Award of Excellence: Flanagan’s Irish Pub
For 23 years now, Flanagan’s has been a Front Street staple providing fun nights out, delicious meals, a friendly spot to enjoy a quiet pint or a noisy and atmospheric place to watch the game. From breakfast until closing time, their “Friendliest wait staff in Bermuda” will treat you like family. “The views from the patio section are unbeatable,” “Best bar in Bermuda, especially if you want great stories and that hometown welcome,” “Good beer and great nachos,” “The freshly baked fish potpie made with local fish was a great lunch,” and the rave reviews just keep coming in. Luck of the Irish? I don’t think so. It wins because the 13 people who own Harbourside Holdings Ltd are all involved in making Flanagan’s the best. The majority are full-time employees and on St. Patrick’s Day it was all hands on deck! Every single owner was working that night.
Cup of Java: Brew
The latest addition to Front Street, Brew opened in November 2018 and has proved an instant hit with coffee aficionados across the island. Not only are its gourmet coffees the best in town, but the décor is unique and creates an atmosphere that sets this “new kid on the block” apart from its contemporaries. It is perfect for a quick cuppa with a colleague, an informal business meeting or a relaxing pick-me-up with friends. Whether you want a “Curlywurly Frappé,” a “nitrogen injected cold brew” or just a plain black Americano, the staff are friendly and fun! 53 Front Street, Hamilton, 542 2739
Breakfast: Bouchée—Bistro Français
It’s official! The people have voted and once again, there is nowhere better for breakfast in Bermuda than Bouchée. Particularly popular on Saturday and Sunday mornings, their walls are heaving with Best of Bermuda awards and diners rave about their “best blueberry pancakes ever” and “great French toast and sausage.” 75 Pitt’s Bay Road, Hamilton, 295 5759
Honourable Mention: The Cottage Café & Bistro
Favourite Pub: Flanagan’s Outback Sports Bar
“Who doesn’t like Flanagan’s?” asked the judges of the overwhelming winner, yet again, of Bermuda’s best pub. This two-sided favourite—main bar on one side and Outback Sports Bar on the other—has everything you need for a fun night out with friends or just a quick pint. The pub’s regulars rave about the good selection of beers and cocktails that pack a punch. Emporium Building, 69 Front Street, Hamilton, 295 8299
Place for a Power Lunch: Bolero
This “quintessential neighbourhood bistro” offers an all-round high quality experience. “I had the best steak in my whole life at Bolero,” says one judge. If you want to attract the business crowd, they need to be able to have a serious conversation in private as well as enjoy a delicious meal and Bolero caters for these expectations. The judges said the restaurant’s set business lunch menu was “really good value” and regularly changed to keep it “current and fresh.” The proof of their success is that “you see a lot of suits in there.” “A lot of deals were getting made in there. Good wine list too!” 95 Front Street, Hamilton, 292 4507
Hamburger: Byrdie’s Cafe
There are a lot of good places to get a burger in Bermuda so this was a tough category, but the judges agreed that while they enjoy a gourmet hamburger from time to time, more often than not they “just want an old school meal” and Byrdie’s on Parson’s Road hits that spot. Owned and run by brother and sister team Neilson and Ann Marie DeGraff, Byrdie’s burgers are not only delicious but excellent value for money. Their popular bacon and cheese burgers will only set you back $6.75. 12 Parsons Road, Pembroke, 292 6130
Great Sandwich: Hickory Stick
Hamilton’s breakfast and lunchtime staple for busy people on the go, The Hickory Stick “make them this big” say the judges stretching their arms as wide as possible. “Nowhere else can you get that pile of meat!” During mealtime rush hours, it is heaving, but they remember their regulars and already know their orders so you are rarely waiting for long. The options are endless and combinations mouthwatering at this regular Best of Bermuda winner. Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, 292 1781
Food Truck: Jor-Jay’s Takeout
It may be on wheels, but Jor-Jay’s red and white truck feels like a permanent fixture as you enter and leave the City of Hamilton. “It’s great on the way home on a Friday night or early Saturday morning,” said the judges. Whether you fancy a fish sandwich, burger, chicken tenders or just a bunch of fries, it’s hot, tasty and available from morning until the very end of party time. Front Street Parking Lot No. 40 (opposite The Supermart), 296 3114
