Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Although most people come to St. Maarten/St. Martin for sun and fun, they leave praising the cuisine. On an island that covers only 37 square miles (96 square km), there are more than 400 restaurants from which to choose. You can sample the best dishes from France, Thailand, Italy, Vietnam, India, Japan, and, of course, the Cari
Although most people come to St. Maarten/St. Martin for sun and fun, they leave praising the cuisine. On an island that covers only 37 square miles (96 square km), there are more than 400 restaurants from which to choose. You can sample the best dishes from France, Thai
Although most people come to St. Maarten/St. Martin for sun and fun, they leave praising the cuisine. On an island that
Although most people come to St. Maarten/St. Martin for sun and fun, they leave praising the cuisine. On an island that covers only 37 square miles (96 square km), there are more than 400 restaurants from which to choose. You can sample the best dishes from France, Thailand, Italy, Vietnam, India, Japan, and, of course, the Caribbean.
Many of the best restaurants are in Grand Case (on the French side), but you should not limit your culinary adventures to that village. Great dining thrives throughout the island, from the bistros of Marigot to the hopping restaurants of Cupecoy to the low-key eateries of Simpson Bay. Whether you enjoy dining on fine china in one of the upscale restaurants or off a paper plate at the island's many lolos (roadside barbecue stands), St. Maarten/St. Martin's culinary options are sure to appeal to every palate. Loyalists on both "sides" will cheerfully try to steer you to their own favorites, and it’s common to cite high euro prices to deter exploration, but quite a few restaurants still offer a one-to-one exchange rate between dollars and euros if you use cash, and main-course portions are often large enough to be shared.
During high season, it's essential to make reservations, and making them a month in advance is advisable for some of the best places. Dutch-side restaurants sometimes include a 15% service charge, so check your bill before tipping. On the French side, service is always included, but it is customary to leave 5% to 10% extra in cash for the server. Don’t count on leaving tips on your credit card—it's customary to tip in cash. A taxi is probably the easiest solution to the parking problems in Grand Case, Marigot, and Philipsburg. Grand Case has two lots—each costs $4—at each end of the main boulevard, but they're often packed by 8 pm.
What to Wear: Although appropriate dining attire ranges from swimsuits to sport jackets, casual dress is usually appropriate throughout restaurants on the island. For men, a jacket and khakis or jeans will take you anywhere; for women, dressy pants, a skirt, or even fancy shorts are usually acceptable. Jeans are fine in the less formal eateries.
One of the five lolos in the middle of the village on the water side, Cynthia's (better known simply as "Talk of the Town") is a fun, relatively cheap, and iconic St. Martin meal. With plastic utensils and paper plates, it couldn't be more informal, and the menu includes everything from succulent grilled ribs to stewed conch, fresh snapper, and grilled lobster. At some of the most reasonable prices on the island, all come with tasty sides like plantains, curried rice, beans, and coleslaw. Don't miss the johnnycakes (Caribbean fried dough) and the crab back. The service is friendly, if a bit slow; sit back with a $1.50 beer and enjoy the experience. On weekends there may be live music.
Come earlier in the day for the freshest fare.
With a highly Instagrammable Bohemian look, this restaurant brings style, wit, and a bit of panache to the beach bar genre. Rainbow delivers a memorable breakfast, lunch, sunset drinks, sushi, and tapas---on the beach, their beachfront deck, or on the covered rooftop. Choose a front-row seat (or lounge chair) on Grand Case beach and choose from an eclectic menu, which includes vegetarian and vegan selections, steaks, grilled fish, sushi, and lobster, too. Yes, there are burgers here, but they're buried in a "rainbow" of French flavors and textures. It's fun to come here at the end of the day for tapas, sushi, and dynamite cocktails with spectacular sunsets over Grand Case Bay. There's live music on Tuesday. Browse the Rainbow Boutique on the rooftop for Boho-chic garments and beach accessories.
Feel the St. Martin culture at this beach bar and restaurant (previously Kali's, but now under new ownership). Flavorful local Creole dishes and island-inspired cocktails are served on the beach. The menu changes often based on the availability of local ingredients, but crowd favorites like acras, conch and dumplings, and the mixed plate of grilled meats and fish make a regular appearance. Owners Angèle and Fritz have brought the same atmosphere and creativity from 978 Sanctorum, their jazz lounge and popular brunch spot, located just a few miles from Friar's Bay in the area of Rambaud. The beach lounge has become the spot for the monthly all-white full moon party, a beloved and sophisticated affair on the beach. There's live music on Saturday and Sunday.
This bustling and popular bistro at the Marina Port La Royale stays busy thanks to a varied menu, (relatively) reasonable prices, and friendly staff. Salads are superb lunch options, especially the salade Niçoise with medallions of crusted goat cheese. Dinner brings some exceptional steak and seafood dishes, and the wine list is quite extensive. There are also ample vegan and vegetarian offerings. Desserts are tasty, including old standbys like crème brûlée. You can dine outside or in. Go with others or take a taxi at night: the parking lot is sketchy at night.
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
Try increasing the mile radius or searching near one of these popular suggestions:
Emilio's
Cynthia's Talk of the Town
Friar's Bay Beach Café
Rainbow Café & Beach Bar
Enter a sight, restaurant, hotel, or other place to find restaurants nearby.
Neighborhoods Some neighborhood filters have sub-neighborhoods that can be selected individually in a dropdown by clicking on the icon to the right of the name.
I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails.
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
By signing up for the newsletter, I agree to the Privacy Policy. You must check the box to subscribe
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.