Nestled in the heart of the Exuma Cays, just a quick 30-minute flight from Nassau, Staniel Cay will quickly win you over with its beautiful scenery and island charm.
From kayaking in the turquoise blue waters to exploring the sandbars and watching the native marine life, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend your day in Staniel Cay. One thing is for sure: it’s easy to work up an appetite while taking in all that this small island has to offer.
While the dining scene is small and intimate (you’ll probably bump into the same locals a few times over!), you’ll find no shortage of amazing eats on the island and in the surrounding Cays when you stay at our spacious Lazy Bay Villas.
If you’re renting a boat, you can easily access many restaurants within a short boat ride from the docks of Staniel Cay. Many of the local tours also stop by the other cays, allowing you plenty of dining options to fill your belly with Bahamian and continental cuisine here on the island.
To help you narrow down the best places to grab a taste of the Caribbean, we’ve created this quick guide to dining on Staniel Cay and the surrounding islands.
1. Staniel Cay Yacht Club
Photo Credit: AllMyRoots
- Address: Main Street, Staniel Cay
- Price point: $$
The sprawling Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers three different dining options, from fine dining to casual fare like sandwiches. In addition to the options below, you’ll also find a full bar on the grounds, perfect for enjoying an after-dinner cocktail in the welcoming atmosphere while soaking up the view.
Sea Level in Staniel Cay Yacht Club
Favorite item: Bahamian Cracked Conch
At Sea Level, you’ll enjoy your meal while taking in sweeping views of the Exuma Blues below you. Dinner reservations are required, and only two dinner seating times are available in this picturesque dining room.
Captain’s Lounge in Staniel Cay Yacht Club
Favorite item: Conch Po’Boy
The Captain’s Lounge, open since 1956, is the original dining room for the SCYC. This airy space has a laid-back island vibe perfect for enjoying breakfast, a casual lunch, or dinner. Reservations are not required.
The Deck in Staniel Cay Yacht Club
Favorite item: Tuna and Grits Bahamian Style
The most casual of the SCYC’s dining options is The Deck. This outdoor dining area overlooks the Staniel Cay marina. It is the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast, lunch, small plates, or sunset cocktails while watching the native marine life in the waters below.
2. Flyin’ Pig Cafe
- Address: B&G Highway, Airport Rd, Staniel Cay
- Price point: $
- Favorite menu item: Shrimp ceviche
Flyin’ Pig Cafe is the most recent restaurant addition to Staniel Cay. It offers breakfast, lunch, and light bites with a laid-back island atmosphere. Open daily from 8 am to 3 pm, you’ll find plenty of fresh, delicious food to fuel your day of island adventuring.
This casual eatery boasts the island’s only coffee shop. It is a great place to enjoy freshly roasted coffee while chatting with the locals and learning more about the island.
You will also find a full bar available here, complete with specialty tropical cocktails, which are the perfect complement to the breezy Bahamian vibe.
3. Big Dog’s
- Address: Main Village Road, Staniel Cay
- Price Point: $$
- Favorite Menu Item: Cracked conch with peas and rice
Big Dog’s is a true local hangout where visitors get a taste of everyday Bahamian life. This laid-back bar and grill serves up hearty, home-style dishes in generous portions, from fried snapper to classic island sides like peas and rice.
The vibe is casual and friendly, with locals often stopping by for a drink or to catch up. Tourists love it for its authenticity. Pull up a chair, order a cold Kalik, and enjoy a deliciously unfussy island meal.
4. Bottom Line
- Address: 5H94+GH6 Staniel Cay, Bahamas
- Price Point: $
Bottom Line is a small unassuming house that many mistake for a private home. Instead, it’s one of the island’s most beloved restaurants.
The menu changes often, sometimes even daily, so you’re guaranteed to be served what’s fresh. The menu isn’t the only likely change – Bottom Line also beats to own rhythm in terms of opening hours. Our best recommendation? Swing by lunch or dinner time and see!
Indoor and outdoor seating is available, with the patio hosting a fantastic water view. Credit cards are sometimes accepted but it’s better to come with cash, just in case.
