Dining: Tastes for Every Palate

Despite the relatively small size of Bermuda, the options for world-class cuisine abound and rival those of major cities. The hardest thing to do is choosing where to eat next!

Barracuda Grill

Rev up your little scooter and your appetite, and take off to discover Bermuda’s amazing range of restaurants, which offer everything from traditional Bermudian dishes such as fish cakes and onion tarts to international cuisine, including Asian, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Middle Eastern. Not ­surprisingly, English pub fare also is an important part of the culinary landscape.

In Bermuda, you may want to build your day around food. Take a breezy ride along a coastal road to find a breakfast of saltfish and Johnny cakes; 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... you name it.

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, amid palms and red bougainvillea in manicured gardens, and in atmospheric historic buildings.

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!

Pub Grub
It’s to be expected that in this British Overseas Territory, where the Union Jack flies overhead on balmy breezes and the Queen of England reigns as the titular head of state, at least some of the food would be evocative of the United Kingdom.

Indeed, you will feel like you are in merry ole England at Bermuda’s pubs, where 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).

Bermuda’s pubs are the social hub of the country, where you can sit at a mahogany bar polished by decades of spilled ale and chat with loquacious locals, who get even more chatty after a few rum cocktails. Billionaires such as New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has turned up at the Hog Penny pub on Burnaby Hill, mingle with local fishermen. Celebrities often go unnoticed, unless the famous person is effervescent TV food show host Rachael Ray, who’s praising the Portuguese Bean Soup at the Swizzle Inn to a room full of patrons. The crowd at Hog Penny was delighted when actress Catherine Zeta-Jones once sang a song with the band. (She and husband Michael Douglas used to reside here.)

Fresh Seafood
Fish, of course, is the highlight of most dinners, and the choices are many — the wildly popular rockfish, mahi mahi, snapper, tuna, wahoo and swordfish are served grilled, pan-fried, in fish sandwiches and fish cakes.

The fish here is as fresh as it gets. “The fishermen go out at 6 a.m. and they’re walking in the door at 5:30 in the afternoon with wahoo, yellow fin tuna, snappers, bonitos and mahi mahi. And if they have rockfish, a black grouper, that’s a double-dose of wow,” says Philip Barnett, president/owner of the Hog Penny Restaurant & Pub, which has been a Hamilton landmark since 1957.

Don’t miss the chance to dine on local lobsters 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.

Fish chowder is served everywhere and every chef has a signature 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 38 years. 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.

If you are vacationing in a cottage or a suite with a kitchen, you will want the sherry-pepper sauce to cook with the fish you buy from local fishermen who sell their catches by the side of the road or at fishing docks. Or you can catch your own dinner and add the sauce and a liberal dose of local rum.

Mussels are a delicacy here, and if you see them on the menu, especially a mussel pie, order it before everyone else does. Locals pry them off the shore rocks and cook them in big pots of salt water. Mussels are seen more often in Bermudian homes than at restaurants because they are not harvested in large numbers commercially.

Fresco's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

International Fare
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; paella, tapas and ceviche at Latin; 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 specialties of the prestigious AAA Five-Diamond rated Newport Room. A jacket is suggested for diners at these elegant restaurants at the Fairmont Southampton resort.

Options Galore
Here are some of the best spots for dining and nightlife on our islands.

Royston's at The Reefs

64° Bar & Grill takes flight at the beautifully redesigned Port Royal Golf Course, ­overlooking the breathtaking, world-famous 16th hole. Enjoy the sophisticated and casual atmosphere, soaking in the panoramic views of the blue South Shore. The contemporary design of the bar incorporates seating inside and out. Chef Troy Smith is at the helm and is set to create unforgettable culinary ­experiences. Savour the passion at 64°. ­(234-0974, ­bermudasbestrestaurants.com)

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)

Barracuda Grill

Barracuda Grill is one of Bermuda's most celebrated restaurants and the place for outstanding seafood and chops. The grill has won several Best of Bermuda awards. Meet in the très chic bar and enjoy martinis made to share. The breathtakingly stylish Barracuda, found at 5 Burnaby Hill in Hamilton, features warm mahogany, plush banquettes and a sumptuous dining room, hinting at a time of luxurious passenger ships, popping champagne corks and refined dining. Irresistible seafood and chops, prepared with expertise and passion, grace the white linens. (292-1609, barracuda-grill.com)

