Between sunny days on the best beaches in the Bahamas, active water sports and all of your city explorations, chances are you’ll work up a big appetite on your vacation. Your adventure doesn’t have to stop at dinner time though. Head to the best restaurants in the Bahamas for a tasty treat that will leave you satisfied and wowed. Check out our list of the best restaurants on the islands.
Restaurants in Nassau
Social House Sushi & Grill
Enjoy lunch or dinner at Cable Beach’s sushi hotspot Monday through Saturday. Ambient lighting, colorful plates and some of the best service in Nassau welcome you to Social House Sushi & Grill. This posh sushi house is perfect for a fancy date night or relaxing post-beach meal. It’s located right off Cable Beach—guests at Baha Mar and Meliá Nassau Beach – All Inclusive are just a short drive away. In addition to their world-class sushi rolls, we recommend starting with a tropical cocktail and the Guindara Lettuce Wraps. For dinner, try the popular Black Cod Jalapeño Miso specialty plate, and finish off with mochi for dessert.
Cafe Matisse
Cafe Matisse may be the most picturesque restaurant in downtown Nassau. Dine inside an 1800s era home surrounded by Matisse paintings or dine al fresco in the courtyard with lush greenery and the ocean breeze. Contrary to Henri Matisse’s heritage, this restaurant actually serves Italian. The homemade pasta dishes, carefully curated wine list and authentic Italian dishes bring visitors back to Cafe Matisse every time they visit Nassau. For the perfect evening, arrive early for a drink at their intimate bar before your dinner reservation outside. We recommend trying the Gamberi e Ginger Marinato and Vitello Tonnato for starters, the lamb or lobster for dinner and the white and dark chocolate mousse for dessert.
Sapodilla Restaurant
Intimate and exquisite barely scrape the surface when it comes to describing Sapodilla Fine Dining Restaurant. Start to finish, this restaurant treats guests like royalty—complimentary roundtrip car service picks you up right from your hotel. Upon entering Sapodilla you will lose yourself amongst the grand piano, plush pillows and live music wafting through the air of this tropical paradise straight out of a storybook. You’ll be escorted to the Champagne Lounge where you can sip bubbly or a signature cocktail while enjoying the soft sounds of piano or percussion. World famous chefs delicately prepare meals in the kitchen, but many dishes are prepared tableside, like the Caesar Salad, Steak Diane and Banana Flambé. If you’re looking for more privacy, dine in one of Sapodilla’s garden-side cabanas—with only seating for two per cabana it’s an exclusive twist on a romantic evening.
Restaurants in Harbour Island
Rock House Restaurant
Make a reservation on the upstairs patio just in time for sundown and prepare yourself for a gourmet meal and the most breathtaking sunset view Harbour Island offers. Rock House has quite a reputation on Harbour Island—its five-star accommodations, world-class service and amiable owners bring guests back annually. No matter how busy the restaurant gets, the staff deliver seamless attention and go above and beyond in accommodating. While every item on the menu is beautifully presented and delicious, we recommend the conch chowder, lobster and Junkanoo Capellini. Once you dine in this colonial chic boutique restaurant, you’ll have a new set of standards for food and service.
Sip Sip
A beach vacation to Harbour Island isn’t complete without lunch at Sip Sip. They don’t take reservations and it’s one of the most popular lunch spots in town. You’re almost certain to be on a wait, but we assure you it’s well worth it. Sip Sip sits right on Pink Sand Beach with unrivaled views of the dazzling blue Atlantic and peach colored sand. Named after the Bahamian slang term for gossip, Sip Sip serves up “Bahamian with a twist” using locally sourced ingredients. There’s something for everyone here—hotdogs for kids and quesadillas, salads, burgers and more for adults. The lobster quesadilla and ginger margarita are out of this world, just be sure to have nap time set aside after lunch. Sip Sip opens at 11:30 am but it’s wise to arrive even earlier—a line forms quickly. Their open days often change so call beforehand and march down Court Street until you reach the neon green building—you can’t miss it!
Aquapazza
Watch the yachts drift in and out of the Romora Bay Resort and Marina while you enjoy an authentic Italian meal under the twinkling lights of Aquapazza. Open for lunch and dinner, Aquapazza has plenty of options for meat eaters, shellfish-sensitive diners and vegetarians. Each dish is made from scratch with fresh ingredients and local seafood creating traditional Italian dishes with Bahamian flair. Italian food and fine wine go hand in hand and Aquapazza covers that too. Decant a delicious vino rosso and enjoy the Conch Capellini “Fra Diavolo” or Chicken Toscano while you appreciate the Bahamian breeze and attentive service. Dining is al fresco and seating fills up fast, so be sure to bring a light sweater and make a reservation.
Restaurants in Freeport
Margarita Villa Sand Bar
There’s nothing but rip-roaring, fun times at Margarita Villa Sand Bar. Drive just five minutes from Port Lucaya and this establishment is nestled up right on Churchill Beach. Park your beach blanket right in front of Margarita Villa and you’re set for a full day of family fun in the ocean, with food and drinks just a few steps away. Cool off from the sun with burgers, fish fillet prepared any way you want and mouthwatering margaritas. You’ll notice upon entry it’s called Margarita Villa Sand Bar for a reason—the floor is literally sand! This is the best spot in Freeport to catch the game or live music, just call ahead to make sure your entertainment of choice is on.
Banana Bay
When you gaze out over the infinite layers of blue ocean from Banana Bay’s deck, drink in hand, you’ll know all is right with the world. Banana Bay sits right on Fortune Beach with unrivaled views. They’re open for lunch 10 am to 5 pm, offering the perfect break from sunbathing and sandbar exploring. You won’t regret trying the fish tacos, conch fritters, homemade banana bread and of course, their signature Wacky Frozen Banana cocktail.
Pier One and East Restaurant
Pier One and East Restaurant is a little off the beaten path, but we assure you it’s worth the drive. Consider this restaurant three in one—there’s a seafood menu, Italian menu and sushi menu. Not only do they serve top-notch sushi, lobster, steak and more but there’s also a live shark feeding every night! Sit outside and you get a front row seat to the shark feeding right over the balcony—a dining experience you won’t forget! Compliment dinner with one of their delicious cocktails, we recommend the Pier One Smash.
Restaurants in Eleuthera
1648 Bar & Grill
Head to the French Leave Resort in Governor’s Harbour for an elegant meal overlooking the bight of Eleuthera at 1648 Bar & Grill. You’ll be in awe before you even try the food when you see the exquisite stonework along the walkways and entrance. Whether you go for breakfast, lunch or dinner we’re certain you’ll enjoy the offerings. Start with the bruschetta and soon you’ll be eyeing your server for another order. The blackened grouper and Death by Chocolate dessert will have you making a reservation for the next day before you’ve taken the last bite.
Tippy’s Restaurant & Beach Bar
It’s hard to classify Tippy’s as one type of restaurant. It’s on the beach but it’s more than a beach bar, it looks like a beach shack but serves up 5-star cuisine—eat at Tippy’s if you want it all without compromising on even the tiniest detail. Since they only use the freshest ingredients, it’s never certain what you’ll get, just know that it will be scrumptious and distinct. The chalkboard menu changes daily, depending on what’s available and its Austrian chef, Peter Birkwieser, whips up Bahamian, American and international cuisine. Dine with a view of the deep blue as you feast on dishes like bouillabaisse, lamb chops, burgers, pizza and key lime pie while live music sets the mood. You’ll need to have a reservation to get into this island hotspot or opt for takeout—as one of the top restaurants on the island it’s busy year round.
