Dining: Culinary Sensation

An island so packed with cultural flavour and flair, Bermuda is sure to be brimming with world-class dining and nightlife options. Everywhere you look you'll discover delectable cuisine that will tempt your taste buds.

Muse

Bermuda may be a lonely string of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, but judging by the food, you would think you were in an international metropolis. Foodies have a wide range of choices for international cuisines here, including Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, French, American and everything in between!

And don’t forget the local fare. Bermuda’s rich confluences of ethnicities have created a unique cuisine that ranges from delicious seafood dishes with Portuguese and African influences to the most savoury English-style comfort food.

The islands’ more than 150 restaurants, bars and beach cafés try to keep everyone happy with delicious home cooking and sophisticated dishes served in gorgeous locations next to the beach, amidst palms and red bougainvillea in manicured gardens, and in atmospheric historic buildings.

Waterlot Inn at Fairmont Southampton

In Bermuda, you may want to build your day around food. Take a breezy ride along a coastal road to find a breakfast of codfish and potatoes, a lunch of fish chowder or lobster salad, a teatime snack of scones and rum cakes, and a happy hour of fried chicken legs and fish dip. And for dinner, there is curried lobster, grilled steaks, paella, wahoo, rockfish... you name it.

Even the newest and trendiest eateries usually put a nouveau spin on local dishes so you will be sure to enjoy fish, lobsters and island fruits such as luscious loquats made into a chutney, and the diminutive Bermuda bananas, which are pan-fried with fish or made into banana fritters. The islands are so well known for their flat, sweet Bermuda onions, a major export in the 1800s, that Bermudians often are referred to as onions. You may be patted on the back at a pub and called “a real onion.” Take that as a compliment.

And after dinner, don’t forget to dip into the nightlife. Many of Bermuda’s restaurants and bars transform into the hippest lounges and nightclubs after dark, with some parties going on deep into the night!

Fairmont Hotels Bermuda

Comfort Fare
Naturally, this British Overseas Territory has a great deal of English influence over its food and customs. Indeed, you will feel like you are in merry ole England at Bermuda’s pubs, like Henry VIII Restaurant & Pub. You can order fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, beef Wellington, steak-and-kidney pie, and toad-in-the-hole (sausage with Yorkshire pudding). It’s not rare to find a mahogany bar where you can mingle with the post-business crowd late into the night, just as you would in the centre of London. And don’t be surprised to be eating or drinking alongside a major power player or famous personality. Luminaries such as New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Catherine Zeta-Jones and culinary celebrities like Rachael Ray have been sighted in these local havens for down-home cooking.

For those with more refined tastes and who revel in centuries of tradition, there are many places on the island that still offer afternoon tea. This English habit usually is accompanied by cucumber sandwiches, local rum cake or delicious scones smothered in clotted cream. Whilst this tradition originated in the cooler climes of England, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect setting for afternoon tea than Bermuda: You can enjoy the cool breeze and translucent blue hue of the ocean as you turn up your pinky and absorb the scenery from a shady veranda.

Maria's Ristorante

From the Ocean
This being an island, seafood rules the menus at most restaurants in Bermuda. Your choices are many and varied, from the popular rockfish, mahimahi and snapper to perennial tropical favourites, such as tuna, wahoo and swordfish. Whether you want them served grilled, pan-fried or in fish sandwiches, these delicious menu items will keep your hankering for seafood satisfied.

Fish chowder is served everywhere, as it is perhaps the islands’ signature dish, and every chef has a recipe. “I boil down the rockfish heads, strain it, take the meat out, add onion, celery, peppers, carrots, rum and sherry peppers (a hot sauce),” says Nestor Guillo, chef at the Lobster Pot Restaurant and Boathouse Bar, a local institution for several decades. His fish cakes have onions, parsley, grated potatoes, rockfish and curry.

Chefs often use the island-made Outerbridge’s Original Sherry Peppers, a sauce that provides fire and flavour to dishes such as fish stew. The sherry-pepper sauce is an invention of seafaring sailors, particularly in the Royal Navy, who put hot peppers in sherry for seasoning. The late Yeaton Outerbridge, whose ancestors came to Bermuda in the 1600s, refined the sauce to an art and opened his business in 1964. Today the sauce is sold throughout the island in gift shops and grocery stores, so you can take a taste of Bermuda back home.

