Hi All,

I'm going to St. Barth's for 5 days next month with a girlfriend for sun, great food and R&R! We know food can be expensive but don't really know how much to budget (per day) for food and drink. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Well...not to be a smart alec, but that kind of depends on what you eat and drink, where you eat and drink and how much you eat and drink. I would plan on whatever your bill would be in DC and double it at the very minimum considering the Euro to USD conversion.

That makes sense. I'd seen most meals were $100+ for lunch. Not sure about dinner. Seems steep but we don't know what to expect. Thanks much!

Also, are you staying in a villa or hotel? If a villa, go to Match and buy groceries so you can eat breakfast in, take picnic lunches to the beach and save your money for great dinners.

At our hotel, each room/suite had an outdoor kitchen which we made use of at lunch. We went to Match and local small shops and stocked up on wine, beer, water and lunch items. I enjoyed it. This saved some $$.
Dinner really does depend on where you decide to go. We enjoyed Andy's Hideaway and it wasn't too $$. Restaurants have their menus posted out front so that you can decide before you go in.
I would rather spend my $ on dinner than lunch. The first day we did eat at the hotel and I had a salad and DH had a sandwich. It was $ but not anywhere near $100 (which I had read about, too).
Eden Rock was our priciest dinner and well worth it.
I just got back from Las Vegas with dinners between $150-200 with drinks. That was shell-shock.
Be sure to rent a car since taxis are not reliable and driving is great fun.

You can always go to "Le Select" for a burger. Maybe you'll run in to Jimmy Buffet!!!

Thanks so all you for your insights! We feel better prepared - and will head to Match. Do you know how formal folks dress for dinner and going out? Is it like St. Tropez or more casual??

Thanks!

DH wore shorts and I wore capris ir bermudas and we were fine. I was worried about the dress, as well. You might want to take pants for you in case there is a restaurant that doesn't allow shorts, but we didn't find one and DH never wore the khakis that I packed.
You will have a fantastic time.
The best part is the landing and taking off from the airport!!!!!

Dress is casual. Most men wear slacks and coller shirt. (linen common).
For a budget, $50-100 for lunch and $100-200 for dinner (per couple). This is highly dependent on wine/drinks,etc.
You want to enjoy. Try Wall House, Andys Hideaway, Mayas.

I'm so excited to try the restaurants and places you suggested! Thanks again!