The best restaurants on St Maarten/St Martin
Caribbean Creole Cuisine
The word ‘creole’ is used many ways. There are specific Creoles to areas. Some Caribbean islands have a creole that is Dutch mixed with West Indian- or British mixed with East and West Indian. Americans usually think of Creole as being South Louisiana and bayou style cooking. A predominant creole style in St Martin and St Maarten is a mix between French, Amerindian, and East Indian (from around India). This tends to be spicy and uses local ingredients just like West Indian food. Caribbean creole has elements of Latin America sometimes also. Caribbean creole food is adventurous to most foodies, and in this day and age gets quite eclectic. It’s almost continental or east-west fusion at times. Just look at the mix of cultures involved. You might see dishes being termed Caribbean creole in the form of exotic mushroom black rice, entrées seasoned with saffron, or seafood drenched in caramelized grapefruit sauce. Many underestimate the East Indian influence in the Caribbean. You will find curry and Saffron used in a lot of recipes. Asian influence in general abounds on the island. Why not? Fresh fish is plentiful and the Indonesians have been here for more than 150 years. History has left a unique mix of cultures on St Martin/Sint Maarten giving a truly delectable and eclectic cuisine.
Post hurricane Irma the restaurant choices are more limited than before, but there are still great restaurants on St Martin/St Maarten. In Grand Case on the western shore of the north French side of the island you will find Bistrot Caraibes which is also Classic French but with its own island twist. Enjoy their take on Foie Gras utilizing local produce- Sautéed Duck Liver with Mango and Pistachio, Sweet and Sour Mango Sauce served with a glass of Monbazillac. For an eastern oceanic influence there’s the Tuna Special 4 ways: Sushi, Sautéed, Grilled and Sesame Roasted. Or try the Eggplant “Bavarous” with Island Crab and Basil Sauce. For desert consider the classic French Crème Brûlée or the Home-made Ice Cream Nougat with Raspberry Sauce and Local Fresh Fruit. All the dishes are artistically presented. Bistrot Caraibes has an extensive wine list featuring many fine French wines and some from the United States and Chile.
Or if you want to have a local Caribbean/Creole experience, and enjoy a simple, ultra fish lunch or dinner, the LOLO’S is the place to go. They are located at the water front in Grand Case . The staff is friendly staff and the prices are fair. The fresh lobsters and the barbecued ribs are the best around !
Sol e Luna is a nicely decorated restaurant in Mount Vernon on the eastern shore of the French side. This beautifully restored and carefully decorated home brings the finestof Provençal to St. Martin. It is a very romantic spot for lunch or dinner deftly prepared by Chef Christian. The menu is French with an innovative flair with a focus on fresh fish and interesting twists on meat dishes. The wine list is very good.
St. Maarten’s newest and finest restaurant, Emilio’s is a casual bistro style dining experience. Norman and Su Wathey, the visionaries behind the newest restaurant in St. Maarten are no strangers to the hospitality industry. With over 20 Years of Hospitality Experience working together in restaurants Su and Norman Wathey have owned and operated in St. Maarten since 1997. The restaurant offers for lunch a variety of well-rounded items with known staples and Caribbean flavors. By night, Emilio’s is a fine dining experience showcasing the best from Chef Dino Jagtiani.
Emilio’s is located at the bottom of the brand new Rainforest Adventure Park in Dutch Cul de Sac where various rides with amazing views and zip line adventures are offered.
Marigot on the eastern shore, is the capital of the French collectivity of Saint Martin. The restaurant choices are limited past hurricane Irma, but
Ô Plongeoir is a solid option. The restaurant is situated at the waterfront across from the new Marina Fort Louis. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a casual and cozy, marine-themed, ambiance.
Its outdoor seating offers a pleasant view of sailboats and yachts, with the island of Anguilla just visible as a backdrop in the distance.
The modestly priced menu consists of French cuisine with Asian and Creole influences. At Ô Plongeoir you’ll find dishes that are simple and traditional, yet appealing – such as Camembert Flambée on a toasted baguette, to name just one. The available entrees change daily, depending on what is caught fresh.
On the Marina Port La Royale in Marigot, we highly recommend restaurant Tropicana with their classic French and creative cuisine with relaxed waterside seating on the marina.The restaurant is however only open for lunch at the moment..
About 2 miles inland from Marigot, The Loterie Farm is difficult to categorize. Set in a stunning tropical rainforest, once a plantation, Loterie Farm offers several superb dining options all under the brilliant direction of Chef Julie. The Rainforest Café is more formal; the Tree Lounge Tapas Bar and poolside
cabanas offer more casual fare. Spend the day here combining excellent food with the outdoors; nature walks, zip-lining and private cabanas are part of the scene.
Mari’s Bistro:
Chef Mario is one of the island’s iconic chefs and his restaurant is located at the “The Cliff” in Cupecoy with its beautiful views of the ocean and sunsets. His modern French food is a wonderful as ever whether focused on super fresh fish or wonderful twists on meat classics like his signature Braised Lamb Shank Shepherd Pie. His menu satisfies almost any palate.
