The Waterlot Bermuda: A Steakhouse of History, Flavor & Waterfront Elegance
$$$$, Steak, Seafood and Continental
Stepping into The Waterlot in Southampton, Bermuda, is like stepping back into centuries of tradition - and yet, simultaneously, into a refreshed modern steakhouse experience. Widely known in its earlier incarnation as the Waterlot Inn, this iconic restaurant has been lovingly restored and reimagined, reopening in December 2024.
Photo: David Broad/ Wikimedia Commons
Rich in heritage, bold in flavor, and unmistakably Bermudian, The Waterlot captures both past and present in every detail.
History & Location
The building that houses The Waterlot dates back to 1670, making it nearly 350 years old. Over the years, it has served multiple roles, including as an inn and warehouse, built into the island’s cultural and maritime history.
It's part of the hotel
Fairmont Southampton, located at Southampton Parish. It overlooks Jew’s Bay, with beautiful waterfront views, a private dock/jetty, and a setting that combines lush gardens, stately interiors, and coastal panorama.
Ambience & Style
The Waterlot’s ambience is upscale yet warm, elegant without being overly formal. The refurbishment preserved much of the historic charm: old-stone architecture, rich wood tones, high ceilings, and décor nods to Bermuda’s past while introducing modern touches: refined lighting, updated furnishings, and design that balances comfort with sophistication.
Guests can enjoy water views, especially at sunset, and many arrive by boat to dock at the restaurant’s private jetty - adding to the sense of occasion.
Food & Alcohol Menu Highlights
Cuisine Philosophy
Since reopening, The Waterlot blends classic steakhouse traditions with modern culinary creativity. The menu emphasizes premium steaks and meats, fresh seafood, and locally sourced ingredients, with elevated standards in presentation and flavor.
Signature Dishes & Popular Offerings
Here are some standout items diners currently love:
Appetizers like oysters Rockefeller with foie gras twist, tableside Caesar salad, and fish chowder, often praised in reviews.
Steak cuts: Premium steaks such as tomahawk ribeye, striploin, etc., grilled to precise doneness.
Surf & Turf featuring vanilla-poached Bermuda lobster, a dish combining surf and turf in luxury style.
Bermuda Chowder Tortellini, a creative dish that merges local flavors into elegant pasta form.
Sides to complement: truffle mac and cheese, roasted carrots, mixed seasonal vegetables. Desserts like Sticky Toffee Pudding get frequent mention.
Drinks & Bar
Full bar service: well-selected wines, classic and signature cocktails. Sommeliers and bar staff have an uncanny knack of pairing drinks matching the dishes.
Guests enjoy the lounge/bar space before or after dining, with views and ambiance contributing as much as the drinks.
The Service
Service here is extremely friendly and courteous without being intrusive. You can also enjoy pleasant conversation with the waiters and learn a lot about the restaurant and even the island.
With their expertise on the menu, they make awesome recommendations and also take your orders and specifications with great care so that you get exactly what you ordered and enjoy the perfect meal. If you make them cognizant of any food allergies, dietary restrictions etc that you might have, they accommodate you as well.
Sunset view from Waterlot
It might be apt to mention however, that service could be a bit slow here at times and you would probably have to wait for a while before you get your first course on the table. However, from then on, the excellent quality of the dishes just makes your evening take off to pleasant heights.
Special Tips & Visitor Insights
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends and special holidays. Since its reopening, The Waterlot has been booking up quickly.
Dress code: "Island Chic" / Resort Elegant. A jacket is optional but appreciated for those seeking a more polished appearance.
Arrive just before sunset: if you can get a table with a water view, the fading light over Jew’s Bay adds to the experience. The private dock/jetty is rebuilt, enabling a water arrival for some guests.
Try classic favorites: regardless of new dishes, menu staples like beef steaks, fish chowder, tableside Caesar salad remain highlights.
Check seasonal closure: The Waterlot closes during low season (e.g. winter) or has reduced operating days. It’s wise to confirm hours for your visit.
What Makes The Waterlot Stand Out
Heritage: Few restaurants anywhere can claim continuous roots back to 1670. That gives every wall, every view, every table a story.
Blend of classic & modern: The restaurant balances the gravitas of a classic steakhouse with modern culinary flair and updated design. The reopening preserved character while elevating the menu, service, and overall guest experience.
Restaurant as destination: Whether arriving by land or water, for celebrations, romantic evenings, or memorable dinners, The Waterlot has repositioned itself as a go-to for those seeking something beyond just a meal. Beauty of setting, quality of food, and tone of service all contribute.
Final Thoughts
The Waterlot isn’t just another steakhouse, it’s an institution reborn. With a deep respect for its long history, matched by top-tier service, remarkable steaks, superb seafood, and an atmosphere that marries elegance with local warmth, it offers what Bermuda’s fine dining scene has long awaited.
Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, impressing a guest, or savoring a night out in style, The Waterlot delivers an experience worthy of its "centuries in the making" tagline.
Open Hours
Dinner 18:00 – 22:00 (Wednesday - Sunday)
The restaurant is usually closed between January to Mid March, so it's a good idea to check before you visit. Lunch is not served at Waterlot. You can book a table through their website www.thewaterlot.bm
Location and Contact
183 Middle Road, Southampton
Phone: +1 441-238-6136
Bus route: #8 (operating between Hamilton and Dockyard)
Road Map
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 By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj, a seasoned travel writer and Bermuda destination expert, has extensive global travel experience. This website reflects his profound insights, garnered over nearly two decades of dedicated findings and research on the island. Raj has assisted countless Bermuda-bound visitors by providing direct, personalized responses to their queries and imparting his wealth of knowledge through this platform. This site serves as an indispensable guide for those seeking informed and reliable insights into Bermuda's treasures.
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Related Articles
4) Check out
Southampton Parish to know about the parish including all its attractions, activities, hotels and other information.
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Visitors' Reviews and Comments
Michael Newburger (June 2013)
We would like to make a brunch reservation at the Waterlot Inn for July 7, but I can't find an email to them to book this. Can you send me their email address or the Southampton Princess email to book this. Many thanks
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) June 2013
Hi, The restaurants at Fairmont Southampton do not have email addresses of their own. Reservations are usually accepted over phone (441/238-8000). However you can write to the hotel's email address ( [email protected]) or call up the toll free no. 866 540 4497. Regards,
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