What Food To Try in St. Georges and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in St. Georges for 2024.
National currency: East Caribbean Dollar, symbol — EC$ (international currency code XCD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in St. Georges cafes and restaurants
$7.4
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $7.4
$74
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $74
$5.6
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.55
What to Try in St. Georges
Must-try Dishes
Macaroni Pie - Macaroni Pye (baked dish) - A hearty blend of macaroni pasta, cheese, and spices baked until golden. Usually enjoyed as a filling breakfast option, it's common to find in local cafes on lazy Sunday mornings.Shark Cutters - Shark Cutters (street food) - Fried shark served in a bun with pepper sauce, creating a perfect spicy kick. You’ll often see locals grabbing this delicious snack from food stalls at the beach after a long day of sunbathing.
Callaloo - Callaloo (greens dish) - A rich stew made from leafy greens, okra, and seasonings simmered together for a comforting meal. Often served as a main course at lunch, it’s enjoyed by families in community-style settings.
Goat Water - Goat Water (stew) - A flavorful goat stew cooked with local herbs and spices, often served over rice or dumplings. It's a staple at local gatherings, especially on Sundays when families come together.
Fish and Fungi - Fish an’ Fungi (local specialty) - A savory dish of steamed fish paired with cornmeal dumplings, known as fungi. Traditionally enjoyed for dinner, each family has its own secret recipe passed down through generations.
Coconut Rundown - Rundown (coconut stew) - Fresh fish stewed in coconut milk with tomatoes and onions, served with rice. Locals savor this mildly spicy dish during the rainy season, giving it a unique warmth and comfort.
Baked Chicken and Rice - Rice an’ Peas (main course) - Flavorful baked chicken served with seasoned rice and kidney beans, creating a complete meal. Often eaten during family dinners, it’s a dish that brings everyone together.
Saltfish and Ackee - Ackee an’ Saltfish (breakfast) - A colorful dish made from salted codfish sautéed with ackee fruit, onions, and peppers, served with fried dumplings. Commonly eaten for breakfast, it’s a favorite that tourists sometimes overlook, thinking they should skip fish in the morning.
Desserts & Drinks
Mahia - ماحية (fig brandy) - A distilled spirit made from fermented figs, typically enjoyed as a potent local aperitif. It's often served in small glasses during celebrations or as a welcome drink in homes, making it a popular choice for gatherings.Mint Tea - شاي بالنعناع (refreshing herbal tea) - Boiled green tea infused with fresh mint leaves and sugar, served in traditional glasses. Locals share this iconic drink in the evenings, often accompanied by pastries, and it's common to brew it three times to ensure a nuanced flavor.
Fruit Juice - عصير الفواكه (fresh fruit smoothie) - A vibrant blend of seasonal fruits, like mango or guava, whipped with a hint of sugar and ice. Typically enjoyed on hot summer days at local juice stands, this refreshing treat is perfect after a walk around the market.
Baklava - بقلاوة (sweet pastry dessert) - Layers of flaky pastry filled with nuts and drenched in honey syrup, creating a delightful crunch with each bite. Served during festive occasions or special family gatherings, it's always a crowd-pleaser and is often paired with a cup of tea.
Ghriba - غريبة (soft almond cookie) - A crumbly almond cookie, lightly sweetened and dusted with powdered sugar. Often made specifically for celebrations or family gatherings, these treats are sometimes baked during Ramadan and are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
By the way, dessert portions can vary greatly, so don’t be surprised if a small piece feels like a whole meal!
Food and Groceries in St. Georges
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.67 |
| Oranges | $2.49 |
| Potatoes | $2.87 |
| Apples | $7.72 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.93 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.01 |
| Imported Beer | $2.04 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $11.1 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $10.82 |
| Cigarettes | $4.44 |
| Rice | $1.15 |
| Local Cheese | $9.85 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Lunchtime in St. George’s paints a vivid picture of the local dining culture. By noon, busy office workers flock to nearby eateries, devouring quick bites of rotis or fish cakes. These simple yet flavorful meals are often served with local hot sauce, reflecting an authentic taste of the islands.