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)

Dockyard’s newest dining experience is Bone Fish Bar & Grill. 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)

Blu Bar & Grill

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 and 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)

An Italian family-style restaurant in the heart of Dockyard, Café Amici brings friends and family together to enjoy the spirit of Italian culture and cuisine, enjoying laughter, exceptional food and each other. Executive Chef and Owner Livio Ferigo has created a menu with many of the dishes that he enjoyed while growing up in Italy. The café offers a friendly, intimate atmosphere, with casual attire and uncomplicated, affordable Italian fare, as well as a traditional Bermuda codfish-and-potato breakfast every Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon. Located at the corner of Clocktower Mall, the staff of Café Amici looks forward to serving you a flavourful, relaxing meal. Open seven days a week, serving breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m., lunch to 4 p.m., and dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. Where friends and family come together — buon appetito! (234-5009)

The Dining Room

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)

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 while exploring the menu of fresh Bermudian fare. Reserve in advance for dinner on the beach, and dig your toes into the pink sand while 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)

Cafe Cairo

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)

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)

Silk Thai Cuisine

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. Located in the Emporium Building at 69 Front St. (295-8299, flanagans.bm)

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, mahi mahi, mussels, crab, lobster and other mouth-watering 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)

Fresco's Wine Bar & Restaurant

At Fresco’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, you are invited to step into Bermuda’s first wine bar and the islands’ only wine museum. Experience one of the most extensive selections of fine wines available. With a menu influenced by the globalisation of food trends, yet embracing the best of Bermuda-grown produce and the succulence plucked from surrounding seas, Fresco’s reinterprets traditional dishes in a modern style, aptly coined as New Bermuda cuisine. Whilst each dish evokes a link to Bermuda, it sits alongside the new, the innovative and, of course, the divine. Shall we? (295-5058, frescos.bm)

Step back in time and drink up the historic atmosphere in the English pub-style Frog and Onion. At this unique pub in Royal Naval Dockyard, you can enjoy casual meals or elegant dinners. Children love the large game room. Join the Frog and Onion for one of the fine brews from its on-premises microbrewery, The Dockyard Brewing Company. (234-2900, frogandonion.bm)

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 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 while 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 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, offers guests an incomparable dining experience in a bright and airy atmosphere. Enjoy alfresco dining while 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 entrees, 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)

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, while 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 among 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)

Hog Penny

Hog Penny Restaurant & Pub is Hamilton’s oldest licensed establishment (since 1957), and was the inspiration for the Boston pub in television’s Cheers. Featuring live entertainment in season, it prompted Gourmet magazine to declare, “Love at first sight.” With great cuts of beef, genuine Indian curries and hearty, to-die-for comfort food, Hog Penny has won numerous Best of Bermuda awards. Set at 5 Burnaby Hill in Hamilton, it continues to be a favourite spot for locals and visitors. (292-2534, hogpennypub.com)

Indigo Restaurant is nestled in the scenic Flatts Village — Bermuda’s hidden gem. Freestyle dining, featuring global cuisine! Small Plates, for those who like to share, Big Plates, for those want it all! Enjoy mouthwatering dishes and boutique wines to inspire the palate without breaking the bank. Call for reservations in its dining lounge, dining room or outdoor veranda with water views. (292-9800)

Island Cuisine Restaurant ­specialises in affordably priced, great tasting, local Bermudian home-style dishes. The menu ­features a large selection for breakfast, lunch or dinner to satisfy any appetite, along with a selection of wine and beer. Island Cuisine prides itself on fresh food and a family-oriented, friendly atmosphere. Stop by and enjoy your favourite island dish today; centrally located in Southampton at 235 Middle Road. (238-3287, islandcuisine.bm)

Jamaican Grill is a casual, family-run restaurant specialising in the best of Jamaican and West Indian cuisines. Takeout is available at all four locations, or come and dine in at the recently renovated restaurant on Court Street in Hamilton. The menu includes dishes like jerk chicken, curried goat, oxtail stew, coconut shrimp, local fish, vegetarian and a fabulous selection of curries. With four locations, Jamaican Grill is never far away. (293-8899, Bailey’s Bay; 296-6577, Hamilton; 292-3269, Pembroke; 234-4219, Somerset)

