Restaurants in St Martin/ St Marteen
By Kerry Biddle on 22nd March, 2024
An integral part of travel is experiencing different cuisines and trying things that are not common at home. St. Maarten/St. Martin has such a diverse cosmopolitan population that the choice of where or what to eat can be quite overwhelming. There is a simple solution to that, try something that can’t easily be made at home or that is unfamiliar. Anyone can make a burger, but a handmade kobe beef burger with truffles is something else entirely.
NOLA Bayou Bistro
If you’re a foodie that frequently travels to St. Maarten, you surely know of Jimbo. Not just a great fun-loving character with an infectious laugh, but also a pioneer in the local restaurant industry since 1989. As of 2023, Jimbo brings us a new and unique culinary experience with NOLA Bayou Bistro.
Picture an exquisite menu that captures the flavors of Louisiana Bayou cuisine, while sitting in spectacular décor designed by Julian Lennon that defines “first-class fine dining experience”. There isn’t a bad seat whether inside or out. Everyone has a panoramic view of the water and sailboats at dock while enjoying a sumptuous meal or sipping on a cocktail and trying to decide between the rather adventurous alligator or the spicy Louisiana mumbo gumbo…or perhaps the jumbo Gulf BBQ shrimp? So many choices.
“NOLA” stands for New Orleans, Louisiana and the menu features the rich, spicy joys of Cajun/Creole cuisine. Instead of bread they serve the best corn muffins or buttermilk biscuits you’ve ever tasted. And let’s not forget their authentic jambalaya, Creole catfish, southern fried chicken or lobster etouffée. NOLA Bayou Bistro should be one of the first places you visit when you arrive so that you can go back again and again.
The newly opened NOLA has a vegan Creole court bouillon. A blended combination of tofu, walnuts, carrots, bell peppers and tahini baked to a golden perfection. Served over white rice with asparagus and yellow squash.
Location: Plaza Del Largo, Airport Blvd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
For more info visit: www.nolabayou.com
Emilio’s
The International cuisine with Caribbean flare includes quite a few vegetarian dishes that are absolutely divine. In fact, there is something for everyone. Fish so fresh that if it were any fresher, it would still be in the sea. Succulent grilled meats that rest in their own delicious juices, tender pan-seared duck breast with truffle mashed potatoes and even enticing wild rack of venison with molasses stewed vegetables and butter polenta. The desserts are as intriguing and any one of them could be the perfect end to an exquisite meal. Ask about the apple crisp and guava bread pudding beforehand, because they are available in limited quantities.
Emilio’s is one of those places that you will want to return to over and over to experience their whole menu and become good friends with Norman, Su, Chef Sydney and the rest of their friendly and highly competent staff. Try Emilio’s for something unusual. Grilled watermelon salad with arugula and feta; pumpkin ravioli with sage butter sauce; vegetarian red coconut curry; or crispy goat cheese with beetroot salsa and microgreens. For Sunday Brunch they offer a wide selection of vegetarian options.
Location: 59 L.B. Scott Rd, Sint Maarten
For more info visit: www.emilios.com
Big Cee’s Waterfront Dining
Three childhood friends, three chefs, and all called Carlos. That’s Big Cee’s. They describe their menu as International with a Caribbean flare, with the sauces and sides being Caribbean. Lobster thermidor smothered in a cream sauce with mushrooms, peppers and onions, and popped under the grill to brown the breadcrumb and Parmesan topping and luscious grilled lobster are their specialties. But let’s not forget the other dishes for those with pescatarian Leanings.
Choose from the super fresh local fish in season, like fried red snapper, mahi-mahi and other delicious fish dishes. Further down the menu, you will find sticky BBQ ribs, hearty burgers and fries, sizzling steaks, fall-off-the-bone lamb shank and succulent lamb chops. In a tranquil waterfront setting, pastas and quesadillas are on the menu for vegetarians. The terrace opens right out onto the waterfront and you can watch the moon on the water over dinner. Open 11 am to 11 pm from November to June. Closed on Tuesdays in the off-season.
What to choose? Simple, you’ll just have to come back and try them all.
Location: Rihine road 66 30 1a Cupecoy, Sint Maarten
IZI Ristorante Italiano
IZI (pronounced easy) has established itself as one of the island’s most exciting quality restaurants. They offer high quality authentic Italian dishes prepared with passion and care. IZI is the home of home-made pasta, but the menu also includes many outstanding classic and new creative Italian fish, seafood, lobster and meat dishes from the repertoire of the convivial proprietor, David Foini. There is a vast collection of fine wines to accompany the meal.
