I have been living in the Bahamas for the past year and a half.
If you’re new, welcome! You can read more about my life in the Bahamas here. During my time here I’ve been able to experience a fair amount and have also had the opportunity to venture to some beautiful spots. Follow me on Instagram to see more pics!
Related: 31 Things to Expect When Moving to the Bahamas
While visiting the Bahamas it’s quite easy to just stick to the touristy places, and some of those spots don’t have the best food and/ or views. So if you really want a local experience while visiting Nassau, Bahamas check these out! *I am not a Bahamian so this is not a “truly local Bahamian” list but solely based on my experience there.
Related: 65 Things You Have to Do in London
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1. Blue Sail (Sandyport)
If you are staying in Sandyport this restaurant is really close (across the street) from the Sandyport Marina Village. It’s also a bus ride away from the downtown area. Hop on the #10 jitney and get off at sandyport and venture across the street.
Food/drink recommendations: Bahamian Hot pizza, salmon and blue cheeseburger and Pina Coladas. Plus can you really say no this view?
2.Compass Point
@compasspointbahamas
This is a popular brunch spot and often hosts live music acts such as Tebby and Keeya. Come here if you want to catch up on your favorite sports game while enjoying scenic views.
Food recommendations: Nachos!
3.Twisted Lime (Sandyport)
Another fun local place along the Sandyport Marina. Enjoy some Happy Hour chicken wings (best on the island!) and pizza while watching boats cruise down the canal. More of a casual/sports bar vibe. Drinks: Mango Mojito
4. Spritz (Sandyport)
Come here on a Friday evening (call ahead to make a reservation) and you will find the street is closed off due to kids at play. You must try the pizza here and their salmon linguine is quite popular as well. The owner Mike and bartender Levar are local favorites.
5.Dino’s Conch Salad (Gambier Village)
Can we say Tropical Conch Salad! Expect long wait time so don’t come here hungry. 13 dollars for a conch salad, cheap drinks and an amazing sea front view.
6. Studio Cafe (Gambier Village)
One of the best brunches on the Island hands down. In house chef, Horatio does an amazing job of mixing flavors and presentation. Read more about my experience here.
7. Four Seasons Ocean Club (Paradise Island)
This is one of the pricier places on our list and technically isn’t on New Providence. But if you are staying in Nassau you must venture to Paradise Island to see where the James Bond film, Casino Royale, was set. The view is amazing and they also have a great beach.
8. Social House
Great sushi and chill vibe, with cool house music. Local favorites include conch and plantain roll. Don’t forget to try their fruit flavored sake and spiced margarita.
9. The Island House
You can get inexpensive tea/coffee at their coffee shop or venture upstair to Shima to enjoy dumplings (I prefer crispy), sushi, salmon on banana leaf with red curry and coconut, twice cooked beef short rib, slow braised beef noodles (can you tell we’ve been there a lot?!). Also, don’t forget about Mahogany House to get their Seafood Pasta and sample some excellent wines.
10. Palm Cay
@palmcay
This is a gated residential area so be prepared to show your ID. Great views and well worth the “long” drive to the most eastern part of the island.
11. Aquafire
A great place to watch the sunset or catch some brunch. You must try the Burgers!
12. Fish Fry
Because why would you come to the Bahamas and not have some local food?! Conch salad, conch fritters, fried plantains, jerk chicken, rice and peas and more. Don’t forget to visit the Sky Juice King and the Twin Brothers.
13. Fruits and Roots
Home to local fresh pressed juice made by a locally Bahamian family. I love the family owned feel. Pick up some freshly pressed juice and a chicken salad sandwich. Cash only!
14. Olives Meze Grill
On Friday nights OMG turns into a bar/club. Stop in for some Greek Food and stay for some dancing. They also offer unlimited mimosas for brunch on Sundays.
15. 1ercru (pronounced Premier Cru)
Has a wine dispensing machine. Need I say more?
16. Louis and Steens (Gambier Village)
New Orleans style coffee with an ocean front view. Read more about it on my post
17. Pirates Republic
The Bahamas’ own local brewery conveniently located in the heart of downtown. Check their website to see when they are having live music or events.
18. The Daq Shack
Come here for here some of the best Daquiris on the west side of the island and make sure you eat before hand because Andy has a generous pour!
