Takeaway 😊
Whilst salad counters aren’t widely available in Antigua, you can easily pick up hot, freshly cooked BBQ chicken from the supermarkets We paid £9.93 for a chicken, which was enough for dinner (paired with salad bought separately) and lunch the following day.
Local Eateries:
Tipping Culture:
In Antigua, a 10–15% service charge is often—though not always—added to restaurant bills. When it is included, there’s no obligation to tip further, although leaving a little extra for exceptional service is always appreciated.
If no service charge is added, a 10–15% tip is customary.
Green Apple
Located next to the University of the West Indies, Five Islands Campus, Green Apple was recommended by neighbours at our accommodation—and it turned out to be a great find!
After parking by the roadside, we were immediately struck by the modern Caribbean feel of the wooden building. There’s seating in a courtyard at the front with tables and umbrellas, as well as additional space on a side balcony.
With a steady student crowd, takeaway orders seemed popular, but there is also the option to dine in. The menu is displayed beside the counter and offers a good range of fast food with a Caribbean twist.
The staff were friendly and helpful. We placed our order, took a seat, and before long our food arrived fresh from the kitchen.
After a long day at the beach, we were more than happy with something quick and satisfying. We shared a portion of steak-loaded fries, while my partner chose the Deluxe Burger and I opted for the Cajun shrimp wrap, along with sodas. The total bill, including a small tip, came to 75 XCD (£20.58).
Smiling Harry’s
We stopped here for lunch during a day trip to the east side of the island, and it turned out to be a highlight of the journey. As you descend into Half Moon Bay on the final stretch before the beach, this local favourite sits on the left-hand side, easy to spot.
Its full name is “Smiling Harry’s Thirst Quencher” —lives up to its charm, even though Smiling Harry himself (a real person) wasn’t there when we visited. Still, the warm hospitality more than made up for it.
This place is a true beachside gem, serving authentic island cuisine in generous portions at reasonable prices. The food clearly takes centre stage, with standout dishes like curry goat and garlic shrimp, all served with rice, salad, and macaroni pie.
We opted for the curry goat and baked chicken, and both were packed with flavour—rich, comforting, and exactly what you’d hope for in a spot like this.
Total Cost incl a small gratuity: £27.72
A Special Occasion -Pillars at English Harbour
Whilst we were in Antigua, we decided to visit Pillars, a restaurant highly recommended by our Airbnb host—who even suggested the best table to request.
We booked ahead for a Sunday afternoon lunch at 1 p.m., and it quickly became clear why it had been so enthusiastically recommended.
Set within Nelson’s Dockyard at Admiral’s Inn, a UNESCO-listed historic site, Pillars enjoys a stunning waterfront location. The restaurant is framed by 18th-century stone pillars overlooking the harbour, blending colonial-era character with a relaxed, modern elegance.
We were seated on the terrace, where the views stretched across the water, with boats gently drifting by. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance—refined without feeling formal. The menu reflects this as well, combining Caribbean flavours with international influences, with a particular emphasis on fresh, locally sourced seafood.
Whether for a leisurely lunch like ours or a more romantic evening setting with cocktails and live music, Pillars offers a setting that feels both special and effortlessly relaxed.
Often considered one of Antigua’s standout dining experiences, it’s prized not only for its food but also for its historic charm and stunning waterfront views.
We indulged in a three-course meal (mains and desserts shown below), lingering over each course while watching water taxis glide between neighbouring restaurants. The setting felt wonderfully tranquil, and the food more than lived up to the reputation.
Total Cost: £117.07
Our Final Day – A Perfect Stop Before Take Off
Our Canadian neighbours had one last recommendation before flying home after their ten-day stay in Antigua—and we’re so glad they shared it. Just five minutes beyond the airport, Garden Grill turned out to be an absolute gem… and one that may well change how we plan future trips.
Why? Because if we’d been catching an overnight flight back to the UK, we could have enjoyed a proper meal here, skipped the usual plane food entirely, and simply slept our way home. It’s a strategy we’ll definitely remember.
As it was, we were booked on a mid-afternoon inter-Caribbean flight, meaning we didn’t need to arrive at the airport until two hours before departure. That gave us the perfect window to stop here for a relaxed lunch—avoiding overpriced airport options and the need to eat later.
Set on Dutchman’s Bay, Garden Grill offers a laid-back, open-air setting with a breezy, garden-style feel. Surrounded by greenery and just moments from the beach, it strikes the perfect balance between casual dining and a scenic escape. The menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with a farm-to-table approach that shines through in dishes like grilled fish, tacos, burgers, and vibrant salads.
Popular for brunch and lunch, it caters well to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
With its welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and blend of international comfort food and Caribbean flavours, it’s easy to see why it’s such a favourite.
Since this would be our main meal of the day, we decided to share a starter before enjoying a main course each—an excellent choice, as it turned out.
Total cost: £58.08
Final Thoughts….
All in all, Antigua has been a brilliant reminder that travelling well isn’t about how much you spend, but how thoughtfully you spend it. With a bit of planning, a willingness to adapt, and an openness to local experiences, it’s entirely possible to enjoy incredible food, beautiful settings, and memorable moments without constantly stretching the budget.
Self-catering gave us flexibility and familiarity, while local eateries offered flavour, value, and a genuine taste of island life—and it’s often the latter that leaves the strongest impression. Yes, groceries can be surprisingly expensive, but by mixing things up and knowing when to cook and when to eat out, we found a balance that worked perfectly for us.
Antigua has delivered not just stunning beaches and warm hospitality, but also a valuable lesson in travel: sometimes the simplest choices—fresh fruit from a roadside stall, a perfectly cooked BBQ chicken, or a relaxed lunch by the sea—are the ones that stay with you the longest.
As we pack our bags and move on to the next stop in our Caribbean adventure, we’ll be taking these lessons (and a few new food habits) with us.
Are you tempted to plan your own Caribbean adventure? Do you think Antigua might be the place for you?
Let me know in the comments below and if you enjoyed the post please give it a “like”!
A Midlife Adventure 