Meet Tony Macaroni: The Bahamas’ King of Conch

Tony Macaroni, born Anthony Hanna, is a treasured culinary icon on Grand Bahama Island, where he has spent over 30 years perfecting the art of conch cuisine and delighting visitors with his renowned conch dishes at his celebrated beachside restaurant. Tony Macaroni’s Conch Experience, located on the stunning Taino Beach, is more than just a place to eat; it has become a community hub where the irresistible aroma of conch dishes dance through the air along with the sweet sounds of Rake and Scrape music, smooth jazz, and glowing beach fires. Tony’s magnetic personality, friendly humour and captivating storytelling have endeared him to both tourists and locals alike. Six days a week, from Sunday to Friday, Tony can be found with a wide smile, ready to welcome and entertain his cherished guests.

From Island Boy to King of Conch

Tony’s journey began with a humble, daily routine of lunching at Billy Joe’s beach restaurant, which inspired him to start his own culinary venture. With special permission to be entrusted with the famous grilled conch recipe, Tony soon introduced his unique roast conch at Count Basie Square near the main dock. Initially catering to hungry tourists from the Big Red Boat in Port Lucaya, Tony’s business faced many ups and downs. However, his resilience led him to Taino Beach, where he set up his now-iconic beachfront hut restaurant.

Hanna’s success led him to represent Freeport at the “Festival of the Americas” in Washington D.C. in 2002. Despite major setbacks following this, including devastating hurricanes that demolished his hut in 2004 and 2005, Tony rebuilt his business with the loving support of generous local community figures. Today, Tony Macaroni’s Conch Experience reigns amongst the top choices for its roast conch, masterfully prepared over an open fire alongside savoury dishes like roast lobster, fish, shrimp, and Gullywash – the traditional Bahamian drink. His unwavering contributions to Bahamian tourism have been recognized by the prestigious Cacique Award from the Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism, and have garnered him recent nominations for USA Today’s Best Caribbean Beach Bar. Tony’s rich culinary experience and captivating personality continue to draw eager visitors from around the world to Grand Bahama Island.

Colourful Conch Creations

Tony Macaroni’s Conch Experience not only captivates those from far and wide with its vibrant ambiance but also beckons anyone with a taste for culinary adventure with an array of delectable conch creations. From the signature Lil Mel’s conch bubby salad to the velvety roast conch and grilled conch burgers, each dish highlights the rich flavours and irresistible textures of the Bahamian food scene. As guests savour their meals against the stunning background of the Caribbean Sea, they may also choose to indulge in refreshing, iconic Gullywash or tropical piña coladas. Each dish, crafted with care, shows Tony’s dedication to providing an authentic taste of Bahamian cuisine.

Featured on international TV shows and magazines, Tony’s restaurant additionally offers educational “Conch 101” demonstrations, along with unforgettable Sunday evenings partnered with Jazz on the Beach and toasty beach bonfires. The venue has attracted many guests and celebrities over the years, and many return for the idyllic beach setting, accompanied by volleyball games, a nearby children’s playground, and of course, a real conch shell souvenir that is gifted specially from Tony to all those who dine at his beloved establishment.

From hands-on classes to evenings filled with Jazz and tasty delights, Tony Macaroni’s Conch Experience embodies the essence of Bahamian hospitality and food culture. Explore the menu of mouthwatering conch creations and more at www.bahamas.com/experiences/tony-macaroni-freeport.

With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travellers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.Bahamas.com and see why It’s Better in The Bahamas.