Zagat Releases 2010 Best of Barbados Survey

This guide, in its fourth consecutive year, covers 169 restaurants, nightspots, attractions and golf courses, including 10 newcomers, on the island of Barbados from the Atlantic coast to the Caribbean Sea. The ratings and reviews are based on the collective opinions of over 1,500 savvy surveyors. In addition, the guide supplies vital facts about Barbados and a two-page Island map.

"There are so many exciting things to do on the beautiful island of Barbados," said Tim Zagat, CEO of Zagat Survey. "Having a guide to the top places to eat, drink and play that is based on the shared experiences of avid consumers, is an invaluable resource for natives and visitors alike."
The 2010 Best of Barbados guide also comes with "An insider's guide to Rum Shops of Barbados," written by Peter Laurie, author of "The Barbadian Rum Shop – The Other Watering Hole." With over 1,000 Rum Shops in Barbados (there's one rum shop for every church on the island!), the Barbadian Rum Shop is an iconic part of its culture and heritage. Just a few on Laurie's extensive list include, Braddie's Bar in Christ Church, known for its lively atmosphere, pork chops and Friday night karaoke; Village Bar in St. John, famous for its Saturday pudding; and John Moore Bar in St. James, the most famous rum shop on the west coast.

WINNING BARBADOS RESTAURANTS
This year, Top Food honors go to Zen in St. Philip which surveyors say is "worth the drive" for its "brilliant" Japanese-Thai cuisine. The Cliff and The Tides follow as two and three for food. The Cliff also takes No.1 for Décor thanks to its "ultra-romantic" seaside setting, while the "stunning" Wispers on the Bay comes in second place. The Tides is No.1 in the "Top Service" category, and this year's Most Popular restaurant is the "unforgettable" Champers – in summation it's "all you could want in a restaurant". The guide includes a list of Best Buys - restaurants that have high food scores and inexpensive price tags. Topping the list of Best Buys are The Ackee Tree, Shakers Bar & Grill and Bean & Bagel Café.

BARBADOS NIGHTLIFE
Topping the Most Popular Nightlife list (and third for Appeal) is Oistins Fish Fry where surveyors go to "hang out and people-watch, or dance to sweet island music". Other standouts include Bajan Roots & Rhythms and Harbour Lights Nightclub and Dinner Shows, the open air, Bridgetown beach front, "dance in the sand" spot.

BARBADOS ATTRACTIONS
Seizing the top spot for popularity is Harrison's Cave where "informed tour guides" whisk you away into "enchanting" "deep" caves. Taking second place for popularity is Barbados Wildlife Reserve, the "well-maintained" animal park that is home to the island's "famous green monkeys." Rounding out the top three Most Popular category is Atlantis Submarines, taking surveyors 150 feet down to see the "beautiful coral reefs" and "huge schools" of fish. No. 1 for Top Appeal goes to the restored "treasure" Bridgetown Synagogue, and the "crème de la crème of catamaran cruises," Cool Runnings.

BARBADOS GOLF
The 2010 Best of Barbados guide also includes the island's most "well kept" and "dramatic" golf courses, from the "spectacularly manicured" Sandy Lane Country Club, to the "worth every penny" Royal Westmoreland. Golf courses are rated not just for the quality of the course itself, but also for their facilities, service and value.

The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes, including The Crane beach, St. Philips, voted one of the world's sexiest beaches for 2008 by Concierge.com. Barbados is the first and only Zagat-rated Caribbean island with numerous internationally renowned chefs who masterfully put signature spins on local delicacies and traditions. Barbados is also an ideal stage for world-class events and has hosted numerous athletic championships, including the ICC Cricket World Cup Final 2007 and the 2006 PGA World Golf Championship-The Barbados World Cup. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas to quaint bed and breakfasts to award-winning five-star resorts. The newly renovated Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities via newly-launched Jet Blue, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Barbados was voted #8 in the World by Trip Advisor's '2008 Travelers Choice Destination Awards' in its Top 100 Destinations category.