For Tortola’s take on the greasy spoon, visit Mid-Town Restaurant (132 Main St., 284/494-2764, 7 a.m.–10 p.m., $4–10). Located at the midpoint of Main Street, this aptly named restaurant has a genuine lunch counter as well as about a dozen tables. In addition to local daily specials, such as boiled fish, oxtail soup, and stewed mutton (goat meat), you can get sandwiches and fries. Full American-style breakfasts are available.

Located in Quatsiky Building, at the Road Town roundabout, Nature’s Way (284/494-6393, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Fri., $4–10) serves only vegetarian food. Owned by Seventh-Day Adventists, this popular lunch spot is also a good source for hard-to-find vegetarian and health food products. Try Joan’s Delight, a filling veggie sandwich on whole wheat bread.

Village Cay (Wickham’s Cay, 284/494-2771, 7:30 a.m.–10 p.m. daily, $7–25) is one of those go-to restaurants. Located in the center of town, at the rear of Scotia Bank, Village Cay offers a diverse and unchallenging menu—burgers, sandwiches, steak, grilled fish, and salads. The dining room overlooks the marina and there is always a fair amount of foot traffic around, making this a good place to people-watch. Open for three meals daily, Village Cay offers a popular Sunday brunch buffet perfect for big appetites. The bar is also a popular happy hour option.

Village Cay Marina’s Dockmasters Deli (284/494-2771, ext. 4, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.–Fri., $6–9) serves sandwiches during the week.

In the shadow of Fort Burt Hotel, across from Road Reef marina on the western outskirts of town, Crandalls Pastry Plus (284/494-5156, 5 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.–Fri., $3–8) is a popular early-morning breakfast stop for commuters on their way into Road Town. It serves fried johnnycakes, fried fish, and pâtés (fried bread stuffed with seasoned beef, chicken, or seafood). This is also a good place to try local “bush tea,” a sweetened tea made from herbs including lemongrass and mint. At lunch, it serves local specials including curries, rotis, and barbecue.