La Tartaruga Tobago: The Best Italian Restaurant in Tobago
Nestled in the heart of Buccoo, Tobago, La Tartaruga is a hidden gem that offers an authentic taste of Italian cuisine in the Caribbean. With a breezy seaside patio, an award-winning wine list, and a reputation for fresh, homemade pasta, this charming restaurant is a must-visit for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and travelers exploring Tobago. Whether you’re a local or a visitor looking for the best Italian food in Tobago, La Tartaruga promises an unforgettable dining experience.
La Tartaruga is easily one of the best Italian restaurants in Tobago—but until we’ve tried them all, we’ll hold off on making it the official champion!
Authentic Italian Dining in Tobago
Established in 1992 by Milan native Gabriele de Gaetano, La Tartaruga—meaning “The Turtle”—pays homage to the leatherback turtles that grace Tobago’s shores. The restaurant is committed to fresh, high-quality ingredients, offering a menu of homemade pasta, seafood, and classic Italian dishes.
For those searching for the best restaurants in Tobago, La Tartaruga stands out with its fine dining experience and a warm, welcoming ambiance.
Our Dining Experience at La Tartaruga
From the moment we arrived, the friendly service set the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable evening. After enjoying the homemade bread brought to the table, we got to ordering a delicious meal. You can view La Tartaruga’s dinner menu here.
Appetizers
- Tomino Grigliato – A grilled cheese appetizer with a nice balance of texture and flavor.
Main Course
- Vodka Pasta – Featuring homemade pasta, cooked to perfection with a rich, creamy sauce. (A must-try!)
- Shrimp Alfredo – A delicious seafood pasta dish. While tasty, we both agreed the vodka pasta was the winner of the night!
Wine Selection
One of La Tartaruga’s standout features is its extensive wine list, with over 200 Italian wines. Recognized with the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence annually since 2002, this restaurant is one of the best places for wine lovers in Trinidad and Tobago.
If you’re unsure what to pick, the staff will happily recommend the best wine pairings for your meal. We enjoyed a bottle of rosé which was light, refreshing, and a great match for our pasta dishes.
Dessert
- Affogato al Caffé – A heavenly combination of espresso and vanilla ice cream. It was so good, we didn’t want it to end!
Atmosphere & Setting at La Tartaruga
The seaside patio dining area is intimate and inviting, allowing guests to enjoy a cool Caribbean breeze as they dine. On Friday night, it was surprisingly quiet, though the energy of Buccoo was alive across the street at Buccoo Boardwalk where local music and festivities carried into the night.
The bar area also looked like a great spot to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or a glass of wine before your meal.
More Than Just a Restaurant: Explore Tobago’s Heritage
Beyond its exceptional Italian food, La Tartaruga offers something unique—a museum showcasing Tobago’s history and heritage. The restaurant owners also manage the museum, giving guests an opportunity to explore local culture before or after their meal.
If you’re interested in visiting, it’s best to plan ahead and schedule a tour in advance. We inquired while dining and they surprisingly offered to provide a tour after our meal when they were usually by appointment only – probably because it was a quiet night for the restaurant. Usually you will need to pre-book an appointment if you want to visit the museum.
Why La Tartaruga is a Great Italian Restaurant in Tobago
- Authentic Italian cuisine with fresh, homemade pasta and seafood.
- Award-winning wine list featuring over 200 Italian wines.
- Seaside dining in Tobago with a breezy patio and romantic ambiance.
- Excellent service and knowledgeable staff to guide your dining experience.
- Unique cultural experience with an optional museum tour showcasing Tobago’s heritage.
Will We Be Back?
Of course! We’re already looking forward to returning to La Tartaruga to try more of their dishes, sample a few more wines, and finally explore the museum. This restaurant truly offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Tobago, and we can’t wait to visit again.
Final Thoughts: Is La Tartaruga Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for one of the best Italian restaurants in Tobago, La Tartaruga is the place to be. With its delicious food, impeccable wine selection, and warm hospitality, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or simply indulging in great Italian cuisine.
The use cute children’s artwork on the front and back of the menus.
Tips for Visiting La Tartaruga:
- Make a reservation, especially on weekends.
- Ask for wine pairings to elevate your meal.
- Schedule a museum tour in advance if you’re interested in Tobago’s history.
- Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at their beautiful bar.
- Sit on the patio for a breezy, relaxed dining experience.
Have you dined at La Tartaruga? Let me know your favorite dish in the comments!
