This fall, celebrated chef and restaurateur Scott Conant will unveil Leola, a glamorous new Italian dining experience at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau. For the two-time James Beard Award winner, it’s more than just a restaurant—it’s the realization of a long-held dream, shaped by his love for soulful cuisine, warm hospitality, and the spirit of The Bahamas.
Tucked into the casino level of the Grand Hyatt, Leola will span 8,800 square feet and channel the elegance of a 1920s Italian speakeasy. Designed by Restoration Hardware, the space features velvet textures, gilded accents, low chandeliers, and a mix of moody intimacy and refined charm. But it’s not all opulence—it’s inviting, comfortable, and meant to feel personal.
There’s room for everyone: a 106-seat main dining room, an outdoor terrace with space for 130 more, two sleek bars, and a private dining room for gatherings.
“I’ve always been inspired by the beauty and energy of the Bahamas,” Conant says. “With Leola, we’re creating something rooted in connection—warm, soulful, and deeply personal.” The name is just that: a playful twist on leone, the Italian word for lion, and a tribute to his grandfather, who used the nickname with affection throughout Conant’s childhood.
Leola’s menu blends Conant’s signature style—refined, rustic, and ingredient-focused—with the energy of a grand Italian kitchen. There’s his famed Pasta al Pomodoro, of course. But also slow-roasted pork shank ‘Ossobucco’ with saffron polenta, crispy Roman-style artichokes with lemon aioli and mint pesto, and a wine program anchored by Barolo vintages and Old World treasures. The cocktail menu promises a modern take on Italian classics.
For Baha Mar, it’s another major culinary step. “Chef Conant has long been a friend of Baha Mar,” said Baha Mar President Graeme Davis. “Leola marks an exciting new chapter in our culinary journey and a bold addition to our portfolio.”
Leola joins a growing constellation of chef-driven dining experiences at the resort, including Marcus Samuelsson’s Fish + Chop House, Daniel Boulud’s Café Boulud, and Dario Cecchini’s Carna, alongside the new Jon Batiste Jazz Club, where I went last month and was blown away by the quality of the programming.
It’s part restaurant, part love letter — one that captures a sense of nostalgia and ambition, of family and fine dining. And this fall, it will open its doors to travelers and locals alike, inviting them into a space where elegance meets comfort, and every plate tells a story