The local
establishments offer a wide variety of choices. If you like Conch you're
in the right place. You can get it fried, shredded, cracked, and even
have it on your pizza. While the food is not gourmet, most everything
is good. Local Bahamian lobster and grouper are usually availabe as
well. Prices are moderate to high compared to the US due to the cost
of importing. Plan on paying with cash or traveler's checks. Restaurants
on Harbour Island do accept most major credit cards.
Nortside
This restaurant is really wonderful and super laid back with the most outstanding
view of the Atlantic we've found. Perched high up on a cliff, Rose,
who is the proprietor, cooks to order. That means that the service
can be a bit slow, but everything is super fresh, and Rose is a wonderful
cook. Go for the fresh catch of the day while you enjoy a drink on
the outdoor deck watching the ocean. The sandy floored bar / restaurant
is perched atop a 40 ft. cliff with a flight of steep stairs to reach the
beach. Bring along a towel and have a dip before or after the meal.
The beach is deserted and has great reefs good for snorkeling or diving right
offshore.
They serve fresh fish, chicken, grouper, conch and the best drinks
you're likely to find. You can reach the restaurant by driving south
25 miles to Rock Sound. At the sign for the Blue Ocean Hole make a
left. Follow the signs up the sand road to Nortside. They sometimes
have music, too!
The Sunset Inn
This has become our favorite due to its proximity to the house, and menu
variety (by Bahamian standards anyway :-) ) It is located right on
Queen's Highway between Palmetto and Governour's on the left hand side as
you drive north. The Sunset is located right on the water, and offers a nice
view of the Caribbean off of its spacious rear deck. The service
is slow with good reason as everything, and I mean everything, is prepared
fresh. Especially good here is the fresh conch salad. Expect
to get an exceptional meal even if it does take a little longer. Lionel
is the proprietor and Natasha always provides great service.
Located in nearby Palmetto Point this Italian style restaurant offers the
best pizza and beer along with a number of continental dishes. Here's
where you get the Conch pizza! It's worth a try!! They also have
a bar, TV, and a pool table. Mate is a fantastic host, and it's fun
to just go there and sit down to listen to his stories of the island.
Unique's
A more upscale establishment located in North Palmetto, they offer good food
and good atmosphere at a somewhat higher price. Our guests have had
mixed reviews, and we personally prefer Unique's for the Bahamian breakfast
or lunch. They are perched high on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic
over one of the beaches where you'll find many footprints :-( Only
3 miles from the house Unique's offers a nice selection of fish, steak, conch,
and chicken for dinner and also has an outstanding Sunday brunch.
Sammy's Place
Located n the residential section of Rock Sound, Sammy's also prepares fresh.
Their menu covers the gamut from pulled pork to burgers to fresh conch
salad. Judging by the amount of traffic they get this is a popular
spot even with the locals, and offers exceptional meals.
Runaway
Bay Marina
A new establishment located in South Palmetto Point you can follow the 2+
miles of Bacardi signs to find this restaurant bordering a small marina.
They have a bar and serve both lunch and dinner. It's an attractive
restaurant, but we had some problems with the speed of service. Runaway
is slow even by Bahamian standards. The food is OK, and the outdoor
part of the restaurant has a great view.
Considered by most to have the best food, the restaurant is a good 45 minute
drive from the house. Lobsters, steaks, conch, and fresh fish soup
are beautifully prepared. The restaurant is more expensive than most
of the local establishments. The bar offers up a nautical flavor, and
Dr. Seabreeze plays Caribbean music and sings most weekends.
Cush's Place
Cush's is cool. Great conch and super burgers. Cush's is located
between Gregory Town and Hatchet Bay. Cush's is a long hike from the
house, but if you happen to be in the area you might want to try it. Otherwise,
don't make the trip just for this. They do cookouts on Saturday and
Sunday afternoons with music and dancing. They have a separate dining
room, a bar, and a pool table.
Harbour Island
There are too many places to mention. When you get to the island ask
the locals for a recommendation. Everything on Harbour is a little
more expensive. Most restaurants are associated with the hotels, and
most offer sea views. It's a little dressier on this island, and is
similar to a mini-Bermuda.
Club Med
Club Med is still closed for repairs, and is unlikely to reopen.
Other Choices
Some other places that have not been reviewed yet include: Buccaneer,
The Blue Room, and Cambridge Villas. Send us some feedback on these
restaurants and we will add them to the site.
Groceries
For those of you who know how to or want to cook you can get groceries in
Palmetto Point, Rock Sound, or Governor's Harbour. The nearest liquor
store is in Governor's.
Fresh Fish, Conch, and Crawfish
You can purchase fresh local fish either in Tarpum Bay or Governour's Harbour.
The fishermen drop off their catch in the afternoon right off the boat.
It is very affordable and tastes great. A 5 - 7 lb. crawfish tail, big
enough to feed four, will cost you about $11US. In Tarpum they make
fresh conch salad right there at the pier.
Top