70 Best Restaurants in Bermuda
What's incredible about the Bermuda restaurant scene isn't so much the number or quality of restaurants, but the sheer variety of cuisines represented on the menus, especially considering that Bermuda is such a tiny island. It hosts a medley of global cuisines—British, French, Italian, Portuguese, American, Caribbean, Indian, Chinese, and Thai—palatable reminders of Bermuda's history as a colony.
Many superior independent and resort restaurants attract a constant and steady stream of internationally acclaimed chefs, assuring that the latest techniques and trends are menu regulars. At the same time, virtually all restaurant menus list traditional Bermudian dishes and drinks, so you have the opportunity to taste local specialties at almost any meal.
As you might expect, methods are not all that's imported. Roughly 80% of Bermuda's food is flown or shipped in, most of it from the United States. This explains why restaurant prices are often higher here than on the mainland.
Nevertheless, there are a number of delicious local ingredients that you should look for. At the top of the list is extraordinary seafood, like lobster (best during September through March), crab, oysters, mussels, clams, red snapper, rockfish, tuna, and wahoo. Additionally, many chefs work with local growers to serve fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, leeks, tomatoes, corn, broccoli, and Bermuda onions (one of the island's earliest exports); and in the fruit department, strawberries, cherries, bananas, and loquats (small yellow fruit used for preserves). Imports notwithstanding, Bermudian cuisine really begins and ends with local ingredients and traditional preparations, and therein lies the island's culinary identity.
While in Bermuda, try to eat like a local and put a couple of traditional dishes to the test. Bermuda is a seafood lover’s paradise, with favorite dishes including mussel pie, shark hash, and codfish and bananas. As for soups, you can go for fish chowder, conch chowder, or traditional Portuguese black-eyed bean soup. Don’t forget to kick back and relax after your meal with a rum swizzle, a Black and Coke, or a Dark ’n' Stormy. Ginger beer—which is quite different from ginger ale—remains the island’s most popular soda for the kids.
Sol i Mar
The signature restaurant of Coco Reef Resort, Sol i Mar, Spanish for "sun and sea," lives up its name: the floor-to-ceiling windows provide excellent views of the sun-drenched south shore, while their contemporary seafood menu proudly features fresh locally-caught seafood. Table for two? Start by sharing tapas platters featuring shrimp, calamari, and chorizo, before moving on to seafood paella. To finish, traditional rum cake for dessert. The open atmosphere here has a slight Mediterranean influence, but the piece de resistance? It's the perfect setting for a romantic meal and a glass of wine from their extensive wine list, which features labels from around the world.
Somerset Country Squire
Overlooking Mangrove Bay, this well-worn tavern is all dark wood and good cheer, with a great deal of malt and hops in between. The food is simple, but a few items stand out: the Bermuda fish chowder, panfried rockfish, and steak sandwich are all delicious. In-house nightly specials are another draw, as are the occasional live musicians and casual barbecues. The scenic view of the beach, dock, and moored boats is also unique. Call to confirm lunch availability during the off-season.
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Speciality Inn
You may have to wait in line a few minutes to snag a table, but you can't beat Speciality Inn for satisfying, reasonably priced meals. With cozy tables and a handful of booths, this cheerful place is a favorite of locals and families. The large, no-frills menu features everything from pizza to burgers to sushi. Dine with locals starting at 7 am for a homestyle breakfast with all the trimmings; on Saturday, feast on traditional Bermuda codfish and potatoes until 11:30 am.
Sul Verde
It's hard not to be distracted by the panoramic view of Castle Harbour, but along with beautiful scenery, Sul Verde is a great spot for rustic Italian dishes and perfectly baked pizzas. There's an old-school, clubby vibe with pale blue leather banquettes and gold accents in the main dining room, but the spot to be is on the wide porch, where you can get the best views and southerly breezes coming across the Tucker's Point Golf Course.
The Terrace on Front Street
True to its name, the terrace at this casual eatery is the place to be, and during the day it's a great spot to try the mix-and-match tacos or share a flatbread. On Friday night, young professionals flock to the indoor bar for the stylish vibe and vast selection of wines and cocktails, as well as entertainment. Bar snacks, like the wings and chorizo dip, are perfect for sharing.
Trini Spice
Tucked away in a pink corner shop in Somerset Village, Trini Spice is a popular take-out spot specializing in Trinidadian "fast food," including rotis and doubles. Grab a quick breakfast or sample island flavors before exploring the West End.
Utopia
Across the street from the ferry terminal, this spot with Asian and West Coast culinary influences is a lunchtime favorite among locals. Dine and people-watch from the patio lounge chairs on street level or sip a rum swizzle while enjoying a view of Hamilton Harbour on the rooftop Skybar. There's also indoor seating in a small downstairs space that's brightened up with white bistro chairs and tables. The menu is full of inventive dishes including the bahn mi flatbread and a Middle Eastern platter. There are plenty of smaller plates perfect for sharing, and the Skinny Dipping menu was designed by a nutritionist to provide healthy, delicious meal options.
Village Pantry
No matter what time of day you're looking for a bite to eat, Village Pantry will satisfy your cravings for great food made from quality ingredients. For breakfast, there are Mexican-inspired chilaquiles (fried corn tortilla strips in salsa verde and topped with cheese) or their take on avocado toast—a blend of melted cheese and egg with ham. Or in the evenings build your own healthy bowl with a choice of salad leaves, grains, protein, and inventive dressings. Make sure to grab one of the expertly prepared coffees made from their own roasted Devil's Isle brand. There's plenty of outdoor seating perfect for families or groups.
White Horse Pub & Restaurant
Located in the former Merchant's Hall, which dates back to the 1600s, this rustic harborside restaurant is overflowing with history. The outdoor space, as well as the menu, has been updated and features fresh takes on a variety of pub favorites as well as fresh seafood and pizza. Try the deep-fried avocado rolls with a sweet sticky dip or the chicken wings, which are perfect for sharing. If you're lucky enough to score a table out on the terrace, look for hungry schools of fish waiting for food scraps. Check the website for events, which often feature DJs and can be very popular and lively.