Of course, you can’t leave without trying the local lobsters, which are served in season, from September through the end of March. The Bermuda spiny lobsters, which usually weigh about 2.5 pounds and are served halved, are grilled, broiled, cooked Thermidor-style or curried. You can even find lobster mixed with macaroni and cheese, a Bermudian classic. If your vacation is during the lobster season, try to track down some local “Guinea chicks,” a miniature spotted spiny lobster that weighs about a half pound and is exceptionally sweet and succulent.

Royston's at The Reefs

International Cuisine
Connoisseurs have a wide range of choices for international cuisines, including spicy kofta (meatballs) and hummus at Café Cairo; homemade gnocchi and spaghetti at Little Venice; sushi and teriyaki at L’Oriental; and pizza and pasta at Tio Pepe.

Steaks and chops are the highlights of the menu at the historic Waterlot Inn; Asian-inspired fusion is the reason to dine at the Ocean Club; and the French dishes, including monkfish with truffle vinaigrette and quail filled with boudin noir, are specialities of the prestigious AAA Five Diamond-rated Newport Room. A jacket is suggested for diners at these elegant restaurants at The Fairmont Southampton resort.

Island Feast
Here are some of the best spots for dining and nightlife on our islands.

Henry VII

Delight in authentic, lively Italian cuisine delivered with real fine-dining flare in a stylish yet relaxed family atmosphere. The chef at  Bacci at The Fairmont Southampton has creatively blended the very best of classical Italian traditions with the latest world-class cooking trends to create a symphony of original recipes and flavours from select regions of Italy. Each item is presented like a work of art, and each evening the culinary team selects special dishes to enhance its a-la-carte menu. Bacci is a celebration of the life, wine and great food of Italy. You will always be greeted with hospitality, warmth and enthusiasm, and you will want to return again and again. Bacci is open daily from 6 to 10 p.m. (238-8000, fairmont.com/southampton)

Sit and watch the sun go down from the terrace of Blackbeard’s Hideout, overlooking Achilles Bay, for cocktails, lunch or dinner. A popular local spot with casual atmosphere and great food, this true Bermudian experience is not to be missed. It is great for private functions. (297-1400)

Blu Bar & Grill

The Blû Bar and Grill is ideally located to showcase fabulous views across the Belmont Hills Golf Course and stunning sunsets and water views over Great Sound. Blû offers great food characterised as bold American cuisine and steakhouse with a Southwestern flavour. This effervescent restaurant provides a wonderful atmosphere with wines and service to match. Visit for dinner any day of the week or treat yourself to a delectable Sunday brunch. (232-2323, diningbermuda.com)

Bolero Brasserie opened in April 2007 and in just over five years has been awarded five Best of Bermuda awards, most recently: Best Fine Dining and the Award of Excellence.  Bolero’s entrance is tucked down a narrow alleyway off Front Street, giving the place a sense of secrecy, a place that only the locals know about. Like a typical local neighbourhood joint with a busy, lively and bustling brasserie/bistro atmosphere, the clientele all seem to know each other at Bolero and are clearly there for the same reasons: good food, friendly efficient service and an overall enjoyable relaxed dining experience. If the service staff do not already know you, you will feel like a regular by the time you leave. Owner and Chef Jonny Roberts and his kitchen team produce a menu that he terms “simple, honest, and unpretentious.” His new cookbook, Chefs Don’t Feel Pain, not only reveals the secrets of Bolero’s current culinary success but also includes tales about the personal life of the man behind the scenes. Not for the faint-hearted, Jonny’s very truthful and at times blunt account of life in “Chefdom” will make you chuckle! Bolero Brasserie, 95 Front Street, Hamilton, is open Monday to Friday for lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and for dinner Monday to Saturday, 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Closed all day Sunday. Current menus can be viewed, and reservations can be made on bolerobrasserie.com. (292-4507)

Blu Bar & Grill

Experience Bone Fish Bar & Grill in Dockyard. With an exquisite view of Bermuda’s breezy Great Sound, an award-winning, top-rated chef at the helm, plenty of fresh fish and top-grade meats, how can you go wrong? Bone Fish Bar & Grill offers locals and tourists alike a reasonably priced menu with seafood, homemade pasta, great wines from around the world, draft beer and desserts to die for. Dine in the main restaurant or alfresco on the sun-drenched deck. All are welcome at the newest happening place to eat in Dockyard. (234-5151, bonefish.bm)

Buzz has locations throughout the island to offer you and your family a healthy and hearty breakfast and lunch options. Breakfast menus offer a variety of fresh breads, specialty coffees, the best fresh fruit smoothies on the island, and full-cooked eggs, bacon, ham and sausages to guarantee the best start to any and every day whilst on holiday. The chef at Buzz offers daily good home-cooked specials for the whole family. (295-2009, buzzcafe.bm)

