Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, boasts a vibrant food culture that’s a blend of Caribbean flavors and international cuisines. If you’re planning a vacation to this beautiful island and consider yourself a food enthusiast, this guide to the best restaurants in Nassau is for you. From casual beachside shacks to luxurious fine dining establishments, there’s something for everyone in Nassau.
Nassau’s Food Scene
Nassau’s food scene is rich and diverse, characterized by a mix of local and international cuisines. Whether you’re craving a bowl of hearty Bahamian stew fish or an Italian pizza with a tropical twist, you’ll find it in Nassau. The city is also home to a variety of restaurants, ranging from roadside food shacks serving local delicacies to high-end establishments offering world-class dining experiences.
Note: The city of Nassau is located on the island of New Providence, which is also home to the popular tourist destination, Paradise Island. A short 15-minute ferry ride or a 2-minute drive over the bridge will take you from New Providence to Paradise Island, where you can find even more great dining options.
Top 25 Best Popular Restaurants in Nassau, Bahamas
1. Social House Sushi & Grill
Social House Sushi & Grill, located on Skyline Drive, is a Japanese restaurant offering fresh, handmade sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki in a modern and stylish setting.
Location: 1 Skyline Drive, Nassau, Bahamas
2. Greek Islands Restaurant And Bar
Greek Islands Restaurant and Bar offers delightful Greek food in a casual and inviting setting. With a menu showcasing traditional Greek dishes and a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, this Nassau restaurant guarantees a delightful culinary experience.
Location: Bay Street, Nassau, New Providence Island
3. The London
This chic cocktail bar has quickly become a nightlife staple in Nassau. Located on Charlotte Street, The London is easily recognizable by its iconic red phone booth. Here, you can savor rum duck lettuce wraps paired with their signature Day Thyme cocktail, a delightful blend of thyme and whiskey-infused lemonade.
4. Wild Thyme
Wild Thyme, situated on East Bay Street, serves an elevated version of the classic Bahamian dish, conch fritters. The restaurant’s menu offers a variety of dishes, including blue crab ravioli and burgers. With its spacious veranda and lush foliage, Wild Thyme is perfect for large groups and al fresco dining.
5. Bamboo Shack: The Bahamian Fast-Food Hub
Bamboo Shack is a popular takeaway spot among locals, known for its delicious Bahamian food. Whether you’re craving the “Cracked” (battered and fried) dish or a “Snack” (meal served with fries & a roll), Bamboo Shack has got you covered. The Breast Snack with ketchup & hot sauce and the Cracked Conch snack are the crowd favorites here.
6. Dino’s: The Conch Salad Paradise
A visit to the Bahamas is incomplete without trying the famous conch salad. Dino’s, with its scenic view and vibrant music, offers one of the best conch salads on the island. This refreshing salad, similar to a ceviche but with conch instead of fish, is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors.
7. Marcus at Baha Mar Fish+Chop House
Located within the luxurious Baha Mar hotel, Marcus is a creation of the renowned Chef Marcus Samuelsson. With its beachfront location and resort-casual ambiance, Marcus offers upscale Bahamian dishes like conch croquettes and island seafood rice, perfect for a romantic dinner.
8. The Swimming Pig
Named after the famed swimming pigs of The Exumas, The Swimming Pig at the Baha Mar resort serves traditional pub foods with a twist. After a night out, treat yourself to the french dip au jus, a perfectly messy treat that will satiate your midnight cravings.
9. Meze Grill
Located near the gorgeous Cable Beach, Meze Grill serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine in a lively and upbeat atmosphere. From breakfast to dinner, this restaurant offers a variety of delicious options.
10. Katsuya
Considered one of the best restaurants in Nassau, Katsuya is a Japanese restaurant located in the SLS Baha Mar beach resort. It offers a luxurious dining experience with a menu developed by celebrated sushi chef Katsuya Uechi.
11. Cocoplum Bistro & Bar
Cocoplum Bistro & Bar offers a culinary fusion of French and Mediterranean cuisine with a tropical twist. Nestled amidst lush greenery and close to the beach, this Bahamian restaurant guarantees an ideal setting for a relaxing meal. The extensive menu boasts a variety of island-inspired delights, prepared with traditional French ingredients sourced locally.
Location: Harbour Green Shopping Plaza West Bay Street Nassau N.P, Bahamas
12. Seafire Steakhouse
Seafire Steakhouse, located in the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, serves traditional American cuisine with a Bahamian twist. With its high-quality steak and classic sides, this restaurant offers a dining experience like no other.
13. Athena Cafe & Bar
Athena Cafe & Bar, located in downtown Nassau, serves authentic Greek food with an island twist. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a leisurely dinner, this restaurant has something to offer.
14. Fi’lia
Located in the Baha Mar resort, Fi’lia is an Italian restaurant offering a peaceful and welcoming ambiance. With its traditional Italian flavors and handmade pasta, this restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience.