Ask them about the Early Bird Dinner Special with a complimentary glass of Proscecco and a tiramisu dessert after the entrée for customers seated between 5 pm and 6 pm. IZI Ristorante Italiano has been awarded Certificates of Excellence for the years 2012 to 2023. Rated the #1 Italian restaurant in St. Maarten and the #1 of 73 restaurants in Simpson Bay. IZI is where you will find heartwarming pastas with delectable sauces. They have vegan and vegetarian options.
Location: Welfare Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
For more info visit: www.izi.com
SkipJack’s
Best Seafood Restaurant and Top Three Best for Lunch, that’s the title the readers of St. Maarten’s leading newspaper The Daily Herald recently bestowed upon SkipJack’s Seafood Grill, Bar & Fish Market. Located near the Dutch Bridge on the Lagoon in Simpson Bay, SkipJack’s offers a unique waterfront dining experience. Their meticulously finished woodwork and nautical themed décor befits a seafood restaurant where every seat in the house has a waterfront view of the world’s largest megayachts. Couple this with scenic views of the island’s rolling green mountains and you just can’t find a better setting to enjoy the best seafood St. Maarten has to offer.
Open for lunch and dinner, they feature live Maine and Caribbean lobsters and are known for their seafood, which is so fresh they have their own Fish Market. SkipJack’s daily specials complement a complete wine list, incredible appetizers and homemade desserts. “Landlubbers” need not despair because they also serve a variety of great steaks, ribs, chicken and pasta dishes.
As the name suggests, Skip Jack’s specializes in fresh fish and seafood, but they do have some vegetarian dishes on their menu. Try the tomato and basil bruschetta with or without Parmesan cheese; linguine or penne pasta with tomato-based red sauce; and spinach or Caesar wraps. The wraps are on the lunch menu.
Location: Welfare Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
For more info visit: www.skipjacks.com
Zee Best
Established in 1983, Zee Best is a household name for vacationers and residents. Zee Best serves up freshly baked French pastries, a great coffee selection, fresh juices, heavenly crepes and everything you could imagine made with eggs! Open for the sleepy heads or the early birds, breakfast is served from 7:30 am to 2 pm every day. Zee Best also serves lunch from 11:30 am to 2 pm.
For those on the run, try Zee Best Bakeshop on Airport Road for takeout only. Sample their gourmet sandwiches, pastries straight from the oven, brownies, muffins, cupcakes, smoothies and coffees. Try their catering menu for luncheon gatherings, or order from the cake menu for delicious, quality custom cakes. A great lunch and breakfast place, they have fresh fruit salad; omelets with several different fillings; sweet and savory crepes with various fillings; and a good selection of salads.
Location: 2WM6+34R, Welfare Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
For more info visit: www.zeebest.com
Top Carrot
Top Carrot is a family-run restaurant and ethnic boutique that has been growing ever since 2018. With a passion for health and wellness, Top Carrot serves a wide range of foods that are healthy, sustainable and local to the island. The menu grabs influence from Mediterranean, vegetarian and Caribbean cuisine and offers a selection of daily specials including local fish, quiche, soup and vegetarian meals. Some signature options that have been a fan favorite over the years include smoothies, such as the Lemon Breeze or Summer Dream, as well as the Top Carrot platter and tri colori pita. Since the beginning of Top Carrot they have always aimed to create a delightful dining experience that not only satisfies the craving for good food, but also nourishes the body, mind and soul.
In addition to the restaurant, the ethnic boutique contains a range of crystals, unique artwork and antiques, jewellery, clothing, gifts, incense and other items for spiritual well-being. A large portion of their menu is based on vegan or vegetarian options and they have freshly made juices and smoothies as well. You can’t go wrong with Top Carrot.
Location: Simpson Bay, Yacht Club, Sint Maarten
For more info visit: www.topcarrot.com
La Perle Bleu
Located in Cole Bay and in Philipsburg. On Welfare Road, La Perle Bleu Restaurant offers exquisite French cuisine and lagoon views. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday. Their menu is a mix of French and Caribbean cuisine. You can also enjoy their delicious food and indulge in one of their signature cocktails overlooking Great Bay at La Perle Bleu on the famous Boardwalk in Philipsburg (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily). Both locations are available for private events, dine-in, take-out and delivery.
Breakfast is where you will find the best vegetarian options with a wide selection of eggs and omelets. On their lunch menu they have vegetarian pasta. Ask them about their other vegetarian options.
Location: 16 Welfare Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten
For more info visit: www.leperlebleu.com
La Villa Restaurant
Located in the heart of Grand Case, La Villa Restaurant is a unique French dining experience. Enjoy the ambiance and the personal service with owners, Florence and Christophe. They run a warm friendly dining room that leads to romance and celebration.
