29 Best Restaurants in Eleuthera and Harbour Island, Bahamas

1648—An Island Restaurant

$$$ Fodor's choice

Take in the sunset view as you enjoy a glass of wine and an island-inspired pizza or seafood meal. Located at French Leave Resort, 1648 boasts a sweeping view of the Bight of Eleuthera and its stunning turquoise water. The chic atmosphere is just as stunning at night, when the pool becomes a deep, vivid blue as part of the resort's "Dark Sky Paradise," which aims to reduce light pollution, increasing star visibility.

Acquapazza

$$$ Fodor's choice

Briland's only Italian restaurant offers a change of pace from the island's standard fare–and a change of scenery, too. It's located at the top of the hill at Romora Bay Resort, with a dockside terrace where you can take in the sunset while sipping one of its exclusively imported Italian wines. Chef and owner Manfredi Mancini's hearty portions of fried calamari and penne vodka don't disappoint, and the seafood entrées are always a good choice.

Freedom Restaurant & Sushi Bar

$$$ Fodor's choice

This recently renovated, window-lined restaurant serves three meals a day, combining classic Asian dishes with fresh Bahamian fare. An extensive cocktail list from the Freedom Bar— which features a stunning view of the hilltop pool— includes the Glass Window Bridge, with the exquisite landmark of the same name just a short drive away. It's one of the nicest restaurants on the island. Be sure to order from the sushi bar—you won't be disappointed.

Queen's Hwy., Bahamas
242-335–5142-reservations
Known For
  • famous Cove sushi roll
  • flavorful seafood dishes like stone crab and scallops
  • variety of vegetarian dishes on the menu
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential, Closed mid-Aug.-Nov.

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Frigate's Bar & Grill

$$$ Fodor's choice

This charming restaurant embodies everything that people love about Eleuthera. The menu offers a range of local favorites, the property is right on the beach (with chairs for lounging after a meal), and the restaurant has an amazing outside deck with a stunning view of Rock Sound's harbor. At dinnertime, candles are placed on the tables, the string lights above the outdoor dining area twinkle, and the beautiful Eleuthera sun lowers over the waters, making Frigate's one of the most beautiful places in town to dine.

Pascal's Oceanfront Seafood Restaurant

$$$ Fodor's choice

In addition to ocean-view seating from its dining room, Pascal's also features a swim-up bar, perfect for a leisurely lunch. Relax in the infinity-edge pool while you savor a mango daiquiri and cheeseburger and take in the magnificent view of the Atlantic. Dinner is decidedly more sophisticated, with French-Caribbean options inspired by fresh, locally caught seafood. Don't miss the pool party on Sunday with live music. Pascal's is located on the Sky Beach Club property, and while you are invited to enjoy the pool and beach without being a hotel guest, an afternoon at Pascal's may have you booking your next stay there.

Queen Conch

$$ Fodor's choice

Four blocks from the ferry dock on Bay Street, with a deck overlooking the water, this small, colorful shack—presided over by Lavaughn Percentie—is renowned for its freshly caught conch salad. They also serve local dishes like conch fritters, conch sandwiches, and stone crab. Take your meal to go or relax with a drink on the deck. On weekends, get there early to put in your order, as visitors from the world over place large orders to go.

Bay St., Bahamas
242-333–3811
Known For
  • homemade sauces and dressings
  • delicious Bahamian cocktails
  • laid-back atmosphere
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Rock House Restaurant

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Splendid harbor views and a transporting Mediterranean-loggia vibe create the perfect backdrop for the continental menu, infused with tropical accents, at the restaurant at the Rock House hotel. Rock House also takes its drinks seriously, with an extensive list showcasing California boutique wines. There's also an al fresco martini bar every evening, starting at 6:30. Dining here is refined and serene, thanks to the flawless service, so linger over coffee and one of the decadent desserts.

Bay St., Bahamas
242-333–2053
Known For
  • delicious rum cake dessert, with homemade ice cream
  • inventive dishes such as lobster and corn agnolotti
  • extensive wine list
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Aug.–Nov. and Mon., Reservations essential, Lunch for Rock House guests only

The Landing

$$$$ Fodor's choice

You never know which actor or rock star you'll rub elbows with—Richard Gere and Dave Matthews like to dine here—at the Hemingway-esque bar, but none of it matters once you've moved on to the dining room and are under the spell of chef Madelene Pedican, whose dishes soar with a Southeast Asian flair. Standouts include the goat cheese ravioli with shrimp and spicy crab capellini. One of the Caribbean's top dining destinations, The Landing also offers an impressive wine selection. If the weather is nice, request a romantic table on the porch.

Bay St., Bahamas
242-333–2707
Known For
  • exceptional ambience and service
  • spectacular lobster with lemongrass risotto
  • the most delcious banana upside-down cake, with ice cream
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed. and mid-Aug.–Nov. No lunch, Reservations essential

The Rainbow Room

$$$ Fodor's choice

With a classy but no-fuss aura and exhibition windows that face gorgeous sunsets, this restaurant is well known for its steaks, which are flown in daily, and fresh seafood. Guests have 180-degree views of the ocean from the screened patio or dining room. The restaurant has live music on Monday and weekends (in high season). They also serve the best wood-fired pizza in Eleuthera.

