Art Mel's Spicy Dicy: The Guide to Bermuda's Legendary Fish Sandwich

 

$$, Fish Sandwich and Bermudian 

 

Updated: August 2026 

If you want to understand authentic Bermudian food culture, you have to leave the manicured resort grounds. Art Mel's Spicy Dicy is not a fancy waterfront restaurant with white linen tablecloths. 

 

It is a humble, neighborhood take-out joint tucked away in the backstreets of Pembroke Parish. Yet, it consistently draws food critics, international chefs, and hungry locals for one highly specific reason. They serve what is widely considered the best fish sandwich on earth. 

 

Why Art Mel's is a Bermudian Institution

 

Arthur 'Art' Smith opened this modest spot decades ago with a simple focus on massive portions and bold flavors. Over the years, the shop earned a fanatical following. 

 

The location on St. Monica's Road is entirely residential, meaning you will not find tourists stumbling upon it by accident. You have to know it is there. 

 

 

Photo: Peter Burka, flickr, cc by-sa 2.0 

 

Today, the restaurant remains a family operation. It has resisted the urge to modernize into a slick tourist trap, keeping its original charm intact for today's travelers. When you step inside, you are greeted by the smell of hot frying oil, sweet bread, and local spices. It feels completely authentic because it is. 

 

At a Glance

 

 

The Anatomy of the "World's Best" Fish Sandwich

 

The famous sandwich is a towering, gravity-defying masterpiece. It starts with thick fillets of locally caught fish, usually Snapper or Wahoo, depending on the daily catch. The fish is flash-fried in a seasoned batter until the crust is golden and deeply crunchy. 

 

Then comes the uniquely Bermudian twist. The fish is stacked between two thick slices of sweet, toasted raisin bread. This might sound strange if you have never tried it, but the contrast between the sweet raisins and the savory, salty fish is incredible. 

 

 

 

You must order it with "the works." This means the kitchen will pile on homemade tartar sauce, tangy coleslaw, melted cheese, and a liberal dash of hot sauce. The resulting sandwich is so large that it is nearly impossible to fit in one hand. 

 

Art Mel's Spicy Dicy Menu Highlights

 

While the fish sandwich is the undisputed star, the menu offers plenty of other local comfort foods. Here is what you should look out for: 

The Traditional Fish Sandwich: The main event. Order it on raisin bread with cheese, coleslaw, tartar sauce, and hot sauce. 

Bermuda Fish Cakes: Deep-fried patties of salted cod and mashed potatoes, heavily seasoned with local herbs. 

Peas and Rice: A classic Caribbean-style side dish that pairs perfectly with the fried seafood. 

Macaroni and Cheese: Baked in squares, Bermudian style, with a sharp cheddar crust. 

 

What Surprised Me the Most

 

The sheer vertical height of the sandwich is shocking. When they hand you the heavy paper bag over the counter, you immediately realize you are holding at least two meals. I highly recommend splitting a single sandwich between two people if you want to have any energy left for the beach. 

 

I was also surprised by how quiet the surrounding neighborhood is. Walking up to the shop, you pass colorful residential homes and local kids riding bikes. It feels miles away from the bustling cruise port in Hamilton, even though it is just a short distance away. 

 

Who This Is For (And Who Should Skip It)

 

Who it is for: Foodies, adventurous travelers, and anyone who wants to eat exactly where the locals eat. If you love discovering hidden culinary gems, this is a mandatory stop. 

 

Who should skip it: Travelers looking for a sit-down meal with ocean views and table service. Art Mel's has zero seating. You should also skip it if you strictly avoid heavy, deep-fried foods, as this menu is definitely not diet-friendly. 

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid   Showing up without cash: This is the most common micro-friction for new visitors. Art Mel's does not accept credit cards. Bring enough cash (US Dollars and Bermudian Dollars are used interchangeably) to cover your order.  Not calling ahead: The kitchen cooks everything to order, and the line can get incredibly long around noon. Call your order in 20 minutes before you arrive so you do not have to stand around waiting.  Underestimating the walk: Looking at a map, it seems like a quick stroll from downtown Hamilton. However, the route involves steep, narrow uphill roads with limited sidewalks. In the humid summer months, that walk is exhausting.

 

The Perfect Picnic: Taking Your Sandwich to Ducking Stool Park

 

Because there is nowhere to sit at the restaurant, you need a game plan for eating your sandwich before it gets soggy. Do not try to eat it while walking; it is far too messy. 

 

Instead, grab your takeout bag and head straight to the North Shore. A quick five-minute walk down the hill brings you to the water. 

 

Art Mel's to Ducking Stool Park (Road Map) 

 

I highly recommend checking out Ducking Stool Park. It is a quiet, shaded green space right on the ocean with benches and incredible views. It is the ultimate picnic spot to tackle your towering sandwich while watching the waves. 

 

Practical Details: Location, Hours, and Access

 

Address: 9 St. Monica's Road, Pembroke Parish. 

Hours: Typically open Tuesday through Friday 11:30 am - 10:00 pm, and Saturday 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. (Always verify locally as holiday hours fluctuate). 

Payment: Cash only. 

How to get there: If you are renting a Twizy or electric micro-car, there is limited street parking available. Alternatively, you can take a local taxi from Hamilton for a few dollars. If you prefer public transit, take Bus #5 from the Hamilton terminal and ask the driver to let you off near St. Monica's Road. 

 

Alternatives: If Art Mel's Isn't For You

 

If Art Mel's is closed, or if you prefer a different vibe, Bermuda has other excellent fish sandwich options. 

 

Head to Seaside Grill on the North Shore for another highly respected, local takeout experience. 

 

If you want a traditional sit-down restaurant where you can order a Dark and Stormy with your meal, Wahoo's Bistro in St. George's is a fantastic alternative, but it is on the other side of the island, you can not walk across. 

 

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