Best local restaurants ranked on Tripadvisor

FRIDAY, SEPT. 7: Last month Tripadvisor.com began sending out letters and awards to qualifying Bermuda restaurants.

The online travel website has readers rate hotels and other attractions in Bermuda.

Some 121 Bermuda restaurants are ranked on the site — here are the top 10:

• Mad Hatters:

4.5 stars

98 reviews

Sample comment: “Of all of the restaurants I have eaten at in Bermuda, Mad Hatters is one of my favourites.

“It’s unassuming and fun, with a short menu of fresh and tasty options. In my experience, it’s one of the few places on the island where you can have a sit down lunch in under an hour as the service is very efficient.”

• Fourways Inn:

4.5 stars

116 reviews

Sample comment: “My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful dining experience at the Fourways.

“Food presentations were a work of art and were almost too beautiful to eat! I started with the beet and fennel salad, and my husband had the lamb carpaccio. Both were delicious.

“I followed with wahoo, a local fish, and my husband had the monk fish. Each were a generous portion served with accompaniments. Although we didn’t really have room for dessert, we felt we had to try a soufflé after reading so much about them. Boy am I glad we did.”

• Barracuda Grill:

4.5 stars

149 reviews

Sample comment: “I live here in Bermuda and only recently discovered the Barracuda Grill. Wish I’d found it sooner! I am a total foodie and was not disappointed in anything. The seared tuna with avocado ice cream is one of my favourite starters island wide, and the adult grilled cheese is to die for. I wish I could eat there every day. Good service and amazing food make for a fabulous dining experience. You won’t be disappointed!”

• Lido

4.5 stars

60 reviews

Sample comment: “The food was exquisite, the servers attentive, and the view was outstanding. The restaurant is a white-table cloth and dress attire place with air conditioning (no outside seating) and looks directly out onto the beach (the water is about 50 yards away). The food was outstanding. For entrées, the rockfish and steak were top-rate and the desserts were tasty and innovative (especially the creme brulee sampler and the soufflé). The wine selections were good too, especially the Malbec. The servers were attentive and provided us with some ‘extra’ goodies that really made our visit special.”

• Ascots:

4.5 stars

60 reviews

Sample comment: “We went back to Ascot’s for our 25th anniversary dinner and once again, they did not disappoint! We had a couple of drinks beforehand in the bar and then were seated at I think the exact same table as last year. I enjoyed the arugula salad, while my husband just devoured the fish chowder. I think I had the homemade pasta and he had tiger shrimp. I then had the chilled banana soup as my desert (after having it as an appetizer last year, knowing I would want it for desert!) My husband ordered some lovely dessert concoction which the restaurant decorated with anniversary greetings. Wonderful!”

• Waterlot Inn:

4.5 stars

211 reviews

Sample comment: “Had a very enjoyable meal here. Service was first class and food was very good. Don’t expect it to be cheap, but I guess you get what you pay for. Little touches like the serving of the red wine was a joy and even the Caesar salad was made and served at your table again worth ordering just for the spectacle, flambés too make this restaurant a must. Staff friendly, in particular Sophie who made our visit special! Thank you!”

• Tom Moore’s Tavern:

4.5 stars

67 reviews

Sample comment: “What can I say? Tom Moore’s never fails. Five star food, five star service. Every time. Our first experience of Tom Moore’s was when we were just passing and thought it was a pub with food. We stopped the car, got out, and were just discussing amongst ourselves that it looked a little more upmarket than we were dressed for. The Maitre d, Bruno, came out to greet and welcome us, and we said ‘I don’t think we’re dressed for this’ and he said ‘Never mind, I’m sure we can find you a quiet corner and no one will notice’! This was the best welcome ever, and I’ve never been disappointed since. The food is superb, with fabulous blue steaks and perfectly cooked pork. The Spanish coffee is literally a work of art, done at your table, and has to be tried! It is expensive, but I would go here once rather than another restaurant twice. It is sophisticated without being snobby.”

• Bolero Brasserie:

4.5 stars

60 reviews

Sample comment: “Ate here on our first night in Bermuda and it did not disappoint! The steak with snails was cooked perfectly and quite delicious (except the snails weren’t very good oddly enough but you the steak totally made up for it!). My wife had the duck breast, which was perfectly pink on the inside and very tasty. Highly recommend this place.

• Bailey’s Ice Cream:

4.5 stars

30 reviews

Sample comment: “This was our third trip to Bermuda and our fifth stop to Bailey’s. It is the perfect place for light sandwich and great ice cream. The ladies who serve you are ever patient explaining flavours and giving samples. Clean restrooms. Cash only. It is a great non-franchised experience.”

• House of India:

4.5 stars

31 reviews

Sample comment: “If you know where to find it, this local restaurant is one of the best values in Bermuda. It’s a hot spot for expats missing the curries from the UK, but also for locals too. The food is terrific, not just on a local scale, but easily better than most Indian restaurants in the UK or US. The average price is about $50 per person, which for Bermuda is average price or slightly below. Be aware that it’s the beer and alcohol that will add to your bill. This is a great restaurant. The wait staff are friendly and the service is good. Go there.”