Choosing a vacation destination is not an easy task. There are so many places to go, so many different things to do. If you are a culinary guru, Barbados may be the ideal travel destination. Barbados restaurants are among the best in the world. In particular, Josef’s Restaurant combines an incomparable atmosphere with exquisite cuisine. Josef’s Restaurant emerged on the Barbados restaurant scene years ago. About six years ago, skipper / chef Thomas Harris took over the operation and has made Josef’s the best restaurant in Barbados.

What sets Josef’s apart from all the other restaurants on the island is the sexy, romantic atmosphere and culinary creativity. Josef’s was originally a plantation house on the water located right in the middle of Christ Church. When it was converted into a restaurant, the original structure was maintained while slight modifications were made to the interior. These changes include two elegant and romantic living rooms loaded with elegant capes, coffee tables and comfy chairs. They serve as an introduction to a memorable culinary experience. Clients enjoy cocktails at a leisurely pace before being escorted by the friendly staff to the dining room, nestled between the garden of the old house and the calm sea. There are about 9 tables facing the sea, along with about 20 more overlooking the water. There are also two elegant dining gazebos, slightly elevated outside the garden for intimate meals.

The gastronomy is much more diverse than many other restaurants in Barbados. Most restaurants in Barbados offer “trendy” cuisine, sometimes a bit over the top. It’s funny how last year it was very popular and elegant to add aromatic spices and herbs to homemade sorbets. On my last visit to Barbados, every fine dining restaurant included this on their menu. All the restaurants in Barbados, that is, except Josef’s. Those who follow culinary trends know that this was all the rage in the late 80s only to return to the present day due to a lack of innovation. Josef’s does not fall under this pressure. It offers classic dishes, modernized with Asian flair and French delicacy; combining local dishes and meats with the freshest fruits and vegetables available.

Barbados restaurants also have impeccable wine lists. Because Josef’s wine list changes regularly to keep up with new trends and well-balanced vintages, it would be unwise to make any recommendations. Needless to say, top-notch French selections are available, as well as phenomenal finds from South and North America. Josef’s also has a unique reserve list filled with selections from wineries from around the world to complement Harris’s culinary creations.

More is to come from this gem of a Barbados restaurant. Thomas Harris is in the process of converting the plantation house’s upstairs room, which currently serves as a function area, into a Japanese restaurant offering authentic Asian cuisine and sushi made with the freshest local fish. Although some sushi and Asian items are already on the main menu, Harris would like to explore his Asian culinary talents in more depth and provide customers with a little more variety in Josef’s experience.

After eating at almost every restaurant in Barbados, the stop at Josef’s completes the trip. I could go on talking about Josef’s, but I’ll leave you with the following tips for your food there:

Appetizer: Try the stuffed crab loin with mango sauce and Thai red curry sauce or the shredded duck leg with tri-colored bell peppers and mooshu pancakes.

Starter- Fresh fish of the day served with tomato fondue, roasted vegetables, cream potatoes and sweet saffron sauce or the herb-encrusted rack of lamb with sweet pea puree, spinach puree, roasted vegetables and mint juice.

Dessert- Freshly made lemon mousse with mango sorbet. Try this with a glass of chilled wine.