Long Island Restaurant Guide: Where to Eat, Local Food & Dining Tips
INTRODUCTION
Long Island offers one of the most authentic dining experiences in The Bahamas. Rather than large commercial restaurant districts, the island is known for independently owned restaurants, waterfront grills, resort dining rooms, family-operated cafés, and beach bars that showcase fresh seafood and traditional Bahamian recipes. Whether you're staying near Cape Santa Maria, Stella Maris, Salt Pond, Deadman's Cay, or Clarence Town, you'll find welcoming places to enjoy locally caught fish, lobster (in season), conch, cracked lobster, peas and rice, and homemade island desserts.
This guide focuses on Long Island's dining scene while complementing the Ultimate Long Island Travel Guide, where you'll find additional information about attractions, beaches, accommodations, transportation, and activities across the island.
BEST WATERFRONT RESTAURANTS
Many of Long Island's best restaurants overlook the sea, allowing visitors to combine excellent food with panoramic coastal views.
Notable waterfront options include:
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Lighthouse Point Restaurant – Clarence Town
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Vantage Pointe Restaurant & Bar – Salt Pond
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Tiny's Hurricane Hole – Thompson Bay
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Beach House Restaurant & Bar – Cape Santa Maria
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Stella Maris Resort Club Restaurant – Stella Maris
These restaurants are popular for sunset dinners, fresh seafood, and relaxed island dining.
LOCAL BAHAMIAN FAVORITES
Visitors looking for authentic island flavors should explore Long Island's locally owned restaurants and takeaways.
Popular choices include:
A longtime local favorite known for fresh conch salad, grilled seafood, lobster (when in season), and Bahamian specialties.
A relaxed waterfront restaurant serving seafood, burgers, pizza, cocktails, and local dishes overlooking the harbor.
Family-owned waterfront restaurant offering Bahamian cuisine, seafood, and island hospitality in the heart of Salt Pond.
Known for fresh conch salad, Bahamian seafood, cold drinks, and a casual atmosphere popular with both locals and visitors.
A distinctive restaurant blending Caribbean ingredients with French-inspired cuisine, particularly fresh seafood and lobster.
RESORT DINING
Several of Long Island's resorts welcome non-guests for meals, making them excellent options during your stay.
Located at Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort, this beachfront restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and freshly prepared seafood overlooking one of the island's most famous beaches. Guests can even have their day's catch prepared by the kitchen.
Offers Bahamian and international cuisine, desserts, children's options, and ocean views. Reservations are recommended during busy periods.
Situated at Flying Fish Marina in Clarence Town, this waterfront restaurant is popular with both boaters and land-based visitors for Bahamian and American dishes, including seafood specialties.
CAFÉS, TAKEAWAYS & CASUAL EATERIES
For lighter meals, coffee, or quick lunches, Long Island offers several casual dining options.
Popular stops include:
These smaller establishments provide coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, Bahamian lunches, and takeaway meals ideal for travelers exploring the island by car.
WHAT TO EAT ON LONG ISLAND
Long Island is known for simple, fresh island cuisine centered around local seafood.
Popular dishes include:
Many restaurants also prepare freshly caught fish brought in by local fishermen or visiting anglers.
DINING BY REGION
Stella Maris
Salt Pond
Deadman's Cay
Clarence Town
DINING TIPS
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Some smaller restaurants may close early.
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Reservations are recommended at resort restaurants during peak season.
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Seasonal seafood availability varies.
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Many restaurants accept credit cards, but carrying some cash is useful for smaller establishments.
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Sunday opening hours may be limited.
TRAVELER PLANNING INFORMATION
Best For
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Seafood lovers
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Couples
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Families
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Boaters
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Road trips
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Cultural travelers
Price Range
From casual cafés and takeaways to full-service waterfront restaurants.
Reservations
Recommended for resort restaurants and popular waterfront dining.
FAQ SECTION
What is the best restaurant on Long Island?
Popular choices include Beach House Restaurant & Bar, Lighthouse Point Restaurant, Tiny's Hurricane Hole, Chez Pierre, Vantage Pointe, and Max's Conch Bar & Grill.
Where can I eat fresh seafood?
Most waterfront restaurants specialize in freshly caught seafood, including Lighthouse Point, Beach House Restaurant, Vantage Pointe, Tiny's Hurricane Hole, and Chez Pierre.
Are there restaurants near Cape Santa Maria?
Yes. The Beach House Restaurant & Bar at Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails daily.
Can I find authentic Bahamian food?
Yes. Restaurants throughout Deadman's Cay, Salt Pond, Stella Maris, and Clarence Town serve traditional Bahamian dishes.
Are restaurants open year-round?
Many are, although hours may vary seasonally. Calling ahead is recommended, especially for smaller establishments.
Why is Long Island popular for seafood?
Its active fishing community provides restaurants with fresh local fish, lobster (seasonal), conch, and other seafood specialties.
EXPLORE MORE LONG ISLAND GUIDES
LOCAL & DESTINATION CONTEXT
Long Island's restaurants are spread across the island's principal communities, including Stella Maris, Salt Pond, Deadman's Cay, Clarence Town, and Cape Santa Maria. Many dining venues overlook the Great Bahama Bank or the Atlantic Ocean, allowing visitors to combine meals with boating, fishing, beach visits, and sightseeing. Together, these locally owned restaurants and resort dining rooms contribute to Long Island's reputation as one of The Bahamas' best destinations for authentic island cuisine and fresh seafood.
CONCLUSION
Dining on Long Island is as much about the experience as the food. From waterfront seafood restaurants and beach bars to locally owned cafés and family-run takeaways, the island offers visitors a genuine taste of Bahamian hospitality. Fresh seafood, scenic coastal settings, and friendly service make every meal part of the journey.
Whether you're stopping for conch salad after a day on the water or enjoying a sunset dinner overlooking the beach, Long Island's restaurants provide memorable flavors that reflect the island's maritime heritage. Continue exploring the Ultimate Long Island Travel Guide for more ideas on where to stay, what to see, and how to make the most of your visit.
Long Island, Cape Santa Maria, Clarence Town, Salt Pond, Stella Maris, Deadman's Cay, Thompson Bay, Flying Fish Marina, Lighthouse Point Restaurant, Beach House Restaurant & Bar, Stella Maris Resort Club Restaurant, Vantage Pointe, Tiny's Hurricane Hole, Max's Conch Bar & Grill, Docky's Flats Bar, Chez Pierre, Dapple Café, Bahamian cuisine, seafood, conch salad, lobster, grouper, snapper, marina dining, waterfront restaurants, Great Bahama Bank
Updated as of July 2026.