Lunch on the Go: Miles
When you’re hungry and in a rush you want good food now and, according to our judges, “Miles Market is the best place to go whether you are in a truck, a car or on foot.” Not only is there a fantastic selection of delicious food to suit every craving and dietary requirement, but there’s free parking too, and plenty of it. The judges also praise Miles for its excellent value, especially its sandwiches, soups and fruit. Whether you want wraps, rolls, detox salads, smoothies, mouthwatering sweet treats or a tasty hot meal, “Miles-To-Go” is the best place for lunch on the move. 96 Pitt’s Bay Road, Pembroke, 295 1234 Ext. 256
Diner: Speciality Inn
I’ve no idea where the family-owned and managed Specialty Inn will manage to fit this latest in a long line of Best of Bermuda awards. Their walls are heaving with them! “The food is really good,” say our judges, and they praise the Bermudian staff, in particular Jackie who is “a legend.” Recently renovated and now with a larger sushi bar, the judges say they are “constantly doing things to improve and stay current.” They make their own pizza dough, pastries and burgers from scratch and the menu is amazingly varied. It doesn’t matter whether you order sushi, pancakes, a salad, a sandwich or nearly every kind of seafood option you can imagine, it’s tasty and served with a smile. Collector’s Hill, 4 South Shore Road, Smith’s, 236 3133
Salad: Devil’s Isle
Devil’s Isle has set a new standard for salads on the island. They are “miles ahead of everybody,” say the judges, who singled out the wahoo bowl as being “really good.” Everything looks and tastes fresh and whether you go for a classic “Kale Caesar” or a “Grilled Shrimp Salad” or one of their more exotic bowls, you can satisfy your appetite virtually guilt-free. 19 Burnaby Street, Hamilton, 292 3284
Honourable Mention: Salty Lime
Salad Bar: Café 4
When it comes to a “grab and go” salad that will taste delicious and fill you up, “Café 4 have done an amazing job,” say the judges. “The quality is higher, they have great variety, it’s quick and it’s efficient.” They were also full of praise for Greg Heng, whom they describe as “the happiest man ever!” Windsor Place, 18 Queen Street, Hamilton, 295 8444
Sushi: Beluga Bar
Many of Bermuda’s restaurants excel at sushi, but Beluga Bar has managed to outstrip them all, once again, to be crowned the Best of Bermuda in this category. Executive chef Sammy Wong is known as “the King of Sushi in Bermuda,” says one judge. “He’s very creative—the Japanese pizza is amazing.” It’s not just Bermudians who love Sammy’s sushi. TripAdvisor is overflowing with rave reviews. It “outrates” Nobu and ROKA in London, according to one. Washington Mall Phase III, 18 Church Street, Hamilton, 542 2859
Pizza: J&B’s Wood Fired Pizza
J&B’s has transformed the pizza scene in Bermuda. Making its debut during the America’s Cup in June 2017, the company was founded by former Sandys Middle School principal, Dr. Timothy Jackson. J&B’s offers sugar-free bases and ingredients cooked in a mobile pizza oven. Their menu ranges from “build your own” simple classics to “Onion Patch” with mozzarella, marinara sauce and caramelised onions and “Works” which includes sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, red onions, pineapples and basil. On different days of the week they can be found at Kindley Field in St. David’s, Lodge Somers Isle in Sandys or The Berkeley Institute. Courtesy of the Sargasso Sea app they also deliver to Pembroke, Paget, Devonshire, Warwick and Smith’s. www.jbwoodfiredpizza.com
Place for Veggie Lovers: Village Pantry
When one of the judges joined their “extremely particular” vegan friend at a birthday party at Village Pantry the verdict was “he thoroughly enjoyed it and left with his belly full.” Being out of town, Village Pantry has a different vibe to Devil’s Isle and the judges said they “love it down there.” It has taken its vegetarian and vegan menu to a whole new level with delights such as “The Buddha Bowl” and “Vegan Tostada.” 8 North Shore Road, Flatts Village, 478 2300
Ethnic Cuisine: Ruby Murry’s