15. Mogano
Nassau is renowned for its extraordinary dining experiences, and Mogano is a shining example. This top-notch Italian restaurant in Nassau is revered for its authentic Italian cuisine and breathtaking ocean views. The menu at Mogano includes beloved Italian classics such as pizza, pasta, and expertly grilled seafood dishes. The smoked salmon pizza is a crowd favorite, encapsulating the culinary expertise of Mogano.
Location: Mahogany Hill Western Rd
Insider’s Tip: After your meal at Mogano, head to the nearby Bar Shima for a cocktail and some fusion cuisine. As both establishments are located within the same resort, you can easily enjoy two distinct dining experiences in one day.
16. Cleo Mediterraneo
Also located in the Baha Mar resort, Cleo Mediterraneo is a destination in itself. This restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and provides a chic and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for couples.
17. Graycliff Restaurant
Situated within the Graycliff Hotel, The Graycliff Restaurant caters to both hotel guests and external visitors. This elegant dining establishment offers exquisite food, afternoon tea, and a curated wine-tasting experience. The menu features delicacies like Crispy Duck, succulent Filet Mignon, and the exquisite Dover Sole. Its sophisticated ambiance, enhanced by an enforced dress code, creates an ideal setting for a memorable meal.
Location: W Hill St, Nassau, Bahamas
18. Dune by Jean-Georges Vongerichten
Dune, curated by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at the Ocean Club Resort, offers a harmonious blend of French-Asian cuisine with Bahamian influences. Its beachfront location offers unparalleled ocean views, enhancing the romantic allure for couples.
Location: One Ocean Drive Nassau N.P Nassau, Bahamas
19. Café Matisse
Located in the heart of Nassau, Café Matisse is known for its inviting ambiance and exceptional service. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, including soups, pasta, meat, and seafood. Its unique interior design, combined with its high-quality cuisine, makes Café Matisse one of the most popular restaurants in Nassau.
Interesting Fact: Café Matisse is conveniently located near popular shops and nightlife spots in downtown Nassau.
20. Island Brothers
Island Brothers is a French café and restaurant that offers a warm ambiance and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dining experience, this place has you covered. The restaurant’s service is top-notch, and its menu features a perfect blend of French wine and Caribbean-inspired cocktails.
21. Sapodilla Estate
For a fine dining experience in Nassau, Sapodilla Estate is the place to be. Located close to the beach and other nightlife attractions, this restaurant is known for its exceptional food and impeccable service. From steak to authentically Caribbean treats, their menu offers a variety of delicious options.
22. Kyma Seafood Grill
Experience the enticing fusion of Greek and Latin flavors at Kyma Seafood Grill. This upscale restaurant is renowned for its chic decor, attentive service, and expansive menu. A top destination for seafood lovers, Kyma Seafood Grill is an ideal choice for a romantic date night, special celebration, or a spontaneous dining experience.
Location: Windsor Field Road, Nassau, Bahamas
23. Sushi Rokkan
If you’re craving sushi while in Nassau, look no further than Sushi Rokkan. This restaurant offers some of the best sushi in the Bahamas, along with a variety of fresh fish options, cocktails, and Asian-inspired entrées.
24. Arawak Cay
Arawak Cay, located near downtown Nassau, is a vibrant hub of culinary delights. This food court-style destination offers a wide array of restaurants, each with its own unique take on conch dishes. Twin Brothers, a popular seafood establishment, serves up mouth-watering conch fritters, conch salad, and cracked conch. Goldie’s Conch House focuses on delivering the most delicious conch dishes, while Frankie Gone Bananas offers a lively bar and grill experience with conch fritters and conch salad on the menu. A visit to Arawak Cay is not just about the food; it’s an immersive cultural experience that showcases the lively street party vibe of Bahamian cuisine.
25. The New Duff Restaurant & Bar
The New Duff offers a casual dining experience with authentic Bahamian cuisine. With dishes priced under $15, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy a meal just like the locals.
Traditional Bahamian Dishes You Must Try
While in Nassau, be sure to try these traditional Bahamian dishes:
- Fried Plantains: This sweet and slightly firm dish is a perfect side to any meal.
- Conch Salad: This ceviche-like dish combines diced conch meat with bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a citrus marinade.
- Johnny Bread/Johnny Cake: This sweet bread-cake hybrid is a popular breakfast side or snack.
- Grits: This hearty breakfast item is made from coarse cornmeal and topped with butter.
- Guava Duff: This spongy cake is filled with diced guava and coated with a guava rum sauce.
Tip: Visit Arawak Cay for a true taste of Bahamian cuisine. This area is known for its fish fry events and serves authentic Bahamian food at a reasonable cost.
Wrapping Up
Nassau’s vibrant food scene offers a blend of local and international cuisines, promising a culinary adventure for every foodie. Whether you’re a fan of Caribbean flavors or international dishes, Nassau’s restaurants have something to offer. From casual beach shacks to luxurious fine dining establishments, the city is a gourmet paradise waiting to be explored.
[…] Conch House in Nassau is a neon-painted eatery that has become an institution for conch lovers. The restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and serves up a variety of conch dishes, including their famous fried […]