Positano Restaurant

Someone from this business manages this listing.

1,735 reviews

#1 of 1 Restaurant in Holder's Hill€€€€, Italian, Seafood, Vegetarian friendly

+1 246-432-2731+ Add website

Hours

Sun

18:30 - 20:30

Tue

18:30 - 20:30

Wed

18:30 - 20:30

Thu

18:30 - 20:30

Fri

18:30 - 20:30

Sat

18:30 - 20:30

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Ratings and reviews

4.0

1,735 reviews

#1 of 1 Restaurant in Holder's Hill

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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CUISINES

Italian, Seafood

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Dinner

features

Location and contact

Paynes Bay The House by Elegant Hotels, Holder's Hill 24009 Barbados

+1 246-432-2731

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Can a vegan person get a good meal at this restaurant?

Yes

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About

Enjoy our newest restaurant, Positano, right here in St. James, Barbados. Immerse in authentic, handmade Italian cuisine such as pasta and pizza specially designed by our incredible chefs.

CUISINES

Italian, Seafood

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Dinner

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront

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4.0

1,735 reviews

Excellent

685

Very good

510

Average

281

Poor

147

Terrible

112

Ed P

Boston42 contributions

Nice Location but Otherwise Average

Jan 2020 • couples

We went to Daphne’s for lunch. From the website we expected a higher end restaurant. While a nice location on the beach, it’s far from a high end restaurant. For lunch it’s more of a beach bar. The server seemed to be a newbie but quite pleasant, and he was unsure in answering some of our questions. Overall, service was very slow. The food was nothing special. A Caesar salad with shrimp had small shrimp and was overdressed. An open-faced salade nicoise was “different”, containing, among other things, peas instead of green beans. We were there for a birthday, and the server brought out a small desert with a sparkling candle, a nice touch. Overall, we felt this was, at best, average.

Written 16 January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BernardC1956

Good day 915edp Thank you so very much for taking the time to share your review of Daphne's. We have noted all of your concerns and will review in greater detail, internally. Thanks again for your submission. Regards Bernard C

Written 26 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

nicholasfI7659MO

Tarporley421 contributions

Things you might not realise

Jan 2020 • none

1. The menu is priced in BBD (Barbados dollars), not USD. A plate of barracuda is thus valued at 46 USD, but the menu simply says 92 dollars. One might deduce it surely could not mean USD, but hey, this is Barbados - just half a mile from Sandy Lane. Maybe it could be 92 USD. 2. This price is net. I discovered that VAT applies, and also DTS levy, whatever that is, when presented with the bill. Maybe the small print on the menu said something, but I did not notice it. 3. Also you find that a 10 per cent service charge is automatically added, to your bill, though the waiter does not see any reward from that service charge. Thus what started as a bill around 300 BBD, becomes over BBD 400 (USD 200+) plus a 50 BBD note into the waiter 's hand. The food is out of this world, brilliant. Wine by the glass not outrageously priced and good quality. Service is helpful and friendly. It is in the premier league of restaurants of Barbados. But it is an expensive evening out. Looking back to my review a year ago, I was happy to have spent the equivalent of 200 USD. Now I am not as happy. I am a year older, so grumpier. Mislaying my money wallet with around 500 BBD a couple of hours before dining might have adversely affected my spirits. Having that restored to me the next day, dripping wet from the pool where it was found, an entirely different review may have emerged had we dined a day later. Would we dine at Daphne's again? Almost certainly, yes, and we shall be better prepared.

Written 26 January 2020

SofiaJoe

Bridgetown354 contributions

Sophisticated Cuisine, Oceanfront Dining, Oops on the Sugar in the Pasta

Mar 2020 • couples

Lovely setting, beautiful presentation, skilled kitchen. The Tiramisu dessert was spectacular. A couple small items detracted from the evening. Although we had a reservation, we were seated near the entrance and hostess station. It felt like a busy spot. Our server seemed to be tying too hard to up sell us additional food items and glasses of wine. And, strangely, the pappardelle with duck was overly sweet to my taste and needed salt. The fresh noodles were great and the duck was cooked beautifully, but the savory flavor was all but lost to the sugar. There are lots of other good choices on the menu and I would be willing to try them. My wife enjoyed her pumpkin soup and ravioli. There was easy parking in front when we arrived.

