St. Bart's
Restaurants in St. Bart's
Superb French fare dominates the St. Bart's restaurant scene. Those who flock here have discerning taste and deep pockets, and only the best chefs make the cut. Menus tend to change daily, and the fish is freshly caught. If you're on a budget, it may be worth dining out for lunch when the prices tend to be more reasonable. In addition to the array of tony restaurants, there are more casual beachfront spots as well as gourmet markets stocked with meats, homemade bread, cheese, and plats du jour. (Check out La Petite Colombe, an excellent patisserie in Lorient.) One of the best restaurants in St. Bart's is the funky beachfront Best for Sand and Shade; order the grilled fresh dorade, crisp conch fritters, and, bien sûr, a cold Carib beer to wash it down. Among the restaurants in St. Bart's with stellar views, the nautical open-air dining room at Le Mango, at Hotel Christopher, serves a mean lobster salad. With the exception of the markets, reservations are always essential. Come evening, many St. Bart's restaurants slip into glittery, after-dark parties—so be sure to slip into something lovely on your way out.
A misnomer, Shell Beach has, sadly, few shells. The sand itself (gray, rough) isn't top-quality, but the placid cove is ideal for kids. For a lunch of lemongrass shrimp, book a table on the second floor of the Asian-influenced Do Brazil.
A short hike over a rocky path opens onto a wide, white-sand stretch. Depending on the winds, the water can be rough. For lunch, head to the open-air restaurant Le Grain de Sel, a five-minute drive away.
This family-run tavern, restaurant, and sports club lies near the town entrance and serves simple, Creole-style seafood. In the one-story building with blue shutters, the clientele includes a mix of locals, neighborhood fishermen, and tourists.
Informal, funky, and family-friendly, the cafe has waterfront wooden tables shaded by sea-grape trees. Try crisp conch fritters, grilled fresh dorade, and a cold Carib beer while watching the kite surfing offshore.
Do yourself a favor and try the Creole cod fritters or the grilled spiny lobster at the hotel’s casual restaurant, with one of the best-priced menus on the island.
Located within the Eden Rock Hotel, exclusive (read as: reservations required) On-the-Rocks offers premium views of the turquoise waters of St. Jean Bay from its promontory location. The covered deck splits into three levels, so diners and drinkers can enjoy the views from virtually any seat.
La Petite Colombe, a neighborhood patisserie in Lorient (with locations in Gustavia and Colmbier, too), specializes in freshly baked breads and pastries including French baguettes, croissants, and pain au chocolat (a croissant-like pastry with chocolate).
Not far from St. Bart’s airport, Maya’s is both a takeaway restaurant and a gourmet food shop.
Opened in 1949, this casual snack bar that’s renowned for its hamburgers is said to be the inspiration for Jimmy Buffet's hit song "Cheeseburger in Paradise." From the menu of inexpensive burgers, the house specialty is the double-bacon cheeseburger—also known as the Marius Special after the esta
Just steps from Saline Beach, this open-air restaurant serves a globally inspired menu that changes daily to incorporate the freshest available local ingredients.
Built around a 100-year-old tamarind tree, this open-air restaurant is located near the Baie de St.-Jean on the road to Grande Saline Beach.
Located within the luxury Hotel Guanahani on St. Barthelemy’s eastern coast, this upscale spot draws a dinner crowd for the innovative, French-Caribbean cuisine and romantic atmosphere.
While it isn't the height of glamour—picnic tables covered in plastic cloths, Christmas lights strung in the trees—this is the best bargain on the island. It's also one of the few spots to find authentic Creole dishes like goat stew and conch fritters.
Situated with views of Hotel Le Toiny’s infinity pool and the Caribbean beyond, Le Gaïac serves French cuisine with a Creole influence. Chef Stéphane Mazières prepares dishes like fresh fish grilled a la plancha (on a flat, metal grill) or roasted squab breast in a pie.
Situated on the Gustavia waterfront and run by a husband and wife team since 1984, Maya's Restaurant cooks up Creole tastes from seafood ingredients that vary daily.
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