Seafood Delights: Enjoying Fresh Seafood at Waterfront Restaurants Along the Bahamas

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One of the joys of visiting a new place is the chance to dine out on the local delicacies. Frompad thai in Thailand to tacos in Mexico, everywhere you visit has a unique cuisine that is always a joy to discover.

When visiting the Bahamas, the dish of the day is always seafood. From spiny lobsters and
conch to groupers and snappers, you’ll struggle to find fresher or more delicious fish delights
than on these amazing and safe Caribbean islands.

One of the best things about the Bahamas is how accessible it is from the US. Not only is the
official language English, but you can choose from 3 to 5-night cruises, making it completely
possible to plan a long weekend or a midweek break. If you plan to visit and want to indulge
your taste for fresh fish and seafood, here’s a guide to dining by the water in one of the
Caribbean’s most beautiful spots.

Conch: The Bahamas’ Signature Seafood

Conch is the quintessential Bahamian dish and no trip to the islands would be complete without
a taste. This staple of the local cuisine is actually a large sea snail that’s fresh, tender, and full
of flavor, and makes truly delectable deep-fried fritters. Another local favorite is conch salad,
similar to a ceviche, where diced conch is marinated in lemon and lime juices and served with
tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.

Twin Brothers on Arawak Cay in Nassau is one of the best places to try conch salad and offers
wonderful views of Nassau Harbor as well.

Bahamian Rock Lobster: A Spiny Sensation

While the mainland US has Maine lobster, the Caribbean boasts its own version in the form of
the Caribbean spiny lobster, also known as the Bahamian rock lobster. This is a truly delectable
type of seafood, lacking the large claws of its northern cousin but making up for that with a
larger tail full of amazing sweet meat. Whether opened up and grilled, broiled whole, or served
up in a pasta, rock lobster is one of the highlights of any Bahamian meal.

Lobster deserves a spot of fine dining, so head to Graycliff Restaurant in Nassau to give it the
setting it deserves. This historic mansion combines a gourmet dining experience with fresh
Caribbean flavors making it a wonderfully varied experience. If you’d rather something a little
more casual then Tippy’s in Eleuthera is a delightful relaxed beachside joint renowned for its
fresh lobster.

Lionfish: An Invasive Species Turned Delicacy

Lionfish have become a huge problem throughout the Caribbean over the last few years. This
invasive species is a voracious predator and has spread across the region, destroying local
ecosystems and habitats. As a result, many local businesses have turned a problem into an
opportunity by strongly encouraging the fishing of this spiky yet delicious fish. With tender,
slightly sweet meat, lionfish makes a fantastic ceviche as well as being excellent fried or grilled
and is a testament to the innovative ideas and environmentalism of the locals.

Island House in Nassau is a restaurant with a heavy focus on sustainability, so it is no surprise
that it has embraced lionfish as an alternative to more at-risk seafood. Shannas Cove on Cat
Island is another great place to dine on lionfish plucked straight from the coral reefs surrounding
the islet.

Waterfront dining in the Bahamas is a must, as you might expect in a destination where the
seafood is as fresh as the ocean breezes. From conch to lionfish, the bounty of the sea is
exquisite and offers a wonderful accompaniment to your Caribbean vacation.