Dining: Recipe for Happiness
Fresh ingredients, multicultural flavours and a dash of time inspire Bermudian chefs to turn out unique culinary creation

Bone Fish Bar & Grill

The first Bermudians encountered many hardships, but lack of food was not one of them. "You could walk in the water and the fish would nibble your toes," says local historian Kay Latter. "The settlers also discovered that if they waved a lantern it would attract cahows, the plump, tasty birds that thrived here. You could club them right out of the air in front of you."

Dining in Bermuda is every bit as satisfying today, but decidedly less rudimentary. You won't find freshly thwacked cahows on the menu, but you will find just about anything else.

For that reason, Bermuda attracts some of the world's most distinguished culinary masters. It was in Bermuda, for example, that celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay honed his skills as a personal cook on a private yacht.

Bolero Brasserie

How is it that these once-remote islands have evolved into such an epicurean epicentre? The recipe is not complicated: "What I'm seeing is that people want food that is fresh and simply prepared," says Danny Lim, executive chef of the Little Venice complex.

A light, natural touch characterises Bermudian cuisine, and a secret ingredient makes it stand out. In Bermuda, cooks season with time — centuries of tradition and a melting pot of flavours. Add the sophisticated techniques of a kitchen wizard, and you have fusion cuisine that tempts like no other.

First Courses
When British shipwreck survivors washed up on Bermudian shores in 1609, they found no evidence of human habitation, but they did find plenty to eat, and not just clubbable cahows. The cedar woods were full of boars descended from the hogs abandoned a century earlier by Spanish explorers.

Food from the surrounding sea also became a Bermudian staple. Modern diners no longer prefer shark, once an island delicacy, but they do still enjoy a wide range of seafood, like lobster, yellowfin tuna and rockfish. Red snapper and wahoo can be broiled, pan-fried, poached in wine, stuffed or baked. Mussels can get baked into pies, steamed or fried.

Elbow Beach

Although Bermuda's thin soil discouraged most attempts at agriculture, one vegetable took on the islands and gained worldwide fame: the succulent Bermuda onion. Throughout the years, Bermudians have come up with several schemes to use these onions. You will find onion pie, onion sandwiches, onion casserole, onion biscuit bread, onion soup, even glazed onions for dessert.

Fresh, plentiful foods are the cornerstone of Bermudian cuisine, but the magic is in the hands of those who stir the pots. In Bermuda, those hands came from just about everywhere — Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and, of course, the Americas.

"Bermudian cuisine is a melting pot," says Jay Correia, who owns the popular Swizzle Inn restaurants. Bermuda's strong ties to Britain are the most apparent. You can sip Earl Grey from the verandah of a stately hotel or sample scones with clotted cream at a tea-time buffet. After a full day of sightseeing, nothing is more refreshing than a full-bodied English ale or stout. At Easter, as islanders are thinking about the Bermuda Tennis Open, they also start to crave British-style hot cross buns, served alongside a Bermudian dish with distinctly Anglo undertones: codfish cakes made from mashed fish and potatoes with a liberal dash of curry powder.

Aqua

Another Bermuda dish that harks back to merry old days — miniature mussel pies in flaky dough crusts — turns up at many picnics on Bermuda Day in May, when boat races commemorate the birth of Queen Victoria. The classic English sweet potato pudding, along with syllabub — layers of guava jelly, thick cream and sherry — are typical local desserts.

Slaves from Africa also created many of the dishes best loved by Bermudians today. At Christmas, it is traditional to savour a slice of cassava pie, which may be filled with chicken, beef or pork and flavoured with allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon. At New Year's, as in the American South, it is considered good luck to eat hoppin' John, an African-inspired dish of black-eyed peas and rice.

Eventually, Bermudian cuisine began to sizzle with the flavours of Asia, India and the Portuguese Azores. What resulted from those influences were dishes that were distinctly Bermudian.

Take the traditional Bermudian breakfast: boiled, salted codfish with a mouthwatering bacon-tomato sauce, usually served with boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, bananas and avocado slices. The men of the house typically prepare Bermudian breakfasts, which are often served on Sundays.

Another specialty is a robust, tomato-based, spicy fish chowder with a prodigious list of ingredients. Most recipes call for a long-simmered base of fish stock; fish fillets; a potpourri of vegetables such as onions, celery, green peppers, carrots, potatoes, turnips, tomatoes and garlic; ketchup or tomato puree; and a handful of seasonings such as thyme, bay leaves, cloves, marjoram, curry powder, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Add a healthy dash of Outerbridge's Sherry Peppers Sauce. "It's the flavour and fire of Bermudian cuisine," as the late founder Yeaton Outerbridge liked to say.

