A bit of Creole, a lot of French, then a bit of Asian fusion.
Home to a list of fantastic bites, St. Barts welcomes locals and travelers with hefty fusion flavors. Expect lots of French, naturally, and Creole influences mixed with Asian spices. Though some restaurants are definitely skewed toward the pricey spectrum, there are also tons of casual options. One thing never missing on every menu – a beautiful wine list. Here’s a curated top 5 restaurants we’ve tried, and/or recommended by folks who travel there often.
1. Bonito – Best All Around
Neighborhood: Gustavia, $$$$
Bonito is, by far, the most delectable meal you’ll have in St. Barts. Not to mention, it’s also one of the island’s hottest IT places to be, often welcoming celebrities like Pippa Middleton. Guided by French and South American cuisines (and a bit of an Asian flair), the menu assembles tasty dishes including Sautéed Chilean Sea Bass and Spiny Lobster Risotto. There’s a DJ spinning every night, so even sitting by can be all the rage.
2. La Guérite – Saint-Barthélémy
Neighborhood: Gustavia, 97133, $$$$
Another Bonito-esque spot to hang out and grab a delectable bite is La Guérite, which originated in Cannes back during the mid-1930s. The location on Gustavia Harbour opened its doors in 2015 tucked between luxurious yachts and local fishing boats. Under the guidance of chef Yiannis Kioroglou (Medusa – Cannes, Victoria – Paris), some signature Mediterranean dishes you’ll want to order are spicy lobster linguine, gnocchi with tomato sauce, and tiramisu for an unforgettable dessert. Don’t be surprised if you end up dancing at your table after the meal, it’s the local vibe.
3. Le Tamarin – Most Romantic
Neighborhood: Saline Beach, $$$$
Le Tamarin might be on every must-eat list, but it still carries a total hidden gem vibe. Located in Grande Saline, the redesigned restaurant might not seem like much from the outside. But once you enter its doors, many say it’s one of the most romantic restaurants on the island with a gorgeous tropical garden. Named after the 200-year-old tamarind tree on the terrace, this French eatery features everything from pan-fried foie gras to wild shrimp ravioli.
4. Eddy’s – Best Affordable Meal
Neighborhood: Gustavia, $$
The name comes from a sailing sloop that belonged to the restaurant owner, Eddy’s is unlike other renowned restaurants in St. Barts simply for its price. There’s something quite enchanting in its courtyard atmosphere which turns electric after 9 p.m. Inspired by local dishes, Eddy’s highlights French Creole and Asian flavors. Don’t forget to try the wahoo with ginger sauce. You might be in St. Barts, but you’ll feel like Bali isn’t too far away.
5. Maya’s To Go – Best Takeaway
Neighborhood: St. Jean, $$
With a healthy changing menu on a daily basis, Maya’s To Go was started by an owner who lived on a yacht nearby. Ingredients and produce are mainly sourced from the Antilles or flown in from France, and even the bread is baked overnight. If you happen to catch these on the menu, don’t miss grilled filet of mahi-mahi or wahoo ceviche in coconut and lime. Best part about the restaurant is that you can order takeaways, so deliciousness can be devoured either on the beach or back at your villa.
6. Le Grain de Sel – Best Creole Lunch
Neighborhood: Saline Beach, $$
Since hitting up Saline Beach is a must-do, then a great lunch spot in the area is Le Grain de Sel where you can stroll in with sandy feet and wet suits. Caribbean Creole spices take over the menu. Don’t miss coconut chicken or the dorade. With a pint of cold local beer and rum on the house after dinner, this will be a relaxing yet savory meal!
