Visitors flock to St. Maarten/St. Martin for fun in the sun but they often leave praising the food.
The island may only cover 37 square miles but there are over 400 restaurants spanning the French (Saint Martin) and Dutch (Sint Maarten) sides from which to choose.
Grand Case St. Martin
It’s widely presumed that best places to eat are on the french side of the island in Grand Case, but that doesn’t mean you should limit your culinary adventures to there. Great dining thrives across the island which serves a melting pot of epicurean delights from France, Italy, Thailand, India, Japan and, of course, the Caribbean. Whether you enjoy fine dining or eating off of a paper plate at the island’s many lolos (roadside BBQ’s), St. Maarten/St. Martin’s culinary delights are sure to appeal to every palate.
L’Auberge Gourmande, Grande Case
A prominent fixture of St. Martin’s Boulevard Grand Case, L’Auberge Gourmande is located in one of the oldest Creole houses on the island. Winner of the Travellers’ Choice 2014 restaurant award, this fabulous French fine-dining venue serves exquisite cuisine in an intimate and elegant setting. The light Provençal menu includes choices such as Dover sole in lemon butter, roasted rack of lamb with a herb crust over olive mash and pork filet mignon stuffed with apricots and walnuts. There are vegetarian options, a kids’ menu, and an excellent selection of wines. Enjoy an evening on the charming terrace or step inside to find your favourite alcove. The friendly staff and efficient service complete the perfect dining experience.
Hidden Forest Café
The Hidden Forest Café in Rambaud, St. Martin is fast approaching iconic status. Be sure to take a trip to Loterie Farm to take advantage of the spectacular treehouse pavilions where food is served both day and night in a safari-style atmosphere. The delicious locally sourced food is fresh and inventive with options including curried-spinach chicken with banana fritters, cumin lentil balls and extra large black Angus tenderloin. The farm’s L’eau Lounge is a great place for some rest and relaxation with a giant spring-fed pool with Jacuzzis and lounge cabanas. The farm’s other eatery Treelounge offers house cocktails and tapas.
Ti Bouchon
Ti Bouchon also known as “little cork” boasts all the charm and appeal of a little French lunch spot. Located in a refurbished Creole cottage in Cul de Sac, St. Martin bouchons are known in France as small intimate places to eat offering generous portions of food. Bouchon aspires to replicate the authentic French experience with great food and excellent wine. Enjoy foie gras with gingerbread, lobster ravioli with lemongrass, and coconut broth and seared jumbo shrimps.
Bamboo
Enjoy New York style sushi with a Caribbean twist in St. Maarten’s most popular Asian eaterie. This stylish addition to the Maho central shopping area boasts red walls, Indonesian art, a hip bar and plenty of cool house music. The menu offers excellent Japanese and American style sushi and sashimi and hot Asian appetizers. House cocktails include the popular Tranquillity, made from citrus vodka and smoky oolong tea. Aside from Asian food, this venue serves something for everyone with salmon, ribs and beef all on the menu, plus there’s a sake and sushi happy hour from 5pm to 7pm nightly. Bamboo is located at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, 1 Rhine Road, Maho, St. Maarten.
Villa Royale
Villa Royale offers authentic, creole-style home-cooking in a quiet, accommodating location. It’s not as busy as other restaurants in the area, but this means you benefit from great service in a more intimate atmosphere. Seafood dishes such as trigger fish, Mahi Mahi and shrimp kebab with creole rice are specialties; venture out of your comfort zone and sample the delicious goat stew or curried goat. Simply cooked yet inventive food, friendly staff and reasonable prices combine to make Villa Royale one on the top 5 places to eat in St. Martin / St. Maarten. Located 47 Boulevard de Grand Case, Grand Case, St Martin.
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