Are You A Foodie Heading To The Bahamas? These Are The Best Restaurants In Nassau!

The Bahamas, an archipelago of over 700 islands and cays, is known and loved for a host of things including its unique cuisine. The richness and intensity of flavors distinguish this territory's food, particularly in Nassau, the capital.

If food is an important consideration for you when choosing a vacation destination, The Bahamas is a good choice. The islands of this territory have a wide range of restaurants, from roadside shacks with surprisingly delicious treats to five-star fine dining establishments with world-class chefs. To help you find the best dining in Nassau, we went ahead and compiled a list of some of the best restaurants you can enjoy during your vacation. Here’s to enjoying the finest food and making some amazing memories in Nassau!

Good to know: The island of New Providence is home to Nassau, and from there you can travel to Paradise Island, another popular destination for visitors. It’ll take about 15 minutes to get from New Providence to Paradise Island by ferry or about 2 minutes to travel by car over the bridge connecting the two islands. You’ll find some great restaurants on Paradise Island as well.

17 of the best restaurants in Nassau, Bahamas

1. Mogano

Nassau has some of the best restaurants in The Bahamas. One of these is Mogano, a popular Italian restaurant located at the Island House resort. This restaurant is well-known for its authentic Italian cuisine and stunning ocean views. Mogano’s menu includes Italian favorites such as pizza, pasta, and freshly grilled seafood. The smoked salmon pizza is a guest favorite among these options.

If you want to get a drink after your meal at Mogano, you can go to the nearby Bar Shima. You can not only order a cocktail but also sample some delectable fusion cuisine at Bar Shima. As Mogano and Bar Shima are both located in the same resort, you can visit both in a single day for completely different dining experiences.

Insider tip: For a luxury dining experience, you simply must dine at Butch’s Island Chophouse. With a combination of familiar flavors and island favorites, this restaurant is the perfect place to go for high-quality surf & turf. Whether you’re dining on grain-fed Midwestern beef or the finest fish and fresh seafood, Butch’s Island Chophouse is sure to impress you. Our favorite dishes include the Steak Diane, Snapper Veracruz, Dungeness Crab Cake, and the Willy Wonka Brûlée.

This restaurant is only available to guests of Sandals Royal Bahamian. The best part? Butch’s exceptional food and drinks are included (and unlimited) as part of Sandals’ all-inclusive vacation package.

2. Café Matisse

Café Matisse is located in the heart of Nassau and serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday. You can sample a variety of delectable dishes here, including soups and pasta, meat, and seafood dishes. There is also pizza available. This is one of Nassau's most popular restaurants, and if you choose to dine here, you will likely be captivated by the stunning interior design and charming ambiance.

You can expect five-star service at this eatery. Outdoor seating is available as well. The outdoor dining area is ideal for a romantic lunch or dinner. The specials at this restaurant change on a daily basis with Burrata, Risotto alla Zucca, and Triangoli al Vitello being among the must-order dishes.

Reservations are recommended for dining at Café Matisse.

Good to know: Café Matisse is close to some popular shops and nightlife in downtown Nassau.

3. Island Brothers

What more could you want for a romantic dinner than the Island Brothers restaurant in Nassau, with its warm ambiance and scrumptious cuisine? Island Brothers is a French cafè and restaurant in the heart of New Providence. This elevated cafè is ideal for a quick bite or a more formal dining experience. Le Tartare de Boeuf, La Salade Lyonnaise, and La Bavette Wagyu are popular dishes among visitors.

The service at this restaurant is among the best in all of Nassau. You’ll know you've arrived at the right place just as soon as you're seated, and have a look at the menu. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there will be a menu option to suit you, even if you're gluten-free or vegetarian. The cocktail menu at Island Brothers features the perfect combination of French wine and Caribbean-inspired cocktails, which could be the highlight of your visit.

