How to Book Exuma: Step 5 (Chefs & Restaurants)

How to Book Exuma: Chefs & Dining

Dining in Exuma is one of the genuine highlights of the trip — but only if you go in with a plan. Between restaurants that require reservations weeks in advance, a Monday/Tuesday closure that catches nearly every first-time visitor off guard, and a private chef scene that most families don't even know exists until they're already on the island, there's more to the dining logistics than just Googling "best restaurants in Exuma" the week before you arrive.

Here is exactly how we book it:

1. Know the Rules Before You Make Any Reservations

These apply island-wide, and they will shape your entire dining schedule.

Most restaurants are closed at random on random Sundays and Mondays, during windy weather, or on holidays. This is the most consistently surprising dining fact about Exuma, and it catches families off guard every season.

Service runs on island time — genuinely. A sit-down dinner takes time. The Bahamas (and many other Caribbean islands) are not known for their service. Go early, go fed on a snack, and don't try to rush it.

Lobster season closes March 31. Fresh Bahamian spiny lobster runs August 1 through March 31. April visitors will find it absent from most menus or replaced with imported products. If fresh lobster is on your must-have list, plan your visit accordingly and ask your restaurant directly.

Outdoor dining on calm evenings = no-see-um risk. When the wind dies completely, bugs emerge. Before sitting down for any outdoor dinner, check the breeze. If the air is still, order to go or request indoor seating. Wind = comfortable outdoor dining. No wind? Take it to go.

2. Private Chefs — How to Book

Timeline: 4-6 weeks before your arrival

Hiring a private chef to cook at your villa is one of the best decisions you'll make for a family trip. It's more relaxed than going out, it's often less expensive than a restaurant for a group of five or more, and in our experience, it has produced the single best meal of every Exuma trip we've taken.

The chefs operate through direct contact — WhatsApp, phone, or email. There is no booking platform. The best ones have limited availability during peak season. Reach out 2–4 weeks before you arrive.

What to communicate when you book:

• Your arrival date and desired dinner night(s)

• Group size and ages (including kids)

• Any dietary restrictions or allergies

• Your villa address and whether they need to source all ingredients

• Whether you want Bahamian cuisine, surf & turf, or a specific style

• Ask directly about fresh lobster availability if your trip falls in March

Our Vetted Chef Lineup

Chef D'Landra Miller

exumacatering.com and WhatsApp (242-524-1823).

Our call, every visit. Her Bahamian BBQ dinner was unanimously one of the best meals of our entire eleven-day trip — every single person at the table agreed, kids included. Ask for the homemade pound cake for dessert! We always add a fruit tray in the evenings for late-night snacking, but also finish it for breakfast the next morning. You may need to add a vegetable, too (Caesar salad and broccoli were great). We also really enjoyed the Surf & Turf! Book her early.

Chef Olivia with Liv Caters

oliviaptkemp@gmail.com

A gourmet chef made famous by the popular influencers and bloggers who come to Exuma. Book way early, and if you're lucky enough to snag one, then enjoy the healthy spreads. She does on-site cooking, drop-off meals, and even picnic-style to-go meals, perfect for boat days. She stays booked!

Chef Gavin

gavin_nottage2000@yahoo.com and WhatsApp (242-464-1325)

The villa owners' top pick at Beau Soleil. Book early — he fills up.

Chef Tevin Smith

cheftevin242@gmail.com WhatsApp (242-813-6522)

Pastas, Bahamian dishes, grilled meats and seafood, and risottos. Handles groups from 2–20. Strong all-rounder.

Sandpiper Cafe (Chef Guido & Chef Rosely)

info@sandpipercafeexuma.com WhatsApp: (242-801-6531)

Fine dining + family-style drop-off + pre-prepared meals. Great for nights when you want restaurant-quality without leaving the villa.

Chef Adderley

chefadderley2@hotmail.com WhatsApp (242-826-4498)

Conch chowder, lobster bisque, pan-fried grouper, jerk chicken, BBQ ribs. Pure Bahamian.

Chef Mama

WhatsApp (242-457-9423)

Full catering: Bahamian cuisine, lobster, grouper, blackened grouper, conch fritters. Family-style and generous portions.

