Recommendation: Ciao cafe,Scarborough.

[Andy D]

I have to say that anyone who visits Tobago without visiting Caio is seriously missing out on one of THE best cafes on the island and also the only place to buy authentic italian icecream and Capuccino.
Service is very good and friendly and as well as the delicious variety of icecream they also serve very good pizza and lasagne.
The cafe is airconditioned which is very welcome in the heat and humidity and is a great place to people watch and generally observe daily life in Scarborough.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

[Lars P.]

My family and I agree completely, Andy. Ciao has the only coffee worth drinking on Tobago (real espresso!), and the Italian Ices are the best we've ever had. A real oasis on a hot day in Scaarborough!

Lars

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Guys

I couldn't agree more.

Having said that, more and more hotels and restaurants are waking up to the fact that visitors generally agree that Trinidadian coffee is the saddest apology for the stuff in the world. Its become a regular rant in my reviews, but I must tell you that well over half of all the places we reviewed and commented on it have changed to non-Trini brands. That grey, awful-smelling stuff should be reserved for sump swilling.

Yes Ciao Cafe is undoubtedly the best in the south of the island. However, favourable mention should be given to Top River Pearl's Cappuccino Bar in Charlotteville. Now, there is a case that proves the point. They do actually use Trini coffee. However, it's a special blend grown and prepared by a one-man outfit using equipment that's been on the plantation for yonks. I saw some photos of his place. Think of a concourse winning steam traction engine and you've got the picture.

[S Smith]

the ice cream was fabulous(i visited two times in one day), i also tried an iced cappuccino which i didnt really enjoy

[Paul Tallet]

Cafe Ciao is indeed one of the best places to eat and drink coffee in Tobago and so is la Tartaruga, it's sister restaurant in Buccoo where you can eat the most exquisite Italian cuisine and choose from a fine selection of wines.

However, although the ice creams are of a world class standard there is another little place in Tobago where, in my opinion, they are even better, although admittedly you would not find such a wide selection.

Vera makes her own home made ice cream and she sells this from her lovely little restaurant on the beach in Castara ... D'Almond Tree.

Go there ... if you want to be sure that you have tasted the best ice cream in Tobago ... Yum Yum !!

Regards

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Paul

Not having tasted Vera's offerings, I certainly don't mean to pour cold water on your recommendation, but can you tell me whether Vera's ice cream is made in the traditional Caribbean way - i.e. with condensed milk?

If so, it is very much like Marmite - you either love it or you hate it. Sadly, I was brought up in the Caribbean at a time when our ONLY sweet was condensed milk. Like cricket, I had so much crammed down my throat that I now loathe both.

[Paul Tallet]

Good question Steve.

I am not an expert on ice cream and don't actually like it ... though I do like Marmite !!!

But I have really liked Vera's ice cream and the rest of my family (all ice cream lovers) go wild for it.

Could it be that she puts condensed milk in it?

Maybe that's the difference ... I don't know.

I wonder if anyone else can answer this ??

Regards

[Steve Wooler]

I'll certainly check it out next January.

I LOVE Marmite, but sadly don't feel the same about condensed milk. However, like Trinidadian coffee, I can smell it a good table away - funny, because I've actually got a poor sense of smell. Anyway, to answer your question, we have tried a couple of brands of supposedly highly-rated local ice creams and all have ended up with the housekeepers because they have all been based on condensed milk.

[Paul Tallet]

I have a sense that it will not be condensed milk ... but go give it a try ... if I liked it I guess you will like it too ... it is rather special and she makes the most unusual ice cream recipes.

Regards