Sun, sand, food and fun: Amidst The Fairmont Southampton’s beautiful pink sand beach, the Cabana serves up all your favourite cocktails and lunch favourites. From the infamous Dark ’n’ Stormy, Yellow Bird and piña colada, to the islands’ best hamburgers, this place is great for lunch. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (238-8000, fairmont.com/southampton)

The Cellar Club Lounge is Bermuda’s exclusive, premier, top-40 music nightclub. With no cover charge and rated as Bermuda’s best nightlife experience, it caters to a distinguished audience with higher sensibilities. Located 40 feet below Bermuda’s natural elements, this exquisite retro-haven nightclub encompasses everything that locals, visitors and guests of The Fairmont Southampton would desire in their nightlife — crystal chandeliers, LED dance floor, sports television and pool tables. The Cellar is also rich in tradition, with original retro designs, stone pillars and solid wooden beams. The flawless location maintains its position as the most desirable cosmopolitan hot spot on the islands. The lounge is open daily from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. and is available for bachelorette, birthday and many more semiprivate parties. For more information, call, e-mail info@thecellar.bm or visit their website at thecellarbermuda.com. (705-2582)

Cafe Cairo

On Front Street in Hamilton, Café Cairo offers a unique experience for dining and entertainment. Selected by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top 25 hotspots in the world, Café Cairo offers an exotic fusion of Middle Eastern cuisine and a delicious late-night menu available until 3 a.m., against a background of Middle Eastern inspired décor that includes a Sultan’s Tent room that’s perfect for groups. Cairo transitions to a hip club after 10 p.m., where their DJs will keep you dancing till the wee hours at Hamilton’s No. 1 party spot. (295-5155)

The Cellar Club Lounge is Bermuda’s exclusive, premier, top-40 music nightclub. With no cover charge and rated as Bermuda’s best nightlife experience, it caters to a distinguished audience with higher sensibilities. Located 40 feet below Bermuda’s natural elements, this exquisite retro-haven nightclub encompasses everything that locals, visitors and guests of The Fairmont Southampton would desire in their nightlife — crystal chandeliers, LED dance floor, sports television and pool tables. The Cellar is also rich in tradition, with original retro designs, stone pillars and solid wooden beams. The flawless location maintains its position as the most desirable cosmopolitan hotspot on the islands. The lounge is open daily from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., and is available for bachelorette, birthday and many more semiprivate parties. For more information, call, e-mail info@thecellar.bm or visit the website. (705-2582, thecellarbermuda.com)

Royston's at The Reefs

If you are looking for live entertainment and local culture, then The Chewstick Lounge & Cultural Facility is where you need to be. Their legendary Sunday night Open-Mic Jam Session is a vital experience for any visitor to the island, where you can have fun jamming along with local artists or simply sit back and enjoy the vibes. Visit chewstick.org for their weekly schedule of events and more information on The Chewstick Movement. (292-2439)

Set into the rocks of South Shore, open to sunsets and starlight with the sound of waves lapping nearby, Coconuts at The Reefs resort has earned praise from Frommer’s as the islands’ most romantic spot for an alfresco sunset dinner, and was voted Best Place to Fall in Love by The Bermudian magazine. Linger over cocktails at the Sand Bar whilst exploring the menu of fresh Bermudian fare. Reserve in advance for dinner on the beach, and dig your toes into the pink sand whilst enjoying an intimate meal, complete with tiki torches and the sea whispering in your ear. Lunch is served April through November; dinner, May through November. Call for reservations. (238-0222, thereefs.com)

The Dining Room

The Dining Room, located by Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton, offers casual dining with breathtaking views of South Shore and the ocean. The restaurant serves an exciting modern menu, full of outstanding fresh local ingredients, in a wonderful atmosphere. Its goal is to provide courteous, expedient, professional service of the highest calibre. See the website to learn about full catering services for larger groups. (238-8679, bermuda-dining.com)

The Dog House, “Where everyone ends up in Bermuda,” on Front Street in Hamilton, offers Bermuda’s best selection of beer on tap, available by the pint or yard, and the coldest bottled beer in town. The party never stops with wide-screen TVs, pool and foosball tables, DJs and live entertainment mixed in a casual party atmosphere. “American bistro-style” food can be enjoyed in the bar or on the spacious veranda. The Dog House is rocking until 3 a.m. with delicious late-night menus. (295-5155)

