An International Array of Cuisine

What is Bermuda cuisine? There’s no one fixed, simple answer, since Bermuda is a port of call with international connects which has incorporated elements of European, African, Asian and Caribbean cooking into its culinary palette. One theme remains constant in the Bermudan dining experience – an abundance of fresh seafood, exemplary chefs, and restaurants with airy, scenic atmospheres that put the diner at ease.

Many of Bermuda’s restaurants are able to accommodate everything from intimate candle light dinners to festive wedding receptions. Whatever the size of the event, it always pays to call in advance to secure a table, especially during the height of the wedding season.

For romance, Aqua is a premier destination. The restaurant is situated on the island’s southern coast and overlooks a pristine beach and a gorgeous stretch of the Atlantic Ocean. “Apart from the award-winning food, what sets Aqua apart is the location,” says owner Claudio Vigilante. “It is one of the most beautiful spots in the world, second to none. The bay is one of the jewels of Bermuda. Diners can sit inside or on the deck and choose from a variety of delicious meat and fish dishes including tandoori spiced lamb rack, jerk snapper, or fresh tuna with chile mole on a slice of beer-battered eggplant. The interior is decorated in soothing hues of blue that simulate the soothing quality of the sea, adding to the calm, romantic tone of the restaurant.

At the Fourways Inn diners can choose between sitting in a converted vintage home constructed in 1727 or relaxing outside in the covered Palm Garden. Diners can savor classic French cuisine and local seafood dishes. Manager Andy Detzer says the Fourways strives to distinguish itself with “ambience and excellence” and reports that a perennial favorite on the menu is the Fourways veal classic, a best seller for the past 20 years. “We have many repeat customers because of the dish,” he says. The inn has its own fisherman who brings fresh seafood daily and the herbs in the kitchen come from the inn’s on-premises garden. Wine stewards are on hand to help diners select from the Wine Spectator award-winning wine list.

The Jamaican Grill is a casual, family run eatery that specializes in Jamaican and West Indian dishes. The restaurant does a brisk takeout business but offers seating upstairs(no alcohol is served, but diners may order juice and teas with their meal). The Jamaican Grill serves ackee and salt fish, the national dish of Jamaica. Classic West Indian fare like curried goat and oxtail soup will appeal to the adventurous traveller, while the less daring will still treasure dish delights like the pineapple glazed chicken. This economical menu offers a fun, flavorful way to sample authentic Caribbean cuisine.

At Cafe Lido, located above one of Bermuda’s loveliest beaches, guests can sample dishes with a Mediterranean twist. Whether one is on the outdoor terrace or inside the dining room with its large windows, one is assured of a breathtaking view of the Atlantic. The restaurant is painted in shades of pale yellow and red, creating a gentle tropical feel. The menu’s tantalizing choices include sea scallops in champagne and oyster sauce, seared Atlantic salmon in green curry sauce, and a lobster and lamb chops dish served with red wine caramelized potatoes and bok choy.

At the Lighthouse Tea Room, diners can enjoy Continental and British cuisine while enjoying a panoramic view of Bermuda’s Great Sound from the classic Gibbs Hill lighthouse. The decor calls to mind a classic British tearoom and the menu allows diners to select vintage English fare such as English pork pie, Cornish minced-meat pies, and English teas. Lunchtime favorites on the menu include codfish croquettes, grilled quesadillas, and Scottish smoked salmon.

At Port O’Call diners step into a room trimmed in brass and cedar that recalls a classic yacht. Port O’Call is a classic seafood and steak restaurant that specializes in flavorful preparations of its meat and fish dishes. The griddles Bermuda fishcake has to be tasted to be believed, and when spiny Caribbean lobsters are in season (typically September through the end of March) Port O’Call serves up a variety of premium dishes, including a mouthwatering curried lobster. The restaurant has in intimate, comfortable feel that invites diners to linger over its exquisite dessert menu and wine list.

Port O Call is joined by three other fine establishments under the same ownership. Bistro J is a lively, vibrant spot with premium fresh seafood and European and American-style meats and pastas. The bistro’s award winning deserts, breads and ice creams are perennial favorites, as are the over 60 varieties of wine that can be sampled by the glass. Cafe Gio, the 2006/2007 winner of the People’s Choice Award for Casual Dining, offers sunwashed views of St. George’s Harbor. Diners can enjoy the Cafe’s European and Pan-Asian menu from the deck or covered terrace. TEN Cafe and Ba is a choice destination for fresh salads, pasta dishes, sanwiches, home brewed coffee, home made deserts, and daily blackboard specials. The wine list and tapas menu round out the cafe’s exceptional offerings.

“Reasonable prices and great food” is the draw at Portofino, says director Simone Maranzana. At this popular eatery, patrons can sample dishes with an Italian flair. The trattoria has been in operation for over 25 years and offers a wide selection of dishes, including 17 different pizzas, soups, salads, and a phenomenal pollo alla griglia (marinated chicken breast topped with basil, diced tomatoes and olive oil). The restaurant is unpretentious, comfortable, and extremely busy, so reservations are highly recommended. The outdoor terrace allows for comfortable al fresco dining, and those who wish to sample the food without sitting down for a meal can order from the takeout menu. Sapori fuses traditional Bermudan fare with international cuisine. Located in the Grape Bay Beach Hotel’s poolside terrace with a fabulous ocean view, Sapori offers dishes from Thailand, Japan, and Italy alongside fresh Bermudan seafood. The bar serves sushi and light fare, and premium entrees include twice-baked crab souffle, lobster ravioli, and tenderloin beef in porcini mushroom sauce. The dessert menu goes over the top with chocolate mocha tarts and sticky fig pudding. The word “Sapori” means flavor, a fitting title for the establishment.

Palms Restaurant, at the Surf Side Beach Club, is considered one of the most romantic spots on the island with its breezy sunset views. It also offers wonderfully visitor-friendly hours, as its open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with time in between for bar snacks and tea. The bar offers happy hour from 5:30pm to 7pm, when drink prices are lowered. A standout appetizer is lobster bisque flavored with cognac while favorite main dishes include herb-seasoned roast baby rack of lamb, Palms signature rockfish, and poached wahoo.

The Bolero Brasserie is a new entry into Bermuda’s fine dining scene. Located just off Front Street down Bermuda House Lane, the restaurant is owned and operated by British Chef Jonny Roberts. The brasserie serves contemporary European cuisine in a classy, fresh atmosphere. Its Moules frites in chardonnay sauce has already earned accolades from visitors and locals alike. Local art and gilt-framed mirrors liven up the decor, and diners can opt to eat on the porch or inside the dining room.

Those with cooking facilities in their hotel rooms may choose to eat in from time to time. Hunt’s Food and Supplies is the go-to place for low prices on frozen foods, cooking supplies, and other travel necessities. Hunt’s is closed on Sundays, so visitors will be wise to stock up on Saturday.

With such an abundance of options on Bermuda, visitors are assured of a quality culinary experience on the island. Whether its for an intimate dinner for two or a large group, one thing is certain; the menus in the various establishments are diverse enough to insure memorable dining experiences for many visits to come.

~ JULIAN WISE