Cat Island Restaurant Options

My first blog posts have gone bye bye with the site’s compromise.   Perhaps will be able to get them back sometime. In the meantime,  here is my take on dining out on Cat Island.

Surely one of the highlights of any vacation, is the option to try different cuisines.  Although we have a great kitchen at Simplicity, do try and go and explore, especially around meal times.  For evening dinner, you need to call ahead, the day prior preferably, 3 pm the day of at the latest.

I will begin at the top of the island and head “up south” from there.   After all these years, I still can’t wrap my head around that saying, being Canadian, we always go up north and preferably down south!

Shanna’s Cove Restaurant

Has to be our favorite spot on the entire island.   We recommend heading there an hour or so before lunch, do the hike to Man o War and then on return, reward yourselves with lunch on the patio.  The pizzas are large and filling, enough for 2,  I often order either the Nicoise or the Caprese salad. especially when Cat Island tomatoes are in season.   Frank and Gabi, the proprietors, offer a very nice wine list and the beer is always chilled.  Evening dinner, is a true gourmet delight.

Periwinkle and Kizzi’s

Close to Orange Creek store are the above 2 restaurants.   They offer good local Cat Island food,however it has been hit and miss a far as their opening schedule.   The phone numbers are at the house, though a common occurrence with local joints, is their numbers change frequently.   Will try and keep an up to date list on hand.

Da Smoke Pot

Almost every visitor coming to Cat Island has likely heard of the Smoke Pot.  Recently there has been a management change, and it is back up and running.   A fun evening for sure.  “The boys” will come and play some Rake n Scrape, try your hand at the saw.  Fresh fish, ribs, chicken, conch and lobster in season will likely be on the menu.   When ordering ahead (a must for evening meals) ask if they can do some scalloped potatoes, yummy.  I get rather tired of peas and rice.

The Hot Spot

Also, in Arthur’s Town, is the Hot Spot.  And what a hot spot it is on karoke night, usually a Friday.   Melanie, makes a decent pizza along with other Cat Island dishes.   We haven’t been, but on Sundays, she has been doing a Sunday brunch featuring Cat Island delicacies.  Reports that her guava duff is delicious.

Yardies

Heading further south, there is nothing until you reach Bennetts Harbour, home to Yardies and Derek’s Conch stand.

Odette, aka Yardie is Jamaican and makes a mean jerk chicken.   Wash it down with a pina colada, and life is good.   We often will order ahead and bring it back to the house to eat. as we are only 5 minutes away.   I love conch salad, Bill not so much.  If I don’t eat it at Yardies, is there anything better than fresh conch salad with a cold Kalik…… I bring it back to the house and when there is some leftover, will mix it with local tomato sauce and serve over pasta.

There is a new restaurant opened at Pompey Rock, just north of Bennetts Harbour, we haven’t had the opportunity to visit, but hey it’s worth checking out as you just walk south on our beach, around the rocks and you are there.

The restaurant at Sammy T’s is only open when they have guests which lately has not been often.  Sip sip(Bahamian gossip) is that there may be some changes coming…..

BayRoc Grill and Bar

So now it is quite a drive until the next spot.  Travel approx. 20 minutes south of Bennetts Harbour (if you go past the power plant, you missed it).   Bayroc, is brand new, nice stone building, umbrellas and a lovely view of the ocean.  This is a cute spot, we got rained out, so have only had drinks there.   The word is that the food is very good and price wise a bargain.   Angie, is the chef, she used to cook at Sammy T’s down the beach from us, so nice to see her back on the island as she is a fantastic cook.  We wish them success.

Starlight

Close to Smith’s Bay on the westside, is a yellow building.   We have had fresh fish, sandwich wraps and if you ask nicely, they will do fresh cut fries.  Reasonable prices and large portions.

Fernandez Bay Village

Just past Smith’s Bay, heading south on the righthand side is the entrance to Fernandez Bay.   Try and time a visit around lunch time.  The lunch menu features salads, sandwiches, conch fritters, humongous cheese burgers and my favorite, conch chowder, usually made fresh that morning.   In the evenings (need to make advance reservations), dinner begins with appetizers offered around the self-serve tiki bar followed by an expansive buffet, which usually features one meat and one seafood/fish entrée.  Fernandez has an impressive wine list.  Not inexpensive but a lovely night out.   A bit of a hike back up/down to Simplicity though.

Regatta Site

At the fork in the road just pass New Bight, stay right to head down to the food vendors at the Regatta Site.   Our favorite is Hidden Treasures, Denise is a talented chef.  She has a real knack for serving fresh fish with lovely sauces.  And for a liquid meal, the frozen daiquiris are mammoth.  On a warm evening, sitting have a truly delicious meal, one can only count their lucky stars.

Also, at the Regatta Site, another pleasant spot is Sunshine Restaurant run by the gregarious Cedell and waitress Crystal.  Cedell cooks typical Bahamian fare, i.e. peas and rice, fried fish, chicken, ribs, etc.  Love her Mac and Cheese, can easily make a meal out of it. There is also the chance that Bo Hog will drop by to play some Rake n Scrape. During busier times, there may be some other food vendors open including Dukes Conch shack.

Bluebird

Back on the Queens Highway and close to the road that leads to the Hermitage, is the charming Bluebird restaurant, run by three lovely older Cat Island women.  They will welcome you and serve some good down home cooking.

Da Pink Chicken

Heading to the bottom of the island, at the roundabout (remember to go left) take the first road heading east.   Watch for the sign and the pink flamingo.   This is such a fun spot to spend an afternoon.   Dean will regale you with unbelievable stories and Patti, fingers crossed she is there, will cook up some simple yet fantastic food.  Beer and wine is cold, sign your name on the wall and try your luck at the ring game.  Our only wish is that it was closer to us.  They rely on solar power, so hours are until sunset.

Greenwood Resort

The last on my list is Greenwood, now run by the charming French couple, Pauline and Antoine.   This is a little far for an evening meal, but lunch, for sure.  Quiche on Cat Island, who would have thought!   For fun, try walking the slack line, and if Antoine is around, prepare to be amazed.  Not only on the slackline but watching him kiteboard is such fun.

There are numerous spots not mentioned above as either we haven’t been or this is just getting too long!!!!  Rollezz Resort and Fountain Bay have recently opened and have heard good things about their food.   Ocean Dream Resort by Smith’s Bay serves Greek food, but although the sign says open, it rarely is.   Hawk’s Nest Marina is just so far away that unless there is fishing tournament on, we seldom venture that far.

Please remember that everything except fresh fish/seafood and some vegetables in season, needs to be brought in from Nassau.  Prices may seem high at first glance.   Tipping, if you receive good service and are happy with your meals, for sure leave a gratuity.   The resorts, I believe include it.

Happy Munching.