Zeudi Hinds / Elbow Beach

Unique Offerings
Bermuda's tradition of honouring its many cultures and welcoming new ones has inspired island chefs to create an innovative fusion cuisine that has earned Bermuda an important spot on the culinary map.

Texture, flavour and colours balance each other to create a harmonious whole, and the four basic flavours — sweet, sour, bitter and salty — sometimes find their way into a single dish.

Wines and spirits are as varied in Bermuda as the dishes they complement. In fact, there are more Wine Spectator awards per square mile in Bermuda than anywhere else in the world except Manhattan.

Gosling's Black Seal rum may be said to capture the "spirit of Bermuda." Gosling's and Bermuda-based Bacardi rums put the sizzle in a Swizzle, add spice to rum cakes and team up with Barritt's ginger beer to make a favourite cocktail, the Dark 'n' Stormy.

But taste is only one of the senses you please while dining in Bermuda. The experience is a feast for all of the senses.

Harbourfront Restaurant, Susi Bar & Grill Room

Bermuda's dining scene is characterised by an eclectic array of restaurants. You can toast your dinner companion at a café on a sun-drenched square, feast in a centuries-old inn amidst vintage silver and Waterford crystal, or choose a romantic table for two on a cliff overlooking the sea.

When you sit down at the table in Bermuda, you step back to a time when life was more genteel. Gentlemen often wear jackets, and ladies adorn themselves in their finest. Remember that reservations are always suggested at Bermuda's restaurants, especially in season. What's more, you never know whom you'll run into when dining here.

"Michael Douglas was at one of our establishments," says prominent Bermudian restaurateur Claudio Vigilante. "I gave him some aged balsamic vinegar to sample, and he was in heaven."

You will be, too, after savouring a meal at one of Bermuda's many fine restaurants.

Choices, Choices

Delight in authentic Italian cuisine delivered with real fine-dining flare in a stylish yet relaxed family atmosphere. The chef at Bacci, in The Fairmont Southampton, has blended creatively the very best of classical Italian traditions with the latest world-class cooking trends to create a symphony of original recipes and blended flavours from select regions of Italy. Each item is presented like a work of art, and each evening the culinary team selects special dishes to enhance its à la carte menu. Bacci is a celebration of the life, wine and great food of Italy. You will always be greeted with hospitality, warmth and enthusiasm, and you will want to return to Bacci again and again. (238-2555)

Barracuda Grill is one of Bermuda's most celebrated restaurants and the place for outstanding seafood and chops. The grill has won several Best of Bermuda awards. Meet in the très chic bar and enjoy martinis made to share. The breathtakingly stylish Barracuda, found at 5 Burnaby Hill in Hamilton, features warm mahogany, plush banquettes and a sumptuous dining room, hinting at a time of luxurious passenger ships, popping champagne corks and refined dining. Irresistible seafood and chops, prepared with expertise and passion, are served on fine china atop white linens. (292-1609)

Beau Rivage

The name Beau Rivage says it all: an elegant French restaurant with breathtaking views of Hamilton Harbour. While enjoying the exquisite views, experience the menu of award-winning Best Chef of France 1997 (Meilleur Ouvrier de France 1997) Jean-Claude Garzia. His creative dishes will tempt the most discerning palate. In addition, Beau Rivage offers an exceptional table for 10 people in the heart of the chef's kitchen. Located at the Newstead Belmont Hills Hotel, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (232-8686)

Serving breakfast 9-11 a.m. and lunch to 4 p.m., Beethoven's offers a wide variety of local and European creations from award-winning chef/owner Livio Ferigo. With a full bar, mouthwatering menu, and choice of indoor comfort or alfresco waterside dining, Beethoven's is the perfect choice whilst visiting the West End. On Sunday until noon, they feature a traditional Bermuda codfish breakfast with all the trimmings, including Johnny bread. Located in the Clocktower Mall at Dockyard, Beethoven's is only steps from the ferry, bus, craft market, shops, Dolphin Quest and more. Bon appétit! (234-5009)

Blu Bar & Grill

Sit and watch the sun go down from the terrace of Blackbeard's Hideout, overlooking Achilles Bay, for cocktails, lunch or dinner. A popular local spot with casual atmosphere and great food, this true Bermudian experience is not to be missed. It is also good for private functions. (297-1400)

