Dixie’s Bar and Restaurant (Spanish Town, 284/495-5640, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Sat., $5–10), across from the ferry dock, is a popular breakfast and lunch diner serving hearty West Indian and American-style food. It is also a great place to soak up local culture, especially in the morning when it seems that just about everybody in Virgin Gorda stops by for a cup of bush tea and something to eat. At lunch you can try local specials like stewed mutton and curried chicken, or play it safe with a sandwich or burger. Dixie’s fried chicken is popular with the locals.

People come all the way from Tortola to pick up their favorite bread, cake, or pastries from LSL Bake Shop (Tower Rd., 284/495-5151, 7 a.m.–11 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 4–11 p.m. Sun., $8–30). In addition to baked goods, LSL serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in its cozy, air-conditioned dining room. This is a popular place for lunch, when students from the nearby school and others stop in for the local lunch.

The Island Pot (Tower Rd., 284/495-6554) serves West Indian lunches and dinners Monday through Saturday, as well as ice cream.

On Friday nights look around the Fire Station on Lee Road to find a full-blown barbecue with fish, chicken, pork, and all kinds of West Indian side dishes including peas and rice, plantains, and coleslaw.