Local Bermuda Food and Eateries: What to Eat and Where to Find It
Updated: July 2026
Welcome to Bermuda's Food Scene
Bermuda's pink sand beaches and crystal-clear waters may be what first attract visitors, but the island's food often becomes one of the highlights of the trip.
For an island measuring only about 21 square miles, Bermuda has developed a remarkably distinctive cuisine. Fresh Atlantic seafood, centuries-old British traditions, Portuguese influences from the Azores, and ingredients unique to the island have combined to create dishes you will find nowhere else.
Bermuda Codfish Breakfast
I am a Certified Bermuda Specialist through the Bermuda Tourism Authority, and over the years I have learned that understanding Bermuda's food is one of the best ways to understand the island itself.
A giant fish sandwich enjoyed by the waterfront, a leisurely Sunday codfish breakfast with local families, or a bowl of fish chowder finished with dark rum and sherry peppers tells a story that no museum exhibit can fully capture.
This guide focuses on the foods that define Bermuda today. You'll learn what each dish is, why it is worth trying, where to find the best examples, and a few practical tips that will help you enjoy Bermuda's food scene with confidence.
What Makes Bermudian Cuisine Unique?
Bermuda's cuisine reflects more than four centuries of history, but it has never stood still. Instead, it has evolved by borrowing the best ideas from the people who settled, traded, and worked on the island.
British settlers established many culinary traditions that still influence Bermuda's cuisine today, including Sunday roasts, meat pies, puddings, and afternoon tea. During the nineteenth century, Portuguese immigrants from the Azores added hearty soups, fresh breads, and family recipes that gradually became part of Bermudian cooking.
The island's long trading relationship with Newfoundland also left a lasting mark. Salt cod became a household staple long before refrigeration, and today it remains the centerpiece of the traditional Sunday codfish breakfast and the codfish cakes enjoyed throughout the year.
Fresh seafood completes the picture. Wahoo, rockfish, snapper, yellowfin tuna, and spiny lobster are regular features on local menus, often prepared simply to let the quality of the catch shine through.
Unlike many destinations where local cuisine has been adapted mainly for tourists, Bermuda has stayed remarkably true to its culinary roots. Many recipes served today are still those that Bermudian families have enjoyed for generations.
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Must-Try Bermudian Dishes
If your time on the island is limited, these are the foods that deserve a place on your itinerary.
Bermuda Fish Sandwich
Forget the modest sandwich you might expect elsewhere. The Bermudian version is generously filled with thick fillets of freshly fried local fish, usually wahoo, rockfish, or snapper. Lettuce, tomato, tartar sauce, and coleslaw complete the filling before everything is served between slices of toasted raisin bread.
Bermuda Fish Sandwich
Photo: Art Mel's Spicy Dicy, Bermuda
The raisin bread surprises many first-time visitors.
I remember wondering whether sweet bread and fried fish could possibly work together. After the first bite, it was obvious why Bermudians defend this combination so passionately. The sweetness of the bread balances the savory fish beautifully without overpowering it.
Many restaurants offer optional cheese or hot sauce, but the classic version needs very little improvement.
Expect to pay around $18 - $25, depending on the restaurant and the size of the sandwich.
Where to Try It
Art Mel's Spicy Dicy is one of Bermuda's best-known destinations for the island's signature fish sandwich. It is a simple takeout restaurant with limited seating, but the generous portions and consistently fresh fish have earned it an outstanding reputation.
Good to know: A sandwich from Art Mel's is large enough for a couple to share.
Bermuda Fish Chowder
If the fish sandwich is Bermuda's favorite lunch, fish chowder is its signature comfort food.
Visitors expecting a thick, creamy chowder are often surprised. Bermuda's version is completely different. It is lighter in texture, darker in color, and built on a deeply flavored fish stock enriched with tomatoes, onions, celery, herbs, and spices. The finishing touch is uniquely Bermudian.