Our judges just can’t get enough of Indian restaurant Ruby Murry’s. “It’s phenomenal,” one says. “I go there once a week. For lunch they do the buffet—if you do takeout it’s a great bang for your buck. The container is big enough for lunch and dinner, but you better not take it back to your office, though… it’s not fair on everyone else!” Chancery Lane, Hamilton, 295 5058
Fine Dining: Ascots
A regular Best of Bermuda winner, Ascots has not let its excellent reputation go to its head and still pulls out all the stops for anyone wanting to make their meal out an extra special occasion. Visitors and locals alike love it for its “old Bermuda charm,” “cold banana soup,” “perfectly prepared lamb chops,” and being made to feel like “treasured long-lost friends from the time we entered the lovely bar for a drink before dinner.” 24 Rosemont Avenue, Hamilton, 295 9644
Ambiance: Waterlot Inn
For the best character and atmosphere on the island what can beat a dock, a band, a beautiful sunset and a “true Bermudian cottage feel?” The Waterlot Inn, say the judges, is also “very romantic.” Whether you are in a large group or just a couple you can enjoy the ambiance of the whole place without imposing on each other. And of course, we can’t write about this historic eatery without saying incredible steaks and sides. Middle Road, Southampton, 238 8000
Hotel Restaurant: Huckleberry
Huckleberry was a very popular choice among our judges who noted, among other attributes, “it has my favourite salad right now and they have the best staff.” Found in the main house and grand porch of the Rosedon Hotel, Huckleberry is a tribute to Mark Twain and “draws inspiration from the author’s Southern roots.” Diners say they love to sit outside on a sunny day and are very complimentary about the food presentation as well as the flavour. Rosedon Hotel, 61 Pitt’s Bay Road, Pembroke, 478 2256
Sunday Brunch: Marcus’
This tasty and visually stunning restaurant was a hands-down winner for the best Sunday Brunch category. “Marcus’ is so much more diverse; it’s more out of the box. Fish and beef tacos for brunch—how can you not eat that?” says one judge. “They’re creative. It was presented so beautifully,” they continue. “Often with brunch buffets they look so unappealing after a few people have gone through, but Marcus’ is different. It constantly looks fresh, well dressed and they’ve just added a dim sum cart.” Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, 76 Pitt’s Bay Road, Pembroke, 295 3000
Kid-friendly Restaurant: Village Pantry
Two wins for the Village Pantry! Not only is the food healthy and delicious but you can take your children there as well and actually relax and enjoy your meal and they enjoy the outdoor play area or sit quietly (sometimes!) and colour in their menus. “It’s a family experience,” says one judge. “They have a ‘make your own pizza’ for kids. They bring the sauce out and the kids can decorate it. I have kids who have severe allergies and Village Pantry is the only place I will take them.” 8 North Shore Road, Flatts Village, 478 2300
Honourable Mention: FryDay’s
Private Dining Room: Harry’s
Another regular winner, Harry’s has once again been voted the best private dining room in Bermuda. Brilliantly located in the Waterfront, it’s private dining room is just that, completely private, hiding in the middle of the restaurant and surrounded by their wine cellar. Perfect for business deals or a group of friends who want something more elegant and ambient than a noisy restaurant. 96 Pitt’s Bay Road, Pembroke, 295 6694
Out of Town Eatery: Tempest Bistro
Still the most popular out of town eatery, “Tempest is the bomb,” says a judge. “Some of the best food I’ve had in Bermuda and a great ambiance.” Tempest is run by the same team behind Mad Hatter’s in Hamilton and the judges love that Mark and his staff are “nice, down to earth, know their menu and know their wine.” Diners rave about the food, the views and the service. 22 Water Street, St. George’s, 297 0861
Al Fresco Dining: Breezes
No stranger to a Best of Bermuda award, Breezes at Cambridge Beaches wins for best al fresco dining spot. “You have the best sunset, sitting on the beach,” says one judge. It’s not just the view that is exceptional, say diners. “Staff are very attentive and always on the lookout to ensure you have everything,” says one. The cocktails are also highly recommended and the relaxed ambiance makes for an even more enjoyable experience. Cambridge Beaches Resort, 30 Kings Point Road, Somerset Village, 234 0331
Tasty Takeout (dinner): Wok Express
