Heritage Kitchen: A Culinary Gem In West Bay

By:  Flynn Bush

Originally started by Mr. Tony Powell as a Fish Shop in 1992, the food on the menu consisted basically of fried fish and fritters.  Because everyone loves fried fish, and the fact that Mr. Powell’s establishment did a good job of serving excellent food of that kind, the small restaurant enjoyed success. 

Eventually, Mr. Powell’s sister-in-law, Isley Powell-Ebanks, and her sister Josephine Otu-Ebanks, took over the running of the place and The Heritage Kitchen was born.  The year was 2011 and it saw the expansion of its culinary offerings.    News began to spread among visitors and residents alike of the many different local dishes to be had there; both seafood and land-based dishes.  Of course, seafood was always a favorite. 

In January 2017, the management of The Heritage Kitchen was passed.  As a result of Ms. Isley and Ms. Josephine retiring, the task and privilege of carrying the restaurant forward was given to some family members, Ronaldo and Rosie Garcia.  The tradition of great food and friendly service has continued ever since.  The restaurant’s popularity has grown steadily over time; so much so that even celebrity visitors make it a point to stop by.  This has also led to the restaurant being awarded twice as the Travel Choice restaurant of the year, the latest being in 2023.

Mr. and Mrs. Garcia have built upon a strong foundation and have polished and shined the establishment into what it is today.  The place has not been expanded size-wise; there is limited available space surrounding it to do so.  However, the strengths of the restaurant have remained.  Any customer, on any day, can be sure to find delicious food, superbly prepared and beautifully presented.  Different types of fish (mahi, snapper, wahoo, etc.) cooked in various ways are always available.  Add to those other dishes such as conch fritters, fish soup, lobster, garlic butter shrimp and other dishes and it is enough to make your mouth water just reading about it.  What is even better is to make the trek to West Bay and experience The Heritage Kitchen for yourself.  As the delectable food melts away in your mouth, your worries will drift away as well; at least for the time being.