Dining at The Crane

By

Ins & Outs of Barbados

March 13, 2025

The Crane Resort is one of the oldest and most acclaimed hotels in Barbados. With world class amenities, on-site duty free shopping and a plethora of souvenirs, The Crane is also home to a diverse array of exceptional dining experiences, each offering its own unique ambiance and flavors.

Zen

Zen is a top-rated destination for authentic Japanese and Thai cuisine, set against the stunning backdrop of Barbados’ southeast coast. This elegant restaurant blends sophisticated Asian-inspired architecture with breathtaking views, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling glass frontage overlooking Crane Beach. For a more intimate experience, guests can dine in private Japanese-style booths or gather in the spacious Tatami room, which accommodates up to 16. Whether for a romantic evening or a group celebration, Zen offers an unforgettable dining experience with consistently exceptional food.

The Japanese tasting menu features a beautifully presented bento box with crisp tempura prawns and vegetables, fresh salmon and tuna nigiri, flavorful teriyaki chicken, classic California maki, a refreshing garden salad with ginger dressing, and steamed rice. Meanwhile, the Thai tasting menu offers bold and aromatic flavors, including stir-fried mixed vegetables with garlic and soy sauce, rich Panang curry with chicken or vegetables, cashews, and basil, all served with fragrant jasmine rice.

Azure

Perched above the pink sands of Crane Beach, Azure pairs sweeping Atlantic Ocean views with international coastal cuisine infused with Caribbean flavour. Its boho-chic interiors open onto breezy cliff-top terraces, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated setting for dining from morning through to moonlit evenings. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are at the heart of the menu, with dishes inspired by the flavours and easy-going spirit of coastal living.

Highlights include Snapper Crudo with cucumber, dill and Scotch bonnet oils, Caribbean Spice-Crusted Barracuda, Wagyu Strip Steak with chimichurri and Lamb Osso Buco with sweet potato orzo and spiced rum jus. For dessert, guests can indulge in Blueberry Panna Cotta or a rich Hazelnut Cheesecake with dark chocolate ganache.

Poesia No. 3 Trattoria Pizzeria

Bringing the warmth and flavours of an Italian trattoria to The Crane, Poesia No. 3 Trattoria Pizzeria celebrates authentic Italian cooking rooted in family and tradition. The menu features handcrafted pizzas and homemade pastas alongside Italian classics, from Lobster Ravioli and Tagliatelle with Mushrooms and Truffle to slow-cooked Lamb Shank and Mediterranean Sea Bass.

“Poesia” means poetry in Italian and is also the name of the street where Executive Chef Michele Pieragostini grew up and discovered his love of cooking. Many of the dishes trace their roots to his Nonna’s kitchen, using techniques passed down through generations. Finish with a classic Tiramisu, Sicilian Cannolo or indulgent Nutella Pizza for a true taste of la dolce vita.

The Carriage House

Once the main stable of the historic Crane Beach Hotel, The Carriage House Bar & Restaurant has transformed into a charming bar and grill while preserving its old-world allure. Now part of The Crane Resort & Residences, this beautifully restored space—affectionately called "the ruins"—overlooks cascading waterfalls, infinity pools, and breathtaking ocean views.

The menu offers light yet satisfying fare, including the ever-popular Club Sandwich, stacked with fresh ingredients for the perfect bite. For those craving bold flavors, the Chicken Masala is a standout dish, featuring tender chicken in a rich, spiced sauce.

The Carriage House seamlessly blends modern comforts with its rich architectural past, making it a must-visit spot for a memorable dining experience.

While staying at The Crane you can also visit The Grove bar and grill for casual, authentic Bajan food, the Village Cafe for ice cream, specialty coffees, homemade pastries, milkshakes and smoothies, and The Crane’s signature cocktail bar: Bar 1887.

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