NASSAU, BAHAMAS — An eagerly anticipated new restaurant on Paradise Island is collaborating with pioneering Bahamian seafood suppliers to create bold new takes on fresh-caught native seafood.
This partnership aims to boost business for local entrepreneurs and support sustainable fishing practices.
Carnivale Bahamas will specialize in a variety of local delicacies, including the delicate flavor of fresh stone crab.
Bahamas Ocean Fisheries CEO Lewis Thompson says that the restaurant’s dedication to using only the freshest seafood, including same-day catches whenever possible, will open substantial opportunities for a new generation of innovative suppliers who focus on rapid delivery and sustainable practices.
“Bahamas Ocean Fisheries is thrilled to partner with this exciting venture to deliver an exclusive, true island seafood experience,” Thompson said. “My team has worked hard to develop sourcing and delivery methods that allow for both same-day ocean-to-table seafood and responsible management of our precious marine resources.”
He highlighted that the seafood industry is a cornerstone of the local economy, providing high-quality products that are prized worldwide. To help protect this resource, Bahamas Ocean Fisheries emphasizes same-day delivery from less heavily fished waters, particularly in the Southern Bahamas, to avoid contributing to overfishing.
Lionfish, an invasive but delicious species in The Bahamas, will also feature prominently on the menu, with fresh new takes on this emerging local favorite.
Bill Marovitz, co-owner of Carnivale, stated that the restaurant will showcase the rich and diverse flavors of Bahamian cuisine with an exciting twist on many local favorites.
“We are crafting a menu filled with the freshest, locally sourced seafood, reflecting the seasons and the bounty of The Bahamas’ pristine waters,” he said. “It will feature familiar delicacies that Bahamians love, but with a fresh new twist, incorporating techniques from other cultures and cuisines, all in a vibrant setting with lively local music and entertainment.”
Co-owner Jerry Cataldo added: “We believe this partnership with local entrepreneurs will positively impact the community. Innovative partners like Bahamas Ocean Fisheries will create new opportunities for local fishermen and seafood suppliers. Our goal is to not only impress our guests with a unique, exciting menu but also support the local economy and foster entrepreneurship in a community that has warmly welcomed us.”
Lewis emphasized that Carnivale Bahamas’ commitment to fresh seafood will make it a standout addition to the local culinary scene. His team is working with the restaurant’s management to develop a truly unique menu.
“Guests will be able to enjoy the delicate flavors of stone crab during its peak season from October to June, savor the unique taste of lionfish, and delight in fresh day-boat lobster tails, wild-caught and hand-picked,” he said. “Seasonal offerings of grouper, mahi, wahoo, kingfish, tuna, and a variety of snappers, which are most abundant during the summer months, will also be highlights. We aim to showcase the best catches throughout the year.”
He noted that stone crab, a highly sought-after Bahamian delicacy, will be a centerpiece at Carnivale Bahamas. “Harvested sustainably, the claws are a seasonal treat known for their sweet, succulent meat that develops a buttery flavor as the weather cools. Lionfish, despite being an invasive species, is a culinary delight with firm, white meat and a mild flavor. It’s a sustainable option that helps protect our reefs by turning an ecological challenge into a gastronomic opportunity.”
