I have just experienced a true foodgasm at Tides! Actually that doesn’t sound like a very classy opening for what truly is a very classy restaurant.
I have travelled all over the world and tasted hundreds of culinary delights but I am going to stick my neck out and say that Tides, Barbados is now my No 1 restaurant IN THE WORLD.
Before I left the UK a couple of friends had already said to me “If you’re going to Barbados then you must go to Tides” I had no idea even which part of the Island this restaurant was situated, so imagine my delight on the first day of our holiday to discover that Tides is situated in Holetown and just yards away from the hotel we are staying in at Tropical Sunset Beach Apartments.
Barbados generally appears pretty quiet at the moment so I didn’t think we would have to reserve a table on a Thursday evening. My son and I were very lucky to get a table at around 6.30pm without a reservation because within about half an hour the restaurant was filling up very quickly. Hence I would highly recommend booking so you are not disappointed.
We were welcomed by the doorman as soon as we arrived and introduced to the hosts, they asked us to take a seat in small waiting area and we were shown to our table within 5 minutes.
The ambiance and decor of the restaurant is just beautiful, understated simplicity in many ways, but colour tones and modern elegant design perfectly fits its prime beach front location.
The menu is quite extensive with accompanying wine and cocktail lists. Obviously as a single Mum reviewing a restaurant my No 1 focus is always going to be the kids menu and you won’t be disappointed. There is a good selection of main courses, desserts and drinks for children. My son is an ultra fussy eater and asked to substitute the sausage and mash to sausage and chips. This request was accommodated without any problem and Cameron I think ate his biggest meal in about a week (he usually eats like a Sparrow!)
I however had the open lobster ravioli for starter followed by marinated king prawns for main course – I wasn’t disappointed; presentation was spectacular and every mouthful a gastronomic delighte which was bursting with flavour. Full compliments to the chef(s) as this truly was the most incredible meal I have had in a very long time.
The standard of service fully matched the standard of food, the waiters without exception were attentive, polite & helpful, with time between courses perfectly paced without feeling either rushed or delayed.
When asked “would you like to see the dessert menu madam?” I really should have said “No thank you” as I was already feeling fit to burst, but the first two courses had already been so incredible I was curious to discover what was on the menu…and here it is:
at this stage I wanted to put in my order as “all of the above” – but not wanting to appear greedy I opted for the White Chocolate cheesecake. Again, the presentaion was art on a plate and just when you thought your taste buds couldn’t take anymore excitement in one evening they did!!! It is a shame you cannot really explain flavours through words because I have to say that the accompanying spiced butternut squash sorbet was one of the most divine things I have ever tasted. I actually wanted to ask for the receipe but thought that a little bit cheeky. My son enjoyed a more simple vanilla ice-cream with Gummy-worms, and was highly amused when the waiter told him he had been outside in the mud and picked out the worms especially for him!
I kept my 5 yr old son occupied with an ipad, yes I know you shouldn’t but on occasions I am ‘Bad Mom’ and use anything for a quiet life – especially when eating out.
OK it’s not what I would describe as top of the list place to take young kids (I certainly would not have taken mine under about 5 until I knew he would stay sitting at the table for the whole meal) It’s not the type of place anyone would want to go to and see young children tearing around all evening, but I cannot fault this restaurant in any way. 10/10 for ambiance, service and food.
If there is a downside then it has to be the price tag, it is an expensive restaurant, I paid $345 barbados which coverts to around £134 British Pounds and also included 2 glasses of Prosecco and 10% service charge.
If you are prepared to splash out for an extra special meal then I cannot recommend Tides highly enough. If you come to Barbados and don’t go then you are missing out on something truly wonderful.
I am coming back to Barbados in April via a Cruise ship to celebrate my parents Goldeb Wedding Anniversary. I know now that I shall be putting us all in a taxi from the cruise terminal that day and heading up to Tides for the celebrations with them.
Sending gratitude to all the staff at Tides for your skills and kindness, a truly wonderful evening which I highly recommend
Mums Travel Blog Rating: 10/10 ( I would give it an 11 if I could)
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