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Restaurants Overview

Dining on St. Barths compares favorably to almost anywhere in the world. Varied and exquisite cuisine, a French flair in the decorations, sensational wine, and attentive service make for a wonderful epicurean experience. St. Barths' style is expressed in more than 80 charming restaurants, from beachfront grills to serious establishments serving five-course meals. On most menus, freshly caught local seafood mingles on the plate with top-quality provisions that arrive regularly from Paris.

Most restaurants offer a chalkboard full of daily specials that are usually a good bet. But even the pickiest eaters will find something on every menu. The weakness of the dollar means that many restaurants have become frightfully expensive. However, you can dine superbly at a number of the island's better restaurants without breaking the bank if you watch your wine selections and share appetizers or desserts. Lunch is usually less costly than dinner.

Reservations are strongly recommended and, in high season, essential. However, except during Christmas-New Year's it's not usually necessary to book far in advance. A day's -- or even a few hours' -- notice is usually sufficient. If you enter a restaurant without a reservation, you may not be seated, even if there are empty tables. Restaurant owners on St. Barths take great pride in their service as well as in their food, and they would rather turn you away than slight you on an understaffed evening. At the end of the meal, as in France, you must request the bill. Until you do, you can feel free to linger at the table and enjoy the complimentary vanilla rum that's likely to appear.

Check restaurant bills carefully. A service charge (service compris) is always added by law, but you should leave the server 5% to 10% extra in cash. You'll usually come out ahead if you charge restaurant meals on a credit card in euros instead of paying with American currency, as your credit card will offer a better exchange rate than the restaurant. Many restaurants serve locally caught lobster (langouste); priced by weight, it's usually the most expensive item on a menu and, depending on its size and the restaurant, will range in price from $40 to $60. In menu prices below, it has been left out of the range.

What to Wear

A bathing suit and pareu (sarong) are acceptable at beachside lunch spots. Most top it off with a T-shirt or tank top. Jackets are never required and rarely worn, but people dress fashionably for dinner. Casual chic is the idea; women wear whatever is hip, current, and sexy. You can't go wrong in a tank dress or a ruffly skirt and top. Nice shorts (not beachy ones) at the dinner table may label a man américain, but many locals have adopted the habit, and nobody cares much. Pack a light sweater or shawl for an after-dinner beach stroll.