In terms of meal times, breakfast typically occurs between 7 AM and 10 AM, lunch around noon to 2 PM, and dinner starts around 6 PM and can go as late as 9 PM (though you'll see some restaurants open until 10 PM). It’s significant to note that businesses tend to close a bit earlier than the usual dinner service, making it crucial to plan your meals accordingly. For instance, if you chance upon a dinner spot right before closing, like one in the heart of the city, you may find yourself rushing through a tasty turtle stew—definitely worth it but not ideal if you prefer a leisurely experience.
Price ranges vary quite a bit across St. George’s. For a casual meal at street vendors, expect to pay anywhere from 15 to 35 EC dollars, while a sit-down lunch at a local restaurant may set you back about 50 to 100 EC dollars. On the more upscale side, dinner could cost around 100 to 200 EC dollars. It's interesting that meal prices tend to increase in the more tourist-frequented areas, especially if you’re looking for a view of the harbor while dining.
Payment customs are quite straightforward; cash is commonly accepted, but a growing number of places have begun to accept cards. I’ve found that having smaller notes—specifically, 20s and 10s—on hand is useful for tipping and paying at casual spots, where tips of roughly 10% are appreciated, but not obligatory.
One of my favorite local habits is the “Sunday Family Dinner” tradition, where many locals gather for larger meals to share with family—a beautiful expression of community in St. George’s. However, a common misstep for tourists is showing up unannounced on a Sunday, as many popular spots are fully booked or close for the day to accommodate family gatherings.
If you plan to experience St. George's dining firsthand, it’s wise to call ahead or check for reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends when locals are out and about. This will ensure you get a table and a more robust experience of the rich local food culture that St. George’s offers.
Looking ahead, I’ve noticed a slight shift toward healthier dining options emerging in local menus, with more choices for vegetarian and vegan dishes as younger natives become more conscious of their eating habits. This evolution really highlights how local food culture continues to adapt while maintaining its flavorful essence.
In terms of meal times, breakfast typically occurs between 7 AM and 10 AM, lunch around noon to 2 PM, and dinner starts around 6 PM and can go as late as 9 PM (though you'll see some restaurants open until 10 PM). It’s significant to note that businesses tend to close a bit earlier than the usual dinner service, making it crucial to plan your meals accordingly. For instance, if you chance upon a dinner spot right before closing, like one in the heart of the city, you may find yourself rushing through a tasty turtle stew—definitely worth it but not ideal if you prefer a leisurely experience.
Price ranges vary quite a bit across St. George’s. For a casual meal at street vendors, expect to pay anywhere from 15 to 35 EC dollars, while a sit-down lunch at a local restaurant may set you back about 50 to 100 EC dollars. On the more upscale side, dinner could cost around 100 to 200 EC dollars. It's interesting that meal prices tend to increase in the more tourist-frequented areas, especially if you’re looking for a view of the harbor while dining.
Payment customs are quite straightforward; cash is commonly accepted, but a growing number of places have begun to accept cards. I’ve found that having smaller notes—specifically, 20s and 10s—on hand is useful for tipping and paying at casual spots, where tips of roughly 10% are appreciated, but not obligatory.
One of my favorite local habits is the “Sunday Family Dinner” tradition, where many locals gather for larger meals to share with family—a beautiful expression of community in St. George’s. However, a common misstep for tourists is showing up unannounced on a Sunday, as many popular spots are fully booked or close for the day to accommodate family gatherings.
If you plan to experience St. George's dining firsthand, it’s wise to call ahead or check for reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends when locals are out and about. This will ensure you get a table and a more robust experience of the rich local food culture that St. George’s offers.
Looking ahead, I’ve noticed a slight shift toward healthier dining options emerging in local menus, with more choices for vegetarian and vegan dishes as younger natives become more conscious of their eating habits. This evolution really highlights how local food culture continues to adapt while maintaining its flavorful essence.