Get your grub on!

Big Banana Holding Company

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Good food, great service."

Big Banana Restaurant, Antigua Photo - Big Banana Holding Company, Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

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For a trip down the rabbit hole of Antiguan cuisine, let Big Banana be your guide. The main restaurant is located in Redcliffe Quay, downtown St. Johns, while the other branches are situated within the V. C. Bird International airport in Coolidge and Dickenson Bay. Big Banana provides customers with a wide variety of scrumptious dishes, regardless of the time of day.Big Banana Holding Co. has created quite a name for itself within Antigua for over 21 years. Pizzas were the main attraction for the restaurant, as two decades ago, fast food was slowly introducing itself to the Caribbean as a whole. Since then, their slogan became "Pizzas in Paradise".In the minds of countless locals, th...Read More

For a trip down the rabbit hole of Antiguan cuisine, let Big Banana be your guide. The main restaurant is located in Redcliffe Quay, downtown St. Johns, while the other branches are situated within the V. C. Bird International airport in Coolidge and Dickenson Bay. Big Banana provides customers with a wide variety of scrumptious dishes, regardless of the time of day.

Big Banana Holding Co. has created quite a name for itself within Antigua for over 21 years. Pizzas were the main attraction for the restaurant, as two decades ago, fast food was slowly introducing itself to the Caribbean as a whole. Since then, their slogan became "Pizzas in Paradise".
In the minds of countless locals, the slogan should be upgraded to "Best Pizzas in Paradise" and I must agree with them. For the past 2 weeks alone, I have paid 3 visits to the restaurant in downtown St. Johns.

Although the prices attached to the meals prepared at Big Banana border on expensive by local standards, many residents are frequent visitors. It is quite a common sight to see many tables reserved for important celebrations such as graudations and birthday parties, as well as friends and couuples grabbing a bite to eat for lunch.

The Big Banana in Redcliffe Quay is the most popular of the three locations, and this is mainly due to the special layout of the restaurant. This branch is separated into two parts. There is a regualr indoor room which promotes a more itimate setting, and an outdoor 'tree house' section, where a verandah is actually built around a very large tree. The terrace area of the restaurant has a very open air feel, with lots of shade and ventilation supplied by the tropical breeze. The two segments are equipped with their own mini bar, stocking some of the best brands of alcohol and beer. This ensures that drink orders never take long to be fulfilled. Above the mini bars, both outside and inside, were large flat screen tvs which mainly seemed to show sports and music videos.

The downtown branch is the only location which doesn't provide a large area for parking. During the day, it is highly unlikely to find a free parking spot anywhere nearby. However, there is a parking lot located behind of the restaurant which charges a nominal fee of USD $0.75 per hour. This parking lot is open most days a week from 7am to 5pm. In the evenings, most of the free parking spots are empty and it is much more likely for customers to find a space immediately infront of, or very close to the entrance.

All three restaurants are manned by the most efficient staff, which are hand picked based on their skill as well as personality. All of the waiters which I have encountered during my visits were very friendly and attempted to make small talk with their clients. The bartenders were cheerful and cracked numerous jokes while they prepared my drinks with finesse. However, enough cannot be said about the chefs, the magicians behind the scene. All of my meals were served warm and the presentation was commendable in my opinion. I remember ordering a seafood pasta with linguine noodles which actually forced moans of genuine appreciation from my lips.

On my most recent visit, I had the following for lunch:

Grilled mahi mahi with rice and french fries $16.30
Pina Colada $5.55
Total cost: $21.85 (prices are in USD)

For the quality of food received, I found the prices to be very reasonable, and I definitely got my money's worth.
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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on February 22, 2011

Big Banana Holding Company
Redcliffe Street (Redcliffe Quay)
Antigua
(268) 480 6985

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Island B-Hive

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Local cuisine? No biggie!"