L'Oriental

East Meets West restaurant and bar offers cuisine from all over India, Asia and European continental. Their food has been widely and enthusiastically commended for the flavour and extensive range of choices. Their comfortable Balinese gazebo is suitable for all occasions: birthdays, baby showers, graduations, weddings, or just getting together with colleagues from work, friends or family. Reservations are recommended. Takeout is also available at their Hamilton location. (238-8580, Southampton; 295-8580, Hamilton)

Exclusive Charters offers cruises aboard Holding Firm II, a 37-foot Sea Ray Express Bridge. She has a fully air-conditioned cabin bridge with fully enclosed seating and a capacity to carry up to 20 passengers. Cruise packages vary according to clients’ preferences. They offer cruises for various events such as cocktail parties, birthdays, family days, corporate and sunset, to name a few. Ground transportation, catering menus, photography, pedicures, manicures and massage therapy are available on request. If you have any special requests, they will do their best to accommodate you.

Onboard amenities include a bathroom with a hot and cold shower, two flat-screen televisions with DVD player, CD/radio player and microwave. Their captain has more than 15 years’ experience around Bermuda’s waters, and both captain and all crew are CPR-certified. They look forward to having you aboard and providing you with a first-class Bermuda experience. (337-3700, exclusivechartersbda.com)

Fourways Inn

Ferrari Bar @ LV’s boasts an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere offering entertainment for the mature crowd. This venue is perfect for all occasions, from a private business luncheon in the upstairs area, to a birthday or anniversary celebration catering to as many guests as you would like. Choose delectable tidbits from the menu, coupled with elegant wines and relaxing music. Ferrari Bar also offers daily happy hour specials and weekly events sure to suit everyone’s fancy. It opens Monday to Thursday, noon to 1 a.m.; Friday, noon to 3 a.m.; and Saturday, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. (296-3330, diningbermuda.com)

Recently renovated, Flanagan’s is Bermuda’s premier Irish pub, serving great Irish and local fare daily for lunch and dinner. Located on Front Street in Hamilton, Flanagan’s offers a cosy pub atmosphere, affordable prices and friendly service. It has elevator access and outdoor seating with views of Hamilton Harbour. For a bit of Ireland in Bermuda, where you can enjoy a pint of draft beer and the all-day English breakfast in a lively environment, Flanagan’s is the place! Featuring 22 wide-screen, high-definition televisions, Flanagan’s Outback is Bermuda’s true sports bar. Watch the big game on the big 63-inch HDTV or watch the match from your own booth with your own TV and remote control. No matter what team you cheer for, you have the best seat in the house at Flanagan’s Outback sports bar, the place to tailgate in Bermuda. Both located in the Emporium Building at 69 Front St. (295-8299, flanagans.bm)

Fourways Inn

Flying Fish is a brand-new restaurant on Pitts Bay Road in Hamilton. If you want the freshest local fish, this is the place to go — a seafood lover’s delight! The chef creates dishes using only the best ingredients, like irresistible local tuna, wahoo, mahimahi, mussels, crab, lobster and other mouthwatering specials prepared daily. Upstairs, find a sushi bar offering the finest and freshest sushi on the islands. Call for a reservation or check out the website. (295-2167, bermuda-dining.com)

Elegance, charm and superlative service await you at Fourways Inn. Long recognised as one of Bermuda’s finest gourmet restaurants, Fourways Inn offers a first-class dining experience and an award-winning wine list in a historic 18th-century manor-house setting. An old-world “peg leg” bar on the premises provides a casual atmosphere for a cocktail before dinner or a relaxing after-dinner drink. Dining service is available Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday, experience the inn’s extravagant, indulgent Sunday brunch. (236-6517, diningbermuda.com)

The casual Freeport Seafood Restaurant & Bar serves up fresh local fish and other family favourites. Surf the web or e-mail your friends at one of four computer terminals in the cybercafé. Just inside the Royal Naval Dockyard gate, Freeport caters to all appetites and budgets. (234-1692, freeportseafood.com)

The Lobster Pot

Nestled in a charming lane off Front Street, Fresco’s Wine Bar is Bermuda’s premier spot for gathering with friends and lingering over drinks or a great bottle of wine. Enjoy an exquisite meal at Maria’s, and then join them upstairs at Fresco’s for lively entertainment, fine wines by the bottle or glass, and cocktails on the rooftop bar “alfresco.” Fresco’s is open daily, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. or later. (295-5058)

