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.
There is a sophisticated vibe at this quiet, rather elegant beach club that may make you feel as if you're on a private beach. You can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas (half price with lunch) and spend the whole day relaxing, drinking, and dining. With decor less funky than some other beach-club restaurants, it is open from breakfast through the spectacular sunset, offering a menu reminiscent of a French bistro. A blackboard lists specials, carpaccios of meat and fish are sparklingly fresh, and the salads are terrific. French standbys include tomato and goat cheese tartlets, and "international" ones add burgers and sandwiches. Watch for the red-and-black signs on the road between Grand Case and Marigot, and drive slow because the road is rough, especially the last 200 yards or so before you get to the beach.
Years after being destroyed by Hurricane Irma, the old Marrakech is back with the same ownership but a new name, Le Marocain. The decor transports you straight to Morocco as you dine on fragrant, authentic Moroccan classics in a romantic space with an open garden and a new rooftop. The couscous and tagines are spiced well and delivered in Moroccan serving plates by the affable and professional staff. The mixed appetizers (meze) are delectable, and the royal couscous and the lamb with prunes tagine are justly popular. Ask for their nightly specials. Lounge in the tented rooftop after dinner and be entertained by belly dancers on Friday. The restaurant is on Marigot's main road across from the stadium.
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.
It's hard to top the authentic French comfort food and reasonable prices you can find at this intimate restaurant tucked in a Marigot alley. Traditional French dishes like steak au poivre, sweetbreads with mushroom sauce, and sole meunière are served in a friendly, intimate dining room, which is now air-conditioned. The prix-fixe menu is a very good value, as are many of the bottles on the wine list. The place is popular, and the few tables are routinely packed until it closes at midnight (or earlier). It can be difficult to park here, so take your chances at finding a spot on the street near the soccer stadium—or try a taxi. The neighborhood isn't exactly upscale, so peruse it by the day so you know exactly where you're going that night.
97150, St. Martin
0690-28--16--32
Known For
French comfort food
Good value prix-fixe menu
Wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sat. and Sun., Reservations essential
Both locals and tourists seem to love this restaurant at Great Bay Marina. Seafood is the main focus, but steaks, burgers, pasta, and poultry are all on the dinner menu. You can also come for breakfast, lunch, or happy hour (5–7). If you love sophisticated cuisine, look elsewhere, but the portions are big and the prices reasonable. Delivery to area condos and time-shares is available.
Great Bay Marina, Philipsburg, n/a St. Maarten, St. Maarten
Ribs and burgers are the specialty at this casual beachfront restaurant, but Gouda cheese sticks and quesadillas, not to mention the flatbread pizza options, are not to be ignored. Opt to have lunch on the beach; beach chairs and umbrellas are complimentary with lunch and beach service is available.
Follow the locals to Yvette's Kitchen, in a private house, for the island's best creole-Cajun cooking. All the St. Martin favorites are dished up in big portions at a reasonable price. This is the place to try pickled conch, stuffed crab backs, conch and dumplings, coconut curry chicken, and curry goat. Fried plantains, rice and peas, and hot johnnycakes come on the side. It's hard to find, so consider scoping it out in the daylight before your visit, or come for lunch.
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.
