BB’s Crabback: Experiencing Grenada’s Most Celebrated Waterfront Caribbean Restaurant

When searching for authentic Caribbean dining experiences in Grenada, one name consistently rises above all others: BB’s Crabback. Located in the picturesque capital of St. George’s, this vibrant waterfront restaurant has earned its reputation as the Island of Spice’s most celebrated culinary destination, attracting food enthusiasts from around the globe.

Discovering BB’s Crabback: Location and Atmosphere

Positioned along Grand Etang Road near the Carenage in St. George’s, BB’s Crabback occupies a prime waterfront location that offers diners stunning views across the harbor toward Port Louis Marina. The restaurant’s colorful exterior, adorned with lush tropical plants, makes it easy to spot, though friendly locals are always willing to point visitors in the right direction.

Upon entering this beloved Caribbean eatery, guests encounter a unique dining atmosphere that blends rustic charm with authentic island character. The walls showcase an impressive collection of newspaper and magazine clippings from prestigious publications including The Telegraph, Time Out, and OK Magazine, documenting the restaurant’s remarkable journey to culinary fame. Even more distinctive is the tradition of having guests sign the walls with marker pens before leaving—a practice that has transformed the interior into a living scrapbook of memories from visitors worldwide.

The open-air design ensures a refreshing breeze flows through the dining space, with paper lanterns swaying gently overhead. Diners can relax at waterfront tables, listening to waves lap against the deck while savoring their meals. This combination of casual elegance and genuine Caribbean atmosphere creates an unforgettable dining environment that keeps visitors returning year after year.

The Inspiring Story Behind BB’s Crabback

The success story of BB’s Crabback is intrinsically linked to its owner and chef, Brian Benjamin, whose culinary journey spans two continents and several decades. Born in Grenada, Brian moved to London at age thirteen in 1971, where his family settled into their new life abroad.

Brian’s formal culinary education began with a cookery apprenticeship at London Transport, where he mastered classical French cuisine techniques. His career progressed through positions at the Renaissance Hotel at Heathrow Airport, where his talent earned him several prestigious Salon Culinaire awards. These experiences provided the technical foundation that would later distinguish his Caribbean cooking.

In 1993, at thirty-five years old, Brian took a leap of faith and opened his first BB’s Crabback restaurant in Ealing, west London. Though the establishment found favor among London’s Caribbean community, it struggled financially despite serving authentic dishes taught to Brian by his grandmother. Eventually, the difficult decision was made to close the restaurant.

However, this apparent setback proved to be a blessing in disguise. In 2007, Brian returned to his Grenadian roots and reopened BB’s Crabback in St. George’s at its current waterfront location. This homecoming marked the beginning of the restaurant’s transformation into Grenada’s premier dining destination.

Celebrity Recognition and Media Appearances

BB’s Crabback’s reputation extends far beyond Grenada’s shores. In 2019, the restaurant gained international attention when it was featured on British celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott’s acclaimed television series, “Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen.” During the episode, Brian Benjamin demonstrated how to prepare oil down, Grenada’s beloved national dish, showcasing the authentic cooking techniques that have made his restaurant famous.

Over the years, the establishment has welcomed numerous celebrities and notable figures, with photographs of guests like Oprah Winfrey and Mick Jagger adorning the walls alongside thousands of handwritten messages from satisfied diners.

Farm-to-Table Philosophy: Fresh, Local Ingredients

What truly sets BB’s Crabback apart is Brian Benjamin’s unwavering commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The majority of produce served at the restaurant comes directly from the family’s own garden, where they cultivate an impressive variety of tropical fruits including lemons, limes, pineapples, and passion fruit. Fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs like lettuce, peppers, rosemary, and thyme are also grown on-site.

Any ingredients not available from the family garden are sourced from nearby organic farms and local butchers. This farm-to-table approach ensures superior quality and flavor while supporting Grenada’s agricultural community. The restaurant maintains a strict policy against using chemically enhanced or hormone-treated supermarket products, prioritizing authenticity and health in every dish.

Signature Dishes You Cannot Miss

BB’s Famous Crabback

The restaurant’s namesake dish is an absolute must-try for any visitor. Priced at approximately $36 Eastern Caribbean dollars, the crabback features fresh, flaky crabmeat expertly combined with tangy cheese, white wine, rich cream, and aromatic local herbs. This mixture is cooked over gentle heat before being stuffed back into the crab shell for presentation.

While the dish may not win awards for visual presentation, its extraordinary flavor profile has made it legendary throughout the Caribbean. The combination of creamy texture with the natural sweetness of fresh crab creates an unforgettable taste experience that justifies the restaurant’s name and reputation.

Brian’s Signature Goat Curry

Another standout menu item is BB’s goat curry, priced at $71 EC. This dish showcases Brian’s mastery of traditional Caribbean cooking techniques. The goat meat is slow-cooked until it becomes tender enough to fall off the bone, served in a gently-spiced curry sauce topped with coconut shavings. The curry comes accompanied by fragrant rice and peas, traditionally served in hollowed-out bamboo cane—a presentation that adds visual appeal and authenticity to the dining experience.