Golfers delight: Conveniently located on the golf course at The Fairmont Southampton, the Golf Hut offers sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, beer and refreshments, perfect before or after a round of golf. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. off-season, and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in season. (238-8000, fairmont.com/southampton)

Griffin's

With breathtaking views overlooking St. George’s Harbour, Griffin’s Bistro & Bar is located at The St. George’s Club on top of Rose Hill. Join them for lunch or dinner in the newly refurbished Harbour View dining room, and enjoy great food and friendly service. Griffin’s is the jewel in the crown of St. George’s. (297-4235, stgeorgesclub.com)

Hammerheads Bar & Grill at Snorkel Park Beach in Royal Naval Dockyard is the place to relax and unwind island-style. Enjoy delicious food, snacks, and the most refreshing frozen cocktails and swizzles at the huge terrace bar whilst you take in spectacular beach and ocean views. Island favourites are served daily, and sunset dining features live entertainment on select weekdays. When the sun goes down, the nightlife heats up at the open-air, top-40 Club SPB. (234-3100)

Harbourfront Restaurant, Sushi Bar & Grill Room

Harbourfront Restaurant, located on the waterfront at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, offers beautiful water views and is the perfect setting for any dining occasion, casual or otherwise. The varied menu features items from its popular sushi and tempura bar, dry-aged steaks and meats, and the freshest fish and seafood. A wide variety of seafood and meats are prepared on the specialised robata grill, which uses charcoal and smoked wood chips. The restaurant opens Monday to Saturday for lunch, 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; dinner from 6 to 10 p.m.; and sushi happy hour from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday is for dinner only, 6 to 10 p.m. (295-4207, harbourfront.bm)

Awarded the Best of Bermuda Gold award in hotel dining by The Bermudian magazine, Harley’s Restaurant and Terrace, at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess, offers guests an incomparable dining experience in a bright and airy atmosphere. Enjoy alfresco dining whilst taking in the breathtaking views and the spectacular harbourside setting under the beautiful Bermuda sky. Enjoy delightful international fare for lunch and dinner, with succulent entrées, for one of the most unique seasonal dining experiences on the islands. Call for reservations. Smart, casual dress is suggested. Harley’s opens daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours of operation vary seasonally. (295-3000 ext. 7806, fairmont.com/hamilton)

The Point at Rosewood Tucker's Point

Henry VIII Restaurant, Sushi Bar & Pub has been one of Bermuda’s premier restaurants for more than 40 years, offering inside and outside dining, with breathtaking views of South Shore. Enjoy dishes from English and European cuisine to fresh local fish, seafood, plus their famous Bermuda Fish Chowder. If sushi is your choice, sample many different creations at Bermuda’s best sushi bar. For a more casual option there is a pub menu. Unwind with the daily happy hour or join us later for great entertainment and dance the night away. (238-1977, henrys.bm)

Comfortable and sophisticated, the Heritage Court, at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess, offers the most cosmopolitan setting in Bermuda for cocktails, cuisine and conversation. In fact, it has been deemed the place for “best exotic cocktails” in the Best of Bermuda awards. Here an extensive collection of fine rums, wines and champagnes create an ideal mood, whilst the menu showcases classic Bermudian dishes. Its fabulous afternoon tea service and delicate pastries and sandwiches have also garnered a Best of Bermuda award from The Bermudian magazine and were named amongst the 10 best afternoon teas by Air Canada’s enRoute magazine. The Heritage Court opens daily from 11 to 1 a.m. Afternoon tea is served from 2:30 to 5 p.m., reservations required. Smart, casual dress is suggested. (295-3000 ext. 5779, fairmont.com/hamilton)

A place for the quintessential martini, Jasmine Lounge’s elegant and relaxing atmosphere, with live entertainment nightly, is great for light fare, lunch, afternoon tea or just a snack. Located at the lobby level of The Fairmont Southampton, dress is resort casual, and the lounge opens daily from 11 a.m. to midnight. (238-8000, fairmont.com/southampton)

Join friends aboard the Ladyboats for an evening like no other. Dine with Bermuda’s finest caterers whilst enjoying an ever-changing view of the shoreline. Dance on the top deck, sip cocktails from the fully stocked bars, or just find a quiet place to take in the views. These boats have hosted the royal family, celebrities and, soon, you and your group. Check the website, call to make a booking or get more information, or e-mail ladyboats@northrock.bm. (236-0127, ladyboats.com)