Now available in three locations—Southampton, Hamilton and Warwick—Wok Express wins this award for their “quality and selection.” “The one in Southampton is jam packed all the time and they do sushi too,” says one judge. “Being able to open up in multiple locations is hard,” says another. “They do burgers, chicken sandwiches and great salads. I’ve had a good Caesar salad from there.” 180 Middle Road, Southampton, 238 8888; Next to Warwick Lindo’s, 234 4444; 60 North Street, Hamilton, 293 9999
Cake Maker: Sugar Rush
“I can absolutely vouch for her, it was resounding,” says a judge about Georgina Ball-Roach, owner of Sugar Rush Cakes and baker extraordinaire, especially if you want a “bouji cake.” She specialises in themed cakes and cupcakes and they are all homemade. There is very little she can’t reproduce in sponge and icing—trucks, animals, dolls, footballs, fish, Disney characters, florals, you name it…. She also does exquisite-looking wedding cakes. 2 Lusher Hill East, Warwick
Seafood Restaurant: Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio
There are seafood restaurants and then there is Wahoo’s. “Truly a magical place,” says one Facebook review. “I just had a fresh Bermudian lobster at Wahoo’s. This is one of the most memorable meals that I have ever had,” says another. Not only are the seafood offerings varied and delicious, but the ambiance is fun and relaxing and sitting on their outdoor patio makes you feel like you are on holiday. It is also a great place to take the whole family and nothing is too much trouble for the friendly wait staff. 36 Water Street, St. George’s, 297 1307
Local Fisherman: Delvin Bean
Fishing runs in Delvin Bean’s family and it shows. In January 2019 he reeled in a colossal 770-pound Atlantic bluefin tuna, which he caught at Challenger Bank. He and his brother, Allan, own a 54-foot sport fishing catamaran called Paradise One, from which they offer deep sea, reef, marlin or tournament fishing charters. They will also take guests whale and dolphin watching or for the more relaxing experience, a private cruise. “Fishing on Paradise One is an adventure,” says one happy customer. “Delvin’s sense of humour kept us laughing all the entire trip,” says another. 734 9409
Local Fish: M Soares & Sons
“They make rockfish sausage!” exclaimed one of the judges. “If that’s not commitment to fish, I don’t know what is.” So there we have it. No bait needed. M Soares & Sons in Spanish Point has us hook, line and sinker. A family-owned and managed business, they have been a stalwart of their local community for over 100 years, but have very much kept up with the times. Their Instagram account @soaresgrocery is laden with pictures of their fresh catch of the day. 26 Spanish Point Road, Pembroke, 292 1426
Local Produce: Manuel DeSilva Farming
There was no argument among the judges about this one. “DeSilva’s farming has been passed down from father to son,” they say. “They work so hard. They are the nicest guys I’ve ever met. They are always sold out. They have a great selection. They are so helpful. They care so much about providing local produce to Bermuda. They grow a bigger range of food than anyone else.” In addition to supplying the major grocery stores, DeSilva always has a stall at the Farmers’ Market in the Botanical Gardens. 735 0577
Butcher: Bermy Butcher
“This is the butcher who actually cares,” say the judges. “Butchering is his life.” Phillip Lawrence, aka Bermy Butcher, is a co-owner of M Soares & Sons and their meat is as good as their award-winning fish. His Instagram account @bermy_butcher is littered with pictures of his freshly made chorizo, rockfish sausages, ribeye roast and his “butcher burger” stuffed with jalapeño onion cheese wrapped in bacon. 26 Spanish Point Road, Pembroke, 292 1426
Chef: Antonio “Toto” Belvedere
Executive chef and owner of Peppinos Catering, Antonio G. Belvedere, otherwise known as Chef Toto, is a private chef who will do both large and small events, help you with meal preparation or be your own personal chef for that intimate dinner party that you just don’t want to have to cook yourself. His repertoire is varied and delicious and the presentation is spectacular whether you want vegetarian, a meat feast or a seafood extravaganza. 536 1806
Bartender: Yannis Heracleous at Yours Truly