The Blu Bar and Grill is ideally located to showcase fabulous views across the Belmont Hills Golf Course and the stunning sunsets and water views over Great Sound. Blu offers superb food characterised as bold American cuisine including steak with a southwestern flavour. This effervescent restaurant provides a wonderful atmosphere, with wines and service to match. Visit for lunch or dinner any day of the week. (232-2323)

Bolero Brasserie

With characteristics of a small, lively, friendly neighbourhood restaurant, Bolero Brasserie is a bustling place for locals, businesspeople and visitors alike to enjoy appetising food and wine. Dine on the porch overlooking Hamilton Harbour or inside where the walls are adorned with gilt-frame mirrors and local artwork. After being open for just two years, Bolero has already collected a number of local awards and has become one of the busiest and most popular restaurants in Hamilton. The menu (printed in traditional brasserie fashion) is extensive, with some 50 dishes to choose from. Owner and Chef Jonny Roberts says the food is simple, honest, unpretentious brasserie-style fare. Try the crispy frog's legs with sauce rémoulade, escargot Francois Dupré, filet mignon inside Yorkshire pudding, Camembert baked in its box, or hearty favourites such as coq au vin, cassoulet, duck confit, cider-braised pork belly, boneless beef short ribs, steaks, and plenty of fish and seafood dishes such as Toulon-style shellfish, Dijon-brushed cod, piri piri shrimp and grilled tuna Niçoise. There are also many choices for vegetarians. A selection of 120 reasonably priced wines from around the world is also on offer. As Bolero is small, it fills up quickly. To avoid disappointment, they advise you to reserve a table in advance. Bolero is open for lunch Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and for dinner Monday to Saturday 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; closed Sunday. (292-4507)

Dockyard's newest dining experience is at Bone Fish Bar & Grill. With an exquisite view of Bermuda's breezy Great Sound, an award-winning, top-rated chef at the helm, plenty of fresh fish and top-grade meats, how can you go wrong? Bone Fish Bar & Grill offers locals and tourists alike a reasonably priced menu with seafood, homemade pasta, fine wines from around the world, draft beer and desserts to die for. Dine in the main restaurant or alfresco on the sun-drenched deck. All are welcome at the newest happening place to eat in Dockyard. (234-5151)

Elbow Beach

Sun, sand, food and fun: Amidst The Fairmont Southampton's beautiful pink-sand beach, the Cabana serves up all of your favourite cocktails and lunch favourites. From the infamous Dark 'n' Stormy, Yellow Bird and piña colada to the islands' best hamburgers, this place is the choice for lunch, open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Relish vibrant, fresh cuisine combined with spectacular South Shore views in this breathtaking venue at Paget. At Café Coco, in the Coco Reef Resort, enjoy a leisurely luncheon on the terrace or an intimate romantic dinner by candlelight, either alfresco or inside the newly renovated dining room. If you dine out in Bermuda only once, this is the place. Open for breakfast 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., lunch noon to 3:00 p.m., snacks 3:00 to 11:00 p.m. and dinner 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. (236-5416)

The Cellar is the hot spot after dinner. Lounge or dance the night away to the best of the '70s, '80s, '90s and 2000s with Bermuda's top deejays. It opens from 9:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (3:00 a.m. on weekends) and is located in The Fairmont Southampton, across from the Willow Stream Spa's indoor pool on the mezzanine level.

Set into the rocks of South Shore, open to sunsets and starlight with the sound of waves lapping nearby, Coconuts at The Reefs resort has earned praise from Frommer's as the islands' most romantic spot for an alfresco sunset dinner, and it was voted Best Place to Fall in Love by The Bermudian magazine. Linger over cocktails at the Sand Bar while exploring the menu of fresh Bermudian fare. Reserve in advance for dinner on the beach, and dig your toes into the pink sand while enjoying an intimate meal, complete with tiki torches and the sea whispering in your ear. Call for reservations. (238-0222)

Barracuda Grill

The Dining Room, at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, in Southampton, may have the best views of any restaurant on the island. With a fresh seasonal menu and dishes from around the world, as well as home-style favourites, it is perfect for an outdoor dinner or a casual lunch. The Dining Room also serves breakfast on weekends. Enjoy traditional Bermuda codfish and potatoes, or eggs Benedict. It opens seven days a week for lunch and dinner; Saturday and Sunday for breakfast. (238-8679)