Traditionally, the chowder is served with bottles of Gosling's Black Seal Rum and Outerbridge's Original Sherry Peppers Sauce. A splash of each adds warmth, gentle heat, and a depth of flavor that has become part of the island's dining tradition.
Every restaurant has its own recipe, and locals often have spirited debates over which version is best.
Expect to pay about $12 - $18 for a bowl.
Where to Try It
If you enjoy fish chowder, try it at more than one restaurant. The subtle differences from one kitchen to another are part of the experience.
Bermuda fish chowder
Photo: kansasphoto, flickr, cc by 2.0
Traditional Sunday Codfish Breakfast
Breakfast has its own traditions in Bermuda, and none is more enduring than the Sunday
codfish breakfast.
This hearty meal combines salted cod with boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, tomato and onion sauce, banana, and, when in season, slices of creamy local avocado.
The combination may seem unusual, particularly the banana alongside the cod, but the contrast of sweet and savory flavors works remarkably well.
The meal reflects Bermuda's historic trade with Newfoundland, when preserved salt cod became an essential food for island families. Today it remains one of Bermuda's best-loved weekly traditions.
Expect to pay $18 - $25.
Where to Try It
Because this is primarily a Sunday tradition, check ahead if you hope to order it on another day.
Codfish Cakes
Another favorite that grew from Bermuda's love of salt cod is the
codfish cake. Flaked cod is blended with mashed potatoes, onions, herbs, and seasonings before being shaped into patties and lightly fried until crisp outside and soft inside.
They are enjoyed throughout the year, but become especially popular during Easter, when Bermudians traditionally serve them inside freshly baked hot cross buns.
Like the fish sandwich on raisin bread, it is one of those combinations that sounds unusual until you try it.
Where to Try Them
If You Only Have One Day...
If your visit to Bermuda is short, these five specialties should be at the top of your list:
Bermuda fish sandwich
Bermuda fish chowder
Sunday codfish breakfast (if you're visiting on a Sunday)
Bermuda spiny lobster (September 1 - March 31)
Bermuda rum cake
Together they provide an excellent introduction to the island's culinary traditions.
Fresh Bermuda Seafood You Should Try
Living in the middle of the Atlantic has one obvious advantage. Bermuda enjoys outstanding seafood, and many restaurants build their menus around whatever local fishermen have landed that day.
When dining out, ask about the catch of the day rather than automatically ordering imported salmon or another familiar choice. The freshest local fish often turns out to be the most memorable meal of the trip.
Bermuda Spiny Lobster
If you're visiting between September 1 and March 31, don't miss Bermuda's famous spiny lobster. Unlike the better-known Maine lobster, the Caribbean spiny lobster has no large front claws. Nearly all the meat is concentrated in the tail, giving it a firm texture and a naturally sweet flavor.
Most restaurants prepare it simply, grilled, broiled, or baked with butter, allowing the quality of the seafood to take center stage.
One thing I appreciate about Bermuda is its respect for sustainability. Fresh local spiny lobster is served only during the legal season. Outside those months, any lobster on the menu has been imported.
Expect to pay $45 - $75, depending on the season, restaurant, and lobster size.
Where to Try It
If you're staying in accommodation with cooking facilities, you may also see licensed fishermen selling freshly caught spiny lobster during the season. You will find them at the fishermen's stands on North Shore Road in Hamilton Parish, just before the Shelly Bay Market Place.
Fresh Local Fish
Several species of fish appear regularly on Bermudian menus, each with its own character.
Table showing types of regular fish you get in Bermuda
| Fish |
What to Expect |
Best Preparation |
| Wahoo |
Mild, firm, and one of Bermuda's finest eating fish |
Grilled, blackened, or fried |
| Rockfish |
Moist, flaky white flesh |
Grilled or baked |
| Snapper |
Delicate flavor with tender texture |
Grilled or pan-seared |
| Yellowfin Tuna |
Lean and meaty |
Lightly seared |
| Mahi-mahi |
Slightly sweet and firm |
Grilled or baked |
Wherever possible, choose locally caught fish rather than imported alternatives. Not only is the quality usually better, but you'll also experience the flavors that have shaped Bermuda's cuisine for generations.