For the last two years, Yours Truly bar manager, Yannis Heracleous, has taken Bermuda’s cocktail scene by storm. “He’s creative,” agree the judges. “At Yours Truly you can get the gamut—glass of wine, gin and tonic or something that has smoke coming out of it,” they laughed. Yannis is a mixologist. He will ask you what you are feeling and make you something you didn’t know you wanted, but really did want, and it’ll really hit the spot. 2 Chancery Lane, Hamilton, 295 0429
Honourable Mention: Daemon Hanley, Warwick Workman’s Club
Friendliest Wait Staff: Flanagan’s Irish Pub
At Flanagan’s you can be guaranteed fantastic service with a smile and it is something they take very seriously. They have their National Service Standard from the Bermuda Tourism Authority and it has paid off. “The service was excellent,” exclaims one happy TripAdvisor reviewer. “Friendly service all round, waitress gave good advice on dishes,” says another. Emporium Building, 69 Front Street, Hamilton, 295 8299
Creative Cocktails: Yours Truly
Not only does Yours Truly have the best barman, but say the judges, they have, “hands down,” the most creative cocktails. They love the ambiance—it just makes you want to drink something different and delicious and if you don’t know what mix you like, let the bar man decide. Queens Park Swizzle anyone? 2 Chancery Lane, Hamilton, 295 0429
Place for a Glass of Wine: Port O’ Call
“After work you want to see friends and have a glass of wine, and everyone else is there,” says one judge of Port O’ Call. The vibe and the wine just shout that it’s time for some relaxation. The reds are delicious and the whites and rosés are chilled to perfection and if you aren’t sure what goes best with your meal, just ask their expert wait staff. 87 Front Street, Hamilton, 295 5373. Cushi Ming abstained from this category
Honourable Mention: Wine Down Wednesday
Place to Watch Televised Sports: Flanagan’s Outback Sports Bar
Outback at Flanagan’s is the hands-down winner for the best place to watch televised sports in Bermuda. They show everything. No one else came close. “Great staff, great set up,” said the judges. You can see a screen wherever you are sitting and the sporting décor just sets the mood for those big match occasions. Emporium Building, 69 Front Street, Hamilton, 295 8299
After Work Hot Spot—Out Of Town: Inferno Lounge & Sports Bar
Established by a group of friends, four of whom are also firemen, the appropriately named Inferno is hot by name and hot by nature. You can sit back and relax in the main bar or enjoy the stunning North Shore views from their outdoor terrace, the cocktails are delicious, the vibe is awesome and they have a happy hour and complimentary finger food every Friday. 81 North Shore Road, Devonshire, 295 7474
After Work Hot Spot—In Town: Port O’ Call
A stalwart of Hamilton’s after work scene Port O’ Call is busy every night of the week. It is an easy place to catch up with friends and relax after a hard day in the office, especially if you get one of the outside tables on a sunny evening. It’s an easy walk from almost anywhere and food abounds if you want to make a night of it. 87 Front Street, Hamilton, 295 5373
Wine/Liquor Sales: Discovery Wines
The judges rave about Discovery Wines. “The whole store has been made into a shopping experience,” they praise. “It’s phenomenal. You feel like you’re travelling through the different regions. Their gin selection is ridiculous. The sales people are amazing. They deliver. They have a wine and gin club. It’s built for the customer experience.” 5 Bakery Lane, Pembroke, 296 9463 & 1 Reid Street, Hamilton, 232 0090
Honourable Mention: BDA Spirits
Pickup Bar: The Dog House
“Take off your leash and let the good times roll!” is The Dog House mantra and apparently its customers really do. This is the second best pickup bar win for The Dog House, which opened in its prime Front Street location less than two years ago. “By the time you get there people have no fear about approaching you,” says one judge. “Dog House becomes the place irrespective of sexual preference,” agrees another. 93 Front Street, Hamilton, 232 3644
Musician/musical group: The Wall Street Band
This was a tough category, but the judges agreed that The Wall Street Band are “super quality and big entertainers.” No stranger to the Best of Bermuda awards, this 12-man (and woman) band, formed by Robert Edwards in September 2008, receives exceptional reviews every time they play. They were the only band for the very successful Made in Bermuda Nights. Their repertoire is versatile and they are “some of the most gifted, talented musicians in Bermuda today,” reports one happy reveler.
