10 Great Restaurants in The Bahamas

Oh Andros is a Caribbean classic that serves sensational Bahamian seafood in Arawak Cay, the official fish fry area of the capital city, Nassau. The buzzing seaside stretch houses a mishmash of rainbow-hued restaurants and handpainted stalls, each cooking up the catch of the day. And although competition is fierce, many regulars agree that Oh Andros does the best fresh fish in the whole district.

Standout dishes include crisp snapper and broiled shrimp, each served with a generous side of coleslaw, rice, or peas. It’s an unassuming spot with fair prices and a convivial atmosphere. Plus, the portions here are huge, so come hungry or get ready to share.

Banana Bay is your best bet for tasty regional fare on Grand Bahama. Located squarely on Freeport’s Fortune Beach, it’s a scenic spot to savor top-quality Caribbean cuisine with a refreshing sea breeze. Unlike other oceanfront dining spots, this unpretentious place won’t break the bank. 

The conch fritters are the highlight at Banana Bay – each bite-sized deep-fried chunk comes bathed in peppery seasoning. Alternately, the chicken wings with crisp-cut French fries make for superb comfort food. In either case, save some room for their signature banana bread – a delectable dessert and worthy namesake.

Pier 1 in Wild Goos Town does delicious Caribbean dishes with an oriental twist. This renowned Freeport restaurant is a hit for its exquisite seafood fare – the sushi rolls are among their menu highlights – but there’s also a tempting pasta selection to check out and try.

Don’t be deterred by the unsightly industrial zone, as the venue affords breathtaking views over Hawksbill Creek and the Caribbean Sea. Guests get to feed leftover scraps to hungry sharks circling below, a fun-filled activity for young and old. Attentive service and terrific beverages help seal the deal.

Goldie’s Conch House is the top spot in Nassau to sample the sea snail delicacy native to the Bahamas. If you’re watching your weight, the conch salad is a delicious low-carb option – some regulars say it’s the best in town. Deep-fried conch fritters offer a greasier, more satiating alternate – the sea salt-infused seasoning adds a serious kick.

Like most great restaurants in the Bahamas, you get a breezy waterfront view to accompany your meal. Keep an eye out for the small contingent of sea turtles on the hunt for food scraps below deck. Friendly service and well-priced beer enhance the carefree Caribbean vibe.

An Exuma institution, Santanna’s Bar and Broil is a top spot for authentic Bahamian seafood on the island. The charming no-frills restaurant serves dishes ranging from cracked conch to deep-fried lobster and chargrilled snapper. Each dish comes with an enormous portion of traditional sides – think slaw, veggies, and a generous serving of rice.

Grab a seat on the wooden deck for the best views, and keep a keen eye out for lemon sharks as they glide by. You might have to wait a while for your meal, but the staff is friendly and attentive, and their heady rum cocktails are a joy to have with the view.

Mckenzie’s is a popular Nassau seafood restaurant where superb Caribbean cuisine comes served with a smile. Although its convenient location opposite the ferry terminal ensures a steady influx of visitors, the laidback venue lures just as many hungry locals for its fair prices and fantastic fare.

Conch is the core ingredient on the menu – both the salad and fritters get rave reviews. If you’re feeling homesick, their selection of filling western favorites like spicy chicken wings and baked mac and cheese will hit the spot. Sit on the pink waterfront patio to spot manta rays as you wait for your meal.

Harbor Island vacationers should head to Queen Conch, a vibrant waterfront haunt specializing in the delicious national dish. Whether you go with the chowder, salad, or fritters, the conch here is destined to impress – best smothered in a solid layer of their signature hot sauce.

Aside from the conch, this midrange restaurant is famed for its fantastic fish dishes – the grouper fingers are the cream of the crop. Tropical shrimp and stone crab claws add variety to the menu, while crafty cocktails like Goombay Smash make the wait worthwhile.

1648 is an upscale restaurant and Eleuthera favorite that serves the most refined seafood on the island. Its lobster dishes are a surefire hit for anyone craving crustaceans, and you can order it on pizza or pasta if you fancy the flavors from home. Another top option is the conch chowder, where red peppers, onion, spices, tomato, and garlic add zest to the sea snail flesh.

Rock up right before sunset to watch the end-of-day display unfold on Governor’s Harbor. An elegant open-air deck with wicker chairs and lantern-clad tables ensures a romantic vibe.

Lighthouse Point on Long Island does delicious Caribbean dishes at reasonable prices. The family-friendly restaurant serves all your usual seafood favorites – think conch, lobster, fish, and more – plus a kid’s menu with cheeseburgers and pasta to keep the little ones content. The standout dish, however, is the fish tacos, best enjoyed with smoked fish dip.

The service here is quick, and you get a stunning seascape to gaze at as you wait for your orders. Decent vegetarian options are available upon request, and their rum-infused cocktails hit the spot. 

Curly’s is an Arawak Cay Fish Fry benchmark thanks to its decadent conch fritters and crisp grouper fingers. This unpretentious local eatery is equally well-known for its sizable entrees. Each comes with a complimentary fruit punch or the popular rum-based Bahama Mama.

While the portions are huge, as is with most Bahamian servings, it’s worth saving room for dessert. Specifically, Curly’s does a mean guava duff, a pastry packed full of candies and slathered in a creamy sauce. The only downside at this diner opposite the Nassau Container Port? You don’t get to dine with a dreamy Caribbean view.