Barbados Restaurants: Josef’s Restaurant is the best
Choosing a vacation destination is no easy task. There are so many places to go, so many different things to do. If you are a culinary guru, Barbados may be the best destination to travel to. Barbados restaurants are among the best in the world. In particular, Josef’s Restaurant, combines an incomparable atmosphere with exquisite cuisine. Josef’s Restaurant emerged on the Barbados restaurant scene years ago. About six years ago, Patron/Chef Thomas Harris took over the operation and has made Josef’s the best restaurant in Barbados.
What sets Josef’s apart from all other restaurants on the island is the sexy, romantic atmosphere and culinary creativity. Josef’s was originally a plantation house on the water located right in the middle of Christ Church. When it became a restaurant, the original structure was maintained and slight modifications were made to the interior. These changes include two elegant and romantic lounges filled with elegant sofas, coffee tables and comfortable chairs. They serve as the introduction to a memorable culinary experience. Patrons enjoy cocktails at a leisurely pace before being escorted by friendly staff to the dining room, nestled between the garden of the old house and the calm sea. There are about 9 tables facing the sea, along with another 20 or so with views of the water. There are also two elegant dining gazebos, slightly raised on the outskirts of the garden for intimate meals.
The cuisine is much more diverse than many other restaurants in Barbados. Most restaurants in Barbados offer “modern” cuisine, often a bit over the top. It is curious how last year it was very popular and elegant to add spices and aromatic herbs to homemade sorbets. On my last visit to Barbados, every fine dining restaurant featured this on their menu. All Barbados restaurants except Josef’s. Those who follow culinary trends know that this was all the rage in the late 1980s and has returned today due to a lack of innovation. Josef’s does not fall under this pressure. It features classic dishes, modernized with an Asian touch and a French delicacy; combining local seafood and meats with the freshest fruits and vegetables available.
Barbados restaurants also have impeccable wine lists. Since the wine list at Josef’s changes regularly to keep up with new trends and well-balanced vintages, it would be unwise to make any recommendations. Needless to say, excellent French selections are available, as well as phenomenal finds from South and North America. Josef’s also features a unique reserve list filled with cellar selections from around the world to complement Harris’s culinary creations.
More is to come from this jewel of a Barbados restaurant. Thomas Harris is in the process of converting the plantation house’s upstairs room, which currently serves as an events area, into a Japanese restaurant offering authentic Asian cuisine and sushi made from the freshest local fish. Although some sushi and Asian items are already on the main menu, Harris would like to explore his Asian culinary talents further and give customers a little more variety in the Josef experience.
After eating at almost every restaurant in Barbados, a stop at Josef’s completes the trip. I could go on and on about Josef’s, but I’ll leave you with the following tips for your meal there:
Appetizer: try the stuffed crab with mango sauce and Thai red curry sauce or the shredded duck leg with tricolor peppers and mooshu pancakes.
Entrée: Fresh catch of the day served with tomato fondue, grilled vegetables, creamed potatoes and sweet saffron sauce or the herb crusted rack of lamb with sweet pea puree, spinach puree, grilled vegetables and mint juice.
Dessert- Fresh lemon mousse with mango sorbet. Try it accompanied by a glass of chilled wine.