Tropical Sunset Restaurant & Bar
Barefoot Caribbean seafood under the sea grape trees on Shoal Bay East
Why Go
Powder-white sand between your toes, a rum punch sweating in your hand, and a plate of just-off-the-boat snapper landing in front of you ΓÇö this is the kind of laid-back beachfront lunch that turns a good Anguilla day into a great one.
The Experience
Tucked into the shady sea grape trees at the quiet end of Shoal Bay East, Tropical Sunset trades white-tablecloth formality for open-air decks, ocean breezes, and a soundtrack of soft reggae. You're literally steps from one of the Caribbean's most famous beaches ΓÇö turquoise water, blinding-white sand, and a horizon that goes on forever. Service is unhurried in the best island way; the crowd is a mix of sun-happy day-trippers, boat crews, and locals who've been coming for years. Come for lunch, linger through the afternoon, and let the rhythm of the beach set the pace.
What to Try
The Grilled Fish of the Day is the move ΓÇö whatever came in that morning, brushed with island seasoning and cooked over the grill. Anguillian classics anchor the menu: crispy crab fritters, coconut-crusted snapper, and the local delicacy, conch (curried, in soup, or as fritters). Splurge on the grilled lobster tail when in season, cool off with coconut ceviche, and don't skip the jerk-seasoned specialties. Wash it all down with a rum punch or a cold Carib.
Insider Tip
They're only open 10 AM to 5:30 PM ΓÇö this is a daytime spot, not a sunset dinner destination despite the name. Come for a late lunch around 2 PM after the beach crowd thins, grab a deck table on the water side, and you'll basically have your own private slice of Shoal Bay for the golden-hour glow before they close up.
The Practical Stuff
Located on Shoal Bay East, Anguilla. Open daily 10 AM ΓÇô 5:30 PM (lunch and early-afternoon only; no dinner service). Casual beachwear welcome ΓÇö cover-ups over swimsuits are fine. Cash and cards accepted. Reservations aren't usually needed, but seaside tables fill up fast on cruise-ship and holiday days, so arrive by noon if you want the best view. Parking is available at the beach access road; from there it's a short sandy walk.
Pair It With
- Shoal Bay East Beach — The two-mile stretch of powder-white sand right at the restaurant's doorstep ΓÇö plan a swim and a sunbathe before or after lunch to make it a full beach day.
- Uncle Ernie's Guide — Another legendary Shoal Bay beach shack a short stroll down the sand ΓÇö worth a stop for a cold beer and a taste of Anguilla's original barefoot-bar scene.
- Fountain Cavern National Park — A short drive inland from Shoal Bay, this Amerindian archaeological site adds a dose of Anguillian history to a beach-heavy itinerary.
- Scilly Cay Guide — For a second-day beach-restaurant experience, hop the short boat ride to this tiny island cay off Island Harbour for grilled lobster and rum punch.