Traditional Bermudian Comfort Food
While seafood receives most of the attention, several traditional dishes have long been favorites at family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Cassava Pie
Often described as Bermuda's national dish, cassava pie appears on the table most commonly during the Christmas season across the island.
Grated cassava is mixed with butter, eggs, sugar, and spices before being layered around a savory filling of seasoned chicken or pork.
The finished dish is unlike a conventional pie. Dense, rich, and slightly sweet, it sits somewhere between a casserole and a baked pudding.
Because preparing cassava pie is labor-intensive, many families make it typically during the holiday season.
Where to Find It
During Christmas, look for freshly prepared cassava pie at The Bermuda Pie Company in Hamilton ((55 Court Street), neighborhood bakeries, and supermarkets such as The MarketPlace and Lindo's.
Mussel Pie
Another long-standing favorite is mussel pie. Tender mussels are cooked with vegetables, herbs, and a rich sauce before being baked beneath a flaky pastry crust. Some recipes include a gentle touch of curry, reflecting Bermuda's diverse culinary influences.
Although less famous than fish chowder or cassava pie, it remains a satisfying comfort food that is well worth trying if you find it on a menu. The Bermuda Pie Company in Hamilton is one of the island's best-known places to sample it.
Traditional Side Dishes
Several side dishes complete a classic Bermudian meal.
Peas and Rice combines rice with black-eyed peas, onions, thyme, and Portuguese sausage or bacon. It accompanies everything from grilled fish to roast meats.
Pawpaw Casserole uses green papaya baked with ground beef, onions, peppers, and cheese until tender. Although less common today, it remains part of Bermuda's culinary heritage.
Onions in Cream recalls the days when sweet Bermuda onions were exported around the world. If you happen to see it on a menu, it's worth ordering.
Shark Hash, made from slow-cooked shark with herbs and vegetables, has become relatively uncommon but still appears occasionally as a restaurant special. Lost in the Triangle in Warwick and Mama Angie's in St. George's often feature the dish.
Where to Find Authentic Bermudian Food
Although Bermuda is small, each part of the island offers a different dining experience. Planning your meals around the area you're exploring makes far more sense than crossing the island simply to visit another restaurant.
Hamilton
Hamilton offers the island's greatest variety of restaurants, from casual takeout counters to fine dining. Come here for Bermuda's famous fish sandwich at
Art Mel's Spicy Dicy, traditional fish chowder at
The Lobster Pot, or refined island cuisine at
Barracuda Grill.
Hamilton is also the best place to browse bakeries, coffee shops, and supermarkets selling local food products.
St. George's
The historic Town of St. George combines excellent seafood with one of Bermuda's most attractive waterfront settings.
Wahoo's Bistro and Patio is a favorite for fish chowder, grilled wahoo, and other local catches, while smaller neighborhood restaurants often feature traditional dishes that have become harder to find elsewhere.
Lunch overlooking St. George's Harbor is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the island's oldest town.
Royal Naval Dockyard
Cruise passengers will find several good introductions to Bermudian food here.
The
Frog and Onion Pub serves hearty British-inspired dishes alongside locally brewed craft beer from the Dockyard Brewing Company.
Nearby,
Anchor Restaurant is a dependable choice for Sunday codfish breakfast, seafood, and other Bermudian favorites.
The Dockyard is also an excellent place to shop for food souvenirs before returning home.
South Shore and Central Bermuda
Restaurants along the South Shore combine impressive ocean views with excellent dining.
Blu Bar and Grill in Warwick is especially popular for seasonal spiny lobster, fresh seafood, and panoramic views across the Great Sound.
If you're spending the day at one of Bermuda's beaches, another enjoyable option is to pick up a fish sandwich or takeaway lunch and enjoy a picnic by the water.
Neighborhood Grocery Stores
One of Bermuda's best dining values is easy to overlook. Supermarkets such as The MarketPlace, Lindo's, and Miles Market prepare freshly cooked local meals every day.