Choose from the 3-course fixed price menu or order à la carte some of their favorites such as escargot, French onion soup, foie gras, rack of lamb, mahi mahi, lobster and much more. Chef Patrick Guillerm creates daily specials and accommodates individual requests. La Villa Restaurant is open for dinner from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
French fine dining in Grand Case, La Villa has on their menu, mushroom ravioli with walnuts and garlic confit in a creamy sauce; penne Alfredo with shaved Parmesan; and vegan vegetable green curry with coconut milk and turmeric rice.
Location: 93 Boulevard de Grande Case, St Martin
For more info visit: www.lavilla.com
L’Auberge
L’Auberge Gourmande is set in one of the oldest and most beautiful Creole houses in French St. Martin, featuring original stone and wood architectural details, dating back over 135 years! Established since 1979 L’Auberge was the third restaurant to open in Grand Case and has continually maintained an excellent reputation for a fine French dining experience. Dine à la carte on the terrace – a perfect place to see and be seen in high season – or indoors in their charming dining room.
French and Chilean sea bass, tuna, Dover sole (expertly deboned at your table!), meat courses including lamb, filet mignon, pork tenderloin, duck and more. Portions are generous… Don’t miss the wonderful opportunity to get lost in the decadent Chocolate Delice, one of the chef’s signature dessert creations. L’Auberge also has an extensive wine list of fine vintages to delight any wine aficionado. Voted as one of the top restaurants in St. Martin by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice for over a decade, L’Auberge Gourmande has earned a place on everyone’s Best-Places list. What more do we need to say?
If French fine dining is what you are looking for, then Grand Case is the place. L’Auberge Gourmand offers stuffed phyllo pastry with braised seasonal vegetables served on a bed of spinach and mushrooms; baked goat’s cheese and roasted pecan nuts with honey in phyllo pastry and baked apple served on a bed of mixed green salad with balsamic dressing; sautéed baby vegetables and fettuccine with pesto basil sauce; and homemade vegetable and mushroom ravioli with white butter sauce.
Location: Bd de Grande Case, St Martin
For more info visit: www.lauberge.com
Ocean 82
Ocean 82 has everything you could wish for in a restaurant: Fine cuisine, extensive wine list, attentive service, ambiance and an amazing view. This is dining at its best in Grand Case — the Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean. Opened a few years ago, Ocean 82 have acquired accolade after accolade on travel websites. At the heart of any great restaurant is the Chef de Cuisine. Chef Franck Vuillemin creates a menu to excite and delight the most discerning customer. Seafood is a restaurant specialty. Select your own live lobster from the magnificent lobster aquarium, or peruse the menu for a fine selection of fresh fish. The fish is prepared and served in various ways, highlighting the chef’s great versatility. For more traditional fare, Ocean 82 offers popular French cuisine such as lamb shank, beef and veal stew in a glorious red wine sauce, and beef tenderloin.
Complement your taste buds with an exquisite French pastry or choose from a delightful selection of innovative desserts. Ocean 82 offers the complete dining experience. Overlooking the lights of Anguilla and the yachts at anchor in the bay, the views are stunning and create a beautiful backdrop for a wonderful meal. For a memorable evening, take a seat at the comfortable bar and enjoy a fine cocktail. Then, let Maître d’hôtel Romain Di Salvo show you to a table for the ultimate in Grand Case dining. Another great French restaurant in Grand Case, Ocean 82 by the Sea has a perfectly poached egg appetizer; three cheese penne pasta; and tagliatelle Alfredo on offer.
Location: 82 Bd de Grande Case, St Martin
For more info visit: www.ocean82.comhttps://ocean82.fr/
Vegetarian Restaurants:
Juliette’s– For a less formal lunch or dinner, try their vegetarian pizza or a selection of sandwiches. They have a cheese fondue on the dinner menu. Juliette’s is in the Simpson Bay Resort.
La Patrona– A Mexican style restaurant in the Simpson Bay Resort offers several different types of vegetarian enchilada, quesadilla, burrito and fajita.
Topper’s– Surrounded by delicious gelatos and sorbets, Topper’s is an interesting place to dine and they have quite a selection of vegetarian dishes. Try the hummus and baba ghanoush, chickpea and eggplant dips served with fresh pita bread; edamame, Japanese soybeans served warm with a dusting of sea salt; a veggie sandwich with hummus or baba ghanoush with fresh avocado, bell peppers, lettuce, tomato and onion; choice of pasta with tomato-based red sauce; gnocchi with a choice of sauces; fettucini Alfredo; and good old fashioned macaroni cheese.