11 Best Restaurants in Bermuda
What's incredible about the Bermuda restaurant scene isn't so much the number or quality of restaurants, but the sheer variety of cuisines represented on the menus, especially considering that Bermuda is such a tiny island. It hosts a medley of global cuisines—British, French, Italian, Portuguese, American, Caribbean, Indian, Chinese, and Thai—palatable reminders of Bermuda's history as a colony.
Many superior independent and resort restaurants attract a constant and steady stream of internationally acclaimed chefs, assuring that the latest techniques and trends are menu regulars. At the same time, virtually all restaurant menus list traditional Bermudian dishes and drinks, so you have the opportunity to taste local specialties at almost any meal.
As you might expect, methods are not all that's imported. Roughly 80% of Bermuda's food is flown or shipped in, most of it from the United States. This explains why restaurant prices are often higher here than on the mainland.
Nevertheless, there are a number of delicious local ingredients that you should look for. At the top of the list is extraordinary seafood, like lobster (best during September through March), crab, oysters, mussels, clams, red snapper, rockfish, tuna, and wahoo. Additionally, many chefs work with local growers to serve fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, leeks, tomatoes, corn, broccoli, and Bermuda onions (one of the island's earliest exports); and in the fruit department, strawberries, cherries, bananas, and loquats (small yellow fruit used for preserves). Imports notwithstanding, Bermudian cuisine really begins and ends with local ingredients and traditional preparations, and therein lies the island's culinary identity.
While in Bermuda, try to eat like a local and put a couple of traditional dishes to the test. Bermuda is a seafood lover’s paradise, with favorite dishes including mussel pie, shark hash, and codfish and bananas. As for soups, you can go for fish chowder, conch chowder, or traditional Portuguese black-eyed bean soup. Don’t forget to kick back and relax after your meal with a rum swizzle, a Black and Coke, or a Dark ’n' Stormy. Ginger beer—which is quite different from ginger ale—remains the island’s most popular soda for the kids.
Aurora
Two-time Best of Bermuda Gold award-winning Aurora restaurant at Newstead Belmont Hills Resort showcases the dedication of local farmers and fishermen, with an ocean-to-table menu that lets the main ingredients shine. When you aren't marveling at the view, you'll find yourself colored impressed by the diverse menu featuring seafood delights like local yellowfin tuna ribbons, seafood paella, and catch of the day. Aurora also caters to vegetarians and vegans with a small but thoughtful selection. For a scenic and convenient journey, a complimentary water shuttle is available to transport you between the restaurant and various points around Hamilton Harbour. Note: Aurora maintains a dress code—no flip-flops or shorts (Bermuda shorts are fine), and men are asked to wear a collared shirt.
Henry VIII Restaurant, Sushi Bar & Pub
As popular with locals as it is with vacationers from nearby Southampton resorts, the lively Henry VIII exudes an Old English charm that stops just short of \"wench\" waitresses and Tudor styling. It's a bit pricey for what you get, but you can find a mix of English and Bermudian menu favorites, including lamb chop, pan-fried rockfish, and Indian curries. Save room for the chocolate fudge cake. There's also a sushi bar and an eat-as-much-as-you-can Sunday brunch. For alfresco dining, sit on the patio overlooking the southern coast. You won't find a jester to entertain you, but a jazz duo and DJ perform weekly. After dinner, the large dance floor gets crowded as Henry's turns into a popular nightspot, especially on Sunday.
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The Pink Beach Club
The Swizzle Inn Pub
Swizzle Inn created one of Bermuda's most hallowed drinks, the Rum Swizzle: gold and black rum, triple sec, orange and pineapple juices, and bitters. This place is a local landmark, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and plenty of decent affordable pub fare. With so many pitchers of the island's national drink being consumed day and night, there's never a dull moment. Join the countless others who have left their mark over the years; it's customary to pin a business card or scribble your name on the pub's colorful walls. Breakfast is also served from 11 am on the weekends.
Beau Rivage
This upscale, waterfront French eatery with an alfresco patio, a vast selection of wines, and an extensive menu adds a little ooh-la-la to Bermuda's restaurant scene. Specialties include leg of lamb, lobster risotto, and beef Wellington, but save room for desserts such as soufflés, chocolate fondant, and crème brûlée. In addition, there's a private table in the heart of the chef's kitchen for 8 to 16 people. Beau Rivage hosts a good Sunday brunch from 11:30 am. Enjoy a lively happy hour at Sanzibar, the tapas and burgers bar just next door.
Crown & Anchor
Situated within the Hamilton Princess, the Crown & Anchor offers everything from quiet afternoon tea to happy hour specials complete with live music. For breakfast, choose from their à la carte menu or sample the buffet (reservations strongly recommended for breakfast and brunch). The casual lunch and dinner menu focuses on island pub favorites like fish and chips or curries, as well as small bites perfect for sharing. Business people, hotel guests, couples, and families will enjoy the outdoor seating and harborside views. Be sure to take a stroll along the marina after your meal.
Déjà View
Set back within the grounds of harborside Barr's Bay Park, Déjà View brings together some of the best sushi from its sister restaurant Misaki ( 5 Burnaby St.) with better ambience and views of the nautical comings and goings at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. The menu is innovative, and along with melt-in-your-mouth sushi, the wide-range of Asian-inspired bowls including bibimbap (a Korean rice dish), poke, and grilled salmon teriyaki are the highlight. For Saturday's brunch, choose from their classic breakfast selection, or try the Filipino pork belly bowl or tapsilog, with marinated beef, a fried egg, garlic fried rice, and cucumber pickled salad on the side. While the deep blue interior is cozy and romantic, it's the outdoor patio, steps away from the park, that makes this a calm refuge in the city.
Devil's Isle Cafe
Huckleberry
Village Pantry
No matter what time of day you're looking for a bite to eat, Village Pantry will satisfy your cravings for great food made from quality ingredients. For breakfast, there are Mexican-inspired chilaquiles (fried corn tortilla strips in salsa verde and topped with cheese) or their take on avocado toast—a blend of melted cheese and egg with ham. Or in the evenings build your own healthy bowl with a choice of salad leaves, grains, protein, and inventive dressings. Make sure to grab one of the expertly prepared coffees made from their own roasted Devil's Isle brand. There's plenty of outdoor seating perfect for families or groups.