Their hot food counters typically offer fish, roast meats, peas and rice, vegetables, macaroni and cheese, and other Bermudian favorites at prices well below those charged by full-service restaurants.
Traditional Bermuda Desserts
Seafood may define Bermuda's cuisine, but the island also has several desserts worth seeking out.
Bermuda Rum Cake
Rich, moist, and generously flavored with dark rum,
Bermuda rum cake has become one of the island's most popular souvenirs.
After baking, the cake is soaked with additional rum and allowed to mature for several days, creating its distinctive texture and flavor.
The Bermuda Rum Cake Company offers several flavored varieties. These rum cakes are available across the island in various retail stores.
Bailey's Ice Cream
Located opposite the historic Swizzle Inn in Hamilton Parish,
Bailey's Ice Cream has been producing small batches of premium ice cream for decades.
Alongside familiar flavors, you'll often find Rum Raisin, Bermuda Banana, Dark 'n Stormy, and other island-inspired creations. If you're exploring the east end, it's a worthwhile stop.
Loquats
Usually from February through April, loquat trees produce small orange fruits with a sweet, slightly tart flavor.
Besides eating them fresh, Bermudians use loquats to make jams, chutneys, pies, and homemade liqueurs.
If you're visiting during the season, look for loquat products at farmers' markets and specialty food stores.
Traditional Bermuda Drinks
No introduction to Bermudian cuisine would be complete without sampling a few of the island's best-known drinks.
Dark 'n Stormy
Made with Gosling's Black Seal Rum and ginger beer over ice, the Dark 'n Stormy has become Bermuda's signature cocktail.
Simple, refreshing, and unmistakably Bermudian, it is the perfect companion to a seafood dinner overlooking the water.
Dark 'n Stormy, Bermuda
Photo: kansasphoto, flickr, cc by 2.0
Rum Swizzle
The Rum Swizzle is Bermuda's favorite party drink. A blend of dark and gold rum, fruit juices, grenadine, and bitters, it is fruity, refreshing, and stronger than many visitors expect.
For many people, one of the best places to enjoy one is
The Swizzle Inn, which proudly claims to have introduced the cocktail.
More Local Favorites
Rum enthusiasts should also sample Gosling's Black Seal Rum, which appears not only in cocktails but also in fish chowder, sauces, and desserts.
Beer lovers can visit the
Frog and Onion Pub to try beers brewed by the in-house Dockyard Brewing Company.
If you prefer something non-alcoholic, enjoy a bottle of
Barritt's Ginger Beer, stop at one of Hamilton's independent
coffee shops. It is a long-time Bermuda favorite and one of the traditional mixers for the Dark 'n Stormy before Goslings introduced its own ginger beer.
Another great non-alcoholic option is to experience the
traditional afternoon tea served at several of Bermuda's luxury hotels.
Food Experiences You Should Not Miss
Trying Bermuda's signature dishes is only part of the experience. Some of the island's best culinary memories come from joining traditions that locals have enjoyed for generations.
Start Your Sunday Like a Bermudian
Restaurants serving this weekly favorite are often filled with local families catching up over generous plates of codfish, potatoes, eggs, banana, and avocado. It is one of the few meals where visitors can experience an authentic slice of everyday Bermudian life rather than a purely tourist setting.
Arriving early is a good idea, especially at popular restaurants.
Visit During Bermuda Restaurant Weeks
Many of the island's leading restaurants offer specially priced multi-course menus featuring both classic Bermudian dishes and modern interpretations using local ingredients.
Besides representing excellent value, Restaurant Weeks provide an opportunity to sample restaurants that you might otherwise reserve for a special occasion.
Browse a Farmers' Market
Farmers' market is a great place to discover products that rarely appear on restaurant menus. It often features:
Bermuda honey
Fresh baked goods
Homemade jams and preserves
Loquat products
Local sauces and condiments
Seasonal fruits and vegetables
Besides supporting local producers, these markets offer a glimpse into everyday island life beyond the beaches.
