A summer in Bermuda means a lot of things – spending time at the gorgeous beaches, going out on a boat to enjoy crystal clear water and my favourite, alfresco dining. Bermuda has a vibrant culinary scene including fresh seafood along with international flavours. There is a variety of dining options to satisfy every palate.
For a foodie like me, summer time means lots of alfresco dining! There’s just something magical about sitting outdoors to eat a delicious meal and sip a cool drink. But just because a restaurant has outdoor dining doesn’t mean it’s a good vibe. In this roundup, I’m sharing my ten favorite places to grab a meal outside. My criteria includes views, shade from the sun and of course, the food. Without further ado, here are my top ten restaurants for alfresco dining this summer.
1609 AT HAMILTON PRINCESS
So technically this isn’t alfresco as the restaurant is enclosed in glass but it might as well be! 1609 gets my vote as one of my top restaurants for alfresco dining simply because you are basically sitting above the water in a serene atmosphere.
The cocktail list is tequila and mezcal focused while the food is fresh Mexican with guacamole, ceviches, a variety of tacos and freshly grilled meats available. 1609 is pretty perfect for summer alfresco dining. Hot tip: book a table 30 mins before sunset to experience the magic.
RUSTICO
Delicious Italian on a covered patio? Yes please! Rustico is one of those classic Bermuda restaurants with great service and great food to match. The patio is fabulous, especially now that it’s completely covered with a weather-proof tent.
Rustico is famous for its incredible thin crust pizzas, fresh seafood and many other Italian classics. The wine list is extensive and their house made desserts are to die for. Hot tip: It can get a bit warm on the patio during the day, so book a table in the evening.
WAHOO’S BISTRO
If you want amazing, fresh seafood in a truly Bermudian environment, Wahoo’s is the place to go. The majority of the restaurant is open air and there’s a deck with a retractable roof in case the weather isn’t that great.
Some of my faovurite days have been spent enjoying lunch or dinner here. Whatever you do, order the fresh catch of the day, which will be listed on the blackboard. You can’t go wrong with any of the options, but if you see Red Hind or Rockfish Ribs, either one of those for a sublime meal. Hot tip: If you aren’t super hungry, order a single Wahoo Taco with a glass of their incredible Rum Swizzle.
AURORA AT NEWSTEAD
An extensive seafood menu and gorgeous view of Hamilton? That’s exactly what you get when you dine at Aurora. The menu is fantastic and the execution is even better. Plus, the patio is large so whether you come with a large or small group, you’ll have a great view. And because it’s right above the water, the breeze is nice and there are umbrellas to help with the sun. Hot tip: Go for a lazy lunch, order a bottle of rose and enjoy the afternoon!
SEA BREEZE AT THE LIDO COMPLEX
With gorgeous views of the South Shore, Sea Breeze is a must do for this list. Whether you go for a long lunch or on the weekend for live entertainment, this dining spot is exactly what comes to mind when I hear the words alfresco dining.
Sea Breeze is known for its extensive sushi and tapas menu, but there’s also a large pizza menu, bar snacks, impressive cocktail list and wine menu. It’s a great spot for weekend dining or whenever you have a lot of time. Hot tip: Book a table on a Friday night to enjoy some of Bermuda’s best live music.
HUCKLEBERRY AT ROSEDON
If you’re looking for classic alfresco garden vibes, Huckleberry is the place for you. With excellent menus for brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour, you can quite literally dine alfresco here any time of the day.
As Bermuda’s only Relais + Chateau property, you will experience exemplary dining and service to match. The little touches here make a big difference and the urban oasis setting adds to the wonderful experience. Hot tip: Book a table on the covered porch for the best experience.
PINK BEACH CLUB AT THE LOREN
If you want to dine with the sound of the ocean crashing, Pink Beach Club is for you. The restaurant is covered but is open air so you don’t have to worry about the sun beaming in your face and you still get the alfresco experience.
The food here is always good (tacos are a fave) as are the drinks. I highly recommend coming on a day when you aren’t in a rush as Pink Beach Club is definitely a place for a relaxed meal. Hot tip: Ask for a table on the outer edge to truly experience the waves crashing.
SUL VERDE AT ROSEWOOD BERMUDA
As I mentioned above, great Italian food and alfresco dining go hand in hand. And while Sul Verde is Italian food, the experience here is very different from the alfresco experience at Rustico. Sul Verde overlooks Tucker’s Point Golf Course and you get ocean views from the elevated restaurant.
The wraparound porch is large which means you usually get a seat. It’s completely covered and there are ceiling fans to keep you cool. The menu has pizza, pasta, sandwiches, fresh seafood and much more. There’s also a great cocktail and wine list. Hot tip: Order from the pizz menu and get a bottle of rosé. Sit for hours enjoying your fabulous life.
BREEZE’S AT CAMBRIDGE BEACHES
Breeze’s is one of the restaurants that makes you feel like you are on vacation. It’s steps away from the beach and truly has that beach bar vibe. It’s chic but still very casual and like many others on the list, is a great place to sit and laze while eating and drinking.
The menu has sandwiches, salads, burgers, pastas, catch of the day and much more depending on if you come for lunch or dinner. There’s also a large vegetarian offering for those who don’t eat meat. Hot tip: You can arrive by boat, anchor and walk right up.
THE WHARF
If you haven’t caught on by now, my favourite alfresco dining tends to be waterside. The Wharf offers one of the best waterside dining options in Bermuda right next to St. George’s Harbour. There are two main outdoor dining spaces – on the porch attached to the restaurant and then the entire wharf next to the harbour with umbrellas for covering.
The Wharf offers a very large menu with a separate sushi and pizza menu. I typically will order sushi and pizza to share with whoever I’m dining with along with a glass of rosé. The Wharf is great for people watching as the area is bustling when cruise ships are on island. Hot tip: Ask for a table right next to the water and feed the fish your leftovers.
There you have it, my fellow food enthusiasts – the top ten restaurants in Bermuda for alfresco dining. No matter which one you choose, you’re in for a great culinary experience that will leave you craving more. Happy dining!