Elegance, charm and superlative service await you at the Fourways Inn. Long recognised as one of Bermuda's finest gourmet restaurants, Fourways Inn offers a first-class dining experience and an award-winning wine list in a historical 18th-century manor house setting. An Old World "peg leg" bar on the premises provides a casual atmosphere for a cocktail before dinner or a relaxing after-dinner drink. Dinner service is available Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday experience their extravagant and indulgent Sunday brunch. (236-6517)

The casual Freeport Seafood Restaurant, Bar and Sushi Bar serves up fresh local fish and other family favourites. Surf the web or e-mail your friends at one of four computer terminals in the cybercafe. Just inside the Royal Naval Dockyard gate, Freeport caters to all appetites and budgets. (234-1692)

Fresco's Wine Bar & Restaurant

Fine wines and fusion fare: That's what you find at Fresco's Restaurant & Wine Bar. It features Bermuda's first wine bar and the Caribbean's only wine museum. Savour one of the most extensive selections of fine wines available on the island. With a menu influenced by the globalisation of food trends yet embracing the best of Bermuda-grown produce and succulent local seafood, Fresco's reinterprets traditional dishes in a modern style, aptly coined New Bermuda Cuisine. While each dish evokes a link to Bermuda, it sits alongside the new, the innovative and, of course, the divine. (295-5058)

Step back in time and drink up the historical atmosphere in the English-pub-style Frog & Onion. At this unique pub in Royal Naval Dockyard, you can enjoy casual meals or elegant dinners. Children love the large game room. Also, join them for one of their fine brews from the on-premises microbrewery, the Dockyard Brewing Company. (234-2900)

Golfers' delight: Conveniently located on the golf course at The Fairmont Southampton, the Golf Hut offers sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, beer and refreshments. Perfect before or after a round of golf. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. off season, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in season.

Have a great dining experience in a spacious, open environment at one of Bermuda's largest beaches and best establishments: Clearwater Beach and Gombey's Restaurant & Bar. Gombey's has a variety of island foods, cocktails and music, with warm, friendly staff and the rental of snorkel equipment, paddle boats, bikes, umbrellas and chairs. Plan a game of volleyball. Enjoy a walk in the nearby nature reserve. Visit Turtle Beach, just yards away. Gombey's awaits just seven to 10 minutes from the cruise-ship port and St. George's, a short drive by bus, minivan or taxi. Gombey's opens Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. until late. Catering for special celebrations is available to large and small parties. (293-5092)

Griffin's

With awe-inspiring views overlooking St. George's Harbour, Griffin's Bistro & Bar is located at The St. George's Club, on top of Rose Hill. Join them for lunch or dinner in the newly refurbished Harbour View dining room, and enjoy delectable food and friendly service. Griffin's is the jewel in the crown of St. George's. (297-4235)

Join friends at the Hammerheads Bar, Bermuda's newest hot spot for day and night enjoyment. Sample the local rum potions as you gaze over the turquoise seas. Feeling hungry? Just pop downstairs to the grill for a variety of tasty dishes and snacks. (234-1300)

The Harbourfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar & Grill Room, located on the waterfront at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, offers beautiful water views and is the perfect setting for any dining occasion, casual or otherwise. The varied menu features items from their popular sushi and tempura bar, dry-aged steaks and meats, and the freshest fish and seafood. A wide variety of seafood and meats prepared on their specialised robata grill, which uses charcoal and smoked wood chips, is also available. The restaurant opens Monday to Saturday for lunch 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., dinner 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and sushi happy hour 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday is for dinner only 6 to 10 p.m. (295-4207)

Blu Bar & Grill

Awarded the Best of Bermuda Gold award in hotel dining by The Bermudian magazine, Harley's Restaurant and Terrace, at The Fairmont Hamilton, offers guests an incomparable experience in a bright and airy atmosphere. Enjoy alfresco dining while taking in the breathtaking views and the spectacular harbourside settings under the beautiful Bermuda sky. Enjoy delightful international fare for lunch and dinner, with succulent entrées for one of the most unique seasonal dining experiences on the islands. Call for reservations (295-3000, ext. 7806). Smart, casual dress is suggested. The restaurant opens daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours of operation vary seasonally.

