The Bahamas may be best known for its idyllic beaches and iconic resorts, but foodies should know that there is also a happening culinary scene going on. Great Michelin-starred chefs and celebrity chef restaurants have set up camp in the Bahamas, offering everything from Nikkei style eats to new takes on classic Bahamian fare.
Michelin-starred Chefs & Celebrity Chef Restaurants Hit the Bahamas
Culinary gems in the Bahamas are on the rise, with most popping up in popular resorts around the archipelago. Atlantis Paradise Island alone has three restaurants where Michelin-starred chefs are at the helm. If you’re looking for a five-star dining experience on your next trip to the islands, these are some spots where you can sample superb food created by Michelin-starred chefs and celebrity chefs.
Nobu Bahamas
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa opened his first restaurant in Los Angeles in 1987, and quickly rose to fame for his unique fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Now he has restaurants all over the world, including London, Tokyo, Barcelona, Singapore, Cape Town and many other cities.
Nobu Bahamas is located in the famous Atlantis Paradise Island resort. Signature dishes include the miso cod with a shiitake glaze and the king crab leg. The best way to dine is family style. Order two or three cold dishes, then two or three hot ones, then move on to dessert.
Keep in mind the restaurant has a smart elegant dress code. It’s also worth noting that parties with kids under six years old can dine in the restaurant anytime before 7pm and that they can accommodate little ones with high chairs.
DUNE by Jean-Georges
DUNE is a stunning oceanfront restaurant brought to us by Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. We’re huge fans of his inspired cooking, having indulged in meals at many of his restaurants. Dempsey Cookhouse, was one of our favorite restaurants while we were living in Singapore.
Located in the The Ocean Club Four Seasons Resort on Paradise Island, DUNE features a beautiful dining room with floor–to-ceiling windows that frame turquoise waters and a breezy patio for al fresco dining.
The menu fuses French, Asian, and Bahamian flavors. There’s something to please all palates, from tuna tartare to truffle pizza, fresh conch salad, and roasted chicken with salsa verde. DUNE is a cashless restaurant, so be sure to bring your cards with you.
Café Boulud The Bahamas
Step inside Café Boulud in the Rosewood Baha Mar resort and you immediately get a sense of warmth. Yes, it’s elegant and upscale, but the servers are welcoming and the decor is bright and inviting. That’s the vibe Chef Daniel Boulud aims for at all of his renowned restaurants all across the world, along with serving exceptional food. It’s certainly no wonder that Chef Daniel Boulud has a number of accolades under his belt.
The innovative menus feature French inspired dishes complemented by seasonal Caribbean ingredients. Start the day with the vanilla waffles or avocado toast. Come back in the evening for dishes like the foie gras with poached pear and the swordfish with sweet and sour eggplant.
If you want to go all out, book the private cellar. Start with a premium rum or a drink from the cocktail menu, followed by the six-course tasting menu for $190 per person. You can pair the tasting menu with wines for $220 per person.
Café Boulud the Bahamas has been honored by Wine Spectator for two consecutive years for having an exceptional wine list and displaying a deep commitment to wine. You’re truly in for an experience here.
Fish by José Andrés
Chef José Andrés has received tons of accolades over the years, including two Michelin stars for his minbar concept in Washington, D.C. He’s also known for his humanitarian work like World Central Kitchen, which provides fresh meals to people who are affected by natural disasters.
As you’ve probably guessed from the name, the focus at Fish is seafood. Highlights from the menu include the crab cake sliders, whole grilled lobster, and mahi mahi grilled over an open flame. There is also a whole section of menu that focuses on conch, which is native to the waters of the Caribbean.
In keeping with Chef Andrés’ philosophy of using food as a force for good, the restaurant celebrates sustainable fishing practices in the Bahamas. For example, lionfish is an invasive species that destroys coral reefs. For each plate of fried lionfish you eat, a portion of the profit goes to the Blue Project Foundation to help protect marine habitats.
Paranza by Michael White
Recently opened in August 2023, Paranza is another dining venue at Atlantis Paradise Island where you can chow down on delicious eats by a Michelin-starred chef. Italian cuisine is Chef Michael White’s forte, so you can expect decadent dishes like handmade pastas and fresh seafood in vibrant sauces.
The menu is designed for a multi-course meal in classic Italian style. Start with some crudo like the conch with a zesty green apple acqua pazza verde. Share some beef tartar or grilled octopus antipasti with the table, then move on to a creamy lobster risotto or truffled ricotta ravioli. For entrées you can choose from dishes like the brioche crusted strawberry grouper or rosemary roasted chicken.
Paranza may have just opened, but it’s already filling up fast. Reservations are highly recommended. The restaurant is open for dinner only from 5pm to 10pm every evening except Monday. The dress code is resort evening attire.
Carna
Meat lovers won’t want to miss a meal at Carna in the Baha Mar resort. This modern steakhouse is the brainchild of celebrity butcher Dario Cecchini. Born in the Chianti region of Italy, Cecchini comes from a long line of butchers that goes back eight generations. He sees butchery as an art form and that passion comes through in the dishes at Carna.
The menu celebrates meat and seafood in all forms, so you’ll find everything from charcuterie to carpaccio, freshly shucked oysters, and caviar. The steaks are the main stars though. The prime cuts are butchered in house, dry rubbed with a special salt, and cooked just the way you like them. You can choose from dry or wet aged, signature cuts, and specialty wagyu from Australia, Japan, and the States.
Like any good steakhouse, Carna offers a great selection of sauces and sides. Add some whipped smoked potatoes or marsala glazed mushrooms to your meal and a side of beef fat bearnaise or chimichurri to drizzle over your steak. If you really want to take things to the next level, throw in a lobster tail and some black truffle butter.
So if you’re planning to head to this island paradise and looking for a gastronomic adventure, you’re going to be in for a real treat.
Read more about the Bahamas:
Ultimate Guide to Nassau, Bahamas