Little Venice is Bermuda’s first Italian restaurant, celebrating more than 40 years of fabulous service and fine food. It is touted as the best Italian restaurant in Bermuda by The New York Times and The Boston Globe. This Hamilton restaurant is dedicated to producing an authentic taste of Italy with meticulously prepared classic and contemporary Italian specialties. The adjoining wine bar offers the islands’ most comprehensive wine list, providing excellent selections from around the world. Little Venice opens Monday to Sunday for lunch from noon to 2 p.m.; dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. (295-3503, littlevenice.bm)

The Lobster Pot

A salty restaurant, The Lobster Pot Restaurant and Boathouse Bar is Bermuda’s oldest fish eatery and has a faithful following amongst both visitors and Bermudians. Service is friendly, prices are fair and the menu is enticing. There is always a good selection of fresh seafood from local and foreign waters. Specialities of the house include fish chowder, a succulent seafood feast, pan-fried local fish topped with banana and almonds, escargots and live lobsters. The staff welcomes you for lunch Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and for dinner daily, 5:30 p.m. until closing. Reservations for both lunch and dinner are advised; closed on public holidays. (292-6898)

L'Oriental

With its dragons and Asian mystique, L’Oriental’s restaurant entrance, next to Little Venice, entices customers up the stairs into a world of fusion cuisine. L’Oriental is the islands’ first Oriental fusion restaurant, offering the combined tastes and delicacies of the Far East. The meticulously handcrafted pagoda and décor provide a unique backdrop to the teppanyaki table and sushi bar, which provides immaculately prepared sushi. This award-winning restaurant is well known for its food, service and outstanding interior. Hours are Monday to Friday for lunch from noon to 2:15 p.m., and Monday to Sunday for dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. (296-4477, loriental.bm)

At Maria’s Ristorante you’re invited to step into Bermuda’s first wine bar and only wine museum. Experience one of the most extensive selections of fine wines available in Bermuda. Their menu is influenced by Mediterranean and other global cuisine trends, yet embraces the best of Bermuda-grown produce and fresh fish from our surrounding seas. Restaurateur Claudio Vigilante has revived traditional family recipes from Italy passed down throughout the generations. Maria’s, named after Claudio’s mother, reinterprets traditional dishes in a modern style, aptly coined “New Bermuda Cuisine.” Whilst each dish evokes a link to Bermuda, it sits alongside the new, the innovative and, of course, the divine. Hours are Monday to Saturday, lunch noon to 2:30 p.m., dinner 6 to 10 p.m. Their bar is open 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. or later. (295-5058)

Moon Nightclub is Bermuda’s newest, liveliest and only indoor/outdoor nightclub in Hamilton. Rated as Bermuda’s No. 1 nightclub, Moon awakens every evening on Front Street, in the heart of the city, and draws hundreds of restless souls by transforming their nights into alluring once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Feel what it’s like to dance under the stars as the islands’ top DJs vibrate your heart with the highest-energy music 15 feet above. You don’t want to leave Bermuda without saying you went to the Moon. With no cover charge, it opens Monday to Saturday, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., and is available for bachelorette, birthday and many more semiprivate parties. For more information, go to the Facebook page moonnightclubbermuda, e-mail moonnightclubbermuda@gmail.com, or call. (595-6666)

The islands’ newest restaurant and bar, Muse has quickly established itself as a star of the Bermuda food and wine scene, with stunning views of the harbour and a central Hamilton location at 17 Front St+. Whether you eat in or order takeaway, award-winning Executive Chef Gerard Beyer is committed to providing a fresh, light, delicious menu that takes advantage of seasonal produce and local offerings. His menu includes classic French dishes like croque monsieur, homemade daily food specials and a reasonably priced wine list featuring Old and New World wines. All are sure to please. Call or check the website. (296-8788, muse.bm)

The MV Venetian is luxuriously equipped to ensure that any event, ranging from a private social soiree to a fancy corporate affair, is a spectacular success. Lavish, well-appointed staterooms and state-of-the-art communication systems provide the perfect setting for a relaxing day cruise or an overnight voyage. The well-established catering service offers the finest cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, supported by the best crew available in Bermuda. (704-3000, venetian.bm)

No visit to Royal Naval Dockyard is complete without a visit to the Nannini Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Parlour in Clocktower Mall, open seven days a week and featuring only Häagen-Dazs ice cream, sorbets and frozen yogurt. Treat yourself to one of the 16 flavours in a cone, sundae or milkshake. It can even be packed for you to take home. Nannini also offers a variety of indulgences from Italy. So give yourself a treat and visit the Nannini Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Parlour. (234-2474)