Henry VIII Restaurant & Bar and new sushi bar is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, serving an à la carte dinner menu featuring local meats and fish. Lunch is served from noon to 4:30 p.m., and dinner from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. The new lower deck offers casual bar fare, drinks and evening entertainment by Dave Bootle. Don't forget Sunday brunch, now including sushi and other delights, from noon to 3 p.m., still only $30, plus gratuity. Bring your friends; there is something for everyone at the king's table. (238-1977)

Comfortable and sophisticated, the Heritage Court, at The Fairmont Hamilton, offers the most cosmopolitan setting in Bermuda for cocktails, cuisine and conversation. In fact, it has been deemed the place for "best exotic cocktails" in the Best of Bermuda awards. Here an extensive collection of fine rums, wines and champagnes create an ideal mood, while the menu showcases classic Bermudian dishes. Its fabulous afternoon tea service and delicate pastries and sandwiches have also garnered a Best of Bermuda award from The Bermudian magazine, and were named among the 10 best afternoon teas by enRoute magazine (Air Canada). The Heritage Court opens daily from 11 to 1 a.m. Afternoon tea is served from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m., reservations required. Smart, casual dress is suggested. (295-3000 ext. 5779)

Hog Penny

Also Bermudian to the core is the ever-popular Hog Penny in Hamilton. Remember TV's Cheers? Hog Penny was the inspiration for the show's Boston pub. Since 1957, Hog Penny has been charming locals and visitors alike. Gourmet magazine has exclaimed "love at first sight." Hog Penny offers live entertainment in season. Featuring great cuts of beef, genuine Indian curries and hearty, to-die-for comfort food, Hog Penny has won numerous Best of Bermuda awards. At 5 Burnaby Hill in Hamilton, this restaurant is a popular spot. (292-2534)

Island Cuisine specialises in affordably priced, great-tasting, local Bermudian home-style dishes. The menu features a large selection for breakfast, lunch or dinner to satisfy any appetite, along with a selection of wine and beer. Island Cuisine prides itself on fresh food and a family-oriented, friendly atmosphere. So stop by and enjoy your favourite island dish today at the centrally located diner in Southampton at 235 Middle Road. (238-3287)

At another Bermuda landmark, Jasmine Lounge, it's all about the quintessential martini. The atmosphere here is elegant but relaxing, with entertainment every night. It is a great place for light fare, lunch, afternoon tea or just a snack. Located at the lobby level of The Fairmont Southampton, dress is resort casual, and the lounge is open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight.

Pulling its inspiration from South America, the Caribbean and Miami, Latin is an upscale restaurant, quick-service café and tapas bar located at 29 Victoria St., in the centre of Hamilton. The restaurant is perfect for a power lunch, business dinner, gathering of friends or intimate dining experience, with cosy private booths inside or wicker armchairs overlooking the courtyard. The chef, who taught cooking in Mexico City, offers authentic paella mariscos, char-grilled Bermuda yellowfin tuna and other lures. Choose among fine wines representing Spain, Portugal, Chile and Argentina. For quick service, JavaJive features specialty coffees, fresh baked goods and lunches to go. For a bit of South Beach scene, try Rumbar, where fresh oysters sit on crushed ice, and you can while away an afternoon sipping and nibbling tasty Nuevo Latino cocktails and tapas. (296-5050)

Little Venice Restaurant and Wine Bar is Bermuda's first Italian restaurant, celebrating over 40 years of fabulous service and fine food, and it is touted as the best Italian restaurant in Bermuda by The New York Times and The Boston Globe. This restaurant is dedicated to producing an authentic taste of Italy with meticulously prepared classic and contemporary Italian specialties. The adjoining wine bar offers the island's most comprehensive wine list, providing excellent selections from around the world. Little Venice opens Monday to Sunday for lunch noon to 2 p.m., dinner 6-10 p.m. (295-3503)

The Lobster Pot

A salty restaurant, The Lobster Pot and Boathouse Bar is Bermuda's oldest fish eatery and has a faithful following among visitors and Bermudians. Service is friendly, prices are fair, and the menu is enticing. There is always a good selection of fresh seafood from local and foreign waters. Specialties of the house include fish chowder, a succulent seafood feast, pan-fried local fish topped with banana and almonds, escargots, and live lobsters. The staff welcomes you for lunch Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and dinner daily 5:30 p.m. until closing. Reservations for both lunch and dinner are advised; closed on public holidays. (292-6898)