The Shipyard

$$$ Fodor's choice

Located on the eastern tip of Spanish Wells, just where the ocean separates the town from North Eleuthera, the waterfront views from here are stunning. The dinner menu includes classic Bahamian meals as well as international dishes like English pub fish-and-chips and cubano pork. There's also a full-service bar with a pool table upstairs if you want to stop by and have a drink, and on Friday, there's live music.

Tippy's Restaurant and Beachside Bar

$$ Fodor's choice

Despite its barefoot-casual environment (old window shutters used as tabletops, sand in the floor's crevices), the menu at this open-air beach bistro is a sophisticated mix of Bahamian and European cuisine, with items that change daily based on the availability of fresh local products. Expect things like lobster tails, specialty pizza, and fresh fish prepared with some sort of delectable twist. This place may look like a beach shack, but everything has been well planned—the owners even imported a French chef to satisfy discriminating palates. 

Banks Rd., Bahamas
242-332–3331
Known For
  • unique menu items like coconut conch tacos and conch chowder
  • deck overlooking the beach
  • live music on weekends
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Sept. and Oct., Reservations essential

Wild Orchids Waterfront Restaurant

$$$ Fodor's choice

With a menu of delicious Bahamian and American dishes along with stunning views of the ocean, Wild Orchids Waterfront Restaurant provides one of the best dining experiences in Rock Sound. The restaurant is a restored beach house that's more than a century old, and its interior has a traditional Bahamian design that's comforting and familiar. 

Wreckers Restaurant & Bar

$$$$ Fodor's choice

The scenic views over the harbor, great service, and variety of flavorful Bahamian meals make Wreckers a culinary delight. Choose from the menu of local Bahamian dishes or the specialty flatbread pizzas. The lower level features an open-air dining area that sits on the dock, while the upper level has a huge bar and flat-screen TVs for entertainment. Wreckers is also the only place on the island where you can get Starbucks coffee. 

Budda's Snack Shack

$$

Housed in an old school bus, Budda’s Snack Shack is one of the most unique restaurants in all of Eleuthera. The quirky restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists for its delicious food and laid-back atmosphere. The multicolored outside dining area is open-air with a full roof, and there is also a liquor store and bar on the property. Budda’s Snack Shack has signature karaoke on Friday night and live music occasionally. They sometimes close seasonally, so be sure to call before visiting from September to November.

12th St., Bahamas
242-333–4111
Known For
  • burgers with homemade buns
  • the popular fried chicken
  • variety of excellent appetizers
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Daddy Joe's

$$

Located just south of the Glass Window Bridge, this restaurant serves up what it describes as "Bahamian Soul Food" along with hosting local bands every Sunday. Order conch bites as a starter to complement the long list of tropical concoctions, including the aptly named "Da Glass Window." In addition to wings and burgers, Daddy Joe's also offers grilled options like fresh seafood and chicken. Call ahead to confirm live music.

Queen's Hwy., Bahamas
242-335–5688
Known For
  • taco Tuesday with drink special
  • famous loaded Daddy Joe's burger
  • warm and friendly staff
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed. and Sept.

Glass Window Bar & Grill

$$

Just a stone's throw away from one of Eleuthera's most popular natural treasures is this casual, open-air restaurant offering classic Bahamian dishes and stunning views of the sea. Stop here for a cold beer or enjoy one of the special featured dishes, like grilled pineapple or the El Karaka Salad—a signature dish named in honor of the owner's father. 

Harbour Pointe Restaurant

$$

Located at Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina, with a breathtaking sunset view, Harbour Pointe offers Caribbean cuisine in a casual setting. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic views of the pool, marina, and ocean. There’s even a “you catch it, we cook it” menu option for guests who reeled in something special at the marina. Dinner favorites include the famous Cape Eleuthera burger, cracked conch, and shipwrecked scampi.

La Bougainvillea

$$

Enjoy an electric fusion of classic Italian dishes and Bahamian cuisine served at the stunning oceanfront La Bougainvillea property. The resort has a luxurious ambience, but the restaurant is calm and inviting while simultaneously maintaining a fine-dining experience. Guests can choose to dine in the elegantly decorated indoor dining area or outside, by the ocean. The restaurant also has a full bar that serves cocktails and premium imported wine.

Ma Ruby's Restaurant

$$

Although you can sample local Bahamian fare at this famous eatery, the star of the menu is the cheeseburger, purportedly the inspiration for Jimmy Buffett's "Cheeseburger in Paradise" song. Maybe it's the rustic charm of the breezy patio or the secret seasonings on the melt-in-your-mouth patty, but this burger served between thick slices of homemade Bahamian bread is definitely otherworldly. 

