Topside in Roatan

[parrotheaddiver]

For NorthernMelody re: Topside in Utila:

Utila is VERY laid back, think Roatan 20 years ago, long before the cruise ships & condos. It has an amazing mix of people from the local culture, to the various nationalities that have come here to do dive courses.

Hi Erin.....ah yes Roatan 20-30yrs ago..I remember it well....so Utila should be the garden of Eden....girl still haven't made it over there to see you....a lot of time but no money lol.....I hope you and Billy have a wonderful holiday season....still think about you guys....
Ann

 

[Doc]

What about Restraunts in Roatan ? any suggestions have been to Stingrays and another cant remember the name any other suggestions ?

Many people go to Geo's and Romeo's (French Harbour), but they are very North American. The food is well above average, and for Roatan... high cuisine, but very similar to any B+ level restaurant in Ohio. Prices are up there.

Two on West End have always had my attention: The Argentinian Grille (the real name escapes me) and The "Garden of Eatin" (Cuban+Chineese).

I also have had great food at "The View", located 10 minutes East of CocoView and Fantasy Island.

These places are fun, tribal and very local in feel and flavor. They are not dependant on your drinking to have a good time. Reasonably priced, too.

That was last week. Are these good places still in business? Anybody remember the fabulous Tres Flores? Great food, fabulous view, treacherous ride to get there!

 

[NorthernMelody]

Thanks for the info, my husband and the teen we mentor will appriciate it.

 

[champ]

I would recomend a white water raft trip in the Pico Bonito National park. You can also spend the night up in the mountains ... plus they have some sweat canopy tours near the park. It makes for a great way to spend a few days without diving before you head back home ...

 

[SteveFass]

Best meal I found was in the Argentinian Grill on the east side of West End. I tried a few things there, but the best by far was the whole grilled snapper, head attached. With two sides and be sure to have it with the local microbrew, Bay Island Something-or-other. Total price with tip was $15 US.

Second best meal i found was at Rotisserie Chicken all the way on west side of West End. Get the ...chicken, but they also make a good veggie burrito.

You can also find a really good mixed greens salad. I was told it is now grown on the island.

I think the Garden of Eatin may be closed. Sorry RM.

 

[Bay Island Diver]

The garden of Eaten has moved and is now on the road between West End and West Bay, It is still one of the best places to eat and is a 4 minute taxi ride from West End.

HTH

Will

 

[pparkinson]

There is a fantastic restaurant to the east of Cocoview. It has a fantastic view over the hills leading to the ocean.

 

[undefined]

How about spend the last afternoon sitting at Sundowners pondering why you would ever leave this place (and buying the off-duty divemasters drinks). When the sun goes down, get some food at one of the local places, and head on over to the Purple Turtle. With any luck you will be unable to make your morning flight but will recover in time for an afternoon dive.

Roatan is not a topside town, except in the benefit of socializing. Find a quiet stretch of beach or iron shore and read a good book while sipping some rum or Port Royal.

Also - Dian's Garden of Eat'n is still open. It is, in my humble opinion, quite pricey for Roatan. The food is good, but my wife and I were not overly impressed in comparison to many of the other places we went to on our last two trips. The prices range from 250L - ~300L (18.5L = $1), which by Roatan standards is a kings ransom. The filet mignon at Argentinian is 240L, compared to the rather paltry portion of red curry chicken at Dian's for 250L. Perhaps we ordered the wrong meals, but I felt that Dian's was more about atmosphere and the sense of a "nice restaraunt" than it was about a good dinner. Lastly, if you decide to walk it, be warned that there are very limited street lights between Dian's and West End - it's a 10 - 15 minute walk in complete darkness. Great chance to view the stars, but try to avoid the maniacs driving along at 50kmph.

 

[jawfish]

I like going to the West End. I know it has been said, but it is a pleasant small town feel, nice to walk around, shop, have a drink, lay on the beach.... RELAX!