Written 14 March 2020

BernardC1956

Good day SofiaJoe Thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant. Your feedback is very important to us. For the most part, from your review, you and your wife had a pleasant evening. Additionally, I have taken note of your listed detractions and will address them internally. On the flipside, I have also taken note of your attractive aspects of your experience. Very pleased that you enjoyed our location and our culinary offerings. Thanks for choosing us and for your patronage. Regards Bernard C.

Written 16 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

LisaLucking

West Sussex9 contributions

Daphnes front of house staff are great but that’s where it stops

Jan 2020 • none

My husband and I are here on New Years night. It started well with a friendly and efficient bartender Christopher Austin serving us. However it rapidly went downhill. We were informed by the front desk that they were short staffed so to expect delays- Chris offered is a round of complimentary drinks to take the edge off. The menu looked great and our waiter Kyle Kinf couldn’t do more to look after us but sadly the kitchen appeared to be chaotic with no one visibly in charge. We waited over an hour for our food and when it arrived it was mediocre at best. A complete contrast to the fresh seafood we had been served at JuJus beach bar just 24 hours before and for a fraction of the cost Our bill was BD$ 450 for 1 bottle of wine, 2 appetisers and 2 mains. We only paid because the front of house staff worked so hard to make it a good night for us Bernard the duty manger seemed sympathetic when I fed back to him but seems unable to control things in the kitchen - we won’t visit again and would not recommend. Give JuJus a try instead !!!

Written 2 January 2020

BernardC1956

Good day LisaLucking Thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant. Your feedback is very important to us. We are extremely disappointed as you are with respect to your culinary experience while at our restaurant recently. Without a doubt, we were experiencing some difficulties - which we did not expect to reach you, our valuable guests. As it stands, the issues reached your table in a very direct way and therefore I expressed my profound apologies. If you have a moment, please give the manager a call here at Daphne's. I trust that you will rethink visiting us again in the future. Warm regards Bernard C.

Written 26 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Humarock_Seth

Boston1453 contributions

Worst meal of the decade

Dec 2019 • couples

My wife and I made a reservation months ago for New Year’s Eve and were excited to spend the special night at Daphne’s even though it was very, very expensive and a fixed menu. We arrived on time and found the restaurant to be mostly empty and the staff in disarray. The restaurant remained sparsely populated until we left at 11:30 PM. The food was not only esthetically unpleasing but truly inedible and the service was terrible. The closest couple to us, an older British couple with the gentleman dressed in black tie seated a few tables away, not only (reasonably) complained about being placed next to a speaker playing some very loud music pointed directly at them but ultimately stopped by our table only the way out to commiserate about the terrible dining experience. We couldn’t have agreed more. My meal consisted of an appetizer that was a single undercooked duck ravioli and the main course was a very overcooked piece of fish. The dessert was even worse. My wife and I were incredibly disappointed by the entire experience and this is probably the worst TripAdviser meal review I have ever written out of hundreds. My wife’s meal was no better. While I would like to think this was an isolated incident based on some poor staffing decisions for the special holiday event, the ideas that we were charged well over a thousand BDS (before drinks) for such a miserable dining experience only adds insult to injury. We since have spoken with others, both locals and guests at our hotel, and have been told Daphne’s is hit or miss and when they miss, they miss big. I strongly advise you to steer clear and enjoy the many other fine restaurants on the West Side.

Written 4 January 2020

BernardC1956

Good day Humarock_Seth Thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant. Your feedback is very important to us. Kindly accept my apologies for your unfortunate dining experience recently. When you have a moment, please give the manager here at Daphne's a call, I would relish the opportunity to speak with you directly. Again, I offer you my sincerest apologies. Regards Bernard C.

Written 26 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Autumngirl61

Harrogate140 contributions

Delightful lunch

Jan 2020 • couples

We stopped by to look at the menu and decided to stay. Great service by our waitress Patrice and all the staff were attentive. The sea views are stunning and the perfect backdrop for an unexpected lunch stop. The food is tasty and looks amazing. Plenty on the menu to choose from. We had prawns with couscous and shrimp Caesar salad. They brought warm focaccia bread and we enjoyed a bowl of warm pitted olives in chilli olive oil. A lovely experience!