Mate & Jenny's Restaurant & Bar

$$

A few miles south of Governor's Harbour, this casual neighborhood restaurant specializes in pizza but also serves sandwiches, cocktails, and Bahamian favorites. The walls are painted with tropical sunset scenes and decorated with photos and random memorabilia, which add to the restaurant's local flair.

South Palmetto Point, Bahamas
242-332–1504
Known For
  • conch-topped pizza
  • lively atmosphere
  • charming owners
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues., No lunch Sun., takeout only

New Sunset Inn Restaurant

$$

This easily overlooked restaurant is a favorite among Eleuthera natives. While it may not look like it from the outside, New Sunset Inn serves some of the most delicious Bahamian dishes on the island. There's an indoor dining area along with a dining deck that features stunning views of the harbor. It's a great place to have a quiet dinner, and the staff is friendly and accommodating.

Queen's Hwy., Bahamas
242-332–2487
Known For
  • affordable prices
  • delicious rum punch
  • fresh seafood dishes like grouper, conch, and shrimp

Runaway Hill Inn Restaurant

$$$$

Enjoy a moonlit dinner on Runaway Hill's beachfront veranda, with views of the pink-sand beach and turquoise waters along with sounds of the ocean waves. Chef Krishna Higgs specializes in Bahamian cuisine, combining local ingredients with global flavors. The atmosphere feels like a private club, with a handsome 1920s interior. The menu always features a fresh catch of the day, and often includes Bahamian lobster and grouper.

Colebrooke St., Bahamas
242-333–2150
Known For
  • stunning ocean views
  • seafood crepes
  • signature coconut curry grouper
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed mid-July–early Nov., Reservations essential

Sammy's Place

$

Owned by Sammy Culmer and managed by his friendly daughter Margarita, Sammy's is a casual restaurant where you can enjoy great service and authentic Eleutheran food. Sammy's serves conch and fish burgers, a baked chicken dinner, and a variety of club sandwiches and salads. 

Sunsets Restaurant & Bar

$$

This waterfront pavilion at Romora Bay Resort perfectly frames sunsets over Harbour Island, so be sure to get here in time to snag a good seat for the show. Popular with locals, the restaurant serves mid-priced Bahamian specialties, such as conch fritters, for a casual lunch or dinner. The bartender is always happy to create drinks just to suit your vibe. 

Dunmore St., Bahamas
242-333–2325
Known For
  • Sunset's burger
  • pasta pomodoro
  • top Bahamian musicians play local island music during dinner hours
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sept.

The Buccaneer Club

$$$

On the top of Buccaneer Hill overlooking the town and harbor, this mid-19th-century farmhouse is now a must-try restaurant that serves three meals a day. The outdoor dining area is located under a huge tree, with candlelit tables and soft jazz music playing in the background. To enhance the romantic ambience is a garden of bougainvillea, hibiscus, and coconut palms. 

Haynes Ave., Bahamas
242-332–2000
Known For
  • local specialties such as grouper, conch, and crawfish
  • scenic dining
  • live music on Tuesday
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed. and Sept.--Nov.

The Dunmore

$$$$

Start with a signature cocktail at the handsome mahogany bar before enjoying dinner under the stars on the ocean-view porch. The executive chef creates island-inspired dishes that change seasonally—lobster and grouper meals are always on the menu. If it's too chilly for dinner by the beach, you can also sit in the restaurant's charming, '60s retro-glam indoor dining room.

Gaol La., Bahamas
242-333–2200
Known For
  • homemade ice cream and sorbet
  • delicious tuna poke bowl
  • expansive wine selection
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Aug.–mid-Nov., No dinner Tues., Reservations essential

The Front Porch

$$$$

This little roadside restaurant features a beautiful view of the bay, particularly at sunset when the orange horizon is freckled with the silhouettes of moored sailboats. The menu is island-inspired European cuisine and always includes fresh seafood. In addition to serving lunch and dinner, The Front Porch can also arrange captains and tour guides.

Queen's Hwy., Bahamas
242-335–0727
Known For
  • delicious local crawfish tail
  • stunning sunset views from deck
  • varied seafood platter with large portions

Twin Brothers

$$

This brightly painted restaurant is famous for its frozen daiquiris and range of local cuisine. Icy mixes of strawberry and piña colada are swirled into a striking (and delicious) dessert cocktail. Bahamian fare is available at lunch and dinner in the casual outdoor dining area. There's no harbor view, but the alfresco atmosphere is pleasant nonetheless.

West off Queen's Hwy., Bahamas
242-335–0730
Known For
  • popular Miami Vice frozen daiquiri
  • must-try guava duff dessert
  • Bahamian specialties like cracked conch and conch salad
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Unca Gene's Seafood Restaurant & Bar

$$

You'll find the most delicious Bahamian meals at Unca Gene's casual, seaside restaurant, as well as delicious burgers and pasta dishes. The restaurant has a homey feel, painted in light blue, with an outside dining patio where guests can enjoy the cool sea breeze while they eat.