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)

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 decor 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 through 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)

Join friends aboard the Lady Boats for an evening like no other. Dine with Bermuda’s finest caterers while 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)

Latin

Pulling its inspiration from South America, the Caribbean and Miami, Latin is an upscale restaurant, quick-service café and tapas bar, located at 29 Victoria St. in the centre of Hamilton. The restaurant is perfect for a power lunch, business dinner, gathering of friends or intimate dining experience, with cosy private booths inside or wicker armchairs overlooking the courtyard. The chef, who taught cooking in Mexico City, offers authentic paella de mariscos, char-grilled Bermuda yellowfin tuna and other lures. Choose from among fine wines representing Spain, Portugal, Chile and Argentina. For quick service, JavaJive features specialty coffees, fresh baked goods and lunches to go. For a bit of South Beach scene, try Rumbar, where fresh oysters sit on crushed ice and you can while away an afternoon sipping and nibbling Nuevo Latino cocktails and tapas. (296-5050, latin-rumbar.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 among 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. Specialties 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)

The Loaves & Fishes Dining Room at  the Willowbank hotel is a lovely room enveloped by panoramic, serene ocean views from which you can watch the sun cast a magnificent glow before setting. In a relaxed atmosphere of fellowship and fun, this dining experience is one of the main reasons guests return year after year. (234-1616, willowbank.bm)

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)

Visit Mrs. Tea’s Victorian Tea Room at Willowbank hotel, experience a taste of Bermuda’s British heritage with an afternoon tea fit for the Queen. China, silver, crisp linens and an extraordinary collection of royal memorabilia provide the perfect setting in which to sip tea and chat over warm scones with clotted Devon cream. Nibble on the elegant selection of tea sandwiches and sweets and remember a gentler time. (234-1616, willowbank.bm)

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)

Barracuda Grill

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)

My Sereni-Tea is a tea shop like no other. Try one of the special blends of tea — hot, iced or latte. This place has it all. Whilst inside, shop for unique gifts, crystals and books, all with enlightenment in mind. Sit and relax on one of the cosy couches with tea and freshly made baked goods delivered daily. Discover the art of relaxation and find your peace within. The tea shop in Hamilton opens Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (296-2114, mysereniteabermuda.com)

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 through Saturday from 6:30 to 10 p.m., jackets required. (238-8000, fairmont.com/southampton)

The islands’ premier brewpub, North Rock Brewing Company has served fine food and handcrafted ales since 1996. Conveniently located 10 minutes east of Hamilton in Smith’s Parish, North Rock serves up Bermuda’s finest ales and stouts to accompany its award-winning menu of local and international dishes. Dine in the casual mahogany-trimmed pub, the upscale coastal-themed dining room or the spacious patio. Always popular with the locals, North Rock serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. Dress is smart casual. (236-6633, northrockbrewing.com)

Seafood lovers, delight! Perched above the beach on the South Shore, Ocean Club is one of Bermuda’s favourite restaurants. The specialty here is an Asian-infused menu, and naturally only the freshest fish, delivered by local fishermen each day, will be found. The sunsets are dazzling, and the service is outstanding. During the summer months, alfresco dining is available on the fabulous terrace overlooking the shore. At The Fairmont Southampton, Ocean Club opens each evening during the season from 6 to 10 p.m. Dress code is casual. (238-8000, fairmont.com/southampton)

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)

At the Oceanfront Patio Café at Willowbank hotel, experience a great outdoor grill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This is the place to taste traditional dishes served with Bermudian flair. Elegant without the fuss — that’s what Oceanfront is famous for. (234-1616, willowbank.bm)

Opus Café & Lounge 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 Bermudian lounge, Opus offers the finest selection of European coffees and international teas, as well as homemade patisseries, fresh salads and tapas. Opus evolves from an upscale café by day into a laid-back lounge by night, with a full bar and an extensive wine list. Nestled in the heart of Bermuda’s business district, Opus is the perfect venue from which to steal away from the bustle of Hamilton, by yourself or with friends over a tasse of espresso or a bottle of vino — sexy, cosy and sophisticated. (292-3500, opus.bm)

