The Best Budget Restaurants on Providenciales
The Turks and Caicos is an expensive destination, especially when it comes to food. A great way to save money is to prepare a few meals yourself, or try one of the less expensive dining establishments.
There are some great inexpensive dining options on Providenciales, both in the Grace Bay area and elsewhere on the island. Many of these restaurants primarily focus on lunch, yet some open later in the day and during the evening. Takeout is available at nearly all of these restaurants.
Most restaurants charge a 12% tourism tax and a 10% service charge, as mandated by the government. However, restaurants that primarily cater to the local market are granted an exemption to charging tax (whether they are serving tourists or not) and typically don't charge the 10% service fee either. Dining at one of these restaurants means you will save money on your meal, on top of what you will save by picking a cheaper place to eat.
Costs listed below are 2024 prices.
Le Comptoir Français
Le Comptoir Français, a French deli located in the Regent Village in central Grace Bay and within walking distance of many resorts, serves some of the best sandwiches on Providenciales. There’s a great range of meat and veggie options to choose from for subs and sandwiches, and there’s also a selection of other dishes and foods, including salads, cheeses, wine, and more.
Sandwiches start at $10 without a side. Drinks and chips cost extra.
The Patty Place
The Patty Place is located at La Petite Place plaza near Ports of Call in central Grace Bay. This small shop primarily serves ice cream and dessert, yet an inexpensive light lunch option is their meat or vegetarian patties. Patties are a Jamaican pastry that can be either sweet or savory and are similar to a meat pie. A large meat patty with a cold drink costs about $5.
Some of the ice cream at the Patty Place is the famous Jamaican Devon House brand, and there’s typically a nice selection of flavors available.
Graceway Gourmet
The Graceway Gourmet supermarket has a very wide selection of prepared foods, custom sandwich and wrap creations, pizza, coffee, pastries, and much more. There's also a salad bar.
Keep in mind that prices vary widely. It’s possible to buy a lunch that's under $10 per person including drinks, yet some options that are priced by item and weight (such as salads or hot lunches) can add up fast.
Graceway Gourmet has a shaded outdoor seating area for customers.
Sweet T's
Sweet T’s, located in the Downtown area of Providenciales, has a polarized reputation: many locals and visitors either love it or hate it. This takeout restaurant specializes in spicy fried chicken wings and French fries, with a small selection of drink choices to go with the food. In any case, Sweet T’s is one of the least expensive dining options on the island, with a serving of wings, fries, and a drink coming in at about $6 or $7.
Food at Sweet T’s is ordered in dollar increments. For example, a meal for one could be “$3 chicken, $2 fries, and soda” for a total of $6. Included in the price is the option of having hot sauce or ketchup drizzled on top of the food.
Caicos Bakery
Caicos Bakery at Caicos Café Plaza in Grace Bay is best known for its fresh bread and pastries, yet also serves several hot and cold options that are ready to eat, including small pizzas, quiches, and baguettes. This shop is one of several small bakeries on the island.
Pizza Pizza
Pizza Pizza on Leeward Highway in central Providenciales is another low-cost dining option. The restaurant mainly serves pizzas to order. However, it also serves pizza by the slice, fried chicken, fries, and biscuits.
Large whole-pie pizzas start at $21, and the typical fried chicken takeout for one costs about $9, including a drink.
Top O' the Cove
Top O’ the Cove Deli is one of the oldest restaurants still operating on Providenciales and is a favorite brunch and lunch spot with locals. The deli offers a wide range of sandwiches, salads, and off-menu dishes.
Top O’ the Cove has both air-conditioned indoor and outdoor seating onsite. Sandwich, chips, and a drink are typically around $15 per person.
Chinson's Grill Shack
If you’re looking for a local restaurant that has a full menu and servers but is also affordable, Chinson's Grill Shack on Leeward Highway is a great spot. The menu includes some great BBQ and jerk dishes, as well as a great complement of other options. The restaurant overlooks the highway, which is actually a little more interesting than it sounds.
You can get a great meal with a drink for about $20 per person.