When it comes to eating in Bermuda, let’s start with the obvious: The island is surrounded by the marine-rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean, making the dining scene a fish-lover’s dream. Dig a little deeper, though, and you’ll discover there’s much more to the food here. Bermuda’s 65,000 residents come from a diverse background of heritages—English, African, Caribbean, Portuguese, and Native American—and that amalgam of cultures makes for a unique blend of dishes.
These flavors are easy to sample, thanks to the many restaurants and culinary experiences that showcase the locals’ heritages, passions, and creativity. Here’s where to go.
Dig into The Classics No trip to Bermuda would be complete without biting into a traditional fish sandwich. To try two of the island’s best, head to Hamilton local joint Art Mel’s Spicy Dicy and the west end waterside pub, The New Woody’s Restaurant and Sports Bar. Each place puts its own spin on the Bermuda classic, but you can expect a hearty serving of fried fish, topped with cole slaw and hot sauce layered between two slices of fresh-baked raisin bread.
Another popular stop for quintessential island grub is the Bermuda Pie Company, a family-owned operation that’s been baking succulent beef, chicken, and mussel pot pies for more than 30 years. To buy one, pop into its St. George’s shop or visit one of the groceries stores that stock the pies daily. Even vegetarians have taken notice, thanks to the recent introduction of the company’s Skinny Pie—a plant-based spin on a Bermuda classic with locally grown turnip, butternut squash, and kale. But if given a choice, most islanders brake for the Gombey pie and its mix of seafood and lobster. “One thing Bermudians love is a good pie,” says owner Kris Furbert. “We’re proud to be a Bermudian company showcasing one of Bermuda’s iconic dishes to the rest of the world.”
Go Local, Eat Healthy The trend toward consuming organic, raw, and locally grown foods is becoming de rigueur in Bermuda—and that shows at OM Juicery. “I knew in my heart that I wanted to introduce wholesome food to the island,” says owner Preston James Ephraim, who works with local farmers to source fruits and vegetables for his cold-pressed juices and vegan specialties. “These are foods that I’ve been eating my whole life, so I’m grateful to share them with the community.” In addition to a full lineup of nutrient-packed juices, the City of Hamilton café is known for its raw and mostly organic vegan cuisine, like the wildly popular vegan burger with organic chick peas, organic short-grain brown rice, and organic bella mushrooms, as well as its decadent red velvet cake, made with organic ingredients like almond meal, organic beets, and cashew icing.
Another fun way to sample local flavors is to go out with Doreen Williams-James, a vegan chef who runs edible foraging tours in the City of Hamilton and the Town of St. George. “The island offers everything you could possibly need to eat, and most of it can be found in your own backyard,” she says. James founded Wild Herbs and Plants of Bermuda in 2016 to introduce people to the healing properties of foraged foods like wild spinach and scurvy grass, which she grew up eating as a child. Considering these plants also have enormous health benefits—for example, larger quantities of omega 3’s can be found in sea purslane than most fish—eating what naturally grows in Bermuda’s green spaces is a great way to experience the island. “Bermuda is home to some of the most unique flavors in the world,” says William-James. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try them all. --By David LaHuta
