Below is just a sample of some of the island’s tastiest eateries, many with links directly to their website. Please note that this page will be updated periodically, and is based most recently on a February 2010 visit.

Restaurants / Cafés

Sip Sip: Popular oceanfront lunch spot with divine eats. Sip Sip means gossip, and it’s a great spot to see and be seen. The rich lobster quesedillas are fab, as are most items on the fresh catch blackboard. Open 11.30-4.00pm daily, closed Tuesdays. Closed September through mid-November.

The Landing - Just a stone’s throw from Government Dock, the food receives rave reviews from major publications: “Dazzling food”, “worth repeat visits”. I’m addicted to their spicy crab capellini, and their Sunday brunch is memorable (try the ricotta banana pancakes). Personally, I love the old world comfort and elegance of their cozy, living room-like bar (not to mention the friendly and interesting people you meet there). Plantation style decor by notable local, India Hicks.

Valentine’s Marina - This is a relatively new development on the bay, with a large, open-sided bar and separate, less casual restaurant. Outrageous, chunky Bahamian chowder is a home run. Definitely check out the Afro Band for some reggae on Sunday nights.

Harbour Lounge - Somewhat more casual dining, looking across the bay. While I was there they had “Oldies Music” nights on Wednesdays, which did include some spontaneous dancing.

Acquapazza - Italian / Mediterranean fused with Bahamian cuisine. Try the grouper poached in herbs and tomato broth. This is one of the few restaurants that has a wide selection of meat plates, as seafood is the predominant offering. Outdoor terrace overlooks the bay at Harbour Island Marina.

Rock House - The Rock House has carved out a well-deserved reputation that puts it on a par with some of the top boutique hotels of the world. The restaurant receives consistent raves, and attracts bold-faced names and gourmands alike. Its South Beach-styled décor, both inside and out, has a Bahamian twist that makes it uniquely a product of Harbour Island. And the hands-on owners, add a personal flair and warmth that keep ‘em coming back. TIP: The specials menu is always a home run. The Thai style stone crab & lobster rolls with mascarpone cheese, chopped herbs & sweet chili dipping sauce is outrageous!

The bar at The Landing

Nightlife

On the one hand, you don’t come to Harbour Island for the nightlife. In fact, to a large extent, because there is usually a limited number of people on island (Christmas and New Year’s are the exception), one place needs to close before everyone carts off to the next destination. But on the other hand, I found myself dancing until 4am, and there were plenty of people planning their next stop on the evening’s party trail.

Gusty’s is fairly nondescript but for its sand floor (which is really fun for dancing), deck, and pool room. A DJ serves up just the right mix to get almost everyone twisting in the sand. And Everyone is there. You’ll see many of the people who waved to you on your golf cart that day, and odds are good you’ll make some new friends. On weekends Gusty’s only really gets going after 10.00pm and is quieter on weeknights.

When Gusty’s closes, around one-ish, the crowd moves on to Daddy D’s, which more resembles a disco (minus the ‘70s glitz), with people either standing around the bar and dance floor, or more conversationally, gathering around tables out on the 2nd floor terrace. The amiable Devon “Daddy D” Sawyer DJs.

Shopping

Bamboo Bamboo - Sophisticated, island-style,  decor.

Dilly Dally - Straw hats and bags, and tees.

Renting a house, you’ll sometimes prefer to eat in. Keep in mind that most foodstuffs are not local. As a result, there is a strategy for buying produce and other hard to come by items. The Pigly Wigly is the main market on island, so ask them what day they receive deliveries, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, ask. Sometimes they just haven’t had time to put things on the shelves. Select Island Rentals can recommend cooks if you’d like to have a great meals prepared for your and your guests.

The Dunmore Deli on King St. has really great sandwiches (who knew that rare roast beef and goat cheese were a fantastic combination?). In addition, they have a selection of foodstuffs you might not find elsewhere. I noticed a number of types of cheese, bags of fresh herbs, fruit, etc. So that’s another spot to check if you can’t find what you need at the Pigly Wigly.

Captain Bob’s Meats & Seafood on Bay St is a great source for fresh fare. If you get to Fisherman’s Dock before 11am, you can also see what they’ve taken from the sea that morning. Can’t get fresher than that.

If you have the kids with you but are looking for a night out, Select Island Rentals has a few names of babysitters who have come highly recommended.