Arawak Cay Fish Fry

Fish Fry Nassau is a culinary gathering place – usually a collection of beach shacks and vendors – that serves up delicious, fresh, and authentically Bahamian food. On New Providence, Arawak Cay Bahamas is one of the best places to experience Fish Fry.

Fish Fry Nassau is more than just a place to sample authentic Bahamian food – it’s an experience. From dipping crispy conch fritters in sauce to cracking open a Bahamian lobster, visiting a Bahamian fish fry lets you eat as the locals do. And on New Providence, one of the best places to experience Fish Fry Bahamas is at Arawak Cay. 

Fish Fry Nassau: A Local Experience at Arawak Cay

Arawak Cay: A History

Arawak Cay is an artificial island that came into existence in 1969. Around that time, Nassau was in the process of transitioning into the tourist mecca that it is today. Part of that meant dredging the location of the future Nassau Harbour.

Construction teams built the artificial island of Arawak Cay in 1969.

Instead of just disposing of the sand they dug up, construction teams used it to construct Arawak Cay. Since then, the island has become a hub for locals and visitors alike, serving up traditional Bahamian food and the Fish Fry Nassau experience to millions of people each year. 

Fish Fry Nassau Bahamas: A History 

Arawak Cay’s nickname is Fish Fry. But what is Fish Fry Nassau, and what does it entail?

In most countries, a fish fry is exactly what it sounds like – a fried fish, usually one served with a side of french fries. However, in the Bahamas, Fish Fry is more than that. It’s a culinary gathering place that features beach shacks and vendors cooking up some of the freshest and most authentically Bahamian food.

Arawak Cay offers the ultimate Fish Fry experience.

While you can find Fish Fry Nassau in several locations throughout the country (including in the capital), Arawak Cay offers the biggest and best experience, hence its nickname. From barbeque shacks on the beach to sit-down establishments, you can find all sorts of venues at Fish Fry Nassau Bahamas.

What to See and Do

Despite its small size, Arawak Cay Fish Fry Nassau has a lot to offer, which is why it’s so popular!

The Venues

As you walk through the streets, you’ll come across all sorts of restaurants – some of which are sit-down establishments, and others that are even just shacks serving food. Even at the actual restaurants, the vibes are laid back and chill, allowing you to get a taste of the energy that makes the Bahamas famous. 

The fresh food served at the venues goes great with a cold beer, great company, and spectacular views.

The Food

As you walk around Arawak Cay, you’ll probably want to order up some food. Conch is the national food of the Bahamas, so it’s something worth trying if you haven’t had it before. Reminiscent of squid, restaurants serve it fried, steamed, stewed, and as salads. 

Besides conch, you can find plenty of other delicious options. From the Bahamian lobster (also known as the spiny lobster) to fried fish, baked crab, and more, Arawak Cay is a foodie’s paradise – especially if you’re someone who loves seafood. 

It’s hard to beat the fresh food at Arawak Cay.

The Beach

As you bop around different restaurants and venues, you’ll find yourself by the water. Besides being home to some of the many great barbecue and seafood joints, the beach also offers scenic views of the nearby cruise port. 

The beach at Fish Fry Bahamas is beautiful and worth checking out.

The Memorial

While exploring the area, you’ll also come across an obelisk. In 1861, five Bahamians perished at sea while attempting a rescue mission. The memorial commemorates their bravery.

The obelisk on West Bay Street is another Arawak Cay Fish Fry attraction.

Getting in

Arawak Cay has a convenient location that makes getting there a breeze. If you’re entering Nassau through the cruise port or are in another downtown location, it’ll take you around 25-30 minutes to walk. 

Fish Fry Nassau is just a short walk away from the cruise port.

However, while you can walk, you might find the afternoon sun to be a bit hot. In that case, consider taking a taxi for convenience, or hopping on one of the local buses, if you’re feeling adventurous. If you choose the latter, make sure you have small bills on hand. 

Getting Around

Once you’re on the island, navigating around Fish Fry Bahamas is straightforward. Most of the restaurants and shops are close to one another, ensuring that you shouldn’t end up lost down a side street. 

Our Travel Guide Suggests… 

While you could certainly have an enjoyable meal from any one of the Arawak Cay Fish Fry establishments, many consider Oh Andros to be the best. With huge portions and fresh-out-of-the-water food, it’s a favorite among locals. If you only have time to visit one restaurant on the island, consider making Oh Andros your choice. Another more local Fish Fry is located at Potters Cay, under the bridge to Paradise Island. 

Fish Fry Bahamas: Experience it at Arawak Cay

Fish Fry Nassau Bahamas offers an experience you won’t want to miss out on, and Arawak Cay is one of the top places to partake in it. With authentic Bahamian flavors and the satisfaction of knowing that you’re navigating Nassau like a local, experiencing Fish Fry is a great addition to any Bahamas vacation. 

Once you have a full belly, you’ll find yourself in a great position to continue exploring other Nassau attractions. From lounging around nearby Junkanoo Beach to walking through Graycliff Heritage Village, the top Downtown Nassau attractions are just a short walk or taxi ride away. 

Looking for more can’t-miss Nassau destinations? Spend some time perusing our other travel guides for all the top travel tips. You should also check out our interactive map!