8 Best Restaurants in New Providence and Paradise Islands, Bahamas

Three generations of Bahamian women treat patrons as if they were guests in their own home. And the Bahamian food whipped up in the kitchen is as close to homemade as you can get in a restaurant. This simple locale is bustling with local professionals during the week and has also become a popular spot for cruise-ship passengers. Grandmother Mena swears their conch fritters are the "conchiest" you'll find. Takeout-only breakfast is served Monday through Saturday, while lunch is both sit-down and take-out the same days.

This hidden gem is worth a visit even if you are not staying at the Comfort Suites; the casual and family-friendly, alfresco restaurant has enticing menus. The lunch menu is available whenever the restaurant is open and offers a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and salads as well as delectable desserts. Their guava brioche bread pudding is something you must try. For dinner, there is something for everyone if you're looking for a more substantial meal. It's a great spot for seafood, but they also offer a variety of meat, chicken, and vegetarian dishes.

Follow the plume of smoke wafting onto Shirley Street to find this roadside spot with some of the best jerk chicken, pork, and slow-grilled ribs around. It's open Friday and Saturday for takeout only; meals come with a fresh baked roll as well as pasta salad or corn on the cob or cajun fries. At $14 for chicken or pork and $16 for ribs, you can't find a better deal. Their native macaroni and cheese is worth the $3 upgrade. They also serve fried fish.

You no longer have to venture over the bridge to get a bowl of authentic conch salad—this takeout shack in Marina Village makes conch salad to order. Pull up a bar stool and watch the dizzying display of knife skills it takes to make this local delicacy. Wash it down with a local beer or a sweet daiquiri.

Nothing beats ice cream to cool off after a hot day on the beach or by the pool. This local ice-cream shop serving unique Bahamian flavors is located in the heart of The Coral lobby in Atlantis and often has a long line, but it's worth the wait. Bahamian chef Wayne Moncur has whipped up frozen culinary delights like soursop, guava, and sugar banana using native fruits and a mint chocolate chip using locally crafted Mortimer Candies. This is also a great spot to grab a quick and simple breakfast pastry and coffee.

This unassuming bar and grill is a consistent Paradise Island favorite with locals and savvy visitors. Their menu is a simple but tasty mix of standard American basics like burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and salads as well as Bahamian classics like curry chicken and conch fritters. Breakfast is strictly American style. The small al fresco bar and restaurant can get quite lively on weekends when the nightly karaoke gives way to professional live music.

Tucked away in a courtyard off a busy street, you'll find this restaurant, bar, and art gallery all wrapped up in one. The gallery is housed in the 1840 back house—all that remains of an old Bahamian estate. Once you've had a look at the local art inside, take a seat at one of the long communal picnic tables in the courtyard and order a classic Bahamian cocktail like a Bahama Mama or Goombay Smash from the wooden shack bar or try one of their specialty cocktails infused with local flavors. Be sure to ask the bartender to explain the names of the drinks. The food is simple but delicious—wings, conch fritters, burgers, tacos, and nachos.

You may have a hard time picking your drink from the extensive menu of frozen concoctions at this upstairs spot. The Sneaky Tiki, with seven types of rum, is a favorite, as are the Sharkeez Volcano (which is set ablaze) and the Nassau Iced Tea, a twist on the "Long Island" traditional. Sit indoors or enjoy the fresh air and a fantastic harbor view on the long wraparound balcony with some basic American and Bahamian bar food. Finish up with guava duff for dessert. No matter what your sport, this is a good spot to catch your team in action on one of 10 big-screen TVs.