Food Tours in Nassau

The vibrancy of Caribbean flavors is no secret, so it would be an injustice to not plunge headfirst into the culinary delights of Nassau. Eat and drink your way through the capital of the Bahamas and learn about the steadfast culture behind the most delectable dishes on the island.

Here you will still enjoy the pleasures of small family restaurants and specialty shops with the finest hand-crafted delights on offer. Take a Nassau food tour to experience the full spectrum of Bahamian dining.

Here's all you need to know about food tours, one of the most captivating culinary experiences in Nassau.

What are the best food tours in Nassau?

Nassau food & cultural tour

This tour is a 2-in-1 Nassau experience, exploring two intertwined sides of island life. You will learn secrets of Bahamian cooking from the chefs who create the delicious dishes of Nassau’s beloved downtown spots. You will veer away from the tourist track and get to see the real culinary prowess of Nassau’s top cooks.

It's not just cooked meals that make up this tour. Walk through the leafy neighborhood of Nassau, soaking in the stunning colonial architecture and visit a spice merchant to savor locally crafted jams, salts and teas. You will also indulge in the finest hand-crafted truffles from an organic chocolatier.

On the menu, you will find mouth-watering soul food from a family-owned joint, inspiring Bahamian/Greek fusion food and a naughty hand-crafted rum drink. Along the way, your local guide will share captivating stories of the island’s history and culture, while also sharing valuable recommendations for the rest of your stay in Nassau.

Rum and walking tour

Meet your guide in the charming downtown area of Nassau and set off in search of the best rum and rum-inspired treats on the island. The first stop is Smuggler’s Beer Garden, where you will be transported back 300 years to a time when pirates ruled the seas and rum made its iconic arrival in the Caribbean.

Three more tantalizing local bars are on offer where you will enjoy local delicacies like lobster fritters, conch, rum-infused white chocolate, and most importantly, more rum cocktails.

Your guide will show you some fascinating spots where the island’s swashbuckling past comes to life. John Watling’s Distillery is another location where rum and pirates shaped the foundations. Finish your rum tasting tour of Nassau with a pleasant walk on Buena Vista Estate, where you will learn about the 17th-century history of the area.

Nassau food tour in a van

Take a food tour in Nassau that strikes a balance between grandma’s best recipes and artful plates from the top chefs in the Bahamas. Join your tour in downtown Nassau and set off toward the world-famous Shoal Restaurant for your first taste of paradise. On the way, you will also pass some Nassau landmarks like the House of Parliament and Rawson Square.

The next stops of the day are at The Daq Shack, a local favorite, and Drifters Restaurant. Here you will tuck into a Caribbean classic, conch. Take a quick break from all the delectable food and visit a family-run tea maker, Tasty Teas, for a sampling of their finest brews. End the day on a sweet note at Graycliff Chocolatier’s 5-star location, to indulge in the finest chocolates in Nassau.

Which places are visited?

A walking food tour of Nassau is a great way to see the charming downtown while eating all the best food on the island. You will walk past iconic locations like Rawson Square and enter the grounds of the Government Mansion, where you can enjoy the magnificent harbor views from the top. Another special treat is a visit to Graycliff Heritage Village, a colorful corridor in the heart of the city.

A rum tour of Nassau takes you to a couple of pubs and bars where rum is the star attraction. You will also pop into John Watling’s Distillery and admire the stunning Buena Vista Estate.

If you take a Nassau food tour by van, you will cover lots of ground and enjoy some sights on the outskirts of town too. You will pass notable landmarks like Nassau Public Library and Museum, Government House and Fort Charlotte on route to the fantastic eating spots.

How much do food tours in Nassau cost?

Comprehensive walking and food tours in Nassau cost US$85 per person, while rum and food tours are US$90 per person. Taking a Nassau food tour in a van costs around US$155 per person.

What is included?

All food tours in Nassau include five or six stops where you will enjoy a food sampling or a drink. Walking tours and rum tours do not include transportation, but food tours in a van include transportation in a comfortable minibus. Each tour is also led by a professional local guide that will keep you informed all the way.

Where does it start?

The walking tours in Nassau start from Rawson Square, a convenient central location. Rum tours start from John Watling’s Distillery, where you will also finish the tour. Bus tours offer hotel pick-up from select hotels in Nassau.

How long does it last?

Nassau food tours all last between 3 and 3.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to savor the delicious dishes along the way.

When is the best time for a food tour in Nassau?

Try to book a food tour in Nassau at the beginning of your stay. This way, you will learn about the best food on the island when you arrive, leaving lots of time to explore other culinary options the rest of the time.

Is it safe?

Food tours in Nassau are safe, however if you suffer from allergies (especially dairy, seafood or nuts), you may wish to avoid them. For further information, consult the tour provider before booking.

Are children allowed?

Children are generally allowed on food tours in Nassau, provided they are accompanied by an adult. Food tours that combine alcohol, however, may not be suitable for children.

Travel tips

• Don’t fill up before your tour. You will enjoy lots of food on the tour and you will want some room to enjoy it.
• Notify your tour operator if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions they should be aware of.
• These tours are limited to a small number of people, so booking in advance is essential.
• Wear comfortable shoes on the walking tour.