Top Picks: 25 Favourite Restaurants On St. Barths

Welcome to St. Barths—often dubbed ‘The Culinary Capital of the Caribbean’. Here, you’ll find an abundance of delis and more than 50 different restaurants, representing cuisine from all over the world.

With so much choice, it can be overwhelming trying to choose where to dine. So, in order to help you do so, we’ve put together this handy restaurant guide.

This is just a selection of just some of our guests’ favourite restaurants on the island, from simple street food establishments to gourmet cuisine. But of course, there are so many more…

About local cuisine

Local cuisine mainly revolves around French and Creole origins. In addition, Italian and Asian food is also very popular on St. Barths. You won’t be hard-pressed to find sushi or pizza here!

Many restaurants on St. Barths offer a version of traditional French cuisine. Some ingredients are imported straight off the flight from Paris. Cheese and wine are a major part of French cuisine.

Creole cuisine is a little spicier and blends influences from all over the world. You’ve probably heard of Gumbo, Jambalaya or bread pudding before? You’ll find them here, too. Popular methods in Creole cooking include barbecue, smothering, and curry style “colombo”.

You’ll love the food on St. Barths, especially if you’re a fan of seafood.

Gustavia & Public

Gustavia is the main town and capital of St. Barths and it offers something for everyone. History buffs should walk from the monuments to the forts to learn more about Gustavia’s history. The sites of Fort Karl and Fort Gustav—and the lighthouse—are also popular with hikers. Gustavia is also home to many high-end boutiques, so it’s the perfect place for shopping.

Public is an area that lies north of Gustavia and is one of the most densely inhabited in St Barths. It’s near the port, so it’s no wonder that Public is home to the island’s sailing school. It’s a great place to catch a stunning view of the sunset.

Maya’s

Maya’s is an institution on St. Barths—it’s been here since 1984! It’s one of our all-time favourites and has a beautiful setting overlooking the water at Public. Dishes are made by the lovely Maya, with fresh, Caribbean-sourced ingredients that are flavourful, healthy and light. Save space for dessert, their famous chocolate cake is to die for.

Black Ginger

Black Ginger serves authentic and refined Thai cuisine thought up by three Thai chefs. The food is also available for take-out lunches, but dinner is best enjoyed under the starry sky in Black Ginger’s unique interior courtyard.

Orega

Just a few steps away from the giant anchor resting across from the Anglican Church in Gustavia, you’ll find Orega. The restaurant offers a surprising and refined Franco-Japanese fusion concept.

Fish Corner

Enjoy your lunch and dinner (new this season!) at Fish Corner, and head there on Friday and Saturday evening for their amazing seafood platter! There’s a new menu every week, and it always boasts a large selection of local seafood that you won’t find elsewhere.
 

Eddy’s

Eddy’s is one of St. Barths’ oldest restaurants. Here, you’ll find traditional Caribbean cuisine served in a beautiful garden setting in the heart of Gustavia. We recommend the sautéed wahoo with ginger sauce, plantains, and chocolate cake!

L’Isola

If you’re craving great Italian, go for dinner at L’Isola. Sophisticated Italian recipes, prepared with only the finest ingredients. The home-made pasta is delicious! Their pizzeria L’Isoletta also comes highly recommended (at any hour of the day) where you can order pizza by the metre!

Le Select

The melting pot of St. Barths—and home to Jimmy Buffett’s famous “Cheeseburger in Paradise”—Le Select sits in the centre of town with white plastic chairs and a totally casual vibe. Le Select is a St. Barths institution and the oldest bar in town—we’re celebrating its 70th birthday this year!

Shellona Beach

Formerly Do Brazil, Shellona Beach is located right in on Shell Beach—one of the best spots to watch the sunset. They have a Mediterranean and Greek menu and offer special cocktails with a DJ playing top tracks. Perfect for sundowners, people-watching and spending lazy Sunday afternoons on a sunlounger!

Saline & Lorient

You may have guessed it from the name: Saline is known for its salt. Until 1972, salt was extracted here on the island. It’s now a curious landscape of deserted salt flats with naturally formed salt sculptures.

Lorient is one of the oldest villages in St. Barths. It’s considered the cradle of the island’s religion, so be sure to visit the recently restored church atop the hill. Lorient’s beach is popular with both families and surfers.

L’Esprit de Jean Claude Dufour

L’Esprit de Jean Claude Dufour (or simply “L’Esprit”) is one of the most highly recommended restaurants for visitors to the island. The restaurant serves innovative dishes on a romantic garden terrace near to Saline Beach—try the duck spring rolls and lobster ravioli! Jean Claude, formerly the chef at Eden Rock, never fails to delight.

Tamarin

Tamarin is more beautiful than ever! Featuring stunning gardens with a lily pond, while their famous Tamarin tree takes centre stage. The menu features light tropical salads, as well as fresh local fish and meat dishes.
 

Choisy

Arrive early if you’re eager for croissants and baguettes, Choisy sells out fast! The wonderful bakery in Lorient also offers pre-made sandwiches, tarts, pastries, and coffee. It’s a great place for a sit-down breakfast, but you can also take away.

Le Grain de Sel

Just a step from Saline beach, Le Grain de Sel is an open-air restaurant with world cuisine for lunch and authentic Creole dishes for dinner. We recommend the traditional conch stew!

Colombier, Flamands, Anse des Cayes, Corossol, and Merlette

The viewpoint of Colombier has one of the most beautiful panoramic views on the island. When the weather is clear, you can see all the way to St. Martin! The bay of Colombier is only accessible by boat, or by a nice hike from Petite Anse or the viewpoint. It’s the perfect spot for snorkelling.