L'Oriental Restaurant's entrance, with its dragons and Asian mystique, entice the customer up the stairs into a world of fusion cuisine. L'Oriental is the island's first Oriental fusion restaurant offering the combined tastes and delicacies of the Far East. The meticulously handcrafted pagoda and décor provide a unique backdrop to the teppanyaki table and sushi bar, which provides immaculately prepared sushi. This award-winning restaurant is well known for its food, service and outstanding interior. It opens Monday to Friday for lunch noon to 2:15 p.m., Monday to Sunday for dinner 6:00-10:00 p.m. (296-4477)

LV's Lounge boasts an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere offering entertainment for the mature crowd. This venue is perfect for all occasions, from a private business meeting luncheon in the upstairs area to a birthday or anniversary celebration catering to as many guests as you would like. Choose delectable tidbits from the menu, coupled with elegant wines and relaxing music. LV's also offers daily happy-hour specials and weekly events sure to suit everyone's fancy. The lounge opens Monday to Thursday noon to 1 a.m., Friday noon to 3 a.m. and Saturday 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. (296-3330)

The MV Venetian yacht is luxuriously equipped to ensure that any event, ranging from the private social soiree to the fancy corporate affair, is a spectacular success. Lavish, well-appointed staterooms and state-of-the-art communication systems provide the perfect setting for a relaxing day cruise or an overnight voyage. Venetian's well-established catering service offers the finest cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, supported by the best crew available in Bermuda. (295-3503)

No visit to the Royal Naval Dockyard area is complete without a visit to the Nannini Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Parlour in Clocktower Mall, open seven days a week, featuring only Häagen-Dazs ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt. Treat yourself to one of 16 flavours in a cone, sundae or milk shake. Your purchase can even be packed for you to take home with you. The shop also offers a variety of indulgences from Italy, so do yourself a favour and visit the Nannini Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Parlour. (234-2474)

The premier dining experience in Bermuda: Exquisite French-inspired cuisine is presented with style and elegance in the luxurious ambience of what could well be a royal yacht. Within its luxurious brass and mahogany interior, the Newport Room, a AAA Five Diamond award-winning restaurant at The Fairmont Southampton, completes the setting with crystal, silver service and bone china for an unparalleled dining experience on any occasion. It opens each evening from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m.; jackets required. (238-2555)

Harbourfront Restaurant, Sushi Bar & Grill Room

The island's premier brewpub, North Rock Brewing Company has served fine food and handcrafted ales since 1996. Conveniently located 10 minutes east of Hamilton, in Smith's Parish, North Rock serves up Bermuda's finest ales and stouts to accompany their award-winning menu of local and international dishes. Dine in the casual mahogany-trimmed pub, the upscale coastal-themed dining room or the spacious patio. Always popular with the locals, North Rock serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. Dress is smart casual. (236-6633)

Seafood lovers delight! Perched above the beach on the South Shore, Ocean Club is one of Bermuda's favourite restaurants. Its Asian-infused menu is the specialty, and naturally, only the freshest fish, delivered by local fishermen each day, will be found. The sunsets are dazzling, and the service, outstanding. During the summer months, alfresco dining is available on the fabulous terrace overlooking the shore. At The Fairmont Southampton, Ocean Club opens each evening during the season from 6 to 10 p.m. Dress is casual. (238-2555)

Ocean Echo Restaurant at The Reefs

Perched high atop the cliffs of South Shore, Southampton, Ocean Echo's impressive wall of windows complements each meal with a striking panorama of glittering ocean. The menu emphasises classic Bermudian cuisine and remastered favourites such as pan-fried rock fish, grilled beef tenderloin, seared maple duck breast and local fish cakes, served in rooms lined with cedar beams and Bermudian artworks. Ocean Echo hosts an extensive Sunday brunch, voted Best on the Island by The Bermudian magazine for its dizzying array of treats, spectacular balcony seating and famously impeccable service. Call for reservations. (238-0222)

If you're crazy about caffeine, enjoy it in style at Opus Café & Lounge, on Bermudiana Road in Hamilton. Exquisite Opus offers the finest selection of European coffees and international teas, as well as homemade patisseries, fresh salads and tapas. Opus evolves from an upscale café by day into a laid-back lounge by night, with a full bar and an extensive wine list. Nestled in the heart of Bermuda's business district, Opus offers Wi-Fi so you can settle back with your laptop as you await your espresso fix. Sexy, cosy and sophisticated, Opus is the perfect venue at which to steal away from the bustle of Hamilton, by yourself or with friends over a tass of espresso or a bottle of vino. (292-3500)

