Some meals stay with you long after the sunburn fades and the sand is rinsed out of your shoes. That was exactly my experience in the Bahamas. I didn’t just eat—I lingered, tasted, soaked up the view, and let the sea breeze carry away any sense of urgency. If you’re planning your trip and want to eat somewhere memorable, these are five restaurants that I’d go back to in a heartbeat.
Plus, I’ll share a few tips about where to stay nearby and why I never travel without my VPN.
1. Graycliff Restaurant – Old-School Elegance in Nassau
Tucked inside a former colonial mansion in downtown Nassau, Graycliff is the kind of place where every detail is drenched in history. From the white tablecloths to the polished silverware and impeccable service, it feels like stepping back in time. The food? A lush blend of French and Mediterranean classics with a Bahamian twist.
I ordered foie gras with mango chutney followed by grilled lobster, and I still dream about it. After dinner, we toured their in-house chocolate factory and wine cellar (which, fun fact, is one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere!).
Where to stay nearby: Try the British Colonial Nassau, just a short walk away. Stylish, central, and convenient for exploring the city’s best dining spots.
Travel tip: Make a dinner reservation during one of their live music nights—it adds an extra layer of magic.
2. Santanna’s Bar & Grill – Laid-Back Vibes & Fresh Snapper
Hidden on the southern end of Little Exuma, Santanna’s doesn’t look like much from the outside. Just a wooden shack on the beach. But oh wow, the food! Pan-fried snapper served with peas ‘n rice and fresh coleslaw—simple, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Locals hang out here barefoot, sipping rum in plastic cups. Dee, the owner, once cooked for the Pirates of the Caribbean film crew, and you can tell she knows her way around a grill.
Where to stay nearby: The best option is renting a beachfront Airbnb—there are gorgeous cottages just a short walk from the restaurant.
Travel tip: Go around lunchtime when the fish is freshest and the vibe is still mellow.
3. The Rock House Restaurant – A Romantic Evening on Harbour Island
If you’re up for a splurge night, Rock House on Harbour Island is the spot. It’s part of a boutique hotel and sits overlooking the harbor. We were seated on the terrace just as the sun began to set. Cue candlelight, chilled wine, and the scent of grilled seafood floating through the air.
I started with conch ceviche, then had duck breast with passion fruit sauce. The mango cheesecake for dessert was dangerously good.
Where to stay nearby: If you’re dining here, stay at the Rock House itself or nearby Pink Sands Resort—both are ideal for a romantic retreat.
Travel tip: Dress up a little and arrive before sunset for the best view in town.
4. Arawak Cay – The Real Taste of the Bahamas
Also known as Fish Fry, Arawak Cay in Nassau is a collection of local food stalls and restaurants where the island’s flavors come alive. It’s messy, loud, joyful—and absolutely delicious.
We had cracked conch, fresh conch salad with citrus and chili, and a traditional Bahamian dessert called guava duff. Live music, laughter, and the smell of sizzling oil made it feel more like a festival than a dinner.
Where to stay nearby: Look for guesthouses or small hotels in downtown Nassau—you’ll be within easy reach of the fun.
Travel tip: Bring cash, wear sandals, and be ready to stay longer than you planned.
5. Cocoplum Bistro – Ocean Breezes & Elegant Plates
Located in Governor’s Harbour on Eleuthera, Cocoplum Bistro is a cozy and stylish little gem. It’s where you go when you want your mahi-mahi with a glass of crisp white wine and a sea view that makes you forget what day it is.
I had tuna carpaccio to start, followed by mahi-mahi in lemon beurre blanc. The chocolate fondant was so perfectly gooey I could’ve cried.
Where to stay nearby: There are several boutique villas and guesthouses in the area—check for oceanview listings on Booking or Airbnb.
Travel tip: Let the staff suggest wine pairings—they know their stuff.
🏝 Bonus: My Travel Essentials for the Bahamas
🌐 Why I Never Travel Without a VPN
I do most of my travel planning online—looking for flights, reading hotel reviews, booking excursions. And I always use a VPN. It helps me:
- Avoid price discrimination based on my location
- Secure my connection on hotel or café WiFi
- Stream my favorite shows abroad (yes, I watched Netflix in the hammock)
I personally use Surfshark VPN because I can connect unlimited devices—handy when traveling as a couple or with friends. It also works great with routers, so our entire vacation rental was protected.
🏡 How I Picked Our Stays
When choosing where to sleep, I balanced three things: location (close to restaurants or beaches), guest reviews, and overall vibe. I used both Booking and Airbnb—depending on whether I wanted a hotel experience or a more local, homey feel.
Money-saving tip: I searched flights and hotels with a VPN set to different countries. Sometimes prices really were lower!
👉 Try Surfshark VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Final Thoughts
Good food can make a trip unforgettable—and on the Bahamas, it often comes with a sea breeze and the sound of waves in the background. Whether you’re sipping rum from a plastic cup or enjoying fine wine with lobster tail, each of these restaurants offers a slice of island soul.
And hey, don’t forget the travel hacks. A VPN and a smart choice of accommodation can turn a great vacation into a seamless, safe, and delicious one.
Hungry yet?
Experience the Adventure in the Bahamas
