GBI Restaurant Fest Returns August 2–16 With New Day Tour for Cruise Ship Passengers, Taste of Grand Bahama Launch Event, Mixology Contest, and Over a Dozen Participating Restaurants

The highly anticipated Grand Bahama Island Restaurant Festival (GBIRF) is set to return for its fourth year, showcasing the island’s vibrant culinary scene from August 2–16, 2025. Organized by the Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board (GBIPB), the festival will celebrate the culinary diversity, talent, and unique flavors found on Grand Bahama Island.

The festival kicks off with the 2nd Annual “A Taste of Grand Bahama” launch event at the Port Lucaya Marketplace on August 2, from 3–7 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, activities, and food specials from the marketplace’s many food and beverage vendors. The event aims to give attendees a preview of the delicious cuisine and talent that the island has to offer.

The 2025 theme is Authenticity Reimagined: The authentic cuisine of Grand Bahama reimagined through a modern lens. From August 2–16, participating restaurants across the island will offer prix fixe menus that allow diners to savor the best of Bahamian cuisine. This year’s lineup includes a mix of new and returning eateries, and the menus range from world-class fine dining to twists on authentic Bahamian family island dining.

Participating restaurants include: Pisces Seafood Haven & Pizzeria, Flying Fish Gastro Bar, The Galley Restaurant, Upstairs on the Bay, Fairplay Lounge, Tropical Gyros, The Stoned Crab, Taino by the Sea,  Merport Bistro, Silk Café, Pelicans on the Beach, and the Junkanoo Village Beach Club. EJ’s Bayside Café will also participate from August 2–6.

“Authenticity Reimagined explores the rich culinary traditions of Grand Bahama Island, blending time-honored recipes with innovative techniques and modern twists,” said Ian Rolle, Chairman of the Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board. “Food is a major part of Bahamian culture - we celebrate with it, welcome guests with it, and show love through it. This year’s theme honors the island’s unique flavors and ingredients, while spotlighting the creativity and talent of Grand Bahama’s chefs. By fusing tradition with innovation, the cuisine becomes both a tribute to our heritage and a dynamic experience for today’s palate. We’re excited to invite both residents and visitors to come together, relax, and enjoy the spirit of the island through the outstanding dishes our chefs will showcase.”

Some of the festival-exclusive menus include The Galley’s Conch Croquette with piri piri sauce and pigeon pea salsa appetizer, an Island Spiced Grouper served with coconut grits made with ground rice and burnt pineapple salsa entrée, and Guava Fritters with toasted coconut sorbet for dessert. First-time participating restaurant Pelicans on the Beach, located in Pelican Point, has added a fun spin on familiar dishes with golden cheesy conch fritters served with a spicy dipping sauce as a starter, crispy fries with melted cheese, creamy sauce, scallions, and tender conch bites as an entrée, and soft coconut panny cakes with a warm guava sauce for dessert.

The Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board has also introduced another new addition to this year’s festival: a day trip excursion for Balearia cruise passengers. On August 2, visitors can book a tour that includes transportation, lunch, and a beach day at the Junkanoo Village Beach Club, followed by a visit to the Taste of Grand Bahama event before returning to the harbour.

In addition to celebrating culinary innovation, the festival coincides with the start of the Bahamian lobster season on August 1 and aligns with cultural events such as the weekly Smith’s Point Fish Fry and the High Rock Sea Festival on August 4. These events enhance the overall experience, offering visitors a deeper look into Grand Bahama’s rich cultural landscape.

“The Grand Bahama Island Restaurant Fest is not just about food; it’s a celebration of our culture and community,” said Meshell Britton, GBIPB Administrator and Grand Bahama Island Restaurant Fest Committee Member. “It’s a chance for visitors and Bahamians alike to experience the richness of our culinary offerings and enjoy the distinctive flavors Grand Bahama has to offer.”

Britton added that the August 2 event at Port Lucaya Marketplace will offer much more than food and beverages. “We’re thrilled about the return of A Taste of Grand Bahama to kick off this year’s festival. There will be live performances by some of Grand Bahama’s top musical artists, exclusive food and drink promotions,  complimentary samples at select eateries, face painting, and other family-friendly activities. And while enjoying these offerings, we encourage everyone to explore the straw market and the variety of shops and vendors in Port Lucaya.”

Bahamian globe-trotting mixologist Marv “Mr. Mix” Cunningham will also join the Taste of Grand Bahama event at the Port Lucaya Marketplace for a mixology demo, in addition to serving as a judge for the second annual GBIRF Mixology Contest.

The Mixology Contest is open to all Grand Bahamian bar and restaurant bartenders, who will vie for a $500 cash prize courtesy of Schweppes and the Caribbean Bottling Company Ltd.

Nikia Wells, Public Relations and Brand Lead for the festival, emphasized the island’s diverse culinary landscape: “Grand Bahama is a food lover’s paradise. From traditional Bahamian dishes to international cuisines, our restaurant scene has something for everyone. This festival gives our chefs a platform to showcase their creativity and highlights the dishes and ingredients that make Grand Bahama special.”

Wells also noted the critical role of the culinary community, sponsors, and partners. “This event wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support from our culinary professionals and sponsors including the Port Lucaya Marketplace, the Grand Bahama Port Authority, all participating restaurants and vendors, and our valued partners who will have booths on August 2, such as the Caribbean Bottling Company and People-to-People.”

The GBIRF is just one of many initiatives introduced by the Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board in recent years. The Board has refreshed the Grand Bahama brand with a new look and feel, launched Grand Life Magazine - now reaching over 1 million readers worldwide - produced new commercials and visuals, introduced six Grand Bahama Ambassadors, and expanded its global marketing efforts to support innovative programs that promote the island’s appeal.

The GBIPB also has an ongoing #LoveGrandBahama campaign, which Rolle says is designed to highlight the island’s natural beauty and charm. “There are countless reasons to love Grand Bahama. We want our fellow Bahamians to take pride in all the island has to offer, and we hope visitors will fall in love with Grand Bahama just as we have and share that experience with others.”

For more information on participating restaurants and the event, please visit www.grandbahamavacations.com.