Pickled Onion

The renovated Pickled Onion restaurant — contemporary, upscale and casual — has Bermuda’s best martini bar in which to see and be seen. Popular with Bermudian professionals, it features live entertainment during the season. The chefs have won prestigious accolades from the Bermuda Culinary Arts Festival, Food and Wine magazine, The Washington Post and, most recently, “Giada’s Weekend Getaways” on The Food Network. The style is North American with global influences, and the goal is to be the best-value restaurant experience in Bermuda. Find it at 53 Front St., Hamilton, overlooking the harbour. (295-2263, thepickledonion.com)

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)

Silk Thai Cuisine

Silk is the latest restaurant concept to take Bermuda by storm, Thai cuisine. Run by restaurant entrepreneur Claudio Vigilante, Silk offers a delicious blend of flavours from the kingdom of Siam. With its team of Thai chefs from the Shangri-la hotel in Bangkok, patrons are treated to one of the fastest-growing ethnic foods of North America. This award-winning restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, and only dinner on Sunday. (295-0449, silk.bm)

Speciality Inn, a very popular restaurant, pizzeria and sushi bar, is family-owed 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)

Swizzle Inn

No vacation would be complete without a visit to Bermuda’s oldest pub, the Swizzle Inn, at Baileys Bay (293-2854), or their newest location, Swizzle South Shore, at 87 South Road, Warwick (236-7459). First sip an original Rum Swizzle, the deliciously potent national drink! Then on to the patio or indoors to enjoy the award-winning Swizzle burger or Baileys Bay fish sandwich, pizzas, or the best nachos or onion rings. Dinner includes local fish, steaks, classic pub fare like bangers and mash and fish ’n’ chips. After dinner, stick around for great live pub entertainment. Stop by for the hugely popular weekend barbecue menu with slow-smoked ribs, steaks, chicken and seafood. Portions are good, and prices are reasonable. Be sure to leave your card or a message on the pub walls, which are covered with graffiti from previous “swizzlers.” Both locations are kid-friendly. Check out the gift shops, which offer a wide selection of Swizzle Inn Swagger Out clothing and gifts. (swizzleinn.com)

Temptations specialises 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 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (297-1368)

Zeudi Hinds

Tio Pepe is a very reasonably priced, home-style 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)

Upper Crust delivers tasty homemade pizzas, delicious subs, wings, breadsticks and desserts, straight to your hotel, guest house or home! Also, visit any one of our convenient locations for scrumptious multicuisine take out dishes from Indian, Chinese, Italian, to Bermudian favourites! (292-9111, Flatts; 295-5555, Hamilton; 232-0123, Warwick; 234-2626, Sandys)

Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio is centrally located in the heart of the historic town of St. George and boasts panoramic views of the harbour. It offers a wide range of menu choices guaranteed to satisfy any picky eater, from the famous locally caught fish items, ­including wahoo nuggets, rockfish Picasso and of course, the award-winning fish chowder, to the delicious schnitzel sandwich and ­ever-changing pasta special. Bring your ­family for a nice relaxing meal or come for a romantic dinner overlooking the moonlit harbour. (297-1307)

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 covered waterside dining and an outdoor bistro area where you can soak up the sun if desired, not to mention feed the fish right below your table! The White Horse serves a wide selection of fresh local fish and flame-grilled steaks, as well as English and Bermudian pub favourites. When it comes to entertainment, nobody does it ­better, providing entertainment day and night at the outdoor Native Islander Bar. Sit back and relax to all your favourite songs of the past and present while enjoying one of the bar’s signature cocktails made especially for you. For all you sports fans out there, this is Bermuda’s No. 1 sports bar in St. George’s, so sit back and enjoy wall-to-wall sports coverage of your favourite 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)

Breakfast with a view: Off the main Lobby of The Fairmont Southampton, Windows on the Sound offers breathtaking views of Great Sound and an amazing breakfast extravaganza, featuring omelette and waffle stations, smoked salmon, breakfast pastries and breads, and many other morning favourites. On Sunday, the traditional and famous Bermuda breakfast buffet, featuring authentic Bermudian dishes, takes centre stage, available from 10 a.m. to 1 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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