Written 28 January 2020

BurySt_EdmundsTrevor

498 contributions

Lovely last lunch

Feb 2020 • none

Went here for lunch before flying home and had a nice experience. Good table overlooking the sea and nice choice of food. We had the fritto misto which was delicious and the crab linguine which was delicious. The only thing that let it down was the young waiter who did not know menu ingredients and appeared disinterested

Written 17 February 2020

BernardC1956

Good day BurySt_EdmundsTrevor Thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant. Your feedback is very important to us. I am indeed thrilled that you had a wonderful lunch at our restaurant. You hit the nail on the head - our Frito Mesto and our Crab Linguini are to die for. Our waiters are growing and we are readily assisting with their ongoing development. No doubt, on your next visit should be much smoother. We thank you for your 4-star review. Take care and see you again soon! Regards Bernard C.

Written 26 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Michelle N

45 contributions

Incredible staff &. Delicious Food

Mar 2020 • family

We enjoyed our first visit to this marvellous Italian restaurant and decided to return for our last night! You could not meet more professional and kind staff! Such a pretty restaurant with ornate scrolled panels and lovely views over the sea. This restaurant is “Slick” and very cool! Our starters arrived and I had the Aubergine Cannelloni, oh my goodness... this was good !!! This was VERY good!! The main courses were amazing as were the puddings too!! We mentioned that it was our last night and they brought out a beautiful decorated dish with Bon Voyage written in chocolate!! Congratulations to ALL at Daphne’s you have something VERY special!

Written 14 March 2020

BernardC1956

Good day Michelle N Thank you so very much for taking the time to share your detailed review of Daphne's. Your endorsement means the world to all of us. Every member of our team are completely overwhelmed - you've managed to capture the true sugar and spice of Daphne's and all that we offer and stands for as one of Barbados' leading restaurants. From your experience, as a traveler to Barbados, I'd most definitely want to explore Daphne's. We cannot thank you enough for your analysis. Do take very good care of yourself until we have the pleasure of serving you again. My best regards Bernard C

Written 16 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Hannah M

Towcester23 contributions

Very disappointing

Jan 2020 • none

Sadly not even a shadow of it's former self since being taken over by Elegant Hotels. Decor very dated. Staff had very little motivation or sparkle. Starters were completely acceptable but main courses a huge disappointment. Having ordered an expensive sea bass cooked in salt, I then had to witness it being mutilated while being taken off the bone and then served with lumps of beetroot and under cooked broccoli. And needless to say the sea bass was full of bones. Totally unacceptable and a very unpleasant experience. We didn't bother with dessert as the thought of throwing good money after bad didn't really appeal. With Elegant Hotels having now been taken over by Marriott, we can only hope this once lovely restaurant will see better days in the future.

Written 31 January 2020

Richard D

North Yorkshire12 contributions

Where did it all go wrong?

Mar 2020 • family

Nobody to greet you, cockroaches on the floor in the bar, eventually invited out on to the deck for predinner drinks but had to then go back inside to place an order-they then gave us these drinks free because of the mixup. Our daughter ordered a vegetarian dish which came with bacon in! Thankfully knocked off the bill. This used to be a classy place we looked forward to going to - it isn’t any more. Beachware seems to be acceptable.

Written 29 February 2020

BernardC1956

Good evening Richard D Thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant. Your feedback is very important to us. On behalf of Team Daphne's - I would like to extend my sincerest apologies for your less than admirable experience while you were with us. I must explain that as a result of being an open-air restaurant, we can at times be exposed to flying cockroaches. Please take comfort in knowing that what you have detailed is most certainly not the norm. From the reviews here, you can rest assured that we are a very clean, sanitary and well appointment restaurant, enjoyed by many. I trust that you haven't given up on us. Take care and again I convey my sincerest apologies. Regards Bernard C.

Written 16 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Emma W

Hove100 contributions

Pricey but tasty!

