Celebrating Valentine’s Day in The Bahamas: The Most Romantic Restaurants In The Family Islands

Set amongst swaying palms and flickering candlelight, the sounds of gently rolling waves and sweet background tunes, these gorgeous restaurants in The Bahama Out Islands epitomize romance and their divine cuisine offers diners an outstanding culinary experience. If you’re already rolling your eyes and thinking “Get a room, you two!” then that would be welcomed advice as many of the trendiest dining destinations in the Out Islands also offer accommodations (we listed that info below too). We do strongly suggest, for dinner and/or a night’s stay, to make your reservations as soon as you can!If you’re not already committed, these special dining spots will make you want to take up a lover just experience them in their full romantic glory. Of course, you don’t have to be attached to appreciate their fine ambiance, chic design and fresh and flavourful menus; the 5 Bahamian Family Island restaurants we suggest you try are perennially charming whether you’re with dining companions or not.PS: Escaping to any one of our unique Bahamian Out Islands at any time of year is romance defined, but for diners based in Nassau and Paradise Island this Valentine’s Day, don’t miss out on these romantic and adventurous itineraries or the highly anticipated and private chef-inspired dinner event, Amor Alimentos (hosted by the team at A Mouth Full), to celebrate with a loved one.

Firefly Sunset Resort – Abaco

Credit: JonSeaPhotography.comOpened in late 2010, Firefly Sunset Resort includes a host of amenities one would expect of high-end accommodations: beautiful villas, boutique shopping, marina, and an on-site restaurant, nestled near to the charming Hope Town settlement in Elbow Cay. In a casual setting of elegant decor and custom finishes, guests of Firefly Bar & Grill are treated to The Abacos’ freshest seasonal catch, locally sourced produce, and gourmet daily specials. You can also count on the bar’sspecialty Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka cocktails to spark a little romance as well.Romance Factor: Indoor/outdoor seating, oceanfront, ambient lighting, live entertainment, quiet marina dock, wooden gazebosMenu Highlights: Roasted Artichoke & Lump Crab Dip; Local Stone Crab Claws; Lobster Fritters & Caribbean Cocktail Sauce; Pan Seared Filet Mignon w/ Balsamic VegetablesServes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (menu), Bar SnacksAccommodations: From $395/nightLocation: Hope Town, Elbow Cay, Abaco, BahamasContact: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Phone: (242) 366-1045

Kamalame Cay – Andros

Credit: HG ChristieAs an Elle Canada featured destination (watch the magazine editor’s stunning video diary of her stay), Kamalame Cay put the sleepy town of Fresh Creek, Andros on the map. Located just minutes away from the world’s third-largest barrier reef, this exclusive resort has quickly became a coveted boutique vacation spot in The Caribbean. The property boasts two restaurants: Great House Restaurant & Bar, as well as the more casual, thatched-roof Tiki Bar & Beach Grill. Bespoke dining experiences are also available for guests such as an intimate picnic, sunset cruise, or private couple’s dinner on the beach.Romance Factor: Indoor/outdoor seating, tropical garden terrace, ambient lighting, chic decor, private palm tree lined paths, stretches of untouched sandy beachesMenu Showcases: Fresh fish and seafood, top tier imported game and fowl, locally sourced tropical fruit and produce, fine wines and spiritsServes: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodations: From $250/nightLocation: Fresh Creek, Andros, BahamasContact: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Phone: (877) 768-9423

French Leave – Eleuthera

Credit: 1648 Bar & GrilleReconstructed and reimagined from its original 1960s concept, French Leave, on the picturesque bay of Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, underwent a major renovation in 2012. In addition to its purposefully low-density environmental impact, the resort’s property features a cohesion of natural stone and native fauna intermingled with traditional Bahamian architecture. For stargazers, the restaurant, 1648 Bar & Grille, provides a perfect vantage point of unspoiled skies where light pollution is absent and the Milky Way appears well within reach.Romance Factor: Indoor/outdoor seating, unobstructed oceanfront views, cozy heat lamps, lounge chairs beside an infinity pool, limestone constructed paths and archways to exploreMenu Highlights: Conch Rangoon Fried Wontons; Spiny Lobster Quesadilla; Seafood Manicotti w/ Poached Grouper; Prosciutto & Pineapple Woodfired PizzaServes: Lunch (menu), Dinner (menu)Accommodations: From $425/nightLocation: Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, BahamasContact: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Phone: (242) 332-3777

The Landing – Harbour Island

Credit: FathomHighly decorated in international press from the likes of Travel+Leisure and The New York Times,The Landing Hotel & Restaurant is a mainstay of Harbour Island, Bahamas- known for its magical pink sand beaches. Speaking of decoration, this boutique hotel’s interior was designed by family to The British Monarch, India Hicks and her partner, David Flint Wood, who have called the charming island home since the ‘90s. As the founding distillery of AfroHead Rum (ask for the FroCo cocktail), The Landing’s house-rum is sure to warm the soul and set the tone for a romantic dining experience for two.Romance Factor: Indoor/outdoor veranda seating, harbourfront views, streetside atmosphere of golf cart lined narrow roads, ambient lighting beneath mature trees, live entertainmentMenu Highlights: Lime Chilli Salted Squid; Lemongrass Lobster Risotto Cake; Black Truffle Beef Tenderloin; Banana Brown Sugar Upside Down Cake w/ Rum Raisin Ice CreamServes: Dinner (menu)Accommodations: From $225/nightLocation: Harbour Island, Eleuthera, BahamasContact: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Phone: (242) 333-2707

Flying Fish – Grand Bahama

Credit: Flying Fish BahamasFounded in 2012 by Bahamian masterchef Tim Tibbitts –profiled as one of the region’s top chefs by Eat The Caribbean and Caribbean Journal– and wife, the restaurant’s sommelier, Rebecca Tibbitts, Flying Fish Restaurant and its talented owners are highly regarded in the local and International restaurateur communities. Located in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Flying Fish has a roving menu that changes often and by month, allowing the chef team to remain creative, on the cutting edge of their culinary craft, and to offer the best fresh, seasonal ingredients. Tantalizing your tastebuds and improving your foodie IQ, award-winning Flying Fish is a must for the adventurous eating couple prepared for the meal itself to sweep them of their feet.Romance Factor: Indoor/outdoor patio seating, wall of windows on canalfront property, modern lighting and decor, energetic and eclectic atmosphereMenu Highlights: Oysters on the Half Shell; Pineapple Pork Belly & Jerk Shrimp; Bahamian? Stone Crab & Truffle Ravioli; Coconut Crusted Local Mahi-Mahi; Beurre Blanc Local Spiny LobsterServes: Lunch (menu), Dinner (menu), Bar Bites (menu)Accommodations: None on-site but The Grand Lucayan Resort is a sound option nearby from $230/nightLocation: Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, BahamasContact: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Phone: (242) 373-4363