Pirates' Nest

Description:

• Open-air, beachside dining is the allure of this breezy restaurant at the Bucuti Beach Resort. Built to resemble a 16th-century Dutch galleon, the structure contrasts sharply with the elegant beach surroundings. The extensive menu ranges from inexpensive soups, salads, and sandwiches to more substantial fare (mostly seafood). Start with oak-smoked Scottish salmon with onions and capers, or the flavorful bouillabaisse. Sautéed jumbo shrimp in creamy chile, garlic, and cognac sauce is a zesty main course; other marine options include mahimahi, grouper, sea bass, and red snapper. Not everything served comes from the sea, however. There's beef stroganoff, rib-eye steak, grilled chicken in mango and pink peppercorn sauce; several vegetarian dishes round out the menu. Call in advance for a private table on the beach.

• © Frommer's 2012