Chef Jaquile

WhatsApp (242-825-0890)

Head chef at the Exuma Yacht Club who also does private chef work. Known for exceptional steak and lobster. Book early.

Chef Paul

WhatsApp (242-554-3206)

Owner of Paul's Fried Chicken; also available as a private chef. Great option if you're staying near the Beau Soleil area

Pink Lady Delights (Alstina Rolle)

alstinarolle@hotmail.com WhatsApp (242-455-9345)

Pastries, cakes, fruit platters, and cooking classes. Ideal add-on for a special morning or an activity the kids will love.

3. Restaurant Reservations — What Requires Advance Booking

Not every restaurant in Exuma requires a reservation. But the ones worth the most fuss absolutely do — especially for peak weeks like Easter and for groups larger than 4!

Reserve Weeks in Advance

Blu on the Water Restaurant & Bar (242) 345-5258

https://bahamasblu.com

Reservations are HIGHLY recommended — open for dinner only. One of the most beautiful settings on the island!

23° North at Grand Isle Resort (242) 358-5000

https://www.grandisleresort.com/23-north.htm

The most upscale dining on the island. Stunning Emerald Bay views, elevated menu. If you have a special occasion dinner in mind — this is the spot. Book before you arrive.

Baymahni Resort "The Beacon" concierge@baymahni.com

https://www.baymahni.com/dining

Dinner on Stocking Island; boat transfer required. Two restaurant options.

A full evening experience. Access is by reservation only, and they coordinate the boat transfer separately.

Tip: We also walked over to this restaurant one day for lunch from the Peace & Plenty beach club (we did a day pass). We really enjoyed the food and views!

Exuma Yacht Club (EYC) — (242) 336-2578

Large groups require a reservation AND a pre-order. Wednesday nights (live music + marching band) are the most popular nights on the island — arrive early or reserve in advance. Saturday reggae night is also worth planning around. Known for their sushi, but not our favorite lunch spot.

Coconut Club

Stocking Island Beach Club. Boat taxi required. New in 2024 and already one of the most talked-about spots on the island. Go early in the day to secure a spot; peak season fills up by late morning. Food is so expensive (tacos, quesadillas, and amazing slushy adult drinks). Fun for lunch with the family! Opens at 11 am.

Coco Plum Bistro

Call ahead for groups and sit inside. Very small place, so I would make a reservation. The bugs can be so bad outside with no wind. You can also get your food to-go. Our personal favorite restaurant on the island — we ate here twice. Relaxed, warm, genuinely excellent food. The poke bowl is my favorite! Plates around $30 per person.

Tims on the Bay

Two minutes from the airport; on the water; perfect to stop in for a wrap or drink while you wait on your house or resort room to be ready for check-in

• Chat N Chill (Stocking Island- taxi required) — casual beach bar; arrive before noon on a busy day. Conch salad and burgers. Good stop with the kids on a boat day. You can also walk (through the water) here from Peace & Plenty & Baymahni.

• Driftwood Cafe — breakfast and lunch in George Town; adorable outdoor space

• The Fish Fry — Friday/Saturday nights north of George Town; cash and community vibe

• Santana's Bar & Grill — One of our favorites. Little Exuma, part of a half-day drive south; no reservation needed. Ocean-front. If you're lucky they are selling bakery items from Mama's Bakery next door!

• Tropic Breeze — casual, and great food with ocean view! Perfect lunch spot near Little Exuma. The owner is one of the most popular chefs in all of Exuma! Closed Sunday, Monday

• Staniel Yacht Club - your go-to when on a full-day boat tour to swim with the pigs and sharks! One of our favorite meals. No reservations needed if you do an early lunch.

4. The Honest Dining Budget

Sit-down restaurant meals in Exuma run $25–$40 per plate. For a family of five at a full dinner with drinks, budget $175–$225 per restaurant night before tip.

Private chef dinners for a group of five typically range from $25/kid's meal to $60-$110/adult meal, plus tip.

The most efficient approach we've found: two or three restaurant nights per week (Wednesday through Saturday), one private chef dinner, and the remaining meals split between the villa kitchen and casual spots. This gives you the full Exuma dining experience without the daily math of restaurant pricing adding up faster than expected.

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