The selection of great restaurants in The Bahamas includes fantastic venues from across the archipelago. Fresh seafood straight from the waters of the Caribbean dominates the menu, lovingly prepared with French and Creole flair. But the landlubber needn’t despair – there are pork and chicken dishes aplenty, too.

Keen to sink your teeth into tantalizing Bahamian fare? We’ve rounded down a list of some of the best restaurants in the country. These outstanding options span the width and breadth of The Bahamas, so there’s bound to be something nearby to try.

  • 1

    Oh Andros

    A fish fry district favourite

    Oh Andros
    • Budget
    • Food

    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 grilled 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.

    Location: #26 Arawak Cay, Fish Fry Nassau City, Bahamas

    Open: Daily from 11.30 am to 10.30 pm

    Phone: +1 242-326-7115

    Map
  • 2

    Banana Bay

    A great Grand Bahama spot for conch fritters and banana bread

    Banana Bay
    • Budget
    • Food

    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 savour 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. Alternatively, 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.

    Location: Fortune Bay Dr, Freeport, Bahamas

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +1 242-373-2960

    Map
  • 3

    Pier 1 Bahamas Restaurant

    A beloved Freeport seafood spot where you can feed sharks

    Pier 1 Bahamas Restaurant
    • Families
    • Food

    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 drinks help seal the deal.

    Location: Wild Goose Town, Bahamas

    Open: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 10 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 5 pm to 10 pm

    Phone: +1 242-352-6674

    Map
  • 4

    Goldie’s Conch House

    The spot to devour conch in Nassau

    Goldie’s Conch House
    • Families
    • Food

    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 alternative – 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.

    Location: Twin Brothers, Fish Fry Street, Nassau, Bahamas

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 11 pm

    Phone: +1 242-325-4300

    Map
  • 5

    Santanna’s Bar and Grill

    A no-nonsense seafood joint in Exuma

    Santanna’s Bar and Grill
    • Food

    An Exuma institution, Santanna’s Bar and Grill 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.

    Location: Williams Town BS, Exuma, Bahamas

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +1 242-345-4102

    Map
  • 6

    Mckenzie’s Fresh Fish & Conch

    A fantastic conch spot in Nassau

    Mckenzie’s Fresh Fish & Conch
    • Budget
    • Food

    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 favourites 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.

    Location: The Dock, Paradise Island, Bridge, Bahamas

    Open: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 8 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 242-436-2683

    Map
  • 7

    Queen Conch

    A brilliant Harbour Island spot offering conch

    Queen Conch
    • Food

    Harbour Island holidaymakers should head to Queen Conch, a vibrant waterfront haunt specialising 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.

    Location: Bay Street, Dunmore Town, Bahamas

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 242-333-3811

    Map
  • 8

    1648 - An Island Restaurant

    Upmarket seafood in Eleuthera

    1648 - An Island Restaurant
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Photo

    1648 is an upscale restaurant and Eleuthera favourite 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 flavours 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 Harbour. An elegant open-air deck with wicker chairs and lantern-clad tables ensures a romantic vibe.

    Location: Queen’s Hwy, Governor’s Harbour, Bahamas

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 7 am to 10 pm, Friday–Sunday from 7 am to 11 pm

    Phone: +1 242-332-3777

    Map
  • 9

    Lighthouse Point Restaurant

    A well-priced and family-friendly spot on Long Island

    Lighthouse Point Restaurant
    • Families
    • Food

    Lighthouse Point on Long Island does delicious Caribbean dishes at reasonable prices. The family-friendly restaurant serves all your usual seafood favourites – 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. 

    Location: Clarence Town, Bahamas

    Open: Daily from 11.30 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 242-337-3435

    Map
  • 10

    Curly’s Restaurant and Bar

    A charming local venue in the Arawak Cay Fish Fry area

    Curly’s Restaurant and Bar
    • Budget
    • Food

    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 sweets 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.

    Location: 3JHR+XCH, Nassau, Bahamas

    Open: Daily from 12 pm to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 242-328-0394

    Map
Harry Stewart | Contributing Writer