Stella Maris, located on Long Island in the Bahamas, offers a delightful culinary experience rooted in the island’s fresh, local ingredients and traditional Bahamian flavors. Being close to the ocean, seafood is at the heart of the island's cuisine, and visitors can enjoy freshly caught fish, conch, and lobster, often prepared in simple but flavorful ways that highlight the natural taste of the ingredients.
One of the must-try dishes is **conch fritters**, a popular Bahamian snack made from tender conch meat, seasoned and deep-fried into golden, crispy fritters. Conch is also served in **conch salad**, a refreshing dish made with raw conch, citrus, tomatoes, onions, and peppers, giving it a zesty and refreshing taste—perfect for a hot day by the beach. For a heartier meal, try **cracked conch**, where the conch is battered and fried, offering a satisfying texture and flavor that’s unique to the region.
For those craving fresh fish, **grilled snapper** or **baked grouper** are common local dishes, often served with a side of rice, peas, and fried plantains, a classic Bahamian side. Seafood lovers can also enjoy a variety of **lobster dishes** when in season, including the signature **lobster tail**, prepared grilled or steamed with butter, garlic, and local spices.
If you’re looking for something sweet, Bahamian desserts like **guava duff**—a steamed pastry filled with guava and served with rum sauce—are a must-try. Another favorite treat is **coconut tarts**, a small, flaky pastry filled with sweet coconut filling that provides a delicious, tropical flavor.
Many local restaurants in Stella Maris offer these traditional dishes, often with an island twist. Whether dining by the sea or in a local café, the food in Stella Maris celebrates the rich maritime heritage of the Bahamas, allowing visitors to savor the freshest seafood and tropical flavors while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of the island.