Pickled Onion

The renovated Pickled Onion restaurant — contemporary, upscale and casual — has Bermuda's best martini bar in which to see and be seen. Popular with Bermudian professionals, it features live entertainment during the season. The chefs have won prestigious accolades from the Bermuda Culinary Arts Festival, Food and Wine magazine, The Washington Post and, most recently, Giada's Weekend Getaways on the Food Network. The style is North American with global influences, and the goal is to be the best-value restaurant experience in Bermuda. Find it at 53 Front St., Hamilton, overlooking the harbour. (295-2263)

Portofino/Peter Matcham

Situated on Bermudiana Road, Portofino may not be the largest Italian restaurant in Bermuda, but it is certainly the most popular. When Portofino opened some 25 years ago, the owner, Cesare Maranzana, set out to impress his wife by re-creating the beauty of his native town. The restaurant's brick walls are covered with posters and pictures of Italy, and the pergola and little shuttered windows give the impression of dining on an Italian piazza. Portofino's pizza is the best on the islands, and the homemade pasta is topped with both traditional and innovative sauces. Try the fresh local fish or imported calamari, clams and mussels. The menu is extensive and varied, and interesting daily specials are offered. Portofino is open Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to midnight, Saturday 6:00 p.m. to midnight only and Sunday 6:00-11:00 p.m. only. Reservations are suggested. All major credit cards are welcome. (292-2375/295-6090)

For the ultimate in Italian cuisine, we suggest Ristorante Primavera. Dine in their newly renovated restaurant for lunch or dinner, and experience a selection of traditional Italian dishes, from ravioli alla Boscaiola to saltimbocca alla Romana, as well as many other favourites. Fresh seafood, including mussels, soft-shell crabs, clams, lobsters and mouthwatering specials, are available daily. Be sure to visit the new Omakase Sushi Bar. Opens Monday to Friday for lunch 11:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and seven days a week for dinner 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. (295-2167)

Elbow Beach

Its grand fireplace, rich dark wood and candlelight give Royston's, located at The Reefs hotel, the warm feel of a traditional supper club. Named after the owner's father, Royston's incorporates details reflective of the elder Royston's tastes, even using his handwriting for their menus. Portions are ample and the wine list extensive, with items such as pork chops soaked in Gosling's Bermuda rum and Beef Wellington. Diners enjoy views of the display kitchen, available for cooking demonstrations and wine tastings. The Wine Room, which can be reserved as a private dining room, features a custom-built mahogany wine-storage unit holding close to 1,000 bottles. Call for reservations. (238-0222)

Rustico Restaurant & Pizzeria, in Flatts Village, is a charming new Italian place serving innovative dishes with a tasty twist: lobster tail wrapped in locally grown Bermuda spinach, drizzled in a warm mango dressing and topped with prosciutto. Chef Tony Gonsalves takes spinach gnocchi to a new level with garnished artichokes and roasted red pepper. (295-5212)

Silk Thai Cuisine

Maybe you're in an exotic mood? Savoury, spicy, Silk Thai Cuisine is the latest restaurant concept to take Bermuda by storm. Run by restaurant entrepreneur Claudio Vigilante, Silk offers a delicious blend of flavours from the kingdom of Siam. With its team of Thai chefs from the Shangri-la hotel in Bangkok, patrons are treated to one of the fastest-growing ethnic foods in North America. On the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List Tables 2005, this award-winning restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday, with dinner only on Sunday. (295-0449)

Blessed by the scenic tranquillity of Mangrove Bay, Somerset Country Squire is the place to go for picturesque lunches at reasonable prices. On a sun-drenched terrace lined by palm trees, the restaurant offers superb dining à la carte. Downstairs is a sports bar with excellent satellite coverage and lots of local character. (234-0105)

Swizzle Inn

No vacation would be complete without a visit to Bermuda's oldest pub, the Swizzle Inn, at Baileys Bay, or their newest location, South Shore Swizzle, at 87 South Road, Warwick. First, sip the original Rum Swizzle, their deliciously potent national drink! Then on to the patio or the indoor dining room to enjoy an award-winning Swizzle Burger or Baileys Bay Fish Sandwich, conch fritters or onion rings. Dinner includes local fish, steaks, classic pub fare and homemade desserts. After dinner, stick around for great live pub entertainment. Stop by for their hugely popular weekend barbecue menu with slow-smoked ribs, steaks, brisket and seafood. Be sure to leave your card or a message on the pub walls, covered in graffiti from previous "swizzlers." Both locations are kid-friendly. Check out their gift shops, which offer a wide selection of Swizzle Inn / Swagger Out clothing and gifts. (293-1854 Baileys Bay, 236-7459 Warwick)