Head to Flamands for the largest beach on the island and the typical charm of St. Barths neighbourhoods. The beach is a popular destination for bodyboarding and beach volleyball, but watch out; the rollers can be very strong.

Anse des Cayes is a hotspot for surfers, thanks to its incredible waves. Thanks to its unique landscape with a valley, reef of shells, and deep inlets, Anse des Cayes is also lovely for walks.

Corossol still remains a typical example of the traditional local life in the original fishing village. The craft tradition of weaving latanier leaves to create hats and baskets is still practised here.

La Langouste at the Baie des Anges Hotel.

La Langouste is also an island staple and offers a varied menu of French cuisine with a Creole influence. They offer a wide variety of fish, but fresh lobster is their speciality. You can choose your meal directly from the fish tank and it’ll be grilled and served with three sauces. Other popular dishes include the lamb shanks, chicken kebabs, and veal.
 

Au Regal

Au Regal is as close to a French café as you’ll find in St Barths. As with all places where the food is good, the clientele is very local. Try Au Regal’s Chicken Colombo or their escargot!
 

Hotel Manapany

The newly renovated Hotel Manapany uses the best ingredients that the island has to offer. Quite literally; their dishes mostly feature seafood, and herbs, fruits, and vegetables are grown on their own land. Head to Hotel Manapany for relaxed waterfront bites and unique meals around the pool.

St. Jean

St. Jean is where Les Ilets is located! It’s one of the most famous beaches on the island and an absolute watersports hotspot. The two beaches are lined with shops and restaurants. If you’re up for a little hike, head to the top of the hill at the Col de la Tourmente for views of the airport and beach.
 

Le Piment

Head up the hill to Le Piment in for great tapas, and paella on Saturdays and Sundays. Locals love this place, and I’m sure you will too.

Sayolita

Sayolita is a very chilled & relaxed bar with a surfing vibe…offers fabulous cocktails and lights snacks. Pop in on the way back from the beach…

Pearl Beach

Pearl Beach (Formerly La Plage – Tom Beach) is located right on St. Jean beach, only a short stroll along the beach from Les Ilets and there’s always something happening…

Thursday night, “all about Lobster”, Friday Night Live where dinner & music match, Saturdays are “Bikini Days” and finally enjoy the end of the weekend with “Sunday night is BBQ night”. Perfect lunch spot too…feet in the sand and a dip between courses!

Papillon Ivre

Papillon Ivre is the island’s first wine bar and a real gem in the town of St. Jean. This is a casual and warm place and very popular with guests and locals alike. The wine list, unsurprisingly, is all French. They also offer small plates of charcuteries, French cheeses, and light bites.
 

Nikki Beach

Party, party, party! Nikki Beach St Barths lives up to its party reputation but manages to combine great food with the party atmosphere. Don’t be surprised if you end up dancing on the table…in fact, you will feel left out if you don’t!

Santa Fé

The highlight of Santa Fé—besides its food, obviously—is the terrific view from the two terraces. You’ll enjoy extensive views of the sea and a few of the neighbouring islands. Santa Fé offers an excellent fusion kitchen, local fish, and friendly service.

Pointe Milou, Marigot, Grand Cul de Sac, and Toiny

Marigot’s beach is located within the Marine Park, so fishing is not allowed here. It’s a tranquil nature reserve with beautiful water. Marigot Beach is the perfect location for swimming and snorkelling, and it’s the only beach with grey sand on the island.

Cul de Sac is full of its original charm. The lagoon is perfect for water sports, and is home to the Kite Surfing school, while the saltwater pond serves as a reproductive zone for birds and crabs.

Surfers best head to Toiny, the best surf spot. Be careful though, as currents are strong and swimming is discouraged.

Mango Beach Club at Le Christopher Hotel

Mango Beach Club offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding islands and the ocean. It also provides delicious cocktails as well as light and tasty cuisine made with grilled seafood and interesting salads. Perfect for an island-style lunch or sundowners with your feet in the sand.

Aux Amis at Le Barthelemy Hotel

Head to Aux Amis for a delicious lunch or dinner, even if you’ve been here before! The restaurant celebrates each new season with a new menu! Aux Amis has a perfect view onto the lagoon, and a fabulous rooftop bar.

Le Sereno

With a new and updated look, Le Sereno takes advantage of their dramatic surroundings with a fully open-air concept. Enjoy the idyllic beachfront setting and views over the water from almost every angle while savouring the sunset and their extraordinary Mediterranean dishes.

Le Toiny Beach Club

It’s the perfect setting for a lazy afternoon of watching the surfers and sipping on cocktails with your feet in the sand. Lunch at the secluded Le Toiny Beach Club will be one of the most memorable meals during your stay on St Barths.

Prefer eating at home?

Your kitchen is well-equipped with a hot plate, Nespresso machine, microwave, refrigerator, and toaster, and we can arrange for grocery deliveries.

If you want to eat in the comfort of your own villa, but don’t want to cook; there are a number of private chefs available, many fabulous delis, and several restaurants offer food-to-go. Just let us know and we’ll make the arrangements.

Ready to book a table?

So there we have it, some of the best restaurants that St. Barths has to offer, as picked by our guests.

Of course, we can always help out here at Les Ilets, whether it’s booking a table or offering recommendations. We do recommend making reservations, especially in high season.

One last thing: Despite the sophisticated food, most restaurants in St. Barths are very casual. There’s absolutely no need to pack your jacket and tie… in fact, you’ll feel very out of place if you do!

For more restaurant recommendations, check out our restaurants page for a complete overview of the restaurants on St. Barths.

Bon appetit!

Eden Rock picture by John M
Restaurant pictures from ACCESS
Black Ginger from their website
Sayolita from their Facebook