For those unfamiliar with goat meat, it offers a flavor profile similar to beef or mild game, with a texture comparable to lamb. The slow-cooking process ensures the meat remains tender and absorbs the rich flavors of the curry sauce.

King Prawns Seretse

Named after Brian’s second son, the King Prawns Seretse ($79 EC) represents a creative fusion of Caribbean flavors. This distinctive dish features giant prawns cooked in butter with lobster and mango sauce—an unexpected but delicious combination that demonstrates Brian’s culinary innovation. The sweet tropical notes of mango complement the rich, buttery prawns and lobster sauce, creating a truly unique Caribbean dining experience.

Menu Highlights: Family-Inspired Dishes

Brian Benjamin’s love for his family is evident throughout the menu, with several dishes named after family members. Ava’s Pancakes honors one of his twin daughters, while Meaty Mia celebrates the other. This personal touch adds warmth to the dining experience, reminding guests that they’re enjoying home-style cooking elevated to restaurant quality.

The Meaty Mia features fresh chicken breast from home-grown birds, marinated in herbs and spices, then cooked in coconut oil and served atop a cushion of sweet potato and Caribbean ham mash—a creative presentation that highlights local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Desserts and Sweet Endings

Despite the generous portion sizes at BB’s Crabback, the dessert menu tempts diners to save room for something sweet. The signature dessert is bananas flamed in rum and lemon ($29 EC), prepared tableside for dramatic effect. This show-stopping finale combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the caramel notes of rum and bright citrus from fresh lemon.

Other popular dessert options include Eliza’s Sweet Potato Pudding, a traditional Caribbean dessert that showcases the versatility of this staple ingredient in an unexpectedly sweet preparation.

Practical Information for Visitors

BB’s Crabback welcomes guests seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Given the restaurant’s popularity, especially during cruise ship arrivals and peak tourist season, advance reservations are strongly recommended. Guests can call (473) 435-7058 to secure a table.

The restaurant maintains a casual dress code appropriate for the Caribbean climate, with waterfront seating available on a first-come basis. Service typically includes an 18% gratuity, which is standard for Grenadian restaurants. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

For the best experience, try to visit on days when cruise ships are not in port, as the restaurant can become quite busy. Corner tables offering views in multiple directions are highly sought after and provide the most scenic dining experience.

Why BB’s Crabback Stands Out

Several factors combine to make BB’s Crabback Grenada’s premier dining destination. The restaurant’s commitment to authentic, farm-to-table Caribbean cuisine ensures every dish bursts with fresh, local flavors. Brian Benjamin’s culinary expertise, honed through formal training and family tradition, creates food that honors Grenadian heritage while maintaining professional standards.

The waterfront location adds romantic ambiance, particularly during sunset hours when the harbor views are especially spectacular. The informal atmosphere, evidenced by the guest-signed walls and casual service style, creates a welcoming environment where tourists and locals alike feel comfortable.

Perhaps most importantly, BB’s Crabback offers genuine cultural immersion. Dining here provides more than just a meal—it offers insight into Grenadian hospitality, culinary traditions, and community spirit that defines the Island of Spice.

Planning Your Visit to BB’s Crabback

When planning a trip to Grenada, make BB’s Crabback a priority on your culinary itinerary. The restaurant’s central St. George’s location makes it easily accessible from most accommodations along the southern coast. Taxi drivers and locals can provide directions, as the establishment is well-known throughout the island.

Budget approximately two to three hours for the full dining experience, allowing time to enjoy drinks, appetizers, mains, and perhaps dessert while taking in the waterfront views. The signature crabback works perfectly as a shared appetizer, allowing dining companions to sample other menu items as well.

For photographers and social media enthusiasts, the colorful interior, waterfront views, and beautifully presented dishes provide excellent opportunities for capturing memories. Don’t forget to add your own message to the walls before departing—it’s an integral part of the BB’s Crabback tradition.

BB’s Crabback represents everything that makes Caribbean dining special: fresh local ingredients, time-honored cooking techniques, warm hospitality, and an atmosphere that encourages guests to relax and savor each moment. Whether you’re seeking authentic Grenadian cuisine, waterfront ambiance, or simply an unforgettable meal, this St. George’s institution delivers on every level.

Brian Benjamin’s journey from London apprentice to celebrated Caribbean chef has created a dining destination that honors Grenadian culinary heritage while earning international acclaim. From the signature crabback to the slow-cooked goat curry, each dish tells a story of tradition, family, and passion for authentic Caribbean flavors.

For anyone visiting Grenada, a meal at BB’s Crabback isn’t just recommended—it’s essential to fully experiencing the Island of Spice’s vibrant food culture.

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