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If you’re going to travel to a five-star island like St. Barts—teeming with superyachts, celebrities, and high-end designer shopping—you better come with an appetite, too. Rightfully so, the food in St. Barts is just as rich with French sophistication as its overseas collective of France—but with an appropriate nod to its Caribbean location.
While it’s hard to whittle down a list of the best restaurants in St. Barts, the following options should be on your shortlist during your visit.
Bon appetit!
Sand Bar at Eden Rock
Price: $$$$
Best for: Casual lunch or dinner, beachfront dining, beautiful ocean views
The vibe: Relaxed and tropical, with a bohemian beach club atmosphere
The rundown: The Sand Bar at Eden Rock is one of the best restaurants in St. Barts for its jaw-dropping views, fresh and elevated cuisine, and overall stylish setting. The open-air dining is situated right on beautiful St. Jean Beach—where the mesmerizing turquoise hue of the sea is unlike any other on the island. Scoring a seat at the Sand Bar is a treat for this view alone.
Order up a cold glass of Champagne, an assortment of colorful sashimi, and an entree like the succulent Dover sole meunière. Once you’re done, hop into the water and swim out to Eden Rock’s floating dock for a relaxing sun bath.
Romi
Price: $$$$
Best for: An upbeat dinner or weekend brunch with live music and unique cuisine
The vibe: Stylish open-air setting with innovative cocktails and Indonesian food
The rundown: One look at the setting here, and you’ll be asking for a table. The restaurant, a part of the new Tropical Hotel, is set within an open-air patio surrounded by decor inspired by 1950s Miami and bursting with elements of tropical jungle. It’s Instagram-worthy, to say the least. The food lives up to its surroundings, With Romi having quickly become one of the best restaurants in St. Barts for its unique Indonesian cuisine. Order a skewer in every style to indulge in the rich flavors the restaurant has to offer, like the grilled beef with kecap sauce, chicken with peanut sauce, and shrimp with padang sauce.
Amis
Price: $$$$
Best for: Fine dining, romantic dates, special occasions
The vibe: Secluded and high-end; serving upscale seafood and French cuisine with breathtaking views to behold
The rundown: Located within the luxurious Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, Amis is a fine-dining establishment that specializes in fresh seafood and French cuisine. The restaurant is situated on a hilltop and boasts stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The dim lighting sets the tone for a romantic dinner, but the friendly, attentive staff and open-air environment keep things refreshingly laid-back. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, such as lobster risotto and grilled mahi-mahi, as well as classic French dishes like beef tartare and foie gras. The wine list is extensive, with a wide range of options to pair with your meal. Sit on the terrace and enjoy the expansive views of the Caribbean Sea at sunset as you dine.
Nikki Beach
Price: $$$
Best for: Beachfront dining, party atmosphere
The vibe: Fun and energetic, with a lively beach club atmosphere and DJ music
The rundown: Ask any local and they’ll tell you one thing about Nikki Beach: It goes off on Sundays. From early evening till late, the effortlessly chic open-air restaurant transforms into a full-blown club, where saxophonists, DJs, and more entertain a wild crowd that dances on top of tables barefoot. And while this atmosphere is surely worth a slow morning the next day, don’t pass up the chance for a chiller visit, because the sushi here is melt-in-your-mouth delightful, and the decor is worthy of remembering.
Bonito
Price: $$
Best for: A romantic gastronomic dinner
The vibe: Sophisticated, lively atmosphere with scenic views of Gustavia Harbor
The rundown: Perched on a hill overlooking Gustavia’s harbor in St. Barts, this is the place to go for food, views, and upbeat vibes. Much like its sister restaurant Betula in Aspen, Bonito is a see-and-be-seen type of place, but with the food to match. The menu offers a unique blend of Japanese and South American cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and sushi. Chef Owner Laurent Cantineaux has mastered the combination of French and Pan-American cuisine, creating an innovative and delicious menu that has been crafted with French techniques and his 28 years of experience in the Americas.
Le Tamarin
Price: $$$
Best for: International cuisine, unique outdoor dining setting, groups, families
The vibe: Secret garden vibes great for dining under twinkling lights and within lush greenery
The rundown: Tamarin restaurant is one of the best restaurants in St. Barts, known for its international cuisine and beautiful outdoor setting. The restaurant is situated in a tropical garden with a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for families and groups. The menu at Tamarin offers a wide range of international dishes, including Asian, Mediterranean, and Caribbean cuisine. The outdoor dining area at Tamarin is one of its main attractions. The garden itself is filled with a variety of exotic plants and trees, such as palm trees, bamboo, banana trees, and of course, tamarind trees. As you sit and enjoy your meal, you can take in the sights and sounds of the garden around you. At night, the garden takes on a magical quality as the lights create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Shellona
Price: $$ – $$$
Best for: Lunch in your swimsuit
The vibe: Laid-back beach club with live music and Mediterranean fare
The rundown: Situated in the heart of Gustavia is Shell Beach—renowned for its thousands of delicate pastel-hued shells that make up its shore. While you can easily take a seat anywhere on the beach with a chair or towel, one look at Shellona Beach Club and you’ll be begging for a lounge chair and ordering up half the menu, which leans heavily Mediterranean. Put in your order for some share plates with a pal, like the fish carpaccio with caviar and the feta cheese wrapped in filo dough and honey, then dive into the sea just steps from the club, and wade in the water till you see your food arrive.
by travelers, for travelers.
