Dining in the French West Indies is always a memorable event.  An exciting variety of restaurants take advantage of gorgeous settings to complement their culinary delights & creations. Cooking in France is an art form and the French Caribbean continues this delicious tradition.  Visitors discover a wide range, from classical and nouvelle French cuisine to spicy Créole and local specialties. Le déjeuner or lunch, is often the main meal of the day and usually served from noon to 2 p.m. It's always recommended to call ahead and make reservations for dinner.

Most restaurants are small but each offers something special in food, setting and/or ambiance. Some are beach cafés featuring lobster and grilled steaks, some specialize in seafood or spicy Créole cuisine, and others, particularly in the elegant hotels, present wonderfully prepared French cuisine. Of course, for those looking for more casual fare, there are still classic spots available.

Because more and more visitors to St. Barth are choosing to stay in private villas, a growing number of traiteurs (caterers) offer their services to those who wish to enjoy a wonderful gourmet meal prepared by a chef served at their villa without preparing the meal themselves.

Just to give you a taste of what is available on St. Barths, we have compiled a list of some of the recommended restaurants:

Gustavia

Le repaire des rebelles et des émigrés – French/Creole/Seafood open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. They also offer a large selection of cocktails, ice cream, homemade sherbets and fresh juices. Specialities of the day include mouth-watering items such as Carpaccio of Mahi Mahi Fish with fennel; Scallops with Cream Sauce and Seasonal Vegetables; Shrimps specially prepared with herbs, ginger and vanilla; Chicken Bouillabaisse served with a Spicy Sauce; Filet of Duck with Fruit Chutney; and a nice assortment of pastries and desserts. Le Repaire offers exotic food, variety of salads and  specialities to include fresh lobster and fresh fish and fresh mussels on Fridays.

Jao – Thai and Vietnamese Food.  This restaurant is located on the waterfront in Gustavia halfway between the post office and the mayoral building.  This place is all about people and the setting with the exotic music that draws on Thailand’s exquisite richness.  Speciality Thai and Vietnamese dishes include dumplings, hot pots, and a wonderful array of other delights to tickle your taste buds.

La Mandala – Asian-French fusion cuisine.  World music, Eastern decor, beautiful people and Asian-French fusion food are the portals that lead you to the core of the dining experience at La Mandala. Overlooking the harbour at Gustavia, watch the sun set and experience the state of mind only created by this wonderful location…Sample Thai and Japanese dishes, exquisitely prepared.  This is one of the island’s busiest restaurants.

Au Port – French cuisine. Georges and Annie and the staff of the oldest restaurant on the island will be pleased to serve you in an intimate atmosphere with local colors.  Share in their passion for fine dining.  Specialities include Foie Gras sliced sautéed in cider and honey; Snails casserole with Parsley; Sea Scallops with champagne sauce; Lobster Fricassee with Morels and Banana & Vanilla in a flaky Pastry crust, Rum and Coconut sauce.

Caviar Island – Enjoy the Caviar bar, restaurant & cocktails in a subdued, elegant setting dedicated to those who enjoy their leisure time. Caviar Island is a perfect place to meet up with friends in the intimate, lounge style setting with background jazz music and the piano bar.

Bête à Zailes – French/Asiatic cuisine.  Situated in Gustavia, you can admire the boats while savoring the sushi and sashimi prepared by a specialist of Asian cuisine.

Bête à Zailes – French/Asiatic cuisine.  Situated in Gustavia, you can admire the boats while savoring the sushi and sashimi prepared by a specialist of Asian cuisine.

Wall House – French cuisine.  Frank & Denise make every creation a memorable experience…The restaurant is waterfront with spectaclular harbour views.  A Wonderful selection featuring scallops, lobster and rack of lamb. 

 St. Jean Beach

Eden Rock (Hôtel Eden Rock) – Two exciting restaurants are located at Hôtel Eden Rock…elegant and intimate…on the beach for lunch offering Mediterranean cuisine…on the rock for dinner offering fusion dining.

The Hideaway – Italian/French cuisine.  Being English, Andy has carried on a cultural tradition of serving corked wine, warm beer and lousy food, something very hard to find in St Barths. He also prides himself with a fine view of the car park.  Now celebrating 9 years, he’s amazed to still be in business. The thin crust pizza is amazing, actually the food it great and the locals love it!  Reservations a must.