Tio Pepe is a very reasonably priced, home-style restaurant offering crisp, oven-fresh pizza, perfect pasta, all your Italian favourites, fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. Dine inside or outside on the terrace opposite Bermuda's famous Horseshoe Bay Beach; open for lunch and dinner from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (238-1897)

Steeped in Bermudian history, the magnificent and historic Waterlot Inn, gracefully nestled dockside on Jew's Bay, has been offering breathtaking sunsets and delectable Bermudian fare for over 320 years and proudly boasts both AAA Four Diamond and Wine Spectator awards. Beamed ceilings and an inviting, gracious décor provide a wonderful setting to enjoy savoury prime steaks to please the most discerning connoisseur. Service is impeccable, but friendly. Located in The Fairmont Southampton, the beautiful outdoor terrace and adjoining gardens are ideal for a pre-dinner cocktail. You are guaranteed the best steak in Bermuda. (238-2555)

Fairmont Southampton

The White Horse Pub & Restaurant is the favourite pub and seafood restaurant in St. George's, well-known for its creative and tasteful dishes, friendly service and breathtaking views of St. George's Harbour. They offer covered waterside dining and an outdoor bistro area where you can soak up the sun if desired. They serve a wide selection of fresh local fish, flame-grilled steaks and pasta dishes, as well as your English and Bermudian pub favourites. When it comes to entertainment, nobody does it better. The White Horse provides live entertainment day and night at the outdoor Native Islander Bar. Sit back and relax to all your beloved songs of the past and present whilst enjoying one of the bar's 35 unique signature cocktails made especially for you and found exclusively at the White Horse. When the sun goes down, there is only one thing you need to do, and that's head towards the "LIGHT," Bermuda's newest nightclub, located inside the White Horse. Enjoy state-of-the-art lighting and sound while you dance the night away with Bermuda's top deejays spinning the hottest and latest music from around the world. For all you sports fans out there, enjoy wall-to-wall sports coverage of your favourite teams, from morning to night at Bermuda's No. 1 sports bar in the East End. Visit the website for more info at www.whitehorsebermuda.com. The White Horse is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The bar is open until 3 a.m. Takeout is available. (297-1838)

Family food headlines the menu at Wickets, in The Fairmont Southampton. Join in for a hearty breakfast, or relax by the pool over lunch. Choose from a variety of family favourites, including soups, salads and sandwiches. The family will applaud your good taste! Wickets opens every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., seasonally.

How about breakfast with a view? That's what you find at Windows on the Sound. Off the main lobby of The Fairmont Southampton, the restaurant offers panoramic views and a breakfast extravaganza, featuring omelette and waffle stations, smoked salmon, breakfast pastries and breads, and many other morning favourites. On Sunday, the famous traditional Bermuda breakfast buffet of authentic local dishes takes centre stage from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (238-2555)

DID YOU KNOW? Bermudians are nicknamed "Onions" because of the famous Bermuda onions grown here. The island's nickname is "Onion Patch".

DID YOU KNOW? A Dark 'n' Stormy^TM is a traditional Bermuda drink made from Gosling's Black Seal Rum and Barritts ginger beer.

DID YOU KNOW? Jasmine, at the Fairmont Southampton, is the place for the quintessential martini.

DID YOU KNOW? Rustico in Flatts Village is a charming Italian restaurant serving innovative dishes with a twist: lobster tail wrapped in locally grown Bermuda spinach drizzled in a warm mango dressing and topped with prosciutto.

DID YOU KNOW? Steeped in Bermudian history, the Waterlot Inn at the Fairmont Southampton nestles gracefully on Jew's Bay and has been offering breathtaking sunsets and delectable Bermudian fare for more than 320 years.

For a complete restaurant profile, please use the links at the top of this page.

Make your Bermuda trip even more memorable with dolphins! Dolphin Quest offers fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all. Book your adventure today!

Have a fun-filled vacation with a cycle from Oleander. If you can ride a bicycle, you can easily ride an Oleander scooter. See all of Bermuda...reserve one today!

Getting Around Bermuda Relax, enjoy, save and see Bermuda by bus. A blue or pink pole indicates bus stops. If the pole is topped with blue, the bus travels from Hamilton; if the pole is topped pink, the route is toward Hamilton.