The Larder
Where St. John's grabs its sushi fix, wood-fired pizza and small-batch gelato
Why Go
Ask an Antiguan where to find the island's best sushi and there's a good chance they'll point you past the beach bars to a bright deli-café on Friars Hill Road. The Larder is the kind of place locals guard quietly — part gourmet deli, part sushi counter, part wood-fired pizzeria — and it's become a daily ritual for St. John's residents who know the daily specials sell out.
The Experience
The Larder feels more like a stylish neighborhood pantry than a tourist restaurant. There's a clean, modern outdoor patio for lingering over Illy coffee, a build-your-own salad bar stacked with fresh seasonal produce, a gelateria case, a fresh juice bar and shelves of premium wines and spirits. The energy is casual and local — office workers grabbing upscale takeaway, families ordering Neapolitan pizzas baked to order in the woodstone oven, and sushi lovers settling in at what's widely called Antigua's best sushi bar. It sits on the Friars Hill Road corridor between St. John's and the airport, making it an easy, air-conditioned pit stop on arrival or departure day.
What to Try
Start with the sushi — it's the house calling card and regulars insist it rivals anything in the Caribbean. The signature burger is a strong contender for best on the island, and the thin-crust Napolitano-style pizzas come blistered straight from the wood-fired oven. Build a plate at the salad bar if you want something lighter, then finish with small-batch gelato in classic or seasonal flavors and an Illy espresso. Check the daily specials board — the rotating menu is where the kitchen shows off.
Insider Tip
Sign up for the daily menu via WhatsApp or email like the locals do — specials and fresh sushi batches can run out by mid-afternoon, so ordering ahead for takeaway is the smart move. It's also a favorite stop for stocking a villa or yacht: the deli's pre-packed hummus, salads and gourmet groceries plus the wine selection make it a one-stop provisioning run, and the team caters events up to 600 guests.
The Practical Stuff
Located at Royal Palms on Friars Hill Road, St. John's — about 10 minutes from V.C. Bird International Airport and an easy taxi or rental-car stop from the cruise port or north-coast resorts. Dine-in, takeaway and full catering are available, with customizable menus for dietary needs. Prices sit in the moderate-to-upscale casual range, and it's busiest at lunchtime on weekdays. Contact and daily menus are handled via WhatsApp, and parking is straightforward at the plaza.
Pair It With
- St. John's Heritage Quay & Market — Browse the capital's shops, cathedral and Saturday-morning market, then escape the cruise-day bustle with a relaxed deli lunch on the way back north.
- Runaway or Dickenson Bay Beach — Pick up Larder sushi, salads and gelato to go — the north-coast beaches are minutes away and perfect for a gourmet picnic at sunset.
- V.C. Bird International Airport Guide — The Larder sits on the airport corridor, making it the ideal first meal after landing or a far better final bite than terminal food before you fly.