Nikki Beach – International/French cuisine offering a creative menu, open for lunch & dinner.  Located on the famous beach of St. Jean next to the legendary Eden Rock, the staff will warmly welcome you…They particularly focus on service and customer satisfaction.  The renowned chef will take you on an incredible trip all around the world, from France to Italy to Japan for its sushi and sashimi, as well as other culinary destinations.  This is the chic place to be and be seen! 

ZanziBarth – French/Italian/Belgian cuisine.  This restaurant is a contemporary lounge restaurant in a tropical garden where culinary quality and an exceptional atmosphere are mixed in perfect harmony.

 Toiny

Le Gaïc (Hôtel Le Toiny) – French cuisine. “Le Gaïc” located at La Toiny Hotel is a very romantic restaurant perched overlooking the beautiful unspoiled Bay of Toiny.  They offer excellent service, an exquisite menu prepared to perfection.  It is expensive, but totally worth it! Specialities include Exotic flavours from a blend of local and French gastronomic fare is offered daily and every Sunday, the famous “Toiny Brunch” is an absolute must.

Taino (Hôtel Christopher) – French cuisine/Seafood.  At the Taino restaurant, beautifully located right on the water front, your day begins with a buffet breakfast with tempting homemade preparations. Sunset cocktails are a must in this perfect setting to watch the sun sink gradually into the Caribbean horizon amongst waves crashing majestically along the beach. Stay on for dinner – a menu laden with tantalizing concoctions of exotic food are there for you to savor.  The ambiance at this location heightens your enjoyment of the Caribbean atmosphere with the beautiful array of furniture from Bali, softened lights and warm colors.  At the Taino Lounge bar, move to the beat of Local Live Music or enjoy a game of backgammon or chess in your own cozy little corner.

Le Ti St Barth – International cuisine/BBQ.  Located in Pointe Milou, this unique bistro offers barbecued daily specials and specializes in fun.  Internationally known for its authentic character and musical atmosphere, you may find yourself dancing on the tables until sunrise.

Grand Cul de Sac

Bartholomeo (Hôtel Guanahani) – French/Mediterranean cuisine.  Bartholomeo, located in Hôtel Guanahani, offers modern cuisine inspired by the great French classics.  The restaurant is set in a cozy atmosphere with Lounge music in the background.

Indigo (Hôtel Guanahani) – French cuisine/Seafood.  Located between the coconut palms on Maréchal and the beach bordering the Guanahani Hôtel, the Indigo restaurant invites you for breakfast and lunch.  At lunch time, a light, fresh menu consisting of various mixed salads, fish and grilled lobsters is offered.

Le Restaurant des Pêcheurs (Hôtel Le Sereno) – Facing the turquoise waters of Grand Cul de Sac, Le Restaurant des Pêcheurs is decorated by Christian Liaigre.  Enjoy the freshest fish, prepared any way you want it, as well a selection of the finest meats and seafood. Choose either a la carte, from the Menu Decouverte (44 €, menu changes daily) or from the Menu Plage (salads, burgers, sandwiches…), served all day at the restaurant, pool-side or on the beach.

La Casa de L’Isle (Hôtel St Barth Isle de France) –  French/Creole cuisine.  Situated in the mist of the Hotel St Barth Isle de France, the restaurant “La Case de L’Isle” offers simple, light and elegant French Cuisine, with an occasional blend of local flavours with delicate scents of spices.

K’Fe Massaï – French/International cuisine.  Welcome to the K’Fé Massaï…in the midst of African colours and exotic scents, come and discover a romantic setting with exceptional decoration.  This is a very unique and magical place on the island. Thanks to the Chef of the Massaï, Marcello Limodin, you will discover refined and creative cuisine, as well as some specials that change daily (entrees, meat, fish).

Maya’s – Creole/International cuisine.  On the ocean's edge in Public, Maya's is a chic, elegant, and comfortable restaurant. The menu, which includes fresh fish, grilled meats, Creole dishes, and exotic daily specials, is intended to appeal to those who prefer straightforward and uncluttered cooking.

L’Esprit Saline – Asian/International cuisine.  Head to the beach for one of St Barth’s most memorable lunch and dining experiences. L’Esprit saline has been able to provide inventive food, and do so consistently. Cool, casual and sophisticated, L’Esprit Saline features a well-edited menu of French-fusion food executed by Chef Jan Charles with market-fresh ingredients.  Expect daily menu changes. The service, the ambiance and the wines, are all excellent.

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