Arawak Cay Fish Fry

Arawak Cay Fish Fry, often simply referred to as “Fish Fry,” is a popular dining and entertainment area located in Nassau, Bahamas. It’s a hub for experiencing Bahamian culture, delicious seafood, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Fish Fry Bahamas is a culinary experience you won’t want to miss out on. From the lively atmosphere to the delicious food itself, Fish Fry Nassau is worth enjoying no matter how long you’re in the Bahamas. And while there are many places to partake in the experience around Nassau, Arawak Cay Fish Fry might be the best.

Good to Know

Location: West Bay Street, a short walk from Downtown Nassau

How Long to Spend: 1-2 hours

TripAdvisor Rating: 4 stars.

Nearby Attractions: Junkanoo Beach, Cricket Club, Fort Charlotte, Arawak Beach

Entry Fees: No entry fees [Correct as of 2023]

Fish Fry Bahamas: Enjoy an Arawak Cay Fish Fry

Aerial view of the Arawak Cay Fish Fry in Nassau Bahamas on New Providence island. One of 2 popular Fish Fry Nassau locations on island.

Arawak Cay Fish Fry is easy to visit and worth the trip.

Arawak Cay Bahamas: How to Visit

Arawak Cay’s nickname is Fish Fry Bahamas, and no matter where you are in Nassau, reaching the island is easy.

If you’re in Downtown Nassau, walking West down West Bay Street will have you at Arawak Cay in around 25-30 minutes. As it’s a straight shot along the coast, the island is difficult to miss.

For travelers on Paradise Island or other parts of New Providence, taking a taxi is also an option. Depending on where you are, you can also look into taking a bus. Just ensure that you have small bills on hand, and ensure that the bus passes by Arawak Cay before boarding.

The Fish Fry Bahamas at Arawak Cay offers many local Bahamian delicacies, including fresh coconut water.

Delicious drinks pair nicely with the fresh seafood.

Fish Fry Nassau: Where Is It?

Fish Fry Bahamas is not a natural island – it came into existence in 1969. In that year, construction teams that were dredging the Nassau Harbour used the sand they dug up to construct Fish Fry Nassau.

Given its history and origins, Arawak Cay Bahamas is right in the heart of Nassau. Jutting off of New Providence, it extends outward towards the western edge of Paradise Island.

Its central location makes it easy to fit into a Nassau itinerary, even if you’re just in the area for an afternoon. After grabbing a bite to eat and exploring, you’ll still have plenty of time to see other nearby attractions before heading back to your boat or hotel.

Jerk Chicken is a popular local Caribbean dish visitors enjoy at the Arawak Cay Fish Fry in Nassau Bahamas

Some of the best venues are just beachside barbeque joints.

What to See at Arawak Cay

Fish Fry Bahamas is the perfect spot to grab lunch after touring the different Nassau attractions. It offers several different food options as well as a bit of sightseeing at the beach.

The Dishes

If you’re unfamiliar with Bahamian food, you’re in for a treat. Most of the food you eat is fresh, with much of it coming in from the water that day.

Conch is the national food of the Bahamas and restaurants serve it in several forms, including fritters, soups, and salads. Other popular dishes include the Bahamian cracked lobster and different types of fried fish.

While on Fish Fry Bahamas, you can also enjoy tropical drinks such as strawberry daiquiris, Bahama mamas, and piña coladas.

Conch Fritters are a popular Bahamian appetizer served at the Potters Cay Nassau Fish fry Bahamas.

Conch Fritters: Conch is a quintessential Fish Fry Bahamas food.

The Venues at the Fish Fry

The restaurants themselves are on a strip by the bridge to New Providence. There are quite a few options to choose from, ranging from sit-down establishments to barbeque shacks and carts.

Regardless of where you end up eating, the atmosphere is beachy-casual. Because of that, Arawak Cay Fish Fry is a good representation of what the energy in the Bahamas is like as a whole!

Arawak Cay Fish Fry is home to the popular "Twin Brothers" Fish Fry restaurant, who have a twin restaurant on Eleuthera Island.

Twin Brothers and Oh Andros are two of the most popular restaurants on the island.

Arawak Cay Beach

While you’ll probably want to get your beach time at Junkanoo, Cable, or Cabbage Beach, there is a small beach on Fish Fry Bahamas known as Arawak Cay Beach that offers views of Nassau Harbour. Stop there before heading back to New Providence.

Arawak Cay Bahamas is blessed with a stunning white sand beach, that visitors to the Arawak Cay fish Fry can enjoy. The Beach is home to the Bahamas Junkanoo Festival during weekends in July.

Fish Fry Bahamas is home to a beautiful beach: Arawak Cay Beach

Arawak Cay Fish Fry Bahamas Travel Tips

Know the portion sizes beforehand: Portion sizes at certain venues can be much bigger than you’re used to, so consider asking how much food you’re getting before ordering. Specific dishes are meant to be shared by a couple of people, so don’t go overboard unless you know you can handle it.
Seafood Delights: Arawak Cay Fish Fry is known for its abundance of seafood options. You can indulge in freshly caught fish, conch (a local shellfish), lobster, shrimp, and other seafood dishes prepared in a variety of styles.
Understand the bathroom situation: Most of the restaurants and shops you visit don’t have bathrooms. That said, there are public bathrooms you can cross the street to use. Visitors have reported that these were accessible and clean.
Open-Air Setting: The dining area at Fish Fry is typically outdoors, allowing you to enjoy the pleasant Bahamian weather as you dine.
Go in with a plan: While you should follow your intuition once you arrive, some hawkers on the streets might try and lure you into certain establishments. It’s worth doing a bit of research beforehand to avoid these places (unless they feel right) and go with what the top reviews say. Most travelers (and locals) agree that Oh Andros is the best joint on the island!
Cultural Experience: Arawak Cay Fish Fry offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Bahamian culture. You’ll likely encounter Bahamian music, dance, and friendly interactions.
Cash-Based: While some vendors might accept cards, it’s a good idea to have cash on hand, as some smaller stalls may prefer this form of payment.
Local Beverages: Don’t miss the opportunity to try local beverages like Bahamian fruit punches and cocktails.
Opening Hours: The opening hours of individual stalls and eateries might vary, but evenings are generally the most active time.

Enjoy a Bahamian Meal and Experience at Arawak Cay

While you can find American food scattered around Nassau and the entire country, Fish Fry Bahamas is something you won’t want to miss out on. From conch fritters and Bahamian lobster to the lively yet laidback energy the Bahamas is famous for, the best Fish Fry experience occurs at Arawak Cay Bahamas. Make sure to add it to your itinerary!

Are you looking for more guides to the top Nassau destinations? Check out some of our other articles and interactive Nassau Downtown Maps for all of your top travel tips.