We love the unique vibe of the dual island of Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten. From its sparkling blue waters and pristine beaches to its casinos and nightclubs, a visit here is like no other. On top of everything else, the food is to die for. It’s almost impossible to settle on a place to eat during your vacation because there are so many diverse and delicious options. To help you plan out your trip and narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of our twelve favorite restaurants in St. Martin/St. Maarten.
Best Restaurants on St. Martin (French Side)
1. Be Kool
This fabulous restaurant sits right on the water, offering a relaxed beach vibe while still providing guests with gourmet French cuisine. Be Kool is known for its “spontaneous” menu, as the chefs draw daily inspiration from fresh produce to create something new and special. But just because the cooks enjoy creating dishes on-the-fly doesn’t mean you’ll experience lower quality. All ingredients used are fresh, and everything is handmade with love.
2. Le Tropicana
Another fabulous waterfront pick, Le Tropicana offers authentic French fine dining. The kitchen is run by a European chef who is an expert at marrying traditional French fare with a Caribbean twist. Expect sensational seafood dishes, an extensive wine list, and traditional French desserts as you gaze upon the sparkling waters of the sea.
3. La Villa Hibiscus
Those looking for a truly unique gourmet experience will fall in love with La Villa Hibiscus. Run by French-Belgian Chef Bastian, this restaurant is situated at the highest point on the island, offering breathtaking views as you wait for your food. We love the hospitable atmosphere and the ability to watch the Chef at work in an open kitchen. The most exciting part of the dining experience is that you can choose from different menus. If you’d like to choose an item off the gourmet menu, you’re free to do so. If you’d like to be surprised, order from the prestige menu. Simply explain any food allergies to the Chef, and he’ll customize your menu!
4. L’Astrolabe
Sheer tranquility is one of the best ways to describe the peaceful ambiance at L’Astrolabe Restaurant. Enjoy your meal poolside or in a tropical garden setting with light music and exceptional flavors. Fabulous French soups, pastas, cheeses, fish, and desserts are the hallmarks of the Astrolabe menu. The Chef is constantly dreaming up new ways to bring spicy Cajun and Caribbean flavors to traditional French foods, and he never fails!
5. Coco Beach
A self-proclaimed “paradise” for beach lovers and foodies, Coco Beach sits right on the sands of Orient Beach. Enjoy the sea air as you dive into a French-Cajon flavor fusion that will dazzle and delight. There’s nothing quite like squid ink risotto or red tuna tacos to spark your imagination and excite your tastebuds. This is the perfect spot for an afternoon meal or even to grab a cocktail and dessert.
6. L’Atelier
Another Orient Beach favorite, L’Atelier (which means “workshop”), is the spot for meat lovers. Although you’ll also find pasta, salad, and desserts, owner Alex is truly passionate about cooking with the finest meats, using the simplest methods to preserve their authentic, rich flavors. The name was chosen because the Chef likes to work with care to take something simple and make something extraordinary. It’s an experience like no other.
7. La Playa
Stunning views, casual beach vibes, and gourmet dining are the words used to sum up La Playa Restaurant and Bar. Serving delightful breakfasts and lunches that feature traditional fare, La Playa also offers spectacular sushi tastings. Continue enjoying cocktails until late in the evening.
Best Restaurants on Sint Maarten (Dutch Side)
8. Mario’s Bistro
If you’re looking for a Dutch-side restaurant that has it all, look no further than Mario’s Bistro. Quebec-born Chef Mario has been dazzling guests for more than 20 years with fine, fresh Caribbean cuisine and spectacular presentation. Experience this all while dining from a cliff-side terrace over the sea.
9. Tao Garden
When you’re craving Thai cuisine on your Caribbean getaway, look no further than Tao Garden. Offering beautifully prepared authentic Thai dishes, from Chicken Pad Thai to curries and fish-based dishes, your taste-buds will be deeply satisfied. They’re also well known for daily specials, making it the ideal location for a delightful lunch that won’t break the bank.
10. Jai’s
We love Jai’s for its one-of-a-kind fusion of traditional Indian cuisine with Caribbean flavors. This stunning location is famous for its unique menu items and stunning presentation. Naan, samosas, and tikka masalas offer the comforting taste of your Indian favorites but with an extra pop of Caribbean spice that gives the dining experience that extra “Je ne sais quoi” to put things over the top.
11. St. Maarten Yacht Club Bar & Restaurant
You don’t have to be a yacht club member to dine here! Fun, views, and local flavors are the pinnacles of the St. Maarten Yacht Club experience. Locals and visitors love to visit for amazing cocktails on the water, live entertainment, friendly staff, and delightful seafood. Although it’s a somewhat casual setting and vibe, you won’t be disappointed by the menu, and you’ll end up staying all night for killer drinks, karaoke, pub quiz night, and more.
12. Roxy Beach Club
Situated on the sands of Simpson Bay, the Roxy Beach Club is all about creating an incredibly fun atmosphere for your Caribbean vacation. Come for the expansive Asian-fusion menu and cocktails, and stay for the live events and entertainment. Giving off a bit of a nightclub vibe, this a great place to let your hair down, dance, enjoy a drink, and get into vaycay mode!
If you take anything away from this list, it should be that there’s no shortage of incredible dining opportunities in the Caribbean island paradise of St. Martin/St. Maarten. No matter what side of the island you find yourself on, you’ll discover incredible flavor pairings and unique experiences that will take your vacation to a whole new level. Bon Appetit!