Restaurants on Other Islands Nearby
Photo Credit: goodluz
Lorraine’s Cafe
- Address: Great Guana Cay, Black Point
- Price point: $$
- Favorite menu item: Cracked lobster burger
Just south of Bitter Iguana Cay, nestled on the picturesque coastline of Great Guana Cay, you’ll find Lorraine’s Cafe. Lorraine’s is a charming coastal cafe offering decadent Bahamian cuisine.
Its quaint seaside setting provides panoramic views of the surrounding turquoise waters. It’s the perfect backdrop for indulging in a delicious meal.
The menu at Lorraine’s boasts a variety of Bahamian-inspired dishes that showcase the very best of the local cuisine. This coastal eatery also offers signature cocktails, many infused with tropical fruit flavors, providing a perfect island pairing for a relaxing meal by the ocean.
Emerald Sunset View Restaurant & Bar
- Address: Great Guana Cay, Black Point
- Price point: $$
- Favorite menu item: Fried grouper fingers
Also tucked along the coastline of Great Guana Cay, you’ll find Emerald Sunset View. This small seaside spot offers great views of the bay. From their outdoor deck, you can watch locals fly-fish from the dock and feed the nurse sharks and stingrays who frequent the area.
The menu here is packed full of delicious Bahamian fare inspired by the flavors of the island. They offer freshly caught seafood served with your choice of tasty side, including traditional Bahamian peas and rice.
If your taste buds are craving something tried and true, you’ll also find traditional American food items on the menu, like cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets. No matter what you’re craving, Bahamian and continental cuisine is covered, and you’re sure to find something on these lunch and dinner spreads to satisfy your stomach.
Black Point Yacht Club
- Address: Stella Drive, Black Point
- Price point: $$
- Favorite menu item: Seafood platter
Black Point Yacht Club houses a small restaurant with a dock where visitors can park their boats and eat while enjoying the ocean views from the breezy outdoor dining areas.
In addition to seeing the local sea life glide around in the waters below, don’t be surprised if a friendly feline stops by for a visit. This area is known for being home to lots of cats.
The menu here is small but mighty, offering everything from crisp salads to fresh-caught seafood battered and fried to perfection. If you’re looking for Mexican fare, you can also grab some hearty tacos or quesadillas served with your choice of fish, shrimp, chicken, or beef.
Hill House Restaurant
- Address: Fowl Cay
- Price point: $$$
- Favorite menu item: Caribbean Snapper Filet
Just north of Staniel Cay and Pig Beach, home to the infamous swimming pigs, you’ll find Hill House Restaurant. Hill House is an upscale restaurant housed in the center of Fowl Cay Resort. This charming eatery serves extravagant four-course dinners infused with Bahamian flair.
From decadent starters like ahi tuna tartar to delicious main entrees of braised beef short ribs, each dish is carefully curated to be a treat for your taste buds. The offerings here change daily, but rest assured, every day brings new and delicious fare.
Set atop one of the highest points in Fowl Cay, Hill House is flanked by sweeping views of the surrounding Exumas and beautiful turquoise blue waters. Lunch is available to guests of the villas only, but all visitors are welcome for dinner. Reservations are required.
Where to Find Provisions on the Island
Sometimes, you just feel like cooking rather than hitting the Staniel Cay restaurants. Whether it’s the fresh catch from the day’s fishing excursion or your own favorite comfort food recipe, it’s easy to cook in your Staniel Cay rental.
All of our properties are equipped with a fully stocked chef’s kitchen, making it easy to whip up a delicious meal in the comfort of your vacation rental. You’ll find a few spots around the cay where you can grab groceries, including:
Or, if you don’t want to cook but feel like dining from the comfort of your island bungalow, you can also order your own private chef. Just speak with your Staniel Rental travel guide when booking, and we can arrange to add a private chef or catering experience to your rental package.
Sample the Flavors and Stay With Us in Staniel Cay
Staniel Cay has excellent dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even without reservations, guests can enjoy delicious desserts, drinks, and incredible entrees.
If you weren’t hungry before, chances are you’re starving now! Satisfy that hunger by booking your next island getaway with us today. Our luxurious beachfront properties are ready to welcome you to paradise in the Bahamas.