Restaurants

Nassau restaurants open and close often. Even if reservations aren't required, it's a good idea to call first just to verify that a place is still in business and that the hours haven't changed. European and American cuisine are relatively easy to find. Surprisingly, it used to be difficult to find Bahamian cuisine, but in recent years, more restaurants have begun to offer authentic island fare.

Afternoon Tea with the Governor

The British tradition of afternoon tea is still observed on the last Friday of each month, from January to August, at the hilltop mansion of the governor-general in Nassau. You can spend a memorable afternoon here, enjoying musical numbers and sampling some local treats. For an invitation to tea, call the People-to-People Unit of the Ministry of Tourism at tel. 242/323-1853.

The Island's Best Picnic Fare

If you're keen on organizing a picnic and want to gather your provisions, consider heading about 3km (2 miles) west of Cable Beach. Within a shopping complex known as Caves Village, you'll find the Gourmet Market (tel. 242/327-1067; www.gourmetmarketnassau.com), the island's most upscale grocery store. Functioning like a magnet for villa owners within the nearby exclusive gated community of Lyford Cay, it offers fruits, cheeses, fish, wines, and pastries. And yes, they'll make sandwiches and even assemble, with or without strong guidance from you, picnic meals to go. It's open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6:30pm, Sunday from 7am to 1:30pm.