14 Best Restaurants in Eleuthera and Harbour Island, Bahamas

For lunch with a view, try the oceanfront bar and restaurant at Coral Sands, where executive chef Ken Gomes creates delicious lunch options that go perfectly with a tropical cocktail or a glass of white wine. In addition to seafood options like conch fritters, lobster salad sandwiches, and grilled mahimahi, the restaurant also serves gourmet pizzas and popular local cocktails.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.