The premier dining experience in Bermuda: Exquisite French-inspired cuisine is presented with style and elegance in the luxurious ambience of what could well be a royal yacht. Within its luxurious brass and mahogany interior, the Newport Room, a AAA Five Diamond award-winning restaurant at The Fairmont Southampton, completes the setting with crystal, silver service and bone china for an unparalleled dining experience at any occasion. It opens in season Tuesday to Saturday from 6:30 to 10 p.m., jackets required. (238-8000, fairmont.com/southampton)

Obar is a chic urban retreat nestled in the City of Hamilton’s restaurant row, infusing Bermudiana Road with a welcome dose of modern design. A truly exquisite, modern Bermuda lounge, Obar offers the finest selection of European coffees and international teas, as well as homemade pastries, fresh salads and tapas. Obar evolves from an upscale café by day into a laid-back lounge by night with a full bar, urbane cocktails, extensive wine list and live Bermudian entertainers. Located in the heart of Bermuda’s business district, Obar is the perfect venue to steal away from the bustle of Hamilton, alone or with friends over a martini, a mojito or a bottle of vino. Sexy, cosy and sophisticated — that’s Obar. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. or later and Saturday, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. or later. (296-1080)

Ocean Echo Restaurant at The Reefs

Perched high atop the cliffs, Ocean Echo’s impressive wall of windows complements each meal with a striking panorama of glittering ocean. The menu emphasises classic Bermudian cuisine and remastered favourites such as pan-fried rockfish, grilled beef tenderloin, seared maple duck breast and local fish cakes, served in rooms lined with cedar beams and Bermudian artworks. Ocean Echo hosts an extensive Sunday brunch, voted Best on the Island by The Bermudian magazine for its dizzying array of treats, spectacular balcony seating and famously impeccable service. Call for reservations. (238-0222, thereefs.com)

Rosewood Tucker’s Point is Bermuda’s premier resort community. Unmatched in location, architectural design, service and amenities, the resort captures the island’s British seaside charm. Award-winning Executive Chef, Serge Bottelli, and his team provide the finest culinary experience in Bermuda. The Point, the fine-dining restaurant, is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Jackets are required and reservations are strongly suggested. Viewed as a destination in and of itself, The Point is the perfect spot to savour a celebration. (298-4070, rosewoodtuckerspoint.com)

Portofino is not the largest Italian restaurant in Bermuda, but it is certainly the most popular. Situated on Bermudian Road, Portofino is one of the most famous international tourist destinations. When Portofino opened some 25 years ago, the owner, Cesare Maranzana, set out to impress his wife by re-creating the beauty of his native town. The restaurant’s brick walls are covered with posters and pictures of Italy, and the pergola and little shuttered windows give the impression of dining on an Italian piazza. Portofino’s pizza is the best on the islands, and the homemade pasta is topped with both traditional and innovative sauces. You may also like to try the fresh local fish or imported calamari, clams and mussels. The menu is extensive and varied, and interesting daily specials are offered. Portofino is open Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 6 p.m. to midnight; and Sunday, 6 to 11 p.m. only. Reservations are suggested. All major credit cards are welcome. (292-2375, 295-6090)

Royston's

Its grand fireplace, rich dark wood and candlelight give Royston’s the warm feel of a traditional supper club. Named after the owner’s father, Royston’s incorporates details reflective of the real Royston’s tastes, even using his handwriting for their menus. Portions are ample and the wine list extensive, with items such as Gosling’s Bermuda rum-soaked pork chops and beef Wellington. Diners enjoy views of the display kitchen, available for cooking demonstrations and wine tastings. The Wine Room, which can be reserved as a private dining room, features a custom-built mahogany wine storage unit holding close to 1,000 bottles. Call for reservations. (238-0222, thereefs.com)

Shine’s House of Music and Entertainment (H.O.M.E.) is a music lovers’ club for the mature audience. They are a Bermuda-based music and entertainment complex specialising in live entertainment. They always have something different to offer like jazz, R&B, local bands, karaoke, and don’t forget their Friday happy hour. Every Sunday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. they have the best vibes on the island. Come out to Shine’s and wind down to the music of Bermuda’s best DJs. Whatever you encounter here, it will be Bermuda at its finest. For all of your entertainment needs, including private parties, Shine’s H.O.M.E is the place. (293-9092, 333-9092, shinesmusic.com)

