A locally run restaurant specializing in fresh islander food is The Lighthouse Restaurant (7:30 a.m.–10 p.m. daily, no credit cards accepted), located on the south side of the point dividing the main part of West End from Half Moon Bay. A sign on the main road points the way to the classy patio restaurant, right on the water. Fresh fish and shrimp are served in a variety of ways, including with the fiery escabey sauce made with lots of hot island peppers, US$8–13. The more extravagant “surf and turf” and seafood platters are US$20–30. The menu is extensive, and it’s all good. Lunch is a particularly good deal, with specials such as grouper burgers and lobster avocado salad. A champagne brunch is served on Sundays for US$15.

The waterfront porch at Half Moon Resort (tel. 504/445-4242) is a fine location to enjoy mouthwatering fish fillets, lobster, shrimp, and other seafood. Dinners run US$8–14 and are worth every penny. Large chicken or fish sandwiches with fries cost US$6. The kitchen is open daily until 10 p.m.

Pleasantly set along the beach in the center of town, Mavis and Dixie’s has excellent shrimp, fish, and lobster for reasonable prices, and a US$6 plate of the day.

Located at the southern end of town right on the beach is Barefeet Restaurant and Bar, a casual joint with sandwiches (US$5–8) as well as seafood, meat and pasta (US$10–16), and even king crab (US$19). There is a Sunday barbecue with live music, and happy hour every day 3–7 p.m.