Enjoy a Picnic by the Water
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Bermuda's food is also one of the simplest.
Pick up a fish sandwich or takeaway lunch from a neighborhood restaurant or supermarket, then head to one of the island's parks or beaches.
Whether you're overlooking Hamilton Harbor, relaxing at Horseshoe Bay, or sitting beside the water in St. George's, the setting often makes the meal even more memorable.
Take a Food Tour
Join a
guided food tour that blends authentic island cuisine with local history and culture. Sample favorites like fish sandwiches, codfish breakfasts, rum cakes, and fresh seafood while exploring neighborhoods and meeting the people behind the island's vibrant food scene.
Practical Dining Tips
A little planning will help you get the most from Bermuda's restaurants while avoiding a few common surprises.
What Does It Cost to Eat in Bermuda?
The following prices provide a realistic guide at present.
Table showing typical dining costs in Bermuda
| Food or Meal |
Typical Price (USD) |
| Fish sandwich |
Typically $18 - $25 |
| Fish chowder |
Usually $12 - $18 |
| Sunday codfish breakfast |
$20 - $30 |
| Casual lunch |
$15 - $25 |
| Mid-range dinner |
$40 - $70 |
| Spiny lobster dinner |
Usually $45 - $75 |
| Fine dining |
$90 - $150+ |
Bermuda is one of the more expensive island destinations because much of its food is imported. However, the quality of the seafood and the consistently high standards at many restaurants generally make the experience worthwhile.
Good to Know Before You Dine
Keep these practical tips in mind:
Most restaurants automatically add a 15 - 17 percent service charge. Check your bill before leaving an additional tip.
Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially during summer and the cruise season.
Many kitchens close between 9 pm and 10 pm, and some smaller restaurants stop serving between lunch and dinner.
Whenever possible, ask about the catch of the day. Fresh local fish is almost always a better choice than imported seafood.
Both Bermuda dollars (BMD) and U.S. dollars (USD) are accepted interchangeably throughout the island.
Common Mistakes Visitors Make
Avoiding a few common mistakes will help you enjoy Bermuda's food scene even more.
Expecting inexpensive street food
Although Bermuda has food trucks and takeaway restaurants, prices remain relatively high because of the island's operating costs and reliance on imported goods.
Ignoring seasonal specialties
Fresh Bermuda spiny lobster is available only during its legal season, while cassava pie and loquats are also seasonal favorites. Ordering what's naturally available is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the island at its best.
Choosing familiar dishes instead of local ones
You can order a burger or imported salmon almost anywhere in the world. Bermuda's fish sandwich, fish chowder, codfish breakfast, and freshly caught seafood are experiences you can have only here.
Take a Taste of Bermuda Home
Before leaving the island, consider bringing home a few edible souvenirs. Some of the best choices include:
Gosling's Black Seal Rum
Rum Cake made by Bermuda Rumcake Company
Outerbridge's Original Sherry Peppers Sauce
Bermuda honey
Loquat jam, when available
Tucker's Farm Goat Cheese
Local spice blends and sauces
These products are widely available at supermarkets, specialty food stores, the Royal Naval Dockyard, and the duty-free shops at L.F. Wade International Airport.
They also make thoughtful gifts for friends who appreciate good food.
Final Thoughts
Bermuda's food reflects the island itself, welcoming, unpretentious, and shaped by centuries of history.
The influences are easy to see. British traditions remain part of everyday life, Portuguese heritage continues to enrich family recipes, and the surrounding Atlantic provides some of the freshest seafood you'll find anywhere. Together they have created a cuisine that is distinctly Bermudian.
The best meals, however, are not always found in the most expensive restaurants. They might be a fish sandwich shared on a bench overlooking the water, a leisurely Sunday codfish breakfast, or a bowl of fish chowder enjoyed after a day of exploring the island.
My advice is simple. Be curious.
Order the catch of the day. Try the raisin bread with your fish sandwich before deciding whether it sounds unusual. Visit a neighborhood restaurant, browse a local market, and don't overlook the freshly prepared meals at Bermuda's supermarkets.
