The Beginners Guide to Nassau, Bahamas
The Bahamian capital Nassau is set on the island of New Providence. It’s only my second month here, so I only know a little corner of the island. Mostly the West of Baha Mar. I’ve created a little routine for myself of yoga, coffees with blue views and organic food. Here are my favourite places to eat and drink so far:
Saturday morning’s at Louis are glorious. Parking up on the ledge of the Bahamian blue sea and cross the road to Louis, drawing you in with its bright colors.
It’s been voted the #1 Coffee House in the Bahamas and you can definitely taste why. The team has bough the best of New Orleans coffee here, a "N'awlins" styled bistro, infused with the sounds of jazz music and surrounded by tropical foliage.”
The coffee has to be some of the best on the island. The blueberry pancakes, ordered to the table adjacent, look worth coming back for.
The Island House radiates with considered, chilled style. Soft greens and gentle beige and grey set the tranquil tone once you walk into the grounds and meander up to the main hotel set on a ledge. The elevation is a rarity in the Bahamas, but it gives way to a wonderful view over the harbor of the exclusive Lyford Cay.
The Island House replicates the Soho House family, which its name supposes. Downstairs find a coffee shop that looks like it was supplanted from a Shoreditch street - which serves breakfast, lunch in a buffet. Expect all the bircher, fresh salad and bircher accordingly. Or order the Frittata. I didn’t though the avo on toast didn't disappoint.
Upstairs is Shima, my favourite restaurant in Nassau so far, a diverse menu with a slight Asian twist. Try the soft boiled eggs, cooked to the perfect goe-factor, and then lightly fried and served with roti and a chili jam.
Needs its own mention, even though its in its part of the Island House family. It's kind of like the hip, older brother to the franchise, who’s hiding out below the rest of the family. Walkthrough a kind of jungle and into a space that feels like a loft, that gives off a moody Mercer Kitchen vibe.
With dark dramatic lighting, which makes you want to cosy up to your partner. There’s also a large horseshoe-shaped bar serving warming glasses of merlot. You’ll luck out with the food too. The mushroom risotto was listed as a side but was huge, creamy and delicious.
Cocoplum is date night incarnate. Fairy Lights on the ceiling outside (has to be seen to believe) induces a total magic in the air.
It was empty when we went to visit - early eaters. But we didn't feel awkward in the space. The interiors are just the right amount of busy, with cool stone plats, pineapple decorations and banana leaf prints.
The food was simply good though. I had a tail-end - lobster served in a risotto pool. And then we practically swan in a bowl of baba ganoush to begin with. It was seriously *pricey* here though, so go knowing you’ll have a little gasp after receiving the bill. Everywhere is here though, so it’s all relative.
I can see why Cocoplum is a favourite of the glitzy crowd - it neighbours Lyford Cay (Sir Sean Connery lives there, my realtor told me. He fell in love with the island when making Dr. No). Recently Cocoplum posted a picture of Serena Williams visiting, graciously posing with a young tennis fan.
Moving to Sandyport, which is a charming little village of bright coloured houses surrounding a lagoon. Spritz sits above a dock in the middle of the complex, so that you can see slices of turquoise beneath you. We even saw a turtle. The menu makes it easy for everyone to find something they like. There’s a nice atmosphere too, with locals leaning up at the bar and groups who look like they’ve been sitting there for hours chatting into the evening. It’s like being at the noisy table in a good way.
The decor here gives a slice into the incredible zany vision of its owners. There's an eclectic mix of Kitch old Bahamian maps from the days when the British were here, and rattan furniture. It is quite simply Instagram gold.
Next door, you’ll find the joining liquor store Young’s Fine Wine, to remind you that there's always time for cocktail hour in the Caribbean.
It even stocks The Queen’s preferred choice of Champagne. There’s Fever Tree here too and an extensive range of gins to make you feel like your home.
Comentarios