Homegrown: BermyFresh
BermyFresh has taken the locally grown, freshly made market by storm since launching in 2015. Regular Best of Bermuda winners, they are going from strength to strength. “Amazing hummus, it’s next level,” say the judges. “He can barely keep up with demand, it’s awesome. They deliver farm boxes in town. Sell at the Farmers’ Market and grocery stores.” Herbs, greens, different flavour hummus, pesto—all fresh, pesticide free and delicious. 15 Wellbottom, Southampton, 236 3400
Codfish Breakfast: Inferno Lounge & Sports Bar
Not only is Inferno one of the best spots for an after work drink, but they do the best codfish breakfasts on “mimosa Sundays” as well! Cooked by Dionne Bell, the judges love that they do it to take out as well as eat in for people who “want to take it back home and smash it!” Doors open at 9 a.m. and if you want to eat in, you can enjoy it with a refreshing mimosa. 81 North Shore Road, Devonshire, 295 7474
Fish Chowder: St David’s Seafood & Grill
“Best fish chowder I’ve ever had in my entire life,” raved one of the judges. “They’re getting it the freshest and they know how to cook it because they’re St. David’s Islanders.” If you’re from the west, is it worth the journey all the way out east? A resounding yes from both locals and visitors who have reviewed the fish chowder at St David’s Seafood & Grill. Lower Level, St. David’s Cricket Club, 297 1478
Fish Sandwich: Mama Angie’s Coffee Shop
This is a tough category to win. The judges know their fish sandwiches and when it comes to the best on the island, they only have taste buds for Mama Angie’s. “They only have the fish sandwich if it comes in from the local fisherman they know,” they say. “If they don’t get the fish they want they don’t make the sandwich.” Only the best fish will do. 48 York Street, St. George’s, 297 0959
Food/Drink Social Media Presence: Bermunchies
“De visual hub of Bermuda’s foodie scene,” Bermunchies was once again declared the best because, say the judges: “They tell the story behind the food. Bermunchies is everything food in Bermuda, it’s nice and varied. It encompasses a lot of different people. It’s got everybody and it has unbiased reviews.” Beware though! The amazing photographs on their Instagram page will make you hungry! www.bermemes.com/bermunchies, @bermunchies
Food/Dining/Delivery App: Sargasso Sea
Bermuda’s takeout experience is finally complete with the arrival of the Sargasso Sea app. Launched in January of this year, their customer numbers and restaurant offerings are growing fast. At the time of writing, they deliver food from ten different restaurants to all the central parishes, but they are regularly adding new restaurants and have grand plans for expansion. The judges used it and say “it was prompt and I got what I wanted.” Sargassosea.app/, @sargassoseabda
Bang for Your Buck: Speciality Inn
Hungry on a budget—Speciality is the place. Both Speciality Inn and Speciality Grill have delicious food at a reasonable price. “Whenever I go the food is good,” say the judges. “During the day they do an all-day breakfast. The divorce breakfast is amazing!” Founded by Chef Peter, his son Fabio now runs Speciality Inn and his daughter and son-in-law, Giovanna and Shandon, run the Cinema & Grill. The buffet at the latter starts at $8.75 and you get “a lot of food” for that. Speciality Inn: Collector’s Hill, 4 South Shore Road, Smith’s, 236 3133; Speciality Cinema & Grill: 12 Church Street, Hamilton, 292 2135
