Harbour Island, known as “Briland” to the locals, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Bahamas archipelago. The island is known for its famous pink sand along the beautiful beaches, marinas, and its outlying coral reef that is home to Bahamas’ impressive marine life. The streets of the small island are decorated with flowers outside the old English-styled homes and popular restaurants. If you ever visit Harbour Island, here are the best restaurants to try.
Aquapazza
Restaurant, Mediterranean, Italian, $$$
As the name would give away, Aquapazza is an Italian restaurant, the only one in Harbour Island, known for its seafood, vegetarian pasta, and excellent wines. The restaurant is located at the Harbour Island Marina and features a dockside terrace which is one of the best places to watch the sunset on the island while sipping an island cocktail or a glass of imported, Italian wine. Choose from their menu of amazing Bahamian seafood dishes or take your taste buds on a trip with an Italian meal.
If you want to have lunch with a view then visit the Coral Sands Resort to try this restaurant. The Beach Bar at Coral Sands Beach Resort sits high, overlooking Harbour Island’s famous pink sand beach. In addition to the traditional Bahamian seafood dishes like conch fritters, lobster, and different kinds of fish, the restaurant also serves gourmet pizzas and salads paired with delicious cocktails and wines. The restaurant does not serve dinner and is closed during the month of September.
The Dunmore Beach Hotel is the 60s-era retro glam Dunmore Clubhouse restaurant. The Clubhouse features two dining options—the large, retro-style dining room which showcases vintage photos of the Bahamas and the oceanfront patio. The Clubhouse’s menu is the perfect mix of French and Continental cuisine with flavors and spices that are traditionally Bahamian. Breakfast is served only to the Dunmore Hotel guests while lunch and dinner are open to all.
Situated just above the pink-sand beach and turquoise waters, the Blue Bar is one of Harbour Island’s most famous restaurants. The Blue Bar’s menu is truly Bahamian, with fish tacos, grouper ciabatta, cracked conch, and many other island delicacies. You can enjoy one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails while dining seaside for lunch or have a romantic candlelit dinner in the summer evenings.
Named after the local slang for gossip and a drink, Sip Sip‘s chill atmosphere, delicious food, and amazing waterfront view make it one of the best lunch-only restaurants on Harbour Island. Chef and owner Julie Lightbourn is known for creating her “Bahamian with a twist” dishes, using fresh seafood and Bahamian spices. Popular orders at this lime green restaurant are the conch chili, lobster quesadillas, and baba ghanoush.
Boutique Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, Contemporary, Seafood, $$$
The Landing Boutique Hotel and Restaurant is simple yet refined. The gorgeous property overlooks the harbor in the heart of Dunmore Town and is a popular spot among tourists. The restaurant serves a contemporary menu based on the Caribbean and local traditional Bahamian cuisine. The most popular meals served at The Landing are goat cheese ravioli, spicy crab, and banana brown sugar upside down cake.
As the name suggests, Queen Conch is the best place to have conch on Harbour Island. Visitors from all over the world visit this colorful, vibrant, open-air restaurant (especially on weekends) to try the variety of conch meals offered. The resounding favorite by locals and tourists is the fresh conch salad that is diced, mixed with vegetables, and ready to eat right at the counter.
Boutique Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, Contemporary, Seafood, Italian, $$$
Rock House Restaurant | Courtesy of Rock House Restaurant
Rock House is one of the finer, scenic restaurants in Dunmore Town. Located in the gorgeous British Colonial style Rock House Resort, Rock House Restaurant has a reputation for exquisite cuisine, including meals like junkanoo capellini, curried New Zealand lamb chops, and linguine paired with exceptional wine. Guests also have various dining options. You may enjoy meals on the terrace overlooking the bay, the Chef’s Table, or for a more romantic setting, have dinner by the pool, under the stars.
The proud home of “Cheeseburgers in Paradise,” said by Jimmy Buffett himself, Ma Ruby’s is undoubtedly the best place to grab a burger in Harbour Island. The charming restaurant, although famous for their burgers, serves up plenty of meals from Caribbean cuisine including seafood, chicken meals, and other Bahamian favorites. Ruby Percentie, the owner of the restaurant, is also known for mixing very strong rum cocktails for the adults who want a delicious Bahamian drink.
Sunsets at Romora Bay Resort and Marina is a casual bistro that sits overlooking the beautiful turquoise waters of Harbour Island. The restaurant showcases a mixture of delicious Bahamian seafood and American cuisines along with a variety of cocktails and rum punches including the most famous “Frozen Goombay Smash.” Guests can also enjoy live music on Sunday afternoons from some of Bahamas’ most talented musicians and bands.
