The kitchens of St. Kitts are about to turn up the heat. This month, two celebrated chefs — one with deep ties to the island, the other with roots in its soil — will headline the 2025 edition of the St. Kitts and Nevis Restaurant Week, a 10-day culinary celebration returning July 17–27.
Leading the roster is chef, television personality, and restaurateur Nyesha Arrington, returning to St. Kitts more than a decade after her stint as Executive Chef at Spice Mill. There, in 2010, she helped put the beachside restaurant on the map with an inventive take on local cuisine. Now internationally recognized for her boundary-pushing cooking and on-screen charisma — with appearances on Top Chef, Tournament of Champions, and FOX’s Next Level Chef — Arrington returns to the island that helped shape her culinary journey.
“It is an honor to return to the vibrant island of St. Kitts for Restaurant Week,” Arrington said. “This island holds a special place in my heart and marks a full circle moment in my career. Food has a special way of connecting people, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to create meaningful culinary experiences with this community.”
She’ll be joined by Chef Stephen Marsham, a rising culinary force whose résumé includes coveted kitchens like Pastis, Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi, and Wayan in New York City. A son of St. Kitts, Marsham returned to represent the island earlier this year at the South Beach Food and Wine Festival. Now he returns home again, bringing a refined, French-inspired approach to Caribbean flavors.
“My return to St. Kitts and Nevis for Restaurant Week is a celebration of our national cuisine and local talent,” Marsham said. “It is a privilege to contribute to the broader goal of shining a spotlight on the rich and diverse cuisine of our twin-island nation.”
Restaurant Week, a signature part of St. Kitts’ “Summer Unscripted” campaign, will feature a wide range of events showcasing the island’s top chefs and flavors. This year’s theme ingredient is tamarind — the tangy, tropical fruit that will feature prominently in special dishes across participating restaurants, from local hangouts to upscale dining rooms.
Among the marquee events: Grill Fest, set for July 26, a smoky, spirited BBQ competition featuring local grillers going head-to-head with chicken, pork, lobster and fish. Guests can expect a full day of festivities, including cultural performances, an amateur mixology competition, artisan markets, and culinary fun for children.
The following evening, July 27, brings Taste at Twilight, a seated three-course dinner under the stars. Guests will begin with a cocktail reception and guided farm tour before sitting down for an immersive culinary experience. Chefs Arrington and Marsham will team up with local talent to create an unforgettable meal — with stories, ingredients, and heritage woven into each dish.
Other events on the calendar include a Tamarind Brunch, a charity dinner, cooking-and-camping experiences, and a “Cook, Sip, and Glamp” night. But at its heart, Restaurant Week is about more than great food.
And if you’re coming, don’t miss a meal at the hottest new restaurant in the Caribbean.
“Restaurant Week celebrates more than just food — it’s an attribute to Kittitian heritage and promotes community,” said Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “Chef Nyesha’s strong connection to the island and her global culinary acclaim, alongside Chef Stephen’s local roots and exceptional talent, promise a memorable and exciting Restaurant Week experience for locals and travellers from around the world.”
For more, visit St Kitts Restaurant Week.