Mario’s bistro at Porto Cupecoy
There are some nice restaurants in the Simpson Bay area of Sint Maarten.
ISOLA – Northern Italian cuisine – located next door from the Hollywood Casino in Pelikan Key. With an all Italian culinary team, only fresh and original ingredients are used to prepare the dishes. Isola Ristorante has become a ‘must dine’ for vacationers, but is also very popular with local residents! (Follow the locals if you want to know where the food is good…). The main dining room is a modern “no smoking”, fully enclosed air-conditioned area. But if you prefer the fresh air, there is also a covered terrace where can enjoy your meal as well as an huge modern bar section for smaller plates and great cocktails. The brick oven pizza oven is adjacent to this bar section. Isola offers free valet parking of it’s guests.
Top Carrot – Simpson Bay Yacht club property. This is probably the healthiest St Maarten restaurant on the island. They provide healthy lunches with smoothies, fresh juices, salads, and home-made dishes. They offer vegetarian alternatives and have a real juice and smoothie bar. The juicing will be done right in front of you. This is a great alternative after loving all that awesome rich French cooking all over the island. They also have heartier fare such as Courgette (zucchini) and Cauliflower Quiche. Or try their delicious Lentil Soup. You’ll also find health conscious books on everything form nutrition to Yoga. They also have a gift shop selling tasteful jewelry and aromatic soaps.
Pineapple Pete’s is an island spot for food, music and funky souvenirs. It is a bit crazy and a lot of fun. Their signature grilled fish and crab stuffed shrimps are a must have.
Monday to Wednesday there is a band playing live music in the night. The staff is friendly and the service is fast.
Following is a list of my island favorite’s:
Dutch side
Dawn Beach/Oyster Pond
Oyster Bay beach resort: breakfast – lunch – dinner – happy hour (4-6 pm)
Mamma Mia: pizza – French side of the Oyster Pond Lagoon
Oasis: French side of the Oyster Pond Lagoon
Philipsburg
Chesterfield – lunch & dinner: great value – close to cruise ship terminal: +721-542-3484
Holland House: Ocean Lounge Bar – boardwalk Philipsburg
Emilio’s: Just outside on the LB Scott Road – Emlion Wilson Park where also the zip line is located
Simpsons bay
Alina – Sushi – Dinner – +1 721 587 8858
Avantika – Thai / India – Dinner – +1 721 5841 444
Top Carrot – Vegetarian – Healthy – Lunch Tel. +1 721 544 2421
Isola – Italian – Dinner only – +1 721 544 3872
Jimbo’s Cafe – Tex-Mex – Dinner – +1 721 544 3600
Pizza Italy – Only Pizza – Dinner – +1 721 544 1928
Sal & Pepe – Italian – Lunch and Dinner – +1 721 527 5019
Shiv Shakti – Indian – Dinner – +1 721 544 2205
Maho
Sunset beach bar – Plane landings – +1 721 545 2084
Cupecoy – Porto Cupecoy
Altro – Lunch and Dinner – Italien – +590 690 25 56 36
Rendez-Vous Lounge – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner- Tel. 1 721 524 9919
Mamma Pizza and pasta’s – Porto Cupecoy – Tel: 1-721-527-1009.
FRENCH SIDE
Nettle Bay
Le Cigal: renopened again and still fantastic ! Located on the water side overlooking the Simpson Bay Lagoon.
tel:+590 590 87.90.23 or tel:+590 690-35.25.02
Ma Ti Beach: Also located on the water side overlooking the Simpson Bay Lagoon. Excellent food and open for lunch and dinner. Tel: +590-590-87.01.30
Marigot
Plongeoir – International – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner – +590 590 87 94 71
La Terrasse: Marigot – West Indies Shopping Mall – 2nd floor: +590 590 51.04.96 : lunch and dinner
La Main a la Pate – French – Lunch and Dinner – +590 590 77 45 60
La Source – French – Breakfast and Lunch – +590 590 27 17 27
Tropicana – French – Lunch & Dinner – +590 590 87 79 07
Bistro de la Mer – Seafood & Thai – +590 590 29 30 03
Grand Case Area
Loterie farm – Lunch & Dinner – Fusion restaurant, Lounge Bar & Pool +590 590 87 86 16
Rainbow – Lunch and Dinner, on the beach – +590 590 87 55 80
La Villa – Dinner only – French – +590 590 52 36 59
L’Auberge Gourmande – French – +590 590 87 73 37
Spiga – Lunch and Dinner – Italian – +590 590 52 47 83
Orient bay and surroundings
Coco Beach : amazing food and service on the beach
Sao – Asian and Sushi – Village Square Lunch and Dinner – +590 690 74 97 77
Le Petit Bistro – Village Square. +590 690 74-5093
Sol e Luna: French Cul du Sac: romantic and great French food. Lunch & dinner.
Karibuni – Pinel Island- Seafood, grill, beach food – +590 690 39 67 00 (ferry from Cul de Sac )