Bermuda

Eating out in Bermuda

Dining is a refined activity in Bermuda, and the 150-plus restaurants serving virtually every popular international cuisine will please every taste. American, British, Italian, German, Mexican, Indian, Greek, Chinese, and more are all available. Seafood is always just-fished-fresh and tops every menu; mostly everything else is imported. Local delicacies to try include wahoo steak, mussel pie, Hoppin' John (black-eyed peas and rice), cassava pie, and guinea-chick (spiny lobster). You may have to wander into Hamilton to find these specialties, but they are well worth the trip! Many restaurants prefer men to wear a jacket, and some even a tie, after 6pm, while women usually wear semi-dressy attire.

Gourmet

Tamarisk Dining Room has one of the island's most fashionable addresses and pampers diners with attentive service and a rich international cuisine from a frequently-changing menu. The wine cellar is impressively stocked. Cambridge Beach, Sandys Parish.

Highly Recommended

The Carriage House was once a warehouse for the Royal Engineers, but it is now a vaulted 18th-century brick-walled dining room with an unbeatable view of St George's Harbour. Candlelight enhances the grotto-like setting where you dine on a blend of Continental, English, and local dishes. The Bermuda Triangle, a combination of filet mignon, shrimp, and chicken breast, is a favorite, as is the Sunday brunch St George's Parish.

Local Flair

The Black Horse Tavern is located a bit off the beaten path and is an authentic locals' favorite. Its regulars insist that there is no other eatery on the island that better prepares genuine Bermudan fare. St George's Parish.

Romantic

Café Lido creates the perfect setting for a special evening with a beachside location, relaxed atmosphere, and Mediterranean style. Fresh fish is the highlight of the menu, and weekly specials are prepared with flair and care. Elbow Beach.

Going party in Bermuda

More cozy and subdued than most islands, nightlife on Bermuda is somewhat limited outside of the resort hotels. There are no casinos, but you will enjoy a choice of friendly bars, local music venues, comedy clubs, and more.

Pubs

For a laid-back and amiable hang-out, look no further than the popular Frog and Onion, located in the historic Royal Naval Dockyard, and Hamilton's Hog Penny, a casual establishment featuring nightly entertainment.

Clubs

For dancing and club music from rock and blues by both North American and local bands, check out The Oasis Nightlife and The Rock Room on Front Street in Hamilton. Another good choice is the Palace, hopping until the wee hours with upbeat music from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Bay View Bars

Overlooking Hamilton Harbour, the Pickled Onion martini bar/restaurant has a great breezy balcony and festive local music. In Blue Hole Hill, Baileys Bay, the Swizzle Inn Pub is famous for their own concoction called the Rum Swizzle, and nightly performances by Calypso and steel drum bands.

Gombey Dancing

These dances provide an inspiring and jubilant experience of the island's folk traditions. Performances are sometimes scheduled with very little notice, so check for shows with your concierge upon arrival.

Common events in Bermuda

Bermuda Jazz Festival

Jazz music's best participate, with past performers that have included include George Benson, Chaka Khan, and Roberta Flack. Royal Naval Dockyard, September.

Bermuda Festival of Performing Arts January-February.

Golden Rendevous Month

Seniors age 50 and older are the VIPs at exclusive bridge tournaments, ballroom dancing, special tours, and more! February.

Bermuda Kite Festival

This tradition began as a Sunday School teacher's creative way of explaining how Christ ascended to the heavens. Since then it has been as much a part of local Easter celebrations as music on the beach and codfish cakes. Horseshoe Bay, Good Friday.

Bermuda International Film Festival

Only a few years on the international film circuit, this festival focuses on "firsts" - first-time directors, producers, screenwriters, and leading actors. A festival ticket provides access to all films. May.

Queen's Birthday Parade

The official birthday celebration for England's Queen Elizabeth II, with all the top political and civil service folk in attendance in top hat from the Premier to the Police Commissioner. The Governor, dressed in full ceremonial whites, plumed hat, and blue sash, inspects the regiment troops. A 21-gun salute splits the air and the governor leads the crowd in three cheers for the queen. Hamilton, June.

Sandcastle Competition

The Institute of Bermuda Architects hosts this fun but quite competitive event with several categories, including one for tourists! Entrants have 4 hours to build their masterpieces, which are judged by an IBA council. Horseshoe Bay, September.

Culture Shock

The biggest reggae show in Bermuda attracts thousands of people during its 2-night run. The event is 2-tiered there is Dancehall Night, with driving tempo and lyrics attracting a younger crowd, and Culture Night, which has a more adult following and music described as more "rootsy." Dancehall originated in Jamaica and has had an impact on many American rap artists and local reggae performers. The Bermuda features top local reggae artists and top Jamaican singers. Hamilton, November.