There are certain foods that signal a change of season in Bermuda, and the return of local spiny lobster is one of them.

Lobster season runs from September 1 through March 31, and once September arrives, local lobster quickly starts appearing on menus across the island.

As Bermudians know, the Bermuda spiny lobster is different from the clawed lobster most associated with New England. As the name suggests, its shell is covered in spines and, rather than the large claws of its northern relative, most of the prized meat is found in its tail.

Ask a Bermudian how they like their lobster and you’re likely to hear a few familiar answers. Thermidor is a popular choice, along with stuffed or simply broiled lobster. Curry is another option you’ll find on local menus.

Of course grilled is also an option if you want your lobster to taste like lobster. Many restaurants offer this, usually Mediterranean style or with butter.

Whether lobster season is an annual ritual or you’re simply craving one for dinner, there are plenty of places to get your fix.

Here are eight to put on your list.

Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio, St George’s

Head all the way east and you can have your lobster overlooking St George’s Harbour. Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio sits directly on the waterfront on Water Street and specialises in fresh local seafood, making it a natural choice once lobster season rolls around.

36 Water Street, St George’s | 297-1307

The Wharf, St George’s

You don’t have to leave St George’s for your next option. Just along Water Street, The Wharf offers another waterfront setting for lobster season, with views across St George’s Harbour. Make a night of it and enjoy dinner outside when the weather cooperates.

14 Water Street, St George’s | 297-3305

Lobster Pot & Boathouse Bar, Hamilton

The name says it all. Lobster Pot & Boathouse Bar has been one of Hamilton’s go-to seafood restaurants for decades and is an obvious stop during lobster season. Located just outside the main stretch of Front Street, it’s an easy choice if you want to stay in town.

6 Bermudiana Road, Hamilton | 292-6898

The Red Carpet, Hamilton

Another longstanding Hamilton restaurant, The Red Carpet is known for its seafood and is especially worth remembering once lobster season begins. Depending on availability, this is also a spot to look for guinea chicks, the smaller local cousin of the spiny lobster.

37 Reid Street, Hamilton | 295-6774

Thyme, Paget

Thyme is going all-in on lobster this October. Its annual Lobster Feast returns on October 17 with a five-course dinner built around Bermuda spiny lobster. The menu includes lobster maki, lobster spring roll and Lobster Thermidor, making this the choice for anyone who wants considerably more than a traditional lobster dinner.

1 Cataract Hill, Paget | 236-1379

Blu Bar & Grill, Warwick

If the setting matters almost as much as the lobster, Blu is hard to beat. Sitting above the Belmont Hills Golf Course, the restaurant looks out across the Great Sound and Hamilton Harbour. This is the lobster-season option for a date night, celebration or simply dinner with a view.

25 Belmont Hills Drive, Warwick | 232-2323

Lost In The Triangle, Warwick

LITT is unapologetically about seafood, so naturally lobster gets plenty of attention during the season. Its current menu offers Bermuda spiny lobster whole or half, baked with lemon butter or prepared Thermidor-style. Guinea chicks are also on the menu, when available.

87 South Shore Road, Warwick | 296-0094

Bella Vista Bar & Grill, Southampton

Bella Vista has built a loyal following for its lobster during the season, making it one of those places that regularly comes up when Bermudians start talking about where to go for their fix. Set at Port Royal Golf Course, it also comes with sweeping views over the South Shore — an especially good setting for settling in for a proper lobster dinner.

5 Port Royal Drive, Southampton | 232-0100

Anchor Restaurant Bar & Lounge, Dockyard

West End residents don’t have to drive across the island for their lobster fix. Anchor Restaurant Bar & Lounge in Royal Naval Dockyard rounds out the list, offering local and contemporary food in a relaxed setting and giving you a Dockyard option for lobster season.

1 Freeport Road, Royal Naval Dockyard | 543-9361