6 Best Restaurants in New Providence and Paradise Islands, Bahamas

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.

Nestled in the middle of the International Arcade linking Bay Street and the wharf is this lively bar and restaurant serving up tasty appetizers and meals. Try the traditional Bahamian cracked conch or conch balls. If you're particularly hungry, order the gigantic burrito or Godzilla Burger. Wash it all down with something from the extensive drinks menu, and don't forget to sign your name on the wall before you leave. Kids are welcome, but the menu isn't the most kid-friendly.

This funky little spot puts a unique Asian street-food twist on the guava duff, a traditional Bahamian dessert. Fluffy, handmade steamed bao buns filled with sticky sweet fillings like guava or caramelized coconut and smothered with traditional sauce are a must try, but they also serve savory bao buns filled with island flavors like jerk chicken, curried mutton, and ginger pork. Wash it down with a traditional bush tea, choosing your preferred level of sweetness. While you wait, check out the tiny museum display with interesting artifacts from The Family Islands of old.

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.