“Is That Breaded?” – Where To Eat In Nassau If You’re Gluten Free

Spoiler alert: a good number of Bahamian dishes are battered, breaded, or fried. But though our cultural penchant for flour means that gluten free diners will have to bypass tastes of popular island favourites such as: conch fritters, cracked conch, fried chicken, and baked macaroni n’ cheese, all is certainly not lost for gluten intolerant travellers visiting Nassau. A traditional Bahamian meal is typically heavy on meat and seafood as well as starchy vegetables, rice, and potatoes- meaning options for gluten free indulgences abound! Delicious Bahamian “must eats” for gluten intolerant travellers to Nassau include: conch salad, boiled fish (hold the Johnny cake please!), tuna n’ grits, fire engine, steamed chicken, potato salad, peas n’ rice, sweet fried plantains, and local coleslaw.On our signature Bites of Nassau Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour, we’re highly sensitive to the allergies, aversions, and dietary restrictions of our guests and understand that gluten free isn’t just a buzzword, fad, or phase. We understand that, while you may be on the waiting list for Nima (the savvy gadget that determines if food has trace amounts of gluten in it) in the meantime, you’ll need to rely on the word of servers and restaurant chefs. In order to take the guesswork out of finding gluten free dining options for Nassau visitors, we’ve put together a suggested list of Nassau restaurants that offer gluten free menu offerings, substitutions and daily specials- without detracting from your dining enjoyment!

Le Petit Gourmet

Credit: Le Petit GourmetLe Petit Gourmet is located in a rather unassuming plaza just outside of Downtown Nassau. This charming bistro is open for breakfast and lunch and is a local favourite for take away orders among locals during the workweek. The restaurant’s daily specials are shared on its Facebook Page and vary among European, Pan-Asian, Bahamian, and classic North American selections. Le Petit Gourmet is always sure to highlight menu items that are gluten or dairy free. In addition, the cafe also carries a brand of gluten free breakfast and baking products for purchase (appropriately called Mudda Flipp) for your own in-kitchen preparations.Serves: Breakfast, LunchOffers:CateringGluten Free Specials:

• Gluten Free Vanilla FlapJacks served with eggs (any style), applewood smoked bacon, knockwurst maple links, fruits, and freshly brewed coffee
• Gourmet Omelet with sauteed button mushrooms, smoked gouda, mozzarella and caramelized onions with thyme and spinach, offered with a side of bacon, fruit, and gluten free toast with seasonal jam
• Fantastic Seafood Gumbo! Sauteed onions, celery and tomato, shrimp and conch, finished with local okra, a secret blend of spices, and lots of Cajun flair. Served with a piece of gluten free bread and butter

Location:Shirley Street Shopping Plaza, Shirley StreetHours: Mon-Fri, 8:00am-3:00pm / Sat, 8:00am-2:00pmContact: Facebook, Phone: (242) 394-1251

Athena Café & Bar

Credit: Tru Bahamian Food ToursThe word ‘opa’ is an age old Greek expression of happiness, excitement, and the celebration of life. It’s also the word that best describes this local family operated restaurant – a mainstay on Bay Street since 1996. Over the years, Athena Café has grown to become a popular lunch spot for those working in the downtown area and a favourite for many Nassau visitors who come to enjoy the charisma and energy of Greek-Bahamian culture – not to mention the delicious Mediterranean food selections, many of which are suitable for gluten free eating!Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, Early DinnerOffers:Private FunctionsGluten Free Menu Items:

• Athena’s Famous Greek Salad made with local produce, the finest kalamata olives and feta cheese (imported directly from Greece!), and a homemade, secret Greek vinaigrette (ask your server to hold the pita)
• Traditional Dolomades – rolled grape leaves stuffed with rice and spiced ground beef served with creamy tzatziki sauce
• Kleftiko Roast Leg of Lamb – red wine, garlic, and oregano marinated lamb, oven roasted to perfection and served alongside herb roasted potatoes and salad or veggies

Location: Corner of Bay and Charlotte Streets, Downtown NassauHours: Mon-Fri, 9:30am-6:00pm / Sun, 9:00am-4:00pmContact:Website, Menu, Facebook, Phone: (242) 326-1296

Chives Cafe

Credit: Chives CafeCrave-worthy Chives Cafe is a vegetarian, vegan, paleo, and gluten free-friendly restaurant and catering service offering farm fresh favourites at the New Providence Community Centre near the Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport. While dining, you’ll enjoy outdoor seating under a generously shaded patio facing a lush garden, local art installations, and an open space with kid’s corner and playground structures for the little ones. The innovative menu at Chives changes daily to keep you enticed; to-go options, meal delivery, and catering are also available! A great option for nearby beach picnics too.Serves: Breakfast, LunchOffers:Delivery, CateringGluten Free Specials:

• Avocado and Crawfish Salad – local fresh crawfish (spiny lobster) salad with red onions, vine tomatoes, and herbed mayo, stuffed in a local avocado half and served with greens
• Vegan Curry Chickpea Salad with oven roasted veggies served over mixed greens
• Paleo Shrimp Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms – stuffed with a mixture of shrimp, bacon, jalapeño, cilantro and scallions served with salad and Chives’ signature basil vinaigrette

Location:New Providence Community Centre, Blake RoadHours: Mon-Fri, 9:00am-3:00pmContact:Website, Menu, Facebook, Phone: (242) 698-3090

Compass Point Beach Resort

Credit: My DestinationIn a casual atmosphere, overlooking the magnificent turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Compass Point’s outdoor restaurant offers both Bahamian and International fare. Open all day and night to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’ll be seated among comfortable, Junkanoo inspired furniture within walking distance of the resort’s brightly painted, multi-colour cottages, outdoor bar, and pool areas. Soak up the Bahamian sun or inhale the ocean breezes as you dine on one of their gluten-free menu options.Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Bar MenuGluten Free Menu Items:

• Jerk Pork Loin Kebabs with a tropical coconut dip
• Corn Tortilla Loaded Nachos with homemade pico de gallo, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and fresh guacamole with your choice of chicken, ground beef, or shrimp
• Grilled Fresh Catch of the Day served with your choice of sides such as Bahamian-style peas n’ rice, sweet plantain, coleslaw, and potato salad

Location:West Bay Street, New ProvidenceHours: Mon-Sun, 8:00am-1:00amContact:Website, Menu, Facebook, Phone: (242) 327-4500

Goodfellow Farms

Credit: Amelia J. DesignsTrue to its name, Goodfellow Farms, located about 15 minutes West of the airport, is known for gourmet greens, herbs, and speciality vegetables grown organically outdoors and in an aquaponic greenhouse on site. Healthy and tasty lunches are made to order everyday at the lush property’s cafe. Sit and stay under a breezy garden gazebo to enjoy a leisurely midday meal or take away delectable soups, tapenades, dips, or freshly made pestos from its Country Shop. The farm’s full menu, including its gluten free specials, are posted on the Facebook page daily making choosing your lunch plate before the drive out West a breeze.Serves: LunchOffers:Catering, Yacht ProvisioningGluten Free Specials:

• Charred Sirloin Steak topped with red wine onions and mushrooms, truffle potatoes au gratin, and a mixed green salad
• Grilled Coconut Lime Chicken over greens with coconut chips, mango, cashews, avocado, and a farm salad
• Seared Sesame Tuna topped with pico de gallo served over yellow rice with black beans and a microgreen salad

Location:Nelson Road, Western New ProvidenceHours: Mon-Sun, 11:00am-3:00pmContact:Website, Facebook, Phone: (242) 377-5000