Welcome to Exuma — Where Every Meal Comes with a View
If you’ve ever dreamed of eating fresh conch with your toes in the sand, Exuma is your place. From beachside grills serving lobster caught that morning to waterfront bars where the Goombay Smash flows freely, the island’s dining scene is casual, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner, a family lunch after swimming with pigs, or an easygoing local spot serving the best cracked conch in the Bahamas — here are our favorite best restaurants in Exuma Bahamas .
Table of Contents
1. Blu on the Water (George Town)
Start your Exuma dining tour with a touch of seaside sophistication. Blu on the Water offers fresh seafood, signature cocktails, and sunset views that make every table feel front-row. The airy, open-deck layout sets the tone for island evenings done right.
- Must-try: Coconut shrimp, mahi-mahi, and the Blu Breeze cocktail.
- Vibe: Coastal-chic meets island casual.
Location: George Town waterfront.
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2. Shirley’s at the Fish Fry (George Town)
If you want authentic Bahamian food served with genuine hospitality, head to Shirley’s at the Fish Fry. This local institution dishes up cracked lobster, fried conch, and rice & peas that taste like home cooking by the sea.
- Must-try: Lobster or conch platter, plantains, and a Kalik beer.
- Vibe: Lively and local — expect music, laughter, and big flavors.
Location: Fish Fry market just outside George Town.
3. Santanna’s Bar & Grill (Little Exuma)
A colorful shack perched above turquoise water, Santanna’s Bar & Grill is an Exuma must. It’s famous for lobster cooked over an open flame and owner Dee’s warm welcome that makes you feel like family.
- Must-try: Grilled lobster plate and her mom’s mac & cheese.
- Vibe: Barefoot, beachfront, and blissfully simple.
Location: Little Exuma, just past Tropic of Cancer Beach.
4. Big D’s Conch Spot (Steventon)
A true local gem, Big D’s Conch Spot sits right on the beach and serves the freshest conch salad on the island. Pair it with a rum punch and some beach tunes, and you’ve got Exuma perfection.
- Must-try: Conch salad, fried fish, rum punch.
- Vibe: Local favorite with unbeatable views and good energy.
Location: Steventon, near Coco Plum Beach. Look at that water – unbelievable!
5. Mama’s Bakery (George Town)
For warm pastries and island coffee before a day of exploring, stop by Mama’s Bakery. Known for her fresh-baked coconut bread, banana loaf, and cinnamon rolls, this cozy spot feels like breakfast at a friend’s house.
- Must-try: Coconut bread, pineapple tart, and iced coffee.
- Vibe: Charming local bakery with friendly faces and sweet smells.
Location: Beside Santanna’s Bar & Grill in Little Exuma, just past Tropic of Cancer Beach.
6. Rusty Anchor (Georgetown)
Inside the February Point, Rusty Anchor offers elevated island dining with sweeping views of Elizabeth Harbour. Perfect for celebrating a special night or watching the sun melt into the horizon.
- Must-try: Grilled lobster tail and the coconut mojito.
- Vibe: Casual, waterfront elegance with a Bahamian twist.
Location: February Point, Georgetown.
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7. Chat ’N’ Chill (Stocking Island)
Hop a short water taxi from George Town or ride over in your boat to reach Chat ’N’ Chill, the island’s most iconic beach bar. Feed stingrays in the shallows, sip a frozen drink, and let the reggae beat set the mood.
- Must-try: Sunday BBQ and fresh conch salad.
- Vibe: Barefoot paradise for families and friends.
Location: Stocking Island (off George Town).
8. Tropic Breeze Beach Bar & Grill (Little Exuma)
Just minutes from Tropic of Cancer Beach, Tropic Breeze serves fresh seafood and icy beers with a million-dollar view. It’s a family-run spot where lunch easily turns into an afternoon hangout.
- Must-try: Grouper fingers and conch fritters.
- Vibe: Breezy and casual — the epitome of island life.
Location: Little Exuma.
9. The Sandpiper Café (George Town)
Perfect for breakfast or a mid-morning break, The Sandpiper Café is a charming spot known for its great coffee, smoothies, and hearty brunch plates. Locals love the friendly service and fresh pastries, while travelers appreciate the calm vibe and cool breeze.
- Must-try: Iced latte, breakfast sandwich, and banana pancakes.
- Vibe: Coastal café comfort — relaxed, bright, and welcoming.
Location: George Town, across the street from Peace & Plenty.
10. Shoreline Restaurant (Rolleville)
Located right on the water, Shoreline Restaurant is one of Exuma’s best-kept secrets. Expect fresh seafood, live music on weekends, and the kind of relaxed island vibe that turns lunch into an afternoon hangout.
- Must-try: Cracked conch, grilled grouper, and a cold Kalik.
- Vibe: Oceanfront dining with live music and unbeatable views.
Location: Rolleville, near the northern tip of Great Exuma. Stop here for lunch after spending a half day with Exuma Water Sports to see the pigs!
11. Splash Bar & Grill (Hideaways Exuma)
End your culinary adventure at Splash Bar & Grill, a relaxed, family-friendly spot inside Hideaways Exuma. It’s the kind of place where kids can swim while parents unwind with a tropical drink.
- Must-try: Jerk chicken pizza and mango daiquiris.
- Vibe: Poolside casual and kid-approved.
Location: Hideaways Exuma, George Town.
Takeout in Exuma
If you’ve had a very long day out on the water and prefer takeout for dinner, these are your restaurants to choose from:
- Rusty Anchor but call early to place to go order. Rusty Anchor is closed on Mon and Tues.
- Pink Flamingo – chicken sandwiches, fish fingers, cracked conch and wings. Very close to February Point
- Splash- pizza and burgers, salads.
- Mike’s Pizza – subs and pizza.
The Dress Code in Exuma
Nice shorts and sundresses are good for dinner at Blu on the Water and Rusty Anchor. A light jacket or a sweater is a good idea for nighttime if it’s windy. Most restaurants are open air and you will want to sit outside to admire the beautiful blues in Exuma. Everything else is casual and you will be overdressed if you don’t have a bathing suit and coverup on. Ha.
Final Thoughts: Eat Like a Local, Savor Like a Traveler
Exuma’s dining scene is as unpretentious as it is unforgettable. From grilled lobster and warm pastries to sunset cocktails, every meal comes with an ocean view and a story. Slow down, taste the island, and soak in those laid-back Bahamas vibes.
Pro-Tip: Plan ahead and go before the kids are hungry. Bahamians are on island time, so restaurants move on the slower side.
Check out our Exuma itineraries HERE and HERE. Our favorite Exuma hotels are HERE.
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