Where Island Dreams Set Sail
Picture this: It’s 1972, and the salty Caribbean breeze carries stories of adventure across Nassau’s crystalline waters. This is where our tale begins—not with grand plans or corporate boardrooms, but with two dreamers who followed their hearts to paradise.
Gianni Carrer arrived from Europe during the tourism boom of the 1960s, his culinary soul shaped by the legendary Café Martinique. Across the ocean, Eloy Roldan was charting his own course of freedom, escaping Franco’s Spain to trace Columbus’s footsteps to The Bahamas. When fate brought these two visionaries together at a humble marina bar, something magical was about to unfold.
But every great story needs its heart, and ours was Donna—Gianni’s wife, whose Bahamian roots ran as deep as the nearby coral reefs. With her intuitive understanding of island culture and sharp business instincts, she didn’t just support their dream; she became its beating heart. Together, they transformed that simple waterfront spot into something extraordinary: a place where authentic Bahamian flavors would dance with warm hospitality for generations to come.
The Boy Who Became a Legend
Enter Frederick “Freddie” Lightbourn – just 15 years old when he first stepped onto our docks, eyes bright with possibility. Little did anyone know that this young man would revolutionize how guests experience fresh seafood dining in The Bahamas.
Freddie’s stroke of genius? Why tell guests about today’s catch when you can *show* them? Picture yourself at our waterfront table as Freddie approaches with a glistening display of Nassau Grouper, Red Snapper, and Stone Crab Claws—each piece so fresh it practically whispers tales of the morning’s adventure on Bahamian waters. “You pick it, we cook it” isn’t just our motto; it’s Freddie’s personal promise that has delighted guests for over four decades.
Now our owner, partner, and managing director, Freddie continues to push culinary boundaries. His adventurous palate and discerning taste have evolved our menu beyond traditional Bahamian fare, creating innovative fusion dishes that honor island heritage while surprising even the most seasoned food lovers.
Your Waterfront Story Awaits
Imagine watching the sun paint the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks as gentle waves lap against our docks. Whether you choose our original East Bay Street location or Poop Deck West, you’re not just selecting a restaurant—you’re choosing to become part of a living, breathing story that unfolds each evening.
Feel the warm island breeze carry the sounds of local musicians whose rhythms sync perfectly with the Bahamian tides. This is the magic Donna envisioned—where every meal becomes a celebration, every conversation flows like aged rum, and every moment creates memories as lasting as our coral stone foundations.
The vibrant energy that fills our spaces isn’t manufactured; it’s the accumulated joy of countless celebrations, family gatherings, and new friendships forged over plates of perfectly prepared conch fritters and just-caught grouper.
More Than a Meal—It's Your Island Legacy
When you dine with us, you’re not just ordering dinner; you’re writing yourself into a story that began over 50 years ago. You’re joining the countless souls who’ve found their slice of paradise at our tables, from first-time visitors who become lifelong friends to local families marking life’s most precious moments.
Through hurricanes and calm seas, economic storms and sunny seasons, we’ve remained steadfast in our commitment to authentic Bahamian hospitality. The same passion that drove Gianni and Eloy, the same warmth that Donna infused into every corner, and the same innovation that Freddie brings to every dish—it all comes together in the experience waiting for you.
Every perfectly seasoned bite tells the story of these islands. Every sunset viewed from our deck writes another chapter in your own adventure. Every laugh shared over stone crab claws adds to the symphony of memories that make The Poop Deck more than a restaurant—it’s where your Bahamian story truly begins.
Your Table is Ready
The trade winds are calling, the catch of the day is waiting, and your chapter in our story is
about to begin. Come discover why for over five decades, we've been more than Nassau's
premier waterfront dining destination—we've been the place where island dreams come to life, one unforgettable meal at a time.
Your seat with a view is waiting. Your story starts now