Island B-Hive Restaurant Photo - Island B-Hive, Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

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Serving the island of Antigua since 2006, the Island B-Hive restaurant created quite a buzz from its location in Heritage Quay, St. Johns. According to the buzz, some of the best local dishes are served and it's the best place to people watch in St. Johns. Nestled in the heart of a shopping plaza, this restaurant is never empty. There is a steady flow of cutomers from the time the kitchen opens at 8am, until the bar closes at 10pm.If you are seeking to slake your hunger, look no further. The menu found at the Island B-Hive is sure to have that something you're looking for, with meals such as lobster and shrimp dishes, bbq chicken, fried fish and the national dish of pepper pot and fungee. ...Read More

Serving the island of Antigua since 2006, the Island B-Hive restaurant created quite a buzz from its location in Heritage Quay, St. Johns. According to the buzz, some of the best local dishes are served and it's the best place to people watch in St. Johns. Nestled in the heart of a shopping plaza, this restaurant is never empty. There is a steady flow of cutomers from the time the kitchen opens at 8am, until the bar closes at 10pm.

If you are seeking to slake your hunger, look no further. The menu found at the Island B-Hive is sure to have that something you're looking for, with meals such as lobster and shrimp dishes, bbq chicken, fried fish and the national dish of pepper pot and fungee. The food is well cooked and nicely presented, which is why the majority of their customers keep coming back. Prices on the menu range from USD $7 and upwards.

Apart from the good food, there are other perks to stopping by the Island B-Hive for breakfast, lunch or a nice dinner. The restaurant offers free wifi, so it is quite common to see folks munching on their meal with one hand, and surfing the internet with the other. The restaurant also offers shade and protection from the elements with its conical roof, without inhibiting the flow of fresh air. I especially love to perch upon one of their bar stools with a drink, while surfing the internet on my trusty macbook. The ambience is really pleasant, unless it's lunchtime when the large crowds arrive.

The bar at the restaurant is always well stocked with local and international beers, fruit juices, sodas and almost any beverage you can desire. Alcohol in Antigua is relatively cheap on a whole, so expect to pay $2 for a bottle/can of beer and $3 to $4 for a mixed drink. They also have quite the stash of Haagen Dazs ice cream if you are interested in a scrumptious dessert to complement your meal.The bartenders are always attentive, and are prompt to deliver orders. The Island B-Hive is usually quiet, except for the occasional hiss of oil hitting fire, as dishes are cooked inside of the kitchen.

The bar at the restaurant is especially popular during sports season, as scores of sports fans flock the restaurant to watch the games live on the lcd screens available. Games most frequently watched are football, basketball, soccer and tennis.

Due to the location of the restaurant, parking is not available. The closest parking lot is a 3 minute walk away with a charge or $0.75 cents per hour. Parking is also available on the public streets for free, but it is really difficult to find a parking spot, seeing that most locals occupy them early in the morning when they drive to work.

All in all, Island B-Hive is a great spot to relax while satisfying your hunger. Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on February 24, 2011

Island B-Hive
Heritage Quay
Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda
1 (268) 481 1322

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Australian Homemade

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Spoil your sweet tooth!"

Australian Homemade Photo - Australian Homemade, Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

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Australian Homemade is the premier ice cream parlour in Antigua. It's located in Redcliffe Quay, within the heart of St. John's the capital. Set against the background of coconut trees, the orange and white wooden structure exudes the epitome of culinary indulgence in paradise. Opening hours from Monday to Saturday are from 10am to 10pm, and on Sundays from 3pm to 9pm.There are many options in which to embark upon your gastronomic adventure. The parlour doesn't only specialize in homemade ice cream, but also the creation of handmade premium chocolates. Your sweet tooth could not be any happier. There are several tables available on an open air porch, which you can use to meet with friends ...Read More

Australian Homemade is the premier ice cream parlour in Antigua. It's located in Redcliffe Quay, within the heart of St. John's the capital. Set against the background of coconut trees, the orange and white wooden structure exudes the epitome of culinary indulgence in paradise. Opening hours from Monday to Saturday are from 10am to 10pm, and on Sundays from 3pm to 9pm.

There are many options in which to embark upon your gastronomic adventure. The parlour doesn't only specialize in homemade ice cream, but also the creation of handmade premium chocolates. Your sweet tooth could not be any happier. There are several tables available on an open air porch, which you can use to meet with friends or enjoy your chosen confection in comfort.

Australian Homemade graced the island with its presence in March 2006. Many persons, particularly cruise ship visitors can be seen on the porch of the establishment, enjoying ice cream cones, belgian waffles and other treats on a daily basis. The staff are friendly and efficient, completing orders and requests in record time and trying their best to ensure that you visit is satisfactory.

