Home » TRAVEL DESTINATION NEWS » The Bahamas Set to Redefine Caribbean Fine Dining as Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Unveils Leola, a Glamorous New Italian Restaurant by Celebrity Chef Scott Conant Blending Timeless Tradition and Modern Luxury
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
The prestigious Baha Mar resort in The Bahamas is set to introduce its latest culinary masterpiece this fall—Leola, an elegant Italian restaurant opening at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. Led by renowned chef Scott Conant, the new dining venue will fuse classic Italian flavors with modern sophistication and inviting charm, offering a vibrant new experience in Caribbean cuisine.
Known for his soulful approach to cuisine and deep-rooted Italian culinary heritage, Conant brings decades of experience and creative finesse to Leola. The restaurant promises to offer guests a unique experience that goes beyond food—delivering ambiance, storytelling, and impeccable hospitality.
“Baha Mar continues to define culinary excellence throughout the Caribbean, thanks to our outstanding restaurants and world-class chef partners,” said Graeme Davis, President, Baha Mar. “For many years, Chef Scott Conant has been a passionate champion and valued friend of Baha Mar and we’re honored to officially welcome him and his talented culinary team into our dining portfolio. We look forward to introducing Leola, Scott’s newest original restaurant concept, to our resort guests and local residents this fall.”
A Tribute to Heritage and Style
The name Leola is a clever adaptation of leone, the Italian word for lion, and also pays heartfelt tribute to Conant’s grandfather, who affectionately used the word during his childhood. This personal connection underscores the restaurant’s identity—rooted in family traditions, elevated by modern sophistication.
“Bringing Leola to life at Baha Mar is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time,” said Chef Conant. “I’ve always been inspired by the beauty and spirit of the Bahamas, and it felt like the perfect place to create a restaurant that’s both personal and inviting. With Leola, we’re blending the kind of food and hospitality I love—warm, soulful, and rooted in connection.”
Designed by Restoration Hardware, the interior channels the ambiance of a 1920s Italian speakeasy. Think plush velvet upholstery, ornate chandeliers, rich gold detailing, and dim ambient lighting that creates an atmosphere of elegance and nostalgia. Despite its upscale aesthetic, Leola remains welcoming and family-friendly, designed to appeal to a broad range of diners.
An Expansive Culinary Destination
Spanning 8,800 square feet, Leola is more than just a restaurant—it’s a full-scale dining venue. The main dining room seats 106 guests, while the open-air terrace accommodates 130 more. Two stylish bars and a private dining room further enhance the versatility of the space, catering to both romantic dinners and larger group celebrations.
Celebrating Italian Cuisine with a Modern Twist
At the heart of Leola is a menu crafted to celebrate the depth and simplicity of Italian cuisine, reimagined through Chef Conant’s contemporary lens. Dishes are inspired by traditional recipes and made with precision, showcasing the finest ingredients and seasonal flavors.
Signature highlights include the beloved Pasta al Pomodoro, a timeless dish elevated through expert technique, and Ossobucco Roasted Pork Shank, served atop saffron-infused polenta. Creative side dishes like Roman-Style Artichokes with lemon aioli and mint pesto add playful sophistication to the dining experience.
The restaurant’s beverage program is equally impressive. Guests can enjoy an extensive selection of Old World wines, with a special emphasis on Italian Barolo vintages, alongside an inventive cocktail menu tailored to complement the rich flavors of the cuisine.
A Star Among Culinary Giants at Baha Mar
Situated on the casino level of Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Leola seamlessly integrates into the resort’s prestigious culinary collection. It stands alongside an acclaimed roster of dining and entertainment venues, including Jon Batiste’s Jazz Club, Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House, Café Boulud by Daniel Boulud, and Carna by Dario Cecchini, further enriching Baha Mar’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class cuisine.
Festival Appearances and Ongoing Culinary Celebration
Chef Conant’s presence in The Bahamas goes far beyond the debut of Leola. This October 22–26, he will take center stage at the Fourth Annual Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival, where he’s set to lead three standout events. These include Tasting Tuscany at Leola, an intimate journey through Italian flavors; a Signature Chef Dinner co-hosted with Amanda Freitag; and Coconuts & Cocktails, a lively celebration with Marcus Samuelsson and Marv “Mr. Mix.”
A long-time supporter of the festival, Conant has participated every year since its inception and continues to champion The Bahamas as a global culinary destination.
With its arrival, Leola promises to redefine Italian dining in the Caribbean—offering a luxurious yet welcoming space where guests can indulge in timeless recipes, rich culture, and unforgettable ambiance. For food lovers and world travelers alike, it’s set to become a must-visit culinary landmark at Baha Mar.
