GBI Restaurant Fest Returns on August 2–16 With 15 Participating Restaurants Under the Theme ‘Authenticity Reimagined’

Annual Culinary Festival Kicks Off With 2nd Annual Taste of Grand Bahama Event at the Port Lucaya Marketplace on August 2 (Photo credit Alfred Anderson) 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, multi-course menus that allow diners to savor the best of Bahamian cuisine. From fine dining establishments to casual beachfront eateries, the festival aims to highlight the island’s culinary variety. This year’s 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, Outrigger’s Beach Club, Merport Bistro, Silk Café, Flamingo’s Restaurant, Pelicans on the Beach, and the Junkanoo Village Beach Club. EJ’s Bayside Cafe 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.”

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 GBI 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, a mixology contest, 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.”

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, all participating restaurants and vendors, and our valued partners who will have booths on August 2, such as Caribbean Wines and Spirits 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 1.5 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.

PHOTOS

2024 Taste of Grand Bahama Event at the Port Lucaya Marketplace (Photo credit Alfred Anderson)

Participating Restaurant Menu Items From Previous Years (Photo credit Nikia Wells)