4. Sapodilla Estate

Fine dining is certainly possible at Nassau’s Sapodilla Estate. This restaurant is in the area of Sanyport, close to the beach and other nearby nightlife. The food at Sapodilla Estate has been described as exceptional, and the service is impeccable. Sapodilla’s menu features authentic island flavors that are perfectly suited for an authentic Nassau dining experience.

While dining here, you’ll have quite a few options to choose from that are equally as delicious. The Steak Diane, Rack of Lamb, and table-side Caesar salad are among the guest favorites. You can also order authentically Caribbean treats like mango sorbet, island spiced grouper, and Eleuthera salad from the Taste of the Islands tasting menu.

On some days, you can listen to beautiful live music as you dine at Sapodilla Estate. On others, the atmosphere and piano music will be ideal for setting the tone even extending the romantic, feel-good vibes to the outdoor seating area. Overall, the dining experience at Sapodilla Estate is bound to be unforgettable.

5. Kyma Seafood Grill

Kyma Seafood Grill is known for its Greek and Latin fusion fare. This restaurant has an upscale feel and an extensive menu, which makes it ideal for a couples date night, a special occasion, or just because. If you love Mediterranean cuisine, you will enjoy dining at Kyma Seafood Grill. The restaurant is open from Monday to Sunday and it is located at Windsor Field Road, Nassau.

Patrons love the stylish decor and pleasant service at this restaurant. The menu's crowd-pleasers include the gyros and the spanakopita. If seafood is what you're craving, you’ve found a great place to eat. The cool Bahamian vibes here combined with the excellent food and drink make this a worthwhile location for a fun night out. Kyma Seafood Grill is a great spot to grab brunch on the weekends. Live music is also available on weekends.

It is important to note that Kyma Seafood Grill is a cashless restaurant.

Expert tip: When it comes to dining in The Bahamas, knowing what to order is just as important as knowing where to go. Here’s some of the best food at all-inclusive resorts in The Bahamas.

6. Sushi Rokkan

There is no better place to enjoy the freshest seafood than on an island in The Bahamas. Most of your favorite seafood will be easy to find in this territory, but if you’re looking for delicious sushi, you may have to look a little harder. Sushi Rokkan fills that void by serving some of the best sushi in The Bahamas.

If you visit this restaurant in Nassau during your Bahamian vacation, you can expect to find a variety of fresh fish options, cocktails, and Asian-inspired entrées. There is also takeout and dine-in service, so you can choose whichever option best suits your mood. If you enjoy sushi, you’ll appreciate the wide variety of dishes available here, as well as the award-winning saké list. You can also enjoy some tropical cocktails with your food.

Some of the favorites at this restaurant include the popcorn shrimp tempura roll with creamy sauce, crispy rice with spicy tuna, lobster dynamite roll, the bento box, and crispy sesame tuna. You can also have a Chirashi bowl here which includes the chef’s best-assorted sashimi over sushi rice. Sushi Rokkan is reasonably priced and it is located at the Old Fort Bay Town Center. This restaurant is on the casual end and it is open from Monday to Saturday.

7. Arawak Cay Fish Fry

Looking for something to do in Nassau that includes a delicious meal on a budget and a few drinks? You might want to go to the Arawak Cay on West Bay Street in Downton Nassau. You can get delicious fish meals for around $15 USD per person at this location. Conch salad, scorched conch, and other traditional Bahamian fare are available for purchase and you’ll find vendors making them fresh as you order them.

At Arawak Cay, your fresh-off-the-grill catches will be seasoned with local flair. You can even have conch fritters, peas and rice, grouper fingers, and more, paired with something cold like a Bahamian Kalik or Sands beer. Enjoy these fantastic dishes while grooving to island tunes, particularly when the sun goes down. Both locals and visitors enjoy fish fry events at Arawak Cay, and great food and drinks are available on a daily basis.

