Conch to Cocoa: Eating Your Way Through Nassau

Nassau cuisine was particularly interesting because chefs make use of some ingredients that are not common everywhere. I also found out during my stay that, in some ways, the cuisine is inspired by southern cuisine in America, particularly Florida, Virginia, where I’m from, and the Carolinas. Like most islands, you'll find that seafood is popular, and in The Bahamas, mainly conch, snails that are indigenous to the Caribbean. You’ll also find that many dishes are jerk or cracked (deep-fried). What you order depends on what you like, but I always encourage being open to new things at any new destination.

Before You Go: Plan Your Trip to The Bahamas

Hotel: I stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach. It's right on West Bay Street, directly across from Junkanoo Beach, and walkable to the straw market, downtown restaurants, and the cruise port. It's a good home base if you want beach access without paying Cable Beach or Atlantis resort prices. Check rates →

Airport transfers: You should know Nassau has no Uber or Lyft. Taxis at the airport run fixed zone fares (expect roughly $30–35 to downtown, plus a bridge toll if you're headed to Paradise Island), so agree on the price before you get in. Pre-booking a transfer skips the arrivals-hall taxi line entirely. Book a transfer →

eSIM: Hotel wifi in Nassau can be spotty, and since there's no rideshare app to fall back on, having data to call or text a taxi or pull up maps while you're out is useful here. Get an eSIM →

Travel insurance: Given hurricane season overlaps with a lot of Bahamas travel, cancellation/interruption coverage is worth having if you're booking flights and hotels separately. It's also worth it for medical evacuation coverage specifically because care on the outer islands is limited and evacuation to Nassau or the US isn't cheap. Compare plans →

The Fish Fry

The Fish Fry is not just one restaurant; it’s a collection of restaurants. If you’re looking for something to eat at any point, most of the locals will recommend you head to The Fish Fry because there are options galore. There’s onsite parking, people selling souvenirs and fruit, and more. If you’re staying somewhere like the Courtyard by Marriott at Junkanoo Beach, The Fish Fry is about an eight minute walk away, but you could also always take a taxi. My intentions were to go at least twice, but I only made it there once, but now I know where to go when I visit The Bahamas again.

Twin Brothers Seafood & Steakhouse

This was the only restaurant I tried at The Fish Fry. I had the conch fritters as an appetizer and the jerk chicken with plantains as an entree. In my personal opinion, the food was pretty good, but after talking to several locals, Twin Brothers was not anyone’s first choice.

Other Recommended Fish Fry Restaurants

Goldie’s Conch House

This place was recommended to me specifically for the conch salad, which is an extremely popular Bahamian dish. I wish that I had gotten to try it, but there’s always next time.

Oh Andros

This was the most recommended place at The Fish Fry, and if I had known, I would have tried it before trying Twin Brothers. I am told that they don’t take credit or debit cards, so I would suggest having cash if you decide to dine here.

Curly’s Restaurant & Bar

The Bush Garden Seafood & Steakhouse

A Note on Traveling Smart: How I Handle Travel Medical Insurance

I've learned after traveling to a number of different cities and countries is that the logistics you handle before you leave matter just as much as what you do when you get there. Make your packing lists, reservations, and itineraries, yes, but also make sure you have travel medical insurance. I treat this as a non-negotiable part of my travel prep no matter where I'm headed, and SafetyWing has been working for me.

I've been using SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance Essential, which is a travel medical insurance plan designed for people who travel frequently or for extended periods. What I appreciate about it is the flexibility. It works on a subscription basis, so it renews every four weeks automatically, which means you're never scrambling to re-enroll between trips. You can cancel anytime, which feels aligned with how many of us actually travel these days. It also covers emergency medical expenses, which gives me real peace of mind whether I'm taking a trip stateside or heading abroad.

Another feature I find useful is that it covers travel delays and lost checked luggage, which, if you've traveled enough, you know can absolutely happen at the worst times. And for those of us who travel with family, children under 10 are included at no extra cost when traveling with a parent on the plan.

If you're someone who travels a few times a year and wants dependable coverage without the hassle of a rigid annual plan, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential is one of the best options I've come across for the flexibility and price point. You can check it out and get started with your own plan through the link below.

Downtown

Twisted Lime Sports Bar & grill

This is a cute little spot where you can dine inside or outside, the latter being my choice. The menu has a good range of dishes, but I went with what makes sense to me on an island, which is fish. Grouper and snapper are the most commonly eaten fish in The Bahamas; however, I have to say this battered and fried cod is some of the best fish I’ve ever had.

Graycliff Restaurant & Chocolatier

Graycliff is a historic mansion that was converted into a hotel. You will likely hear several times that this is where Jay-Z proposed to Beyonce, so you can imagine the price point to stay there. It is notably the first five-star restaurant in the Caribbean, so I’m sure the food is outstanding.

My visit here, though, was expressly for the chocolate. I had the opportunity to try two chocolates, one dark chocolate caramel sea salt and one pineapple goat pepper. I don’t typically eat dark chocolate or caramel, but the flavor of that one was delicious. I have to say, the pineapple goat pepper was my favorite though. It is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted, and on hearing the name, you might be a little skeptical, but I promise you’ll like it. If you care to take a full tour that’s focused on chocolate, you might consider this one.

Bahamian Cookin’ Restaurant & Bar

This restaurant is owned and operated by three generations of Bahamian women cooking recipes that are over 100 years old. You will have some of the best food on the island here. The very first thing I had was switcha, which is the official drink of the island; it is, in fact, the best and most refreshing limeade you will ever have. When it comes to food, I got a taste of the stewed chicken, macaroni and cheese, conch chowder, plantains, rice and beans, and coleslaw. If you don’t eat anywhere else, you’re going to want to grab a bite here; you won’t be disappointed.

Hillside House

This is actually an art gallery and studio; it’s a cute little spot a little off the beaten path where I had the absolute best conch fritters. When you go to take a look at the small but beautiful collection of artwork, you can also snack on something from the available food vendor.