Jan 2020 • none

Visited Daphne’s for lunch with the husband on NYE. The menu was limited due to the big party happening later that evening but we both easily found something to our liking. In fact we then booked to bring the kids back for New Years Day where we discovered that they sell one of the best pizzas on the island. Friendly service with great views out across the bay. It’s not cheap but then again not much in Barbados IS cheap. Happy to recommend.

Written 5 January 2020

BernardC1956

Good day EmmainHove Thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant. Your feedback is very important to us. So very glad you and your family had a wonderful time with us and thoroughly enjoyed our Pizzas. Our staff is simply the best and we couldn't agree with you more on our spectacular views. Thanks for the vote of confidence in our brand. See you next time. Regards Bernard C.

Written 26 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Donna M

Toronto318 contributions

Excellent food great service

Jan 2020 • couples

This is a bit more casual than I expected so don’t dress up, but go early to watch the sunset and have happy hour I had the avocado and tomato salad which was good and the eggplant cannelloni which was excellent. I mean, really really good, better than I expected. Husband had the octopus appetizer was good and the lobster pasta was ok but the lobster was overcooked. Pass on dessert, not worth the calories. Service was excellent. Was hesitant after the reviews over Christmas about the service but there were no issues. Would go back

Written 11 January 2020

BernardC1956

Good day A9253WFdonnam Thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant. Your feedback is very important to us. It always warms our heart knowing that we have at least met the expectations of our guests, better yet, surpasses them. Your 4-star review is certainly encouraging. Looking forward to welcoming you and your back to Daphne's very soon. Thanks again and all the very best! Regards Bernard C.

Written 26 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gohan122

30 contributions

Great staff, good food

Jan 2020 • couples

This Italian style restaurant is directly on the beach. The location is beautiful for an evening dinner. Staff were very attentive and provided excellent service over dinner. The food was well plated and had good flavour. A few dishes in the group were slightly over seasoned. The fish are cooked and seasoned to perfection and plentiful in flavour. Desserts are a must as they are unique and rich in flavour.

Written 23 January 2020

BernardC1956

Good day Gohan122 Thank you so very much for taking the time to share your review of Daphne's. From your experience, as a traveler to Barbados, I'd most definitely want to explore Daphne's. We cannot thank you enough for your honest and detailed analysis of our restaurant. Do take very good care of yourself until we have the pleasure of serving you again. Regards Bernard C

Written 26 January 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Hayley H

Worthing2 contributions

Daphne's - Disappointing

Feb 2020 • couples

Very disappointed with our return visit for my husband's birthday. There were no staff to greet you on arrival and kept waiting at the reception desk to let them know we'd arrived. Ordered a cocktail to enjoy by the oceanfront, which took 25 minutes to arrive, despite it not being very busy. And service not as friendly or efficient as we'd experienced on previous visits to the restaurant. Wine arrived after the food despite ordering at the same time and no special touches or acknowledgements were made for my husbanda birthday. Overall it felt

Written 27 February 2020

BernardC1956

Good evening Hayley H Thank you for taking the time to review our restaurant. Your feedback is very important to us. Kindly accept my apologies for the disappointment you felt during your recent dinner. What you have described is mostly certainly not the norm in terms of our service or failure to recognize any important occasion. Please allow me to extend belated birthday greetings to your husband. I trust that you haven't given up on us. Take care and again I convey my sincerest apologies. Regards Bernard C.

Written 28 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mkws2002

3 contributions

Little Gem on the Beach

Jan 2023 • family

He had dinner at Positano the first night of our January 2023 trip, and were quite impressed. The restaurant is part of a greater hotel complex and features friendly service, great food and delectable cocktails. In terms of food, I would highly recommend the catch of the day. Fresh local seafood and a great value too. Pizza and appetizers are delicious as well. Matthew, our server was a fantastic reflection of the people in Barbados and did great at looking after us. He even had a glass of wine poured for us on the house to make up for our food taking a bit long. Shout out to him. Some things to improve would be the slightly long wait to get seated/ receive the dessert menu. These, however, seemed to be a staffing/ peak time issue as opposed to the fault of any employee. Overall, we had a fantastic time and even returned at the end of the holiday.

Written 22 January 2023

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