2 Best Restaurants in St. Maarten, St. Martin and St. Maarten

Emilio Wilson bought the plantation where his grandparents worked and died as enslaved people, which is now the location of the Rainforest Adventure park and this award-winning restaurant housed in an 18th-century sugarcane boiling house. The knowledgeable owner of this family-run establishment, Norman Wathey, is more than happy to talk to you about the "old days" while you dine on nouveau Caribbean cuisine. Dishes might include charred garlic octopus with spicy avocado puree, rosemary rack of lamb with mushroom risotto, or snapper en papilotte. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, and the wine cellar has more than 100 options.

Made famous by the late Anthony Bourdain, who stopped here in 2000, this vibrant spot on the edge of town is well-known for its loyal following, colorful exterior, and ital food—vegan and organic and made of strictly local ingredients. Take your breakfast or lunch to go, or take a seat inside, where you're sure to be entertained by owner Ras Bushman, who runs the charming restaurant with his wife and son and knows a lot about the island and its medicinal plants. On Saturday, Ital Shack hosts Redemption Night, an evening of reggae music and local drinks.