8 Best Restaurants in St. Martin and St. Maarten

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.

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.

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.