Speciality Inn, a very popular restaurant, pizzeria and sushi bar, is family-owned since May 2005 but was first established in 1985 with one of the current owners. Over the years, Speciality Inn has become a famous spot not just for locals but also for notables like U.S. President Jimmy Carter and actor Clint Eastwood. Well known for its diverse selection of tasty cuisines, great service and reasonable prices, the restaurant has won numerous times in Bermuda’s Best of the Gold Awards for daily specials, pizzas, codfish-and-potatoes breakfast, and much more. Kid-friendly, with a welcoming yet relaxed ambience, Speciality Inn, located at Collectors Hill at 4 South Road, Smith’s Parish, is open Monday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.. Closed Sundays and public holidays. Reservations not needed. (236-3133, speciality@northrock.bm)

Enjoy harbour-side seating and cosy romantic dining year-round at the Tavern by the Sea in the Town of St. George. The menu reveals culinary skills from their international chefs, offering fresh seafood, juicy meats, healthy salads and signature comfort meals. Try their delicious local lobster specials with a savoury stuffing prepared to your liking. (297-3305)

Also in St. George’s is Temptations, specialising in great-tasting, affordably priced food to satisfy any appetite. Enjoy a hearty breakfast bagel, delicious homemade soup, the best sandwiches in town, sinful desserts, ice creams and sherbets, or a piping-hot cup of tea or cappuccino. Eat in or take out, open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (297-1368)

Tio Pepe is a very reasonably priced, homestyle restaurant offering crisp, oven-fresh pizza, perfect pasta, all your Italian favourites, fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. Dine inside or outside on the terrace opposite Bermuda’s famous Horseshoe Bay Beach. It’s open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (238-1897)

Steeped in Bermudian history, the magnificent and historic Waterlot Inn, gracefully nestled dockside on Jew’s Bay, has been offering breathtaking sunsets and delectable Bermudian fare for over 320 years and proudly boasts a AAA Four Diamond award. Beamed ceilings and an inviting, gracious décor provide a wonderful setting to enjoy savoury prime steaks to please the most discerning connoisseur. Service is impeccable but friendly. The beautiful outdoor terrace and adjoining gardens are ideal for a pre-dinner cocktail. You are guaranteed the best steak in Bermuda. Waterlot opens from 6 to 10 p.m. (238-8000, fairmont.com/southampton)

The White Horse Pub & Restaurant is Bermuda’s favourite pub and seafood restaurant in St. George’s, well known for its creative and colourful dishes, friendly service and breathtaking views of St. George’s Harbour. The pub offers inside dining, covered waterside dining and an outdoor waterfront bistro area. The White Horse serves a wide selection of fresh local fish and flame-grilled steaks, as well as popular English and Bermudian pub favourites too. Great food, great prices, great menu selections, all in a relaxed and casual atmosphere for you to enjoy. Fancy something cool and refreshing? Then sit back and relax whilst sipping on one of their signature cocktails, mojitos, or frozen drinks made especially for you. For all you sports fans out there, this is Bermuda’s No. 1 sports bar in St. George’s. Come enjoy wall-to-wall sports coverage of your favourite sports teams, from morning to night. The White Horse is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; bar open until 1 a.m. or later. Takeout is available. (1-441-297-1838, whitehorsebermuda.com)

Fairmont Southampton

It’s a family affair. Family food headlines the menu at Wickets, in The Fairmont Southampton. Join in for a hearty breakfast, or relax by the pool over lunch. Choose from a variety of family favourites, including soups, salads and sandwiches. Your family will applaud your good taste! Wickets is open every day during the season from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. (238-8000, fairmont.com/southampton)

DID YOU KNOW? Bermudians are nicknamed "Onions" because of the famous Bermuda onions grown here. The island's nickname is "Onion Patch".

DID YOU KNOW? A Dark 'n' Stormy^TM is a traditional Bermuda drink made from Gosling's Black Seal Rum and Barritts ginger beer.

DID YOU KNOW? Jasmine, at the Fairmont Southampton, is the place for the quintessential martini.

DID YOU KNOW? Rustico in Flatts Village is a charming Italian restaurant serving innovative dishes with a twist: lobster tail wrapped in locally grown Bermuda spinach drizzled in a warm mango dressing and topped with prosciutto.

DID YOU KNOW? Steeped in Bermudian history, the Waterlot Inn at the Fairmont Southampton nestles gracefully on Jew's Bay and has been offering breathtaking sunsets and delectable Bermudian fare for more than 320 years.

For a complete restaurant profile, please use the links at the top of this page.

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