12 Best Restaurants in Bermuda

The tastefully decorated contemporary dining room—mahogany-framed chairs and banquettes, soft-gold lights over the tables—is reminiscent of sophisticated big-city restaurants, and the food (from both the sea and land) that comes to the table is created by a culinary team dedicated to excellence. Ease into your meal with a bowl of island-style fish chowder; for an entrée, try one of their classics, such as Bermuda rockfish or beef tenderloin served with bone marrow aioli. If you save room for dessert, opt for the artisanal cheese selection or perhaps the gingerbread toffee pudding. There's also a great cocktail bar for a social martini or late-night digestif. And if you're looking for a romantic dinner, reserve the "snug corner," which is a table for two, tucked away out of sight of other diners.

The flavorful, island-inspired menu and location of Breezes are simply perfect—these beachfront views and ocean breezes are what a Bermudian vacation is all about. With a table under the stars or on the covered patio, you'll want to time your dinner for sunset: for out-of-this-world romance, reserve a table right on the beach. The fresh fish dishes are standouts, as are the creative starter salads. For lunch, try the B.A.L.T: bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomato on crusty ciabatta.

A sleek bar and sophisticated decor provide an elegant backdrop for intimate dinners and classy power lunches. The steak-house classics, which feature flavorful aged beef and a variety of gourmet sides, are highly regarded; there's also plenty of fresh seafood on offer. Harry's Bar and Waterside Patio (look out for the huge marlin statue) are great places to mingle with the after-work crowd, and both areas can get especially busy on Friday; plan ahead to avoid the rush or reserve a quiet table in the corner.

A two-level restaurant and popular sushi bar (Pearl) with a modern look and elegant atmosphere, Port O' Call is one of the few ground-entry dining spots on Front Street, with an outdoor dining area reminiscent of a chic European sidewalk café. The fresh local fish—such as wahoo, tuna, grouper, and snapper—is cooked perfectly, and the preparations are creative. Swing by around 5 pm to join a happy hour crowd of Bermuda's business elite and up-and-comers; Port O' Call offers one of the island's most sophisticated dining and drinking experiences. For a romantic and delicious end to your evening, try a slice of their famous cheesecake.

Housed in an elegant former mansion just outside downtown Hamilton and run under the exacting standards of owners Angelo Armano and Edmund Smith, Ascots has a creative and seasonal menu with offerings that incorporate fresh ingredients from local farmers and fisherfolk. Start off with the Bermuda fish cakes or the chilled banana soup with black rum—it's unusual but very popular—and move on to mains such as slow-cooked wild mushroom risotto, pan-seared snapper, and char-grilled rib-eye steak. Save room for dessert, as there is always something irresistible on the menu. An extensive wine list is available to complement your meal. You can relax on the sofas surrounding the handsome cedar bar or on the patio at Just 24.

The smartly dressed waitstaff, bustling atmosphere, and art-filled walls lend an authentic European feel to this beloved Front Street bistro. Chef Jonny Roberts, who has received multiple Best of Bermuda awards, takes great pride in Bolero's frequently updated brasserie menu, which in the past has featured snails, roast rack of lamb, and even black pudding. The restaurant often pivots into new territory, most recently with a tapas-style menu featuring traditional dishes like gambas pil pil (prawns in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce) and patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), as well as crispy fried churros (fried dough) with chocolate dipping sauce for dessert. Be sure to make a reservation, as this is a popular spot for business lunches and romantic dinners. On warm summer evenings, the harbor-view balcony is one of the best in Hamilton.

Whether you dine inside beside the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows or outside on the dock, every seat in this restaurant next to Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute has beautiful views of Hamilton Harbour. Expertly prepared fresh sushi shines alongside international specialties and locally caught fish on the remarkably eclectic menu, so don't hesitate to ask your attentive, personable server to recommend a dish. Dinner favorites include Bermuda fish chowder, mushroom risotto, and veal Milanese. The outdoor seating area, overlooking Red Hole at the edge of Hamilton Harbour, is a serene backdrop for a romantic dinner.

Set inside the lush interior of the historic Rosedon Hotel, Huckleberry features classic Southern dishes paired with Bermudian flavors. There's plenty of fresh options, featuring local ingredients including bountiful salads and fresh takes on favorites like the Huckleberry tacos. Seating out on the wide veranda overlooking the lush gardens of the hotel makes for a first-class dining experience. The restaurant also serves a popular weekend brunch.

You can have your martini shaken or stirred—or with some inventive ingredients from the creative mixologists—at this trendy steakhouse inside the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club's signature Gazebo Wing with views across Hamilton Harbour. Inspired by the "real" 007, who based his censorship station out of the Hamilton Princess during WWII, the restaurant leans into the Art Deco décor, low-lit and suitable for any espionage, or just perfectly cooked Niman Ranch and DeBragga steaks. There's also an extensive selection, of raw seafood, including an impressive seafood tower perfect for sharing.

It's a little pricey, but Little Venice also sets the bar with its attentive, old-world hospitality, flavorful Italian dishes, and freshly made pasta. Bermuda's business elite gather for drinks and appetizers after work, making their way through a wine list that boasts 1,000 different wines from around the world. Keep in mind that the ratio of steep prices to average-size portions puts this restaurant firmly in the "splurge" category. Call ahead to reserve a coveted booth table.

Old-fashioned charm and consistently attentive service are two reasons why this tried-and-true bar and restaurant is a favorite among local politicians and businesspeople. Located in the old Armoury building, it's a popular lunch spot, serving plenty of fresh seafood and local favorites like fish chowder. At dinner the dining room is usually uncrowded and relaxed; the bar is even more casual, if you're looking to have a cocktail or two before your meal. Culinary highlights include classics like rack of lamb and wiener schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet) and seafood like clams casino and seafood crepe.