18 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.
Achilles
After a complete renovation, this beachside restaurant, named for the secluded bay and beach just steps from the dining room, brings fresh and simple takes on Mediterranean dishes reinvented with bold Asian flavors. Much of the ingredients are locally sourced and it's often worth waiting to hear the specials of the day, as Chef Guido and his team make the most of seasonal ingredients. Floor-to-ceiling windows afford absolutely stunning views across the north shore. Make sure to try one of the inventive cocktails and leave room for the affogato dessert—it's a must.
Aurora
Two-time Best of Bermuda Gold award-winning Aurora restaurant at Newstead Belmont Hills Resort showcases the dedication of local farmers and fishermen, with an ocean-to-table menu that lets the main ingredients shine. When you aren't marveling at the view, you'll find yourself colored impressed by the diverse menu featuring seafood delights like local yellowfin tuna ribbons, seafood paella, and catch of the day. Aurora also caters to vegetarians and vegans with a small but thoughtful selection. For a scenic and convenient journey, a complimentary water shuttle is available to transport you between the restaurant and various points around Hamilton Harbour. Note: Aurora maintains a dress code—no flip-flops or shorts (Bermuda shorts are fine), and men are asked to wear a collared shirt.
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Barracuda Grill
The tastefully decorated contemporary dining room—mahogany-framed chairs and banquettes, soft-gold lights over the tables—is reminiscent of sophisticated big-city restaurants, and the food (from both the sea and land) that comes to the table is created by a culinary team dedicated to excellence. Ease into your meal with a bowl of island-style fish chowder; for an entrée, try one of their classics, such as Bermuda rockfish or surf and turf—boneless beef ribs and fire-grilled king tiger shrimp. If you save room for dessert, opt for the artisanal cheese selection or perhaps the gingerbread toffee pudding. There's also a great cocktail bar for a social martini or late-night digestif. And if you're looking for a romantic dinner, reserve the \"snug corner,\" which is a table for two, tucked away out of sight of other diners.
Bolero Brasserie
Coconuts
Perched between towering cliff rocks and a pristine private beach on the southern coast, Coconuts offers one of the most romantic dining experiences with breathtaking views of the ocean. Open seasonally during the summer, the menu changes frequently, but you can always expect a diverse selection—from drunken mussels to rockfish to braised oxtail—prepared with signature Bermudian flair, while also accommodating meat-free diets. Starting in May, the restaurant hosts a weekly beach BBQ. Due to its popularity, reservations for dinner and special events are recommended, as tables fill up quickly at this sought-after spot.
Harry's Restaurant and Bar
Port O Call
Tom Moore's Tavern
1609 Bar & Restaurant
Ascend a short flight of stairs at the end of the Hamilton Princess pier and enjoy the chic island vibe at this seasonal harbor-view restaurant. Stylish, buzzy, and modern, 1609 is the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous or a get-together with friends, complete with a tasteful assortment of wines, salads, and a flatbread or fresh fish tacos perfect for sharing. Be sure to book a table for just before sunset to watch the breathtaking sky from your table atop 1609's unique open-walled terrace.
Beau Rivage
This upscale, waterfront French eatery with an alfresco patio, a vast selection of wines, and an extensive menu adds a little ooh-la-la to Bermuda's restaurant scene. Specialties include leg of lamb, lobster risotto, and beef Wellington, but save room for desserts such as soufflés, chocolate fondant, and crème brûlée. In addition, there's a private table in the heart of the chef's kitchen for 8 to 16 people. Beau Rivage hosts a good Sunday brunch from 11:30 am. Enjoy a lively happy hour at Sanzibar, the tapas and burgers bar just next door.
Blu Bar & Grill
With sweeping views of aquamarine waters, white roofs, and lush palm trees—along with the manicured golf course—Blu Bar & Grill offers one of the island's most picturesque dining experiences, especially at sunset. The cuisine is a creative fusion of American and eclectic flavors, featuring bold tastes with a focus on exotic herbs and spices. While steaks and ribs are on offer, the seafood is the highlight. Indulge in fish chowder followed by lobster, oysters, yellowfin tuna, rockfish, snapper, or wahoo. For sushi lovers, there’s a selection of nigiri, sashimi, and temaki, as well as chef’s special combinations for those who can’t decide.
Harbourfront Restaurant
Whether you dine inside beside the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows or outside on the dock, every seat in this restaurant next to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute has beautiful views of Hamilton Harbour. Expertly prepared fresh sushi shines alongside international specialties and locally caught fish on the remarkably eclectic menu, so don't hesitate to ask your attentive server to recommend a dish. Dinner favorites include Bermuda fish chowder, risotto porcini, and veal Milanese. The outdoor seating area overlooks Red Hole at the edge of Hamilton Harbour, providing a serene backdrop for a romantic dinner.
Huckleberry
Little Venice
It's a little pricey, but Little Venice also sets the bar with its attentive, old-world hospitality, flavorful Italian dishes, and freshly made pasta. Bermuda's business elite gather for drinks and appetizers after work, making their way through a wine list that boasts 1,000 different wines from around the world. Keep in mind that the ratio of steep prices to average-size portions puts this restaurant firmly in the \"splurge\" category. Call ahead to reserve a coveted booth table.
Mad Hatters
The Red Carpet
Old-fashioned charm and consistently attentive service are two reasons why this tried-and-true bar and restaurant is a favorite among local politicians and businesspeople. Located in the old Armoury building, it's a popular lunch spot, serving plenty of fresh seafood and local favorites like fish chowder. At dinner the dining room is usually uncrowded and relaxed; the bar is even more casual, if you're looking to have a cocktail or two before your meal. Culinary highlights include classics like rack of lamb and wiener schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet) and seafood like clams casino and seafood crepes.
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.