8. The New Duff Restaurant & Bar

Look no further than The New Duff for a more casual restaurant with delicious food. With some dishes under $15 USD, you can enjoy authentic Bahamian cuisine just like the locals at this restaurant. Duff, a Bahamian dessert made with steamed flour pudding, is one of the items you should inquire about at this restaurant. Duff is light, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious. It is typically made with guava inside, but you can request fillings of caramelized coconut, fried banana, or piña colada instead. This dish is so versatile that once you try it, you’ll understand why this restaurant is named after it.

You can order stuffed bao buns with a savory twist for lunch. Buns are available with jerk chicken, ginger pork, and curry mutton filling. The New Duff is near Junkanoo Beach in downtown Nassau. If you’re spending the day at the beach, this is the ideal spot for a quick lunch. This restaurant is also a cool breakfast spot if you happen to be doing some early morning sightseeing in the West Bay Street area.

9. Meze Grill

Cable Beach is one of The Bahamas’ most beautiful beaches. Great food is the only thing that can make such a beautiful beach even more amazing. Meze Grill is one of the go-to spots for a good meal in this area. This restaurant, which serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, is a 5-minute walk from Sandals Royal Bahamian and also near the Sandyport Beach Resort.

The Meze Grill offers a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options in a lively and upbeat atmosphere. The drink and wine menus are also extensive. Guests with dietary restrictions will appreciate the fact that this restaurant offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The service at Meze Grill is also highly-rated.

Some of the favorites on the menu at Meze Grill include the truffle mushroom pasta, tomahawk pork chop, or the roasted half-greek chicken. You will also be able to order Asian-inspired sushi rolls which make tasty appetizers. Reservations are recommended for Meze Grill as this restaurant can get quite crowded, especially during peak season.

10. Katsuya

Katsuya is regarded as one of the best restaurants in Nassau. This restaurant is located in Nassau's SLS Baha Mar beach resort, just off West Bay Street. If you want to eat delicious Japanese food, Katsuya is a good option. Katsuya Uechi, a celebrated sushi chef, is responsible for developing this establishment’s menu.

Katsuya promises five-star service and an elevated dining experience. According to reviews, this restaurant totally delivers! Diners love that Chef Uechi blends traditional Japanese elements with new American flavors. Drinks-wise, whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll likely find it at this restaurant.

If you’re not sure what to get at this spot, we recommend Katsuya’s Lobster Tacos, Salmon on Cedar, Beef Short Ribs, and Toro Toro Rolls. These dishes are just a few of the favorites here. You can also try the Katsuya Omakase tasting menu, which features dishes chosen by Chef Uechi specifically for you. Katsuya is only open for dinner. Reservations are recommended.

11. Cocoplum Bistro & Bar

Cocoplum Bistro & Bar specializes in French and Mediterranean cuisine with a tropical twist. Surrounded by plenty of greenery and with close access to the beach and nearby shops, this restaurant is a good choice if you just want to chill and enjoy the best of Nassau. Cocoplum Bistro & Bar is located west of Nassau on the corner of Old Fort Bay and Lyford Cay. It is known and loved for its bistro atmosphere, friendliness, and quality.

French Chef Cathelin created the menu here and put a lot of heart and love into it. All the dishes are made with traditional French ingredients sourced locally. There are many island-inspired dishes to choose from on the menu at this restaurant, including the watermelon salad, grilled octopus, half-rack of lamb, and the vegan coconut chickpea curry.

You can dine at Cocoplum Bistro and Bar pretty much any day of the week. The restaurant serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, offers live music from a band on weekends, and provides good service and outdoor seating as well.

12. Seafire Steakhouse

All it will take to get to the Seafire Steakhouse is a quick ferry or boat ride from Nassau. This restaurant is located at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. The ferry from Nassau to Paradise Islands takes around 15 minutes. Once you get to Seafire Steakhouse, you’ll get to enjoy traditional American cuisine with a noticeable island twist.

