Bermuda's Winter Unlocks a Feast of Fresh Food and Fishing Delights
Summer in Bermuda is beautiful, with pink sand and clear water, making it look as perfect as a postcard. But if you want to eat well, then winter is the season to plan your trip.
In Bermuda, there's no such thing as a filler season, as each stretch of the calendar offers something worth going for. In winter, it's the food. And Restaurant Weeks, now in its 16th year, is the best reason to book that January or February flight or cruise.
Why Bermuda's Winter Harvest Is Worth Celebrating
Winter is Bermuda's main growing season, since that's when most of the island's rainfall comes. The cooler months also mean better fishing conditions offshore. That's important on an island where fish is the centerpiece of almost everything on the menu.
What 'harvest' means for an island climate
In January, you'll find plenty of fresh vegetables like broccoli, kale, spinach, leeks, and cauliflower from local growers. Herbs like thyme and chives also do well in the colder weather.
In terms of protein, fish like wahoo and yellowfin tuna are everywhere, and get plated up alongside locally made goat cheese (which is a staple in almost any kitchen in Bermuda).
That means that, unlike other destinations in the winter, where fresh produce is hard to come by, the chefs who participate in Restaurant Weeks aren't short on any delicious ingredients.
Why winter is a prime foodie season
The summer crowd in Bermuda usually starts to thin out between January and February, meaning chefs aren't catering to tourist crowds anymore. The menus are all more intentional, since winter visitors usually come specifically for the food rather than wandering into a restaurant for something to nibble after their beach trip.
Another great thing about visiting Bermuda in the winter is that restaurants actually have reservations available, so you won't have to settle for the closest restaurant with availability.
What Makes the Restaurant Weeks Stand Out
Restaurant Weeks runs from mid-January to mid-February, with more than 50 restaurants participating across the island. They usually offer two-course lunches and three-course dinners that are much more affordable than what you would pay during the rest of the year.
The chefs aren't offering up standard menus, either. They actually embrace the challenge to create menus that celebrate the island's (underrated) food culture.
The Flavors That Define the Experience
Besides wahoo and yellowfin tuna, rockfish is another winter staple in Bermuda restaurants, and most of what you order is caught the same day it lands on your plate. Fish chowder finished with sherry pepper sauce and black rum is an unofficial signature dish, and it tastes so much better when the fish is that fresh.
During Restaurant Weeks, you'll also get a taste of the more unique dishes Bermuda has to offer. For example, you can order pawpaw casserole or codfish cakes for something light and refreshing. But if you want something more hearty, there's no shortage of Hoppin' John, which is a dish made with rice, pork, black-eyed peas, and plenty of fresh herbs and spices.
Why Foodie Travelers Should Put Bermuda on a Winter Itinerary
Most travelers have said that food plays a major role in where they choose to vacation, which is what makes Bermuda so perfect during the wintertime.
If you've spent time planning a weekend in a food-focused city, you already know that a meal can make or break a trip. When you're served something disappointing (and it has an astronomical price tag), it can ruin your experience.
Luckily, Bermuda's Restaurant Weeks gives you fixed menus across more than 50 restaurants on the island. Plus, they're at prices that won't stretch your travel budget too thin to enjoy the rest of your trip.
Bermuda at the Table
With Bermuda cruises arriving all year round, the crowds of tourists can make your trip less than ideal. But when you specifically pick the winter, you won't have to compete for a seat at the tables here.
Additionally, you'll be getting fresh, seasonal ingredients with every meal and have more than 50 restaurants to choose from. You can just pick your ideal menu (and the price point to match), reserve your table, eat, and enjoy!
