Bell’s Café – Popular With Both Locals And Visitors

Bell’s Café is a restaurant that is popular with both locals and visitors in the British Virgin Islands. It is independently run, offers a unique experience, good food, a welcoming atmosphere, and have strong ties to the local community. Looking for a restaurant with a cozy ambiance, friendly service, and a focus on fresh, local ingredients? Look no further!

Michael Thomas – Managing Director at CTL Home Center, explained it best.

Can you tell us the story behind Bell’s Café? What inspired its creation?

The story of Bell’s Café started when CTL Home Center relocated to Fish Bay. Initially, we envisioned a simple walk-up window to serve coffee, tea, sandwiches—just light fare like you’d see in places like Miami. But about a year into being at our new location, it became blaringly obvious that we needed a full kitchen and a proper restaurant.

We knew from the beginning that we wanted to serve breakfast all day. One thing we noticed about the BVI is that after 10:30 or 11:00 AM, most places put away the eggs. Nobody wanted to serve breakfast beyond that. So, breakfast quickly became our specialty.

What’s the meaning behind the name “Bell’s Café”?

The café is named after our mom, Mabel Thomas. “Bell” is her nickname, short for Mabel. She’s a cook and a baker, and we wanted to pay tribute to everything she’s done for us as a family.

Our customers know that they could find her baked goods at the store. She used to bake on a daily basis until some years ago when she started to slow down. So, Bell’s Cafe is a really a tribute to her legacy.

How has the café evolved since it first opened?

We’ve expanded far beyond just breakfast. In addition to a full all-day breakfast and regular menu, we offer daily lunch specials—whether it’s a pasta dish, something local, or Puerto Rican favourites, thanks to the influence of my wife Caroline Thomas, who manages Bell’s Café.

We’ve definitely evolved and continue to do so, incorporating a wide range of flavours while still staying rooted in local favourites.

Bell’s Café plays a big role in CTL’s signature events—like our popular Father’s Day event, the annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, and now our expanding Tools & Builders Expo. From pig roasts to shish kebabs to local fish cooked in foil, there’s always something delicious to enjoy. We even offer kid-sized portions so everyone can join in.

For someone visiting the BVI for the first time, how would you describe the Bell’s Café experience?

It’s the best stop for coffee, frappés, and freshly blended natural smoothies. It’s a must-visit for breakfast. We’ve got the best pancakes on island—full stop. Order the blueberry pancakes—they’re one of my personal favourites. Just a heads up: if you’re not a big eater, maybe start with one pancake. They’re huge and very filling!

We also offer spectacular lunch specials every day and a special Latino Week once a month. And if you’ve got something specific in mind that’s not on the menu—if we have the ingredients and you don’t mind waiting—we’re happy to prepare it for you.

You’ll find a mix of local and international cuisine, served by our vibrant, young team led by Caroline and the legendary “Popeye”. They love what they do, and it shows in the service.

Do you serve any dishes or drinks that give visitors a true “taste of the BVI”?

Absolutely! We serve local Johnny cakes, salt fish, Patties, pea soup, stewed chicken, peas and rice, plantain, macaroni pie, and other BVI staples. When they’re in season, we also have conch (served in butter, creole, or curry sauce), whelks, and lobster.

How do you showcase BVI culture through your food, drinks, or décor?

The vibe at Bell’s is a bit of a throwback. The décor pays homage to our dad’s memory and the history of CTL—old shipping pallets line the walls, zinc sheets (galvalume) dress the counters, and if you look up, you’ll see a metal frame ceiling that gives off that old-school commercial building feel.

On the food side, we highlight traditional dishes like mutton, saltfish, stewed chicken, conch, whelks, lobster, and our national dish—fungi and fish. Don’t miss our traditional BVI peas soup every Thursday.

Are there any traditional or locally inspired menu items that visitors rave about?

Definitely! Our patties, empanadas, conch fritters, and saltfish fritters are crowd favourites. And you have to try our corned beef and Johnny cakes. We have a friend from Miami who never misses it when he visits—it’s available every day.

What kind of vibe can guests expect—cozy, island chic, vibrant, relaxing?

It’s cozy and relaxing. From the air-conditioned restaurant to the gazebos that are right on the water’s edge—very inviting and peaceful. People love hanging out there because they have their own space, it’s comfortable, and the atmosphere is just laid-back and chill.

What’s one thing a guest will remember after visiting Bell’s Café?

They’ll remember the great service, the exceptional food, and the friendly conversations they had—with both our staff and other restaurant and store patrons.

How does Bell’s Café fit into the overall BVI tourism experience?

Bell’s Café is one of the few spots on island that offers excellent coffee and pastries, a mix of local and international dishes, and the best all-day breakfast—period.

That’s why we open at 7:00 AM and close at 4:30 PM. But if you get up late and show up at 3:00 PM wanting pancakes and eggs—or saltfish and Johnny cakes—we’ve got you covered. We also offer kid-friendly options to make sure everyone is happy.

Do you get many repeat visitors or people who say, “We had to come back this trip”?

Yes, we do! A lot of folks come back again and again. Visitors who come to the BVI for work or vacation often find their way to Bell’s. Puerto Rican guests, especially, love that my wife is in the kitchen—she makes tostones, beans and rice, and all kinds of dishes that remind them of home.

We’re blessed to see repeat customers—locals and visitors—every day, and we’re very grateful for that.

What menu items would you recommend for first-time visitors?

The pancakes—no question. Johnny cakes, waffles and chicken, and the chicken fajita omelette are all must-tries. Be sure to explore our international options too—like the chili cheese fries, Philly cheesesteak, and our signature Jack Daniels burger. And don’t forget to check out our daily local specials!

Don’t miss the smoked chicken when it’s on the menu. Our fried rice and Latin Week dishes are also crowd favourite.

What’s next for Bell’s Café? Any new menu items, events, or expansions in the works?

Big things! We plan to relocate the restaurant to the waterfront—right across from the gazebos. Once we get government approval, you’ll be dining with your feet over the water, just three or four feet above the sea. It’s going to be a fantastic experience.

As for our current location, we’re turning it into a full-fledged bakery. We want to bring back some of our traditional local breads, specialty loaves, and Puerto Rican favourites. We’ll also expand our selection of local pastries to complement what we already serve

So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning friend, Bell’s Café offers a warm welcome, unforgettable flavours, and a true taste of BVI hospitality. We’re more than just a café—we’re a gathering place where good food and great company come together. See you soon at Bell’s Cafe!