19. John Watlings
Perfect place to get a souvenir bottle of rum to bring back home to your friends and family after you’ve sampled a few rums yourself 😉
20. Margaritaville
Grab some Mexican and Bahamian food while sampling their variety of margaritas. They also have a swimming pool and swings.
21. Lukka Kairi
Five dollar drinks on the weekends and Sunday buffet brunch.
22. Tru Bahamian Food Tours
@trubahamianfoodtours
Walking tour of local restaurants and historical sites.
23. The Pier Bahamas
Waterfront Lounge and Restaurant located near the Paradise Island Bridge. Often frequented by celebrities.
24. Craft Cottage
(more info in the shopping section below)
25. Botanical Gardens
For when you need a tranquil break from the beach.
26. Graycliff
Fine dining and quality drinks. You can also pick up a few cigars as souvenirs.
27. Lyford Cay Beach
28. Hard Rock Cafe Nassau
29. Tasty Teas
These teas are really tasty and all Bahamian.
30. Smart Lunch Bahamas
The healthiest food delivery on the island!
31. Kamalame Cay
Private island get-away located on Andros. Charter a private boat to spend the day.
32. Sandy Toes
This is one of my favorite day excursions. You can either charter a private boat to take you to Rose Island or hop a ride on the Sandy Toes Charter for around $30. Boat docks at the Paradise Island Marina next to Margaritaville.
22. Swimming Pigs
No description can describe this sensation. Just click the link.
33. Harbour Island
Leave Nassau around ten am for a 2 hour ferry ride to Harbour Island, the home of the pink sand beaches. Your voucher includes golf cart rental and a voucher for food. Boat departs at 4pm back to Nassau.
34. Sandals
Newly renovated their day pass is a great deal. For a little over a hundred dollars you have access to all of their restaurants, activities and private island from 10am to 6pm. Well worth the price.
35.Melia
@melianassaubeach
Their day pass is extremely confusing and their employees aren’t very clear on it. There is a day pass and it does not include food. I don’t suggest eating here unless you want expensive buffet food or 20 dollar hot dog with chips. Besides that factor the beach and pool bit is lovely.
36. Blue Lagoon
Private island day excursion (didn’t have a chance to experience but heard great things)
37. The Atlantis
The day pass will run you about $100, but if you want access to their waterpark and private beaches for the day you must purchase. This day pass doesn’t include food. If you’re around during the weekend I highly recommend checking out brunch at The Cove. Also checkout the local nightclub at Aura and the best sushi at Nobu.
38.Pearl Island
This day at the beach is a steal running you about $20 dollars per person. The dock is located on East Bay street, which is accessible by bus, but I recommend getting the ten bus into downtown and then catching a cab for the 5 minute drive. Also I don’t recommend making plans for when the boat gets back, the ferry back has the tendency to be on island time and not leaving to the island or departing from the island on time.
39. Da Bush Cook
@Dabushcook
Fun twist on local food such as Conch Macaroni and cheese. They offer delivery but call in advance to confirm.
40. Clifton Heritage
41. Popop Studios
Independent art studio that features local artists.
42. Skate City
Nassau’s Indoor Skating Rink
Shopping
Craft Cottage Bahamas
In my opinion this place is way better than Straw Market.
43. Biggity Boutique
Locally scented and made candles and crafts. They recently moved from their Palmdale location to downtown.
44. Made in the Shade
Mobile sunglasses store. LaShanta carries the best sunnies on the island.
45.Allure Swim Boutique
46. Bahari Bahamas
Luxury Bahamian Clothing. Checkout their downtown store.
47. LVC Swim
Home to the Bahamas reversible handmade swimsuit
48. Pursenal Paradiyse
Art meets accessories at Pursenal Paradiyse
49.Glow Candles
Home made candles and more! Tavara creates her own traditional scents and can even add a tropical twist at your request.
50. Curfew
51.Vida cayo
Opening February 2017!
52.Oh She Que
Fairly priced shoes that are quite popular on the island.
53. Signature Styles
54.Shop the CC
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I’m a California girl living in London
Fitness, Lifestyle,Traveling and Living Abroad.
I’m sprinkling sincerity on it.
