Island Chef — Restaurant in Soufrière

Hello People! The Island Chef AKA Speedo located behind the Market in Soufriere is the spot in town for the best food. Healthy, fresh, and cooked to perfection with traditional methods and flavors. When we first met Speedo we were shopping at the adjacent Farmer market hoping to cook some of our own meals while vacationing. Unfortunately, no one was selling seafood. We noticed a small kiosk style restaurant adjacent. They were receiving some fresh fish. I asked if they would sell us some raw fish. Speedo response was yes “No Pressure No Problem”. The fish was Marlin, a favorite. I told Speedo my plan asked if he could set me up with some herbs and oil to cook with. “No Pressure, No Problem”. He had a little accoutrement bag filled up with thyme, rosemary, parsley, turmeric powder, garlic and freshly made coconut oil. Mission accomplished. We had our fish, fruits, and vegetables for a great home cooked meal. We had enough food for several days at the price of one entre at other restaurants. We returned a few days later when catching a boat at the dock. Today it was Mahi grilled served with salad and rice. A side of some taro and yam slices added to the heartiness of the meal. 12 US per plate. A great deal for fresh fish We had been in St Lucia for several days and had not seem Lobster or Conch available on any menus. Bummer. We asked Speedo if he could source conch and/or lobster. He said he could get the couch but needed 24 hours. He said Lobster was in very short supply, but he would try. We placed our conch order. The next day, we went and he had the conch, just like promised. He grilled the conch on the traditional clay pot, chopped it and the added to a concoction of minced vegetable, herbs and spices all bathed in fresh coconut oil. He had his side dishes, today, pasta, rice, salad, plantains, and yam slices. We really enjoyed it. Tender and very rich. Speedo serves a traditional St. Lucian breakfast on Saturdays. Of course, we were running late. When we arrived around noon thinking we probably missed out, Speedo had saved us two portions. He served Bakes and Saltfish with a unsweetened chocolate tea. A concoction of bay leaf, cinnamon bark, nutmeg, unsweet chocolate and star anise. All ground to a powder, steeped, strained. Unique and very tasty. The Salt Fish was mild. Not salty! On our last day he suppressed us with fresh lobster. Grilled and stuffed with a sweet potato mash. Not only beautiful but delicious. We had Bounty Rum drinks and Peton’s. We also enjoyed time sitting at his open kitchen and talking about his food and his island. Speedo, The Island Chef, takes great pride in both. The setting is amazing. Right on the water in the heart of the city. Trust that Speedo also has firm control about what is happening in his area. It is a safe space. One day the ATM in town was not working and we are crying about not having any wine to go with our to go meal. He says “No pressure No Problem” walks out his door, down to the store and purchased us a bottle of wine. Pay me next time says Speedo. Going to a new country and having the privilege of bonding with a local is very cool. Please support this fine...

Island Time. I just want to thank the Island Chef, aka, Speedo for taking such good care of my wife and I when we on our Soufriere adventure. We either ate at Island Chef or took food back to our room almost every day. 9 days! The quality of food is a great bargain with Speedo. Speedo not only was our chef, but he set us up with a friend, Lorne, who acted as our guide around Soufriere. Speedo also introduced us to a local boatowner, Captain Claude. These guys were not affiliated with a tour group, just locals with the pride of St Lucía. With a little help from Speedo and his friends, we ended up exploring all over town and a great hike at Tet Paul. A walk up to the church. A walk out the coast road through the village, where the locals live and dock their boats. There is a Friday lunch fish fry. We had drinks with the locals in town.

Location. On the waterfront next to the Farmers market in the heart of Soufriere.

The Vibe. You’re in good hands with Speedo. No pressure no problem! He controls his area and the locals respect that you’re with Speedo.

Quality Ingredients. Speedo buys his wares right from the farmer’s market. Lots of yams, taro, plantains, spices, herbs and salad. Local fishermen bring him the freshest fish. We had Conch, Red Snapper, Tuna, King Fish and he even cooked a whole Red Snapper Captain Claude caught for us. Salt fish and bakes for breakfast. Last trip we had lobster too. Ask him to order for you.

Value. Best valve in town. We tried a few up-scale places at the hotels and were shocked at the costs. Good but crazy expensive, Speedo has Rum and Pitons at great prices too.

Reservations. Not required but it is very helpful for Speedo to know how many folks he is going to serve. When he is busy he brings in additional helpers.

Dining area. A front row seat on the waterfront with incredible sunsets. On several occasions after long days on the beach or hiking we got our food to go and ate at our room.

I highly recommend the Island Chef Restaurant.

Thank...

Don’t get me wrong: the food in this place is REALLY delicious! It is definitely worth a try if you’re looking for fish or vegan food. BUT: it is super expensive and I’m still not sure if it’s really worth the money. I’ve been here with my girlfriend and we had one vegan and one fish meal. It cost us 30US each! Rumor has it that locals get cheaper prices which is understandable on one hand (since tourists usually have more money) but pretty disappointing on the other hand - knowing that you have to pay more than others. The owner truly is one of a kind - you either like his attitude or not. I found it quite refreshing but I understand that for some he could seem a little bit “rough”. We made a reservation via WhatsApp and the Island Chef told us that we could come at 5:30pm although he normally opens at 6pm. When we arrived he told us that we needed to wait another 30 minutes - he “made a mistake” by letting us come at 5:30pm.

The setting right at the sea where you can watch a beautiful sunset is a big plus.

All in all, I don’t regret eating here. As I said: the food is really enjoyable - hence the 4 stars. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t eat here twice because of the price. In case I didn’t mention it: I was still a bit hungry afterwards. And here’s a sentence I won’t ever forget in my life: “Welcome to the cuisine where I specialize in fish and vegan food”. Cheers,...