The Fish Fry at Arawak Cay
Family of 4
2 adult meals ($15-25 each) + 2 kids' meals ($8-12 each) + drinks ($3-5 each) = approximately $60-85 for a family of 4.
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
If you eat one meal in Nassau that your family will talk about for years, make it the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay. This isn't a single restaurant — it's an entire strip of brightly colored Bahamian restaurants, beach shacks, and food stands clustered on the small artificial island of Arawak Cay, just west of downtown Nassau on Bay Street.
The experience starts before you even sit down. Outdoor vendors crack open live conch shells and prepare conch salad right in front of you — dicing the fresh meat with scotch bonnet peppers, tomatoes, onions, and lime juice while keeping up a running commentary. It's fascinating to watch and surprisingly delicious, with a ceviche-like freshness that even picky eaters often enjoy.
The strip divides roughly into two zones. The eastern end has sit-down restaurants — Twin Brothers is the largest and most well-known, with a full menu of fried snapper, cracked conch, peas 'n' rice, and macaroni and cheese. Oh Andros and Drifters are smaller and more intimate, often preferred by locals. All serve generous portions of classic Bahamian comfort food at reasonable prices.
The western end transitions to beach shacks with picnic tables on the sand, serving simpler fare — conch fritters, fried fish, cold Kalik beer for the adults, and Sky Juice (a coconut water and gin cocktail) that's more potent than it looks. This end has more of a beach party vibe, and kids love eating with sand between their toes.
For families, the Fish Fry works best at lunch when the food is freshest and the atmosphere is lively but manageable. Weekend evenings bring Junkanoo drum performances and a more adult party scene — fun for older kids but potentially overwhelming for toddlers. Expect to spend $60-85 for a family of four, making it one of the most affordable dining experiences in Nassau for the quality and quantity of food.
The location across from Fort Charlotte makes it a natural combo — explore the fort, then walk across West Bay Street for lunch. The #10 jitney (local bus) stops right at Arawak Cay if you're coming from downtown.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Indoor & Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Lunch (11 AM - 2 PM) for the freshest food and best selection. Weekend evenings have live Junkanoo music and a more festive atmosphere — fun but louder.
Wait Times
Usually 10-20 minutes for food at the busier restaurants. Beach shacks on the west end serve faster. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Nearby Food
This IS the food destination. Twin Brothers for sit-down fried fish and conch. Oh Andros for more intimate local dining. Goldie's for conch salad. Grab fresh fruit smoothies from the street-side vendors.
Why Kids Love It
The Fish Fry is not a single restaurant — it's an entire strip of colorful Bahamian restaurants and beach shacks on Arawak Cay, and the energy is infectious. Kids love watching conch salad being made fresh right in front of them — the vendor cracks open a live conch shell, dices the meat with peppers, onions, and lime juice, and hands it over in minutes. The crunch of perfectly golden conch fritters, the sight of whole fried fish on platters, the sound of Junkanoo drums on weekend nights, and the bright colors everywhere create a full sensory experience.
The beach shacks on the western end have picnic tables right on the sand where kids can eat with their feet in the sand and watch boats go by. It feels like a block party that happens every single day.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Twin Brothers is the biggest and most popular sit-down restaurant, but locals often prefer smaller spots like Oh Andros or Drifters
- Watch the conch salad being made at the outdoor stands — it's dinner and a show in one
- The beach shack section on the west end is more casual and kid-friendly than the sit-down restaurants
- Friday and Saturday evenings have live Junkanoo music — great atmosphere but comes with later dining (7 PM+)
- Fort Charlotte is directly across the street — combine both for a half-day outing
What to Bring
- Cash (some vendors don't take cards)
- Wet wipes for messy seafood eating
- Hand sanitizer
- Adventurous attitudes about trying new foods
- Camera for the colorful setting
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
2 adult meals ($15-25 each) + 2 kids' meals ($8-12 each) + drinks ($3-5 each) = approximately $60-85 for a family of 4.
Tips to Save
- Share platters — portions at most Fish Fry restaurants are huge and one fried fish platter can easily feed two kids.
- Stick to conch fritters and fried fish (the most affordable options) rather than lobster.
- Drink water or local sodas instead of cocktails.