Dine Around Nassau: Lunch at Café Coco
Summary
Tuna Tartare, Zesty Beef Carpaccio and a knock-out burger are just some of the dishes that are impossible to forget
How many restaurants can you visit, try nearly every standout dish on the menu, and then genuinely struggle to choose a favorite?
Was it the pasta? Maybe the chicken? Wait… definitely the fish. Specifically, the snapper carpaccio — thin, gossamer slices served in a vibrant bath of lemon and herbs. The tart notes dance across the palate, but never overpower. It’s bright, elegant, and impossible to forget.
That’s the kind of delicious dilemma that awaits you at the newly opened Café Coco Vin et Martini Bar, nestled inside Harbour Green Plaza on West Bay Street.
Don’t be fooled by its trendy, island-chic aesthetic. The cozy, wallpapered lounge and breezy “Ole Nassau” garden patio aren’t just for Instagram. Behind the stylish setting is a serious commitment to culinary craftsmanship. This isn’t just a pretty place for drinks; it’s a haven for true food lovers.
Café Coco is the kind of place you daydream about after a long day. It’s a first-paycheck kind of meal: celebratory, indulgent, and deeply satisfying.
“We take good ingredients, and we do our best not to ruin them,” jokes partner Oliver Stephens, but don’t let the modesty fool you, he and his team are doing far more than that.
Take, for example, the Organic Chicken Schnitzel — a local Abaco bird, butterflied, panko-crusted, and fried to golden perfection. Paired with a rich French garlic butter, it’s familiar but elevated. Or the Tuna Tartare, which honors its traditional roots while boldly venturing into globally inspired flavor territory. Zesty, balanced, and utterly refreshing.
Stephens — who has led restaurants across Europe, Antigua, and The Bahamas — works alongside Executive Chef Chantalle Stewart to deliver dishes that impress at every turn. Their synergy is evident not just in the food, but in the cheerful professionalism of the staff. You can tell you're in the hands of people who genuinely love what they do.
The menu presents a challenge: there are just too many hits. The Beef Carpaccio, dressed in chili, mint, black garlic, and a bright herb vinaigrette, is as delicate as it is daring. The Stuffed Shells with spicy sausage Bolognese, smothered in cheese and marinara, deliver comfort and bold flavor in every bite.
“If it has our name on it, just know it’s going to be good,” Stephens said with a grin.
Enter the Ze Coco Beef Burger, a towering, juicy, American-style burger with bacon, cheese, and a signature sauce that might just make you rethink your top-five list. It’s nostalgic and indulgent, served with thick-cut fries and serious satisfaction.
If you’ve somehow saved room, you’ll be rewarded. The Roasted Pineapple Tart with made-to-order sorbet, the Silky Chocolate Mousse with raspberries, and the Classic Crème Brûlée are each worthy finales to a meal that doesn't miss.
Coco Café isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a full-on dining experience – one that reminds you why we fall in love with food in the first place.
Harbour Green Plaza, West Bay Street
Reservations are recommended. Vin et Martini Bar is open late.
LOOK FOR:
Café Coco has a secret off-menu burger that is only served on Fridays. They only make 10 of them.
Café Coco has fun drinks in cool cups just for the kids.
POP BOX:
Saturday Brunch has live entertainment featuring a three-piece band with a deejay, drummer, and saxophonist; as well as live steel pan music.
Happy hours: Fridays and Saturdays, 3 pm – 7 pm.
FUN FACT:
A love of James Bond movies inspired the color of Coco Cafe’s outdoor chairs, which are the original color from the Coral Harbour hotel, featured in the “Thunderball” film.
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