Nassau/Cable Beach/Paradise Island

Eating out in Nassau/Cable Beach/Paradise Island

The Bahamas' homegrown cuisine is a medley of several ethnic traditions and influences. The indigenous population was fond of scale- and shellfish, and also brought callaloo, cassava, corn, sweet potatoes, and several tropical fruits to the islands. English and American settlers adopted native spices, enhanced by those brought from Africa. Most dishes center around seafood like conch or rock lobster, but you'll find a tremendous variety of fare throughout the islands. Traditional island cuisine is undergoing a renaissance, with a new generation of Bahamian chefs reinterpreting traditional dishes. Places to eat range from 5-star expensive restaurants replete with candelabra to funky beach seafood shacks called "fish frys.".

Gourmet

Anthony's Caribbean Grill creates a variety of original and traditional American/Caribbean fare for every course, with specialties of the house like Junkanoo Steak and Soca Tuna. Paradise Shopping Plaza, Paradise Island.

Highly Recommended

Graycliff is the only restaurant in The Bahamas with a 5-star rating. Situated inside an antique-filled colonial mansion, this restaurant creates hardy, exotic Bahamian and international dishes. The wine list is the finest in the country, and their collection of Cuban cigars - almost 90 types - is said to be the most varied in the world. Before dinner, the ideal spot for a drink is the balcony bar. West Hill Street, Nassau.

Local Flair

The Outdoor Conch Market wins the unanimous popular vote with the locals in downtown Nassau. Residents flock here on weekends to hang out and sample budget-priced conch, washed down with coconut juice (known as sky juice) from the Daiquiri Bar. Downtown Nassau.

Romantic

Buena Vista is set in an 18th-century home appointed with silver and fine china. Waiters in tuxedos serve fine Bahamian cuisine while you admire the view of the harbor. Delancy Street, Nassau.

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Going party in Nassau/Cable Beach/Paradise Island

Nassau has a pulsing nightlife, with casinos, clubs, shows, concerts and music ranging from traditional rake-and-scrape bands to symphony orchestras. Theater and dance are popular in the Bahamas and several companies perform in Nassau. For a daily listing of events, check the Nassau Guardian or Tribune before heading out for the night.

Clubs

The Palace Theatre and the Atlantis Showroom have the island's two spectacular stage shows. A few nightclubs and upscale dance clubs are favorites with locals and tourists alike in town; Club 601 and Culture Club usually feature the BahaMen, Nassau's best-known band. Most hotels host smaller nightclubs with bars and bands.

Goombay Shows

This music - named from an African word meaning rhythm - is to the Bahamas what reggae is to Jamaica. Almost every major resort hotel has a goombay band or show, with musicians and dancers dressed in tropical flounced costumes. It is typified by a fast-paced, infectious melody that you will hear pouring out of dance clubs everywhere.

Casinos

The Atlantis Casino is on Paradise Island and the Crystal Palace Casino is on Cable Beach. Both are full-service gaming halls, with everything from Baccarat to slots, great shows, fantastic restaurants, and so on. Drop in and spend an evening with Lady Luck!.

Common events in Nassau/Cable Beach/Paradise Island

Junkanoo

This is the biggest festival of the year and lasts 'till dawn. The colorful, boisterous celebration is the Bahamian equivalent of New Orleans' Mardi Gras or Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. There's a bounty of costumes, parades, street dancing, and Junkanoo music to celebrate this tradition with African roots. Boxing Day (Day After Christmas) and New Year's Day.

Supreme Court Opening

A picturesque ceremony in Parliament Square that officially opens sessions of The Bahamas Supreme Court, with the Chief Justice Inspecting the Royal Bahamas Police Force Guard of Honour. The world-famous Royal Bahamas Police Force Band performs. February.

Cricket Season

Matches of this "sport of the commonwealth" are played every Saturday and Sunday at noon. March - November.

Bahamian Independence Day

Celebrated on July 10 with a preceding week of parades and fireworks. July.

Emancipation Day

Followed by Fox Hill Day, a time of cultural events and cookouts, in the Fox Hill section of Nassau. August.