steviegene

Hi all,

My husband and I are taking a 6 day (no baby!) vacation to Bermuda in July to celebrate my 30th birthday and our 5th wedding anniversary.

We are struggling where to go the night of my b-day as a special occasion dinner.
We are a young couple that enjoys a restaurant with atmosphere and a good view. We like upscale food (I especially love seafood of all kinds), a nice ambiance, and good service. We don't like things to be too "stuffy" though - and enjoy a more contemporary "hipper" vibe. This would be our biggest splurge - so expensive is ok.

Any suggestions?
Also, any favorite restaurants for the rest of the trip?
We have 5 nights - maybe a top five list from all you experts?
Thanks in advance!

steviegene

Also meant to mention,
Would love somewhere that we could sit outside -- maybe with a view of the water.

cmcfong

Happy birthday and anniversary.

View: Coconuts at the Reefs (call and inquire about the on the beach dinner)
Tamarind Room at Cambridge Beaches (also offers on the beach dining)
Bleu

The new restaurant at Tucker's Point is said to be situated with a gorgeous view.

Great Food, no view to speak of:
Ascots
Fourways

Good food, no view
Tom Moore's
Waterlot

steviegene

thanks so much cmcfong!
On the beach dining sounds delightful - how's the food?
We may have to try several of these suggestions, I've been browsing ratings on Fodors and Frommers, and so many of these sound good.

emcash

the most special amazing meal we ever had in bermuda (not really known for incredible dining- sorry good is usually the best we get there) was the newport room at the Fairmont southampton. But, it is kind of stuffy- but it has a cool nautical feel to it.

we didn't love coconuts at the reefs. The food was so so when we went and we couldn't really see it. the atmosphere was amazing.

islandadventure

steviegene, when in July will you be going as I am very interested in hearing where you end up going? I am surprising my wife for her 30th birthday with a 4 day trip to Bermuda and have the exact same question you do about where to take her for the big day.

steviegene

We will be there from the 9-14.
cmcfong has had some great info about my trip - so we may follow the above advice.
If we're going before you, I will definetly follow up with a response.

islandadventure

Thanks steviegene, we will be there from the 18th on with the big day being on the 21st so any further tips you have would be great. Enjoy!

zballer

Will be there on the 3rd-12th at Elbow Beach, thanks for the help

steviegene

Hello again,
2 days until departure!
Can anyone elaborate on the dresscode for restaurants in Bermuda.
I am trying to pack and having a hard time.

We are thinking of going to a few nice restaurants, (Coconuts, Tom Moore, Ascots). Will my husband need a jacket? Can he wear flipflops or sneakers to dinner, or should I pack dress shoes? I have some dresses to wear to dinner - is sleeveless ok? Sandals?
Thanks all!

girlonthego

Hi
We stayed at the Fairmont Southampton and all of their restaurants said no flip flops for men,no sneakers, and they must wear a collared shirt. My DH wore the nice long shorts except to the Waterlot where he wore long pants and a jacket. No tie required. This was our favorite restaurant of the trip. The food and service was the best.
I wore nice capris or pants most nights. MY teenage girls wore lots of sundresses since they are so in right now
I think sandals and sleeveless for women is fine. I would bring a light sweater for the a/c in some restaurants.
The Newport room at the Fairmont mentioned above is closed.
I heard while there that the Fourways Inn was very good and required jacket and tie.
Have fun and right a trip report when you get back!!!

txgirlinbda

Hi steviegene!
Coconuts is beach casual - khakis and cute summer outfits are fine. Ascots is flexible, we've been really dressed up while sitting next to guys in jeans and nice shirts. Tom Moore's, I believe, is a jacket and tie sort of place. For the most part, you're going to feel more appropriate in cute skirts or capris, sandals and nice shirts, and I would suggest your husband wear kahakis, loafers and a collared shirt. Most places with a dres code specify no jeans, no sneakers, guys must have a collared shirt. I've been out with a friend who was wearing heels, a silk shirt and a $300 pair of dark, tailored jeans - we got turned away!! GOTG is right - Bermudians LOVE their AC - carry a light sweater. Sleeveless dresses are fine. BTW, the weather has been kind of iffy - a rain jacket and shoes that can get wet wouldn't be a bad idea for walking around during the day. (umbrellas just get trashed by the wind). Check www.weather.bm for the 5-day forecast.

steviegene

oh my god, I just checked the weather and its supposed to rain every single day!

steviegene

oh I am so depressed...

txgirlinbda

Relax - it won't be all day and it certianly won't keep you inside. For example, today is overcast, which actually helps keep the temp down a little, but it is plenty warm enough that I took the baby out to get the mail in nothing but her diaper. It poured for maybe 15 minutes and it's over. It's a little breezy, but still fine for being outside, even in the water. Like I said earlier, bring shoes that can get wet, and a raincoat to carry during the day, and just go exploring!! BTW, where are you staying?

Caramia

Maybe Mickey's - I think that would be really nice for a birthday; it's on the beach (Elbow Beach)- you could dress up or be a bit more casual.
Also, we loved Splendido in Horizons. Great view of the water - but doesn't have a "contemporary" feel to it.
We also loved Little Venice - but, it's in Hamilton and no views, but a very good meal.

steviegene

ok, so I worried about the weather for no reason - all except for one day was sunny and hot!

Just posted my trip report!