While in Barbados this past week, I continued my slow food journey around the island, stopping off at the beautiful Cafe Luna on Barbados’ southern coast. Cafe Luna graciously invited me to join them for sunset cocktails and farm to table dining under the stars. It rained ALL day (you’ll notice how lush the plants look in some of the photos outside the restaurant). I was quite nervous about how the sunset would turn out, but the rain cleared up just in time to offer a stunning sunset before the best meal I’ve had on the island.
We arrived at the Little Arches Hotel, home to Cafe Luna, around 5 pm. Upon arrival we explored the hotel grounds just before sunset, and found Cafe Luna nestled on the rooftop. This beautifully designed hotel has a mediterranean architecture style and is decorated with tropical flowers galore. It was like walking into paradise. It is the perfect ambiance distract you from your everyday worries and let you slip into a whole new world.
3 fish greet visitors at the fountain just outside the main entrance.
You’ll find beautiful tile mosaics and local pottery decorating the grounds of the Little Arches Hotel & Cafe Luna.
Once we reached the top of the staircase, we walked into a beach lover’s dream. From the beautifully decorated rooftop we could see the ocean, the pool, and most importantly the sunset about to disappear into the ocean. The bar was open when we arrived, but the kitchen does not open until 6pm. Keep this in mind if you are hoping to catch the sunset in the winter months!
The Drinks
Over cocktails, we chatted with Chef Moo about his experience in Barbados, how he came to live on the island, and the opening of the restaurant 13 years ago. Chef Moo is a Canadian, like many others on the island, and discovered the island when invited to spend a winter here with a friend many years ago. Just a few years later, in 2003, Cafe Luna opened at the same time as the Little Arches Hotel and it has been one of the best known restaurants on the island ever since. What drew me to Cafe Luna was its participation in the slow food movement in Barbados. Eating locally to promote good, clean, and fair food for all. To learn more about the slow food movement in Barbados click here. For reviews of the slow food restaurants I’ve visited on the island click here.
Per Chef Moo’s recommendation, I sampled the Passionfruit Colada made with Rum, Passoa, Passionfruit Puree, Pineapple, and Coconut Cream.
To kick off the evening we sampled tropical cocktails. For me, it was the Passionfruit Colada as recommended by Chef Moo.
We chose this quirky wine to accompany our meal.
The Food
The menu offered several amazing dishes, making it a challenge to decide what to eat. I was fortunate to have a dining companion so I could sample more of the menu. When in Barbados, eat local! And that means the fish. We opted for the Mahi Mahi and a gnocchi to start the evening off. This was my first time trying Mahi Mahi and it was amazing. With smoked Mahi Mahi topping a potato pancake, I’m not sure I could have had a better introduction to the world of dolphin.
Local smoked Mahi Mahi on a warm potato pancake with wasabi mayonnaise and capers.
Local organic sweet potato gnocchi with sautéed local spinach, local smoked, bacon, and cheese sauce.
Next we ordered the fish crepe (another first for me!) and the bouillabaisse for my companion as our entrees. Both dishes included local fish and vegetable ingredients.
Local fresh fish, crab, and shrimp in white burgundy parmesan cream wrapped in their homemade crepe, garnished with local tomato fresh basil sauce.
Fresh local fish and shellfish simmered in a local tomato pernod broth served with organic citrus aioli and garlic, herb, parmesan bread.
Of course by the time the dessert menu came around, I was absolutely stuffed, but if you know me, you know I can never turn down a chocolate dessert! We ordered a chocolate cheesecake to share and it was absolutely divine. Even though my travel companion is not usually a fan of dessert, she came back for seconds on this one.
White & Dark Chocolate Baked Cheesecake
Bajan Coffee with Mt Gay Rum
The bottom line? If you will be spending time in Barbados be sure to add Cafe Luna to your itinerary for fabulous food, a great sunset view, and dinner under the stars. We had a wonderful experience and cannot wait to return.
I received a complimentary meal as part of my research on Slow Food in Barbados. Although the meal was complimentary, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the restaurant.
Wow! Amazing view and the food looks yummy!!! Makes me wanna go to Barbados!!!
Those sunsets are too die for! That food! Fish crepe, the passion fruit drinks, the Mahi over the potato thing…I want all of it!
Wow, beautiful space and the food looks amazing! Thanks for sharing xo, sharon
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Gorgeous sunsets! The food looks amazing x
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I’ve never heard of the term “slow food” and love the concept. So glad the rain stopped and you were able to capture a gorgeous sunset. The photos are amazing.
Wow, this restaurant looks delicious and the views are incredible. I am dying to visit Barbados and will keep this restaurant in mind.
So jealous you’re eating delicious food in sunny Barbados! I’m currently dieting and freezing in Pennsylvania. This place looks so lovely, especially for a sunset meal.Love that you’re doing a series on slow food!
Cocktails in Barbados…you don’t need to twist my arm. I’m in! Cafe Luna has a real Spanish feel to it. What a great spot to catch the sunset.
The meal looks magnificent! What a marvelous little place, too. I love the grotto vibes. The patio at sunset would be to die for too. Man – now I want to go!
The place looks awesome with sea-view, a treat for tired eyes. And the food spread a treat for the hungry! Great photos.
Is there anything better than eating great food as the sun sets and the stars come out? This looks magical to me — and that’s not just because I’m wildly coveting that chocolate cheesecake! Cafe Luna looks like a must if (when) I get to Barbados!
Sounds like a fabulous setting – I’ve always found that the sunsets are actually even more stunning than usual when it’s just after rain 🙂 I love that Cafe Luna actively participates in the slow food movement in Barbados. I hope more restaurants jump onto the same movement 🙂
How cozy does this place look!? That view and those gorgeous star lanterns are just incredible! That cheesecake looks especially yummy! I’m glad you were able to enjoy the sunset and I love the idea of slow food -this is the first I’ve heard of it! Cheers!
What a great spot for sunset! Those cocktails look good, but he real draw for me would be the fish – very tasty!
Sorry you are getting all that rain in Paradise. I have been following you on Instagram 😛
This places looks so amazing – and that sunset is out of this world.
I just recently became obsessed with passion fruit – so I would definitely be kicking back two or three of those <3
It was my first experience with passion fruit, but really amazing!!
Sounds delicious. I love fresh seafood. Great that everything is local!
What a stunning place to eat – love the decor and the view! And the food doesn’t look half bad either. I’m glad the rain didn’t spoil it.
My what a lovely place to relax and enjoy fine dining. Love your photos and narrative. How fun for a getaway to have a beautiful setting, great food, and a property that shines, even in the rain.
I was in Barbados once more than 20 years ago, when I was young and broke and couldn’t afford such treats. Time to go back, maybe. Thanks for the tips.
Definitely, and you can certainly do the island on a budget.
Yummy! And such a beautiful view! I will save this one down for when I go to Barbados. Have wanted to go there already for the last 2 years! X