On the menu at Seafire Restaurant, you’ll find steak paired with classic sides like creamed spinach or blue cheese iceberg wedges. One of the top-rated dishes at this restaurant is the shellfish tower for two. As a starter, you can try the traditional Bahamian lobster tail or seasonal oysters, jumbo prawns, seasonal crab, and salmon tartar.

Seafire Restaurant is family-friendly and the dress code here is smart casual. Reservations are recommended for this restaurant. Other bars and lounges are available near Seafire as well.

13. Athena Cafe & Bar

Athena Cafe & Bar is located just off East Bay Street in Downtown Nassau. This restaurant is steps away from the cruise ship terminal and it serves up authentic Greek food with an island twist. Athena Cafe is a cool option if you just want to grab something quick to eat, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The menu here includes traditional island options like conch fritters and well-known Greek dishes like Falafel gyros.

For breakfast at Athena Cafe, you can try the Coconut French Toast or the Greek Omelet. For lunch, you’ll have options including salads, gyros, soups, burgers, seafood, and other small and large plates and spreads. For dinner, we recommend the Athenian Style Grouper or the Roast Lamb. Indoor and outdoor dining is available from Monday to Saturday. Delivery and take-out are also available.

Athena Cafe and Bar has a casual ambiance with a beautiful outdoor seating area. While enjoying a meal here, definitely ask to see their wine and cocktail menu.

14. Fi’lia

The Baha Mar Beach Resort has a few good options for dining and Fi’lia is one of them. This is a delicious Italian restaurant where you’ll find a calm and welcoming ambiance and a menu that includes traditional Italian flavors and handmade pasta.

Fi’lia is only open for dinner. Nevertheless, there's a variety of options available on the menu for diners including pizza, pasta, seafood, and steaks. Some of the guests’ favorite dishes at this restaurant include Lobster Tagliolini, Grilled Branzino, and Bresaola & Burrata Pizza. You can ask for the wine list or cocktail list while you’re there to find a drink to pair with your meal. The drinks menu is quite extensive and includes classic Italian cocktails. Service is usually great at Fi’lia as well. Reservations are recommended since seating is limited, especially during peak season.

15. Cleo Mediterraneo

Cleo Mediterraneo is also located in the Baha Mar resort in Nassau. This restaurant is promoted as “not just a restaurant, but a destination”. Dining at Cleo Mediterraneo is a good option if you’re looking for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine for either breakfast or dinner, perhaps both! Just as soon as you're seated at this restaurant, you’ll receive a menu with a host of options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. The bar menu includes a variety of drinks and cocktails.

While you may find it difficult to choose from all of the delicious options, there are some menu selections based on guest reviews that you may want to consider. These include Moroccan Lamb, Lobster Tagine, and Chilean Sea Bass.

Couples may enjoy dining at Cleo Mediterraneo because of its chic and welcoming atmosphere, especially if they’re looking for that one off-property restaurant to check out during their all-inclusive vacation. Reservations are recommended for dining at Cleo Mediterraneo.

16. Graycliff Restaurant

The Graycliff Restaurant is located at the Graycliff Hotel and it is open to both hotel guests and non-hotel guests. At this restaurant, you’ll be able to reserve a table for an elegant meal, stop by for afternoon tea, or book a wine tasting with one of their sommeliers. Some of the popular dishes here include Crispy Duck, Filet Mignon, and Dover Sole. At Graycliff, in addition to regular seating, there are also some exclusive dining rooms you can book for up to 18 guests. There’s a strictly enforced dress code here which means no shorts, tank tops, or t-shirts.

The Graycliff Restaurant has a classy, old-school feel to it. This restaurant is ideal for a meal “away from the glitter of Nassau.” The Graycliff also offers cigar-making and chocolate-making classes. Reservations are recommended especially in the peak season.

17. Dune by Jean-Georges Vongerichten

At Dune, you'll find French-Asian cuisine with Bahamian influences. The Ocean Club Resort's restaurant serves cuisine prepared by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Dune is right on the beach, so you'll have an unrivaled view of the ocean, adding to the romance factor for couples. When you arrive at this restaurant, choose the outdoor seating area if you prefer a more scenic experience.

