Being a Caribbean Island, one of Nassau’s main goals is to attract travelers to its shores. Visitors of Nassau have the opportunity to make their vacation something completely unique by visiting some fantastic restaurants that cannot be found anywhere else. At the same time, visitors will be participating in an important economic activity by supporting the local businesses of the island.
1. Bahamian Cookin Restaurant and Bar
Centrally located in downtown Nassau, The Bahamain Cookin Restaurant cooks up exactly what it says it does: authentic Bahamian food. This is Nassau’s oldest restaurant, having been family owned and operated since 1986. In addition, the Bahamain is the only restaurant in Nassau that serves true Bahamian food. The restaurant serves breakfast from Mondays-Fridays 7:30am-10:30am as a take out only option, then lunch from 11:30am to 4pm. Dinner is available if guests book the restaurant for a private event such as a party, wedding, or business meeting. The authentic Bahamian food includes soups, salads, lobsters, grouper, conch, and a guava fruit desserts.
Bahamian Cookin Restaurant and Bar
Address: Trinity Place (Downtown), Nassau, Bahamas
Price: Entrees starting at 10.25 USD
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11:30am-4pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Access: 25 minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport, 12 minute drive from Atlantis Paradise Island Resort.
Contact: +1 2423280334 or bahamiancookin@gmail.com
Website: Bahamian Cookin Restaurant and Bar
2. Montagu Gardens Steak & Grill
This whimsical eatery is located just outside downtown Nassau near Montagu Beach. With its ornate gate, courtyards, and exposed brick décor the restaurant gives off a vintage Caribbean vibe that is also reflected in its food. Montagu’s serves Bahamian cuisine, as well as American and other international dishes. Since this restaurant is away from the popular Paradise Island, some travelers may be deterred from visiting Montagu’s, but luckily the restaurant provides a free shuttle service if guests call them to make a booking. Montagu’s serves both lunch (from 11:30 am to 3 pm) and dinner from 6pm to 11pm. All major credit cards are accepted, and guests are not required to make a reservation.
Montagu Gardens
Address: East Bay Street, Nassau, The Bahamas
Price: from 10-60 USD
Opening Hours: Closed Sundays. Monday-Saturday: 11am-3pm & 6pm-11pm Closed on public holidays.
Access: 7 minute drive from Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, 30 minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport
Contact: +1 2423946347
Website: Montagu Gardens Steak & Grill
3. Taj Mahal
If you are in the need for some great Indian food while in Nassau, the Taj Mahal is the place to get it. Centrally located in downtown Nassau, just a 6-minute walk from the Queen’s Staircase, this restaurant is a local favorite. The restaurant also has an old-fashion English bar that serves plenty of alcoholic drinks. Happy hour is on Fridays, and highlights local beers and Sands for 4 USD, as well as mixed drinks for 6 USD from 5:30pm to 7pm. The restaurant gets very lively on the weekends when it plays host to live music and DJs. Overall this restaurant has a very friendly, welcoming, and casual attitude.
Taj Mahal
Address: 48 Parliament St, Nassau, The Bahamas
Price: entrees starting from 19.95 USD
Opening Hours: Closed on public holidays.
Access: 10 minute drive from Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, 26 minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport
Contact: +1 2423563004 or tajmahal@coralwave.com
Website: Taj Mahal
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4. Luciano’s of Chicago
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Luciano’s is an upscale Italian eatery, that has outdoor seating with great views of Atlantis across the waterway. Luciano’s serves both lunch and dinner, with dishes ranging from classic Italian, seafood, and some Bahamian meals. There are also some gluten free options available for guests that have special dietary needs. The restaurant can accommodate a large amount of guests for special events such as weddings, or business parties. The restaurant also has event planners that can assist with running a private event smoothly, such as planning décor and entertainment. This restaurant is a great choice if travelers are looking for a more formal dining experience, although guest reviews state that attire ranges from casual to dressy.
4. Luciano’s of Chicago
Address: E Bay St, Nassau, The Bahamas
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 11:30am- 3:30pm & 6pm-10pm, Saturday & Sunday: 6pm-10pm. Closed on public holidays.
Access: 8 minute drive from Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, 30 minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport
Contact: +1 2423237770
Website: Luciano’s of Chicago
5. Humidor Churrascaria
The resident restaurant of the historic Graycliff Hotel, Humidor Churrascaria takes a different method to the dining domain. Instead of the customary menu for guests to choose from, it instead provides an array of large meat portions for guests to pick their meals from. The restaurant mostly serves Brazilian and steakhouse style meals. Reviews state that visitors can see the in house cigar company crafting their cigars from the restaurant. Although the restaurant is upscale, reviewers say that the atmosphere is relaxed and fine for casual dining.
Humidor Churrascaria
Address: 12 W Hill St, Nassau, Bahamas
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 6pm-10:30pm. Closed on public holidays.
Access: 1 minute walk from Graycliff Hotel, 13 minute drive from Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, 25 minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport
Contact: +1 2423029150
Website: Humidor Churrascaria
6. Café Matisse
This picturesque restaurant is located in a 100-year-old building in the heart of the historic district of Nassau, right behind Parliament Square. Visitors can eat in the alluring courtyard surrounded by a lovely garden. Matisse serves mostly Italian foods, with vegetarian and vegan options available, and an exhaustive wine list. An interesting piece of information about this restaurant is that its menu is revised every 6 months in order to keep its selection fresh and new. As a part of the décor, the restaurant features a collection of Matisse painting prints, to accompany the namesake of the restaurant. The restaurant is also capable of hosting private parties upon booking. Reservations are recommended, and all major credit cards are accepted. Many reviews consider this the best dining available in all of Nassau, so if you are interested, call early to get a reservation to this lovely establishment.
Café Matisse
Address: Bank Lane, Nassau, The Bahamas
Price: from 25-100 USD
Opening Hours: Closed Sunday & Monday, Tuesday & Thursday-Saturday: 12pm-3pm & 6pm-11pm, Wednesday: 6pm-11pm. Closed on public holidays.
Access: 8 minute walk from Graycliff Hotel, 10 minute drive from Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, 26 minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport
Contact: +1 2423567012
Website: Café Matisse
Culinary classics and new adventures
Nassau’s multicultural history has led to a unique combination of dining selections on the island. Travelers can expect to be able to find a wide variety of dining options just blocks away from each other. So it is up to you to decide how conventional or adventurous you want to be while you spend your days eating up Nassau’s yummy grub.