St. Martin Restaurants
Of all the Caribbean island destinations, none has a reputation for fine cuisine like St. Martin. The island attracts innovative and creative chefs who prepare delicious fresh fish and shellfish, French cuisine, and other foods from around the globe.
During the high season, you'll need to make reservations - even a month in advance for some of the best places (give us a call; we can help with this). Some restaurants will include a 15% service charge, so be sure to look your bill over before you tip. You can't always include the tip on your credit card, so bring cash as well. Usually, dress is casual: for men, khakis and a nice shirt, for women, dressy pants, a skirt, or even fancy shorts are usually acceptable. To be safe, inquire about the dress when you call to make your reservation.
Here are a few of our favorite restaurants:
Antoine
Front St. 119, Philipsburg
011-599-542-2964
"Amazing waterfront dining with sensational view. Lobster Thermidor was rated 'Best on Island' by the New York Times, and Seafood Linguine will please seafood lovers."
L'Alabama
Grand Case
011-590-590-87-81-66
"One of the top restaurants in Grand Case. Excellent professional service and matching food. The filet mignon is super, the specials are amazing (but they change often - so if something sounds good, order it!). Save room for dessert."
La Tropicana
Marina Royale, Marigot
011-590-590-87-79-07
"Classic and creative French cuisine. A different menu for lunch and dinner in a pleasant setting."
La Vie en Rose
Harborfront, Marigot (upstairs)
011-590-590-87-54-42
"One of the finest French restaurants on the island, intimate and romantic ambience with an extensive menu including lobster bisque, fresh foie grass, and fondant chocolate cake."
Le Montmartre
Cupecoy at Atlantis Casino
011-599-545-3939
"Fine French food and wine in an atmosphere reminiscent of the 19th century Parisian cabarets."
Mario's Bistro
On the canal as you enter Marigot from Sandy Ground
011-590-590-87-06-36
"Everyone's Favorite. Romantic eatery with high-quality cuisine such as baked salmon in a caramelized onion crust, and grilled fillet of tuna with melted blue cheese on a bed of gnocchi in a tomato sauce with herbs. Expensive."
Closed Sun. and mid-June-July. No lunch.
Rare
Cupecoy at Atlantis Casino
011-599-545-5714
"A new steakhouse by the owners of Temptation. Early reviewers say the food is excellent."
Spiga
Grand Case
011-590-590-52-47-83
"In a 1900s Creole-style home, Spiga serves creative Italian cuisine, irresistible lobster ravioli, tantalizing beef tenderloin, garden-fresh salads and scrumptious salmon. Save room for dessert."
Temptation
Cupecoy at Atlantis Casino
011-599-545-2254
"Island born and CIA-trained chef Dino Jagtiani creates outstanding food at this formal five-star dining establishment, with uniformed service and the ambiance of a Manhattan bistro. Even the cocktails are wonderful creations."
Turtle Pier
Simpson Bay lagoon, just east of the airport
011-599-545-2562
"A 'Fodor's Choice' for 2005. Outdoor dining on a small pier; a great place for dinner before you fly out. Fresh lobster and creative Caribbean cuisine."
Another experience we highly recommend is having a personal chef come to your villa. Sit back and relax while Chefs de France (011-590-590-29-15-89) prepares an excellent meal, from appetizers through dessert. This option is a great alternative for families with children.