To get to Dune, you’ll need to take a ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island (about 15 minutes). You can go there any day of the week for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with some of the most popular options on the menu being the Roasted Nassau Grouper, Bahamian Lobster Flatbread, and Roasted Organic Chicken.

Despite being one of the more expensive restaurant options, a visit to Dune can be worth it as you can expect delicious food, five-star service, and creative cocktails. Reservations will come in handy for Dune because it can get quite crowded, especially around the high season. Sunday brunch at Dune is always a good time.

Expert tip: Want a vacation that includes amazing food, entertainment, and fun? A romantic getaway at one of the all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean may be just what you need!

Authentic Bahamian food to try during your Nassau vacation

There are many different dishes to try in The Bahamas, but the first step is learning how to identify them. Here are some of the signature Bahamas food and drinks, as well as what to expect in terms of ingredients and flavors:

• Fried Plantains: When done correctly, these will have the right consistency; not too firm, and slightly sweet. Fried plantains go well with almost anything, but they’re most commonly found on barbecue plates, alongside jerked meats, or alongside a regular meal.

• Conch Salad: Diced conch meat mixed with chopped bell peppers, onion, tomato, salt, and pepper. Everything is tossed in a lime, lemon, and orange juice marinade. The marinade slightly ‘cooks’ the conch, but otherwise, your conch salad will be mostly raw, similar to a ceviche.

• Johnny Bread/Johnny Cake: A sweet baked treat that’s a mix between cake and bread and is usually served in block shapes or slices. Johnny cake is typically eaten as a breakfast side or as a snack. The dish is made with milk, shortening, sugar, flour, and baking powder, and pairs well with butter, jam, soups, and stews.

• Grits: Inspired by the American south, grits are a popular breakfast item in The Bahamas. This is typically served hot, buttered, and paired with a protein-rich side, such as tuna salad, corned beef, or eggs. Grits are made from coarse cornmeal that has been topped with butter.

• Guava Duff: A spongy cake with diced guava filling that is coated with a guava rum sauce before it’s served. Best for a sweet treat at breakfast or dessert. This cake is spiraled like a pinwheel and it is best served hot!

Good to know: In Nassau and looking for a food tour? Visit Arawak Cay to take in the Fish Fry experience. At Arawak Cay, you’ll find a strip of restaurants ranging from fast-casual to sit-down. Restaurants in this area are known for serving authentic Bahamian food at a reasonable cost. There are also other fish fry events on the other Bahamian islands.

The best restaurants in Nassau: Experience the foodie capital of The Bahamas!

Get social while enjoying great Asian-inspired dishes at Kimonos, the Japanese teppanyaki restaurant at Sandals Royal Bahamian.

Nassau shines brightly in terms of culture, local cuisine, and nightlife. This is one of the best places to learn about The Bahamas’ food culture. Whether you're looking for a fine dining experience or just some takeout to enjoy in your hotel room, we hope you found the best restaurant for you on this list.

If you’re heading to The Bahamas and not sure where to stay to experience the best food, the all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas are a great option. Sandals all-inclusive resorts in Nassau offer multiple dining options for guests including gourmet restaurants. Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau has 10 world-class restaurants and 8 bars, while Sandals Emerald Bay in nearby Exuma has 11 restaurants and 6 bars. Unlimited dining is available to guests of both of these resorts which guarantees you’ll be able to enjoy some of the best food in The Bahamas.

Aside from the food, there’s a lot to love about the all-inclusive experience in The Bahamas including the fact that you can focus on enjoying your vacation and spending as much time as possible on this territory’s beautiful beaches without worries.

Expert tip: Want to know more about the food culture of the Caribbean? Check out our post on the most delicious Caribbean street food and popular Caribbean beers you can try during your vacation!