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Codfish cakes, spiny lobster and fish chowder are some of the local seafood dishes that whet Bermudians palettes; while rum swizzles and the famed dark-and-stormy—a mixture of local Black Seal rum and ginger beer—are the drinks that quench their thirst. While Bermuda does not have a distinctive cuisine of its own, certain local delights await tourists and are definitely worthy of a taste while visiting. Most specialty dishes and drinks are available at local restaurants and can also be found on the menu at hotel dining establishments.
Once a staple food, codfish cakes are still enjoyed throughout the island, especially during traditional Sunday brunches, while cassava pie, whose authentic Bermuda recipe dates back to the 1600s, is a Christmas tradition. Bermuda's fish chowder, a spicy soup made with either rockfish or snapper—flavored with local black rum and sherry peppers sauce—is a national dish.
Bermuda has over 100 restaurants scattered across the island for visitors to choose from, with something to please just about every budget and food craving. Reservations are recommended for dinner and Sunday Brunch, especially during high season, and most restaurants automatically add a 15 percent service charge to the bill instead of a tip.
Dining facilities range from small roadside cafes to smart casual eateries to formal posh dining rooms; and most types of cuisine can be found, including Italian, Indian, Chinese, French and Mexican—to name a few. However, Jewish visitors should note that there are no kosher restaurants on the island, nor are there any vegetarian-only dining establishments. In addition, while there are fast food restaurants in Bermuda, there are no popular chains such as McDonald’s and Burger King.
Most hotels throughout the island offer on-property dining. Many small hotels and cottage colonies have one dining room, while resort hotels normally have several restaurants for guests to choose from. Poolside and outdoor dining options as well as lively buffet barbeques are popular at hotels, mainly occurring during high season. Optional meal plans of daily breakfast and dinner can be purchased at most properties. As the expense of eating off-property at various restaurants, which can be costly, purchasing the meal plan can be of good value. In addition, certain hotels that offer meal plans also provide guests with exchange privileges to dine at other hotel restaurants. If money is a concern, guests should consider the optional all-inclusive package at Grotto Bay Beach Hotel, where meals and drinks are included or the Harmony Club Hotel, which is the island’s only all-inclusive hotel.
St. George’s Parish
In the Town of St. George, visitors should stop by San Giorgio Ristorante. Located on Water Street, this waterfront Italian serves Mediterranean cuisine and has been called one of the island’s best. Guests can choose to dine either indoors or out, overlooking St. George’s Harbour. Dress is smart casual and prices are moderate.
Also popular is Freddie's Pub, overlooking King’s Square, where traditional fish and chips and other English fare is served in a restored 18th century building. Dress is casual at Freddie’s and prices are moderate.
Hamilton Parish
The Swizzle Inn at Bailey’s Bay is a must for all new visitors to Bermuda. Named in honor of Bermuda’s popular Rum Swizzle, the inn features a relaxed atmosphere and an eclectic menu of local pub food that attracts both Bermudians and visitors alike. Dress is casual and prices are inexpensive.
On the more elegant and formal side, Tom Moore's Tavern, on Walsingham Lane, is a former 17th century private residence featuring limestone walls, wooded beams and fireplaces. Guests dine on continental specialties including Bermuda lobster when it's in-season (from September through March). Jacket-and-tie is preferred, and prices are moderate.
Pembroke Parish
Located on Bermudiana Road in Hamilton, Portofino is a popular restaurant featuring Italian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere where locals and visitors alike gather. Dress is casual and prices are inexpensive to moderate. Reservations are recommended.
If a good steakhouse is calling your name, then the Colony Pub Steakhouse at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess is a must. A short walk from the city, this restaurant is accented by a cedar-paneled bar and a favorite of locals. Guests can expect huge portions of an entrée of their choice, from the steaks and lamb chops to the baked potatoes and onion rings. Dress is smart casual and prices are moderate.
Paget Parish
The highly acclaimed Fourways Inn restaurant is located in a restored private home that was built in the 1700s. International cuisine and seafood delights are served in a setting of old-world décor and charm. Jacket-and-tie is required and prices are expensive. Reservations are necessary.
Southampton Parish
Situated dockside overlooking the Little Sound, the Waterlot Inn at the Fairmont Southampton Princess (The) was once a 17th century private home. Mediterranean cuisine is served in an intimate atmosphere captivated by candlelight and elegance. Jacket and tie are required and prices are moderate to expensive. Reservations are necessary.
European cuisine is the specialty at Henry VIII, named after the oft-married King of England. Guests dine in one of four rooms, all of which are decorated in rich oak paneling to create an English and pub-like setting. Jackets are required and prices are moderate.
Sandys Parish
A perfect family restaurant, Beethoven's Restaurant & Bar is located at the Clocktower Centre at the Royal Naval Dockyard. Local yet sophisticated delights are sure to be a hit in this cozy and intimate setting. Dress is casual and prices are inexpensive.
Sunday Brunch
Sunday Brunch is a popular meal in Bermuda, but it tends to be a bit on the expensive side. Although pricey, there's always a huge selection of foods, ranging from hot, cold and spicy to fish, fowl and seafood, to choose from. Restaurants offering Sunday brunch are listed in the Saturday edition of the Royal Gazette newspaper.
Afternoon Tea
Considering its British background, there is no wonder why traditional afternoon tea is an everyday occurrence in Bermuda. Most hotels offer free afternoon tea with scones to their guests, while visitors to the Lighthouse Tearoom at the Gibb's Hill Lighthouse in Southampton can enjoy an English tea for about USD 6.
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