Port O Call Restaurant — Restaurant in City of Hamilton

Port O’ Call, Hamilton, Bermuda – A Fine Dining Gem with a Few Caveats Port O’ Call, nestled on Front Street in the heart of Hamilton, Bermuda, is a sophisticated dining destination that lives up to its reputation as one of the island’s premier restaurants. My recent visit left me impressed with its vibrant atmosphere, fresh seafood, and attentive service, though a few aspects kept it from being flawless. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between upscale and approachable. The cedar-paneled dining room, accented with brass fittings, feels like stepping into a luxurious steamship, while the al fresco harbor-view terrace offers a lively backdrop of Front Street’s bustle. The restaurant buzzes with a mix of well-dressed locals—think Bermuda’s business elite sealing deals over lunch—and visitors seeking a refined meal. The bar area, where happy hour draws a lively crowd, is a great spot to start with a cocktail from their extensive, Wine Spectator award-winning list, featuring over 40 wines by the glass. The menu shines with its focus on fresh, local ingredients, particularly seafood. I opted for the daily special, a grilled Bermuda wahoo, which was perfectly cooked and paired with a chorizo white bean ragout that added a delightful smoky depth. The tuna tartare appetizer, served with mango and avocado, was a fresh and flavorful start, though the portion was smaller than expected for the price. My dining companion raved about the 24-hour braised beef short ribs, describing them as tender and packed with flavor, though one review I read later noted they can occasionally be bland. For dessert, the cheesecake was a standout—light, fluffy, and a perfect end to the meal, living up to its island-wide acclaim. Service was a highlight. The staff was warm, knowledgeable, and attentive without being overbearing, making us feel welcomed despite being first-time visitors. However, some online reviews mention inconsistent service, with occasional delays between courses, though I didn’t experience this. My main critique is the value. While the food quality is undeniable, portions can feel modest for the high prices, and the bill adds up quickly, especially with drinks. One Tripadvisor reviewer noted that the cost was double the average for Bermuda dining, which aligns with my experience. Additionally, the restaurant can get noisy, particularly on busy evenings, so it’s not ideal for those seeking an intimate setting. Verdict: Port O’ Call delivers a memorable fine dining experience with exceptional seafood, a chic atmosphere, and top-notch service. It’s perfect for a special occasion or impressing a client, but budget-conscious diners might hesitate at the price-to-portion ratio. I’d return for the wahoo and cheesecake alone, ideally during a quieter lunch service to savor the harbor view. 4.5/5 stars. Reservations recommended; smart casual dress code. Located at 87N Front...

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A Delightful Culinary Journey with a Spectacular Hogfish Specialty

From the moment I stepped into Port O'Call, I knew I was in for a treat. The ambiance of the restaurant strikes a perfect balance between elegance and comfort, making it an ideal spot for both casual and special occasions.

The highlight of my dining experience was undoubtedly the special hogfish dish. It was cooked to perfection, with flavors that transported me straight to the heart of Bermuda's culinary excellence. The fish was fresh, tender, and perfectly seasoned, showcasing the chef's expertise and the local seafood's quality.

Accompanying the meal, the wine selection at Port O'Call was impressive. With a variety of choices from around the globe, each bottle seemed carefully selected to complement the menu. The staff was knowledgeable and provided excellent recommendations, enhancing the overall dining experience.

While the service was generally good, there were moments when it felt a bit slow, particularly during peak hours. However, the friendly staff and their attention to detail more than made up for this.

Overall, my visit to Port O'Call was a delightful experience. The restaurant's commitment to quality, both in its cuisine and in its service, shines through. It's a gem in Bermuda for seafood lovers and anyone looking for a memorable dining experience. Highly recommended for its hogfish specialty and...

My mother and I stopped in for an impromptu dinner to which we were promptly seated by who I assume was the manager. Everything started great but quickly went down hill, from the service to the food. First we weren’t sure who our server was and he never formally introduced himself as our server to the table…I still do not know what his name is. We put in our order of appetizers, salad (to share), and main (to share). Our appetizers were not great, specifically the scallops and pork belly, the pork belly tasted as if it had been cooked hours earlier then left sitting out until it was time to plate, and our salad course was completely forgotten! It was only when I asked about it did our server realize/apologize. Our main was the Tomahawk steak which was meant to share…as someone who has eaten cuisine around the world specifically in places like Buenos Aires, this was prepared very poorly and honestly didn’t taste very high quality. To make up for for the missed salad course we ordered desert, I had the molten chocolate cake which I had to send back twice due to the center being cold, my mother liked her Apple dessert okay, she didn’t love the chocolate crumble that garnished the ice cream. I would NOT recommend this place at all, while the manager did remove the dessert there was just ultimately too much wrong with the experience for the price. There are far better options...