The ice cream
A wide variety of ice creams are found within the display glasses of Australian Homemade. The flavors include the classics like vanilla, belgian chocolate and strawberry, they are also mixtures such as cookies and cream and mocha. For the more health conscious customers, they also have lowfat and sugar free options, plus ice creams made from yoghurt.

Fruity sorbets
The parlour also makes many flavours of sorbets for the lactose intolerant, as well as for customers who are looking for a more tangy taste. Some of the sorbets in their arsenal include mango and pineapple and are made from 100% real fruit juices.

Chocolates and waffles
The hand crafted masterpieces created by the talented staff at Australian Homemade are the types of chocolate we always crave, but rarely receive. There is a wide variety of chocolates and truffles available for personal indulgence or to be purchased in a box as a gift for a very lucky individual. They are stored at carefully monitored temperatures, as to prevent them from melting. Waffles are made on request and usually only require a short waiting period of 5 minutes. They are served warm with your ice cream and toppings of choice.

Costs
The sweet treats which are sold at Australian Homemade a reasonably priced. There is a charge of USD $2.60 for a scoop of ice cream on a cone, and waffles with ice cream and toppings cost $5 and upwards. The price of chocolate varies depending on the number requested and the type selected.

Behind the scenes
The ice cream parlour utilizes some of the most state of the art equipment to create the perfect concoctions which undisputably melt in your mouth. The managers have very high standards of cleanliness for the facility to ensure that all their products are made to high grade specifications.

For a pleasant Sunday afternoon treat or a rest stop while shopping, Australian Homemade truly is the perfect place to be. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 24, 2011

Australian Homemade
Redcliffe Quay
Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda
1 (268) 462 1941

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Rituals Coffee House

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Awesome coffee house"

Best coffee house in Antigua Photo - Rituals Coffee House, Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

Quote:

This is my favourite spot to grab breakfast in Antigua. Little beats the feeling of that first taste of coffee in the mornings, and Rituals makes quite a blend. The cafe is located on St. Mary's Street in St. Johns, conviently right next to a book store. This provides the ultimate temptation, if you like myself, love to read. The coffee house has quite a delectable menu, with espressos, lattes, cappucinos and iced java drinks. There is a large selection of caffeinated flavours, including but not limited to vanilla, chocolate mint and hazelnut. I like my drinks covered in whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles, and no one on the island makes them better than Rituals.Apart from co...Read More

This is my favourite spot to grab breakfast in Antigua. Little beats the feeling of that first taste of coffee in the mornings, and Rituals makes quite a blend. The cafe is located on St. Mary's Street in St. Johns, conviently right next to a book store. This provides the ultimate temptation, if you like myself, love to read.

The coffee house has quite a delectable menu, with espressos, lattes, cappucinos and iced java drinks. There is a large selection of caffeinated flavours, including but not limited to vanilla, chocolate mint and hazelnut. I like my drinks covered in whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles, and no one on the island makes them better than Rituals.

Apart from coffee, no cafe is complete without pastries. Rituals has quite an assortment of muffins, croissants and cakes which are the most favoured and never last for very long. Througout the rest of the day, they have paninis, pizzas and sandwiches available, fresh from the oven. The food is ok, but their strong point is definitely their beverages.

The prices at the coffee house aren't bad. Hot chocolates, lattes and espressos cost approximately USD $2.50, and the iced drinks are $5 and up. The prices for the food are extremely varied, but the muffins which I usually order cost $1.75 each. I've also had a panini for lunch one afternoon, and was charged $9. Compared to other establishments of the same nature in Antigua, I didn't find the prices to be crazy, but they weren't the least expensive.

One of the reasons why I like this cafe, is the availability of free wifi. Many patrons walk with their laptops and other wifi enabled devices, to catch up on emails and other activities while they drink their morning coffee. The internet is really fast, and is able to facilitate large numbers of devices at once. The staff at the cafe seem to have no issue with persons who are obviously only interested in the wifi. These folks will buy a drink and stay seated at the table for hours at a time. I guess this says something about the cafe's generosity. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who can appreciate good coffee. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on February 24, 2011

Rituals Coffee House
St. Mary's Street
Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda
1 (268) 562 7870

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