Those experiences will give you a far better understanding of Bermuda than staying within the comfort of a resort.
When you eventually head home, you'll probably pack a bottle of Gosling's Black Seal Rum or a Bermuda rum cake in your luggage. More importantly, you'll take home a lasting appreciation for a food culture that deserves to be as well known as the island's famous pink sand beaches.
About the Author
By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj has been writing about Bermuda since 2008, when he launched bermuda-attractions.com, one of the longest-standing independent guides to the island. A Certified Bermuda Specialist (Bermuda Tourism Authority), his work draws on personal visits, local contacts in Bermuda, and questions and trip reports from thousands of readers over the years.
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Visitors' Reviews and Comments
David Little (December 2022)
Good evening Sir, I plan on coming to Bermuda for a visit sometime next year. I would like to know, where is there a good place to eat, especially for some Rock Fish and some Peas and Rice. Thank you.
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) December 2022
Hello, There are several places in Bermuda that serve great Rockfish. However, just to let you know (in fact, you might already be knowing) that rockfish in Bermuda are not the same as the ones that one gets in the US. These are actually groupers but are locally known as rockfish because they are mostly found near the rocks.
A couple of places come to my mind when it comes to great rockfish in Bermuda. One is The Lobster Pot (Bermudiana Road, Hamilton). Look for 'Fish of the day' on the menu and ask for rockfish... it is usually available... they can confirm if you call them up on the day and check out the availability. Try out the Pan-Fried (Topped with Bananas and Almonds) or the Mediterranean (Pan-Fried and Topped with shrimp and Mushrooms, in a Lemon-Butter Sauce) preparations. They also serve excellent peas and rice (Black-eye Peas and Rice with Turkey Chorizo).
Another place is the Barracuda Grill (Burnaby Street, Hamilton). Rockfish is served with coffee-roasted carrots, crisp goat cheese, polenta, asparagus, smoked romesco, and vanilla bean celeriac.
Sarah Warner (May 2017)
Do you have any recommendations for Bermudian non-alcoholic drinks. I am looking forward to first cruise to Bermuda early June. Will it be possible to have Lobster even though it is a non "R" month. Look forward to your responses.
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) May 2017
Hello, While Bermuda has championed in several alcoholic island drinks, when it comes to non-alcoholic beverages, there is not too many options. Barritts Ginger Beer is a popular soft drink in the island and is a family run business in the island since 1874. If you are a coffee lover, then try out the Devil's Isle Coffee. They use 100% Arabica beans which are dry processed and hand roasted to bring out their own unique blends and flavors. Devil's Isle is located at 19 Burnaby Street, Hamilton. If you like soups, then try out Bermuda Fish Chowder. Fresh Spiny Lobsters are available during September through March when they are caught in Bermuda's ocean. In other seasons you may get frozen ones, but most restaurants won't have them.
William Ernst (September 2016)
Good day, Raj. Gonna be in Bermuda for our 50th next week. I was wondering if you could tell me the locations of the Spiny lobster road side stands, and when they are open. Thanks
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) September 2016
They are in Hamilton Parish near Burchalls Cove and before you reach the supermarket 'Shelly bay Market Place' on North Shore road. Go in the morning.
Jessie Oger (December 2013)
Hi there, I am looking for cooking classes for adults. Do you know if any restaurant, hotel or school offer cooking classes? Many thanks for your help.
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) December 2013
Hi, the store International Imports (also known as the The Chef shop) located in Hamilton City offers cooking classes. Top chefs of the island take the classes. So it can be quite pricey. The store itself sells cookware items and often visited by the rich. Contact info: International Imports, 44 Par-La-Ville Road, Hamilton.
Jane Leuchtner (August 2012)
Hello, I bought some Bermuda Onion Marmalade at the Bermuda Shop in the Dockyards Clocktower Mall. Bringing it home they took if from me at the airport. I had put it into my carryon, and they considered it a gel. So sad! But I would like to order some by mail if it is possible.
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