These great restaurants in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten show off the rich culinary diversity of this small island. From French classics to slow-cooked BBQ to dishes with rich aromas from the use of Caribbean spices, Saint Martin is a melting pot of flavour.

You won’t even need a table to try tangy Caribbean jerk BBQ from a roadside “Lolo” restaurant. When it’s time to relax, enjoy French fine dining and a bottle of wine with a view of the sea. Or, dine right on the sand at one of many beach bars serving fresh seafood and cocktails. Saint Martin may be small, but there are many great restaurants to explore. Here’s where to eat in Saint Martin and what to try.

  • 1

    The Greenhouse

    American food and happy hour on the beach

    The Greenhouse
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    The Greenhouse is a laidback beachside restaurant serving American comfort food. Fried prawns, mac and cheese, chicken wings – all the classics are here. And, you can enjoy fresh local fish cooked with plenty of cream, butter, and spices (the American way!).

    The Greenhouse is located on beautiful Simpson Bay, looking out on Kim Sha Beach. Dine on the large patio in comfort, rain or shine, thanks to large beach umbrellas. Not hungry? Come for cold beer and cocktails with a view of the water. The Greenhouse has a full bar and a daily happy hour featuring discounted drinks.

    Location: Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten

    Open: Saturday–Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday from 11 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +1 721-544-4173

    Map
  • 2

    Taloula Mango’s

    Caribbean-inspired tapas and burgers on the boardwalk

    Taloula Mango’s
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    Taloula Mango’s is a hip bar and eatery on the Boardwalk in Philipsburg, Sint Marteen. Take a  break from your stroll along the water to fuel up with burgers, ribs and chicken cooked the Creole way – grilled jerk-style and served with plenty of hot sauce.

    There’s no need to settle for just 1 dish. Order from the tapas menu to try zesty Caribbean favourites and fusion food. The Caribbean conch fritters are a must-try – a fried cornmeal snack stuffed with local peppers. Be sure to stop by on Friday for DJs and drinks until late.

    Location: Boardwalk, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 11 am to 4 pm, Friday from 11 am to 11 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +1 721-526-0918

    Map
  • 3

    Océan 82

    Elegant French cuisine on the water

    Océan 82
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    Océan 82 is a French restaurant specialising in fine dining and finer wine next to Grand Case-Espérance Airport’s landing strip in Saint Martin. It’s a great spot for a date night or special occasion, with views over the bay of Grand Case. Everything from the flavours to the presentation is impeccable, and the seascapes from your table are unrivalled.

    The seafood takes the top spot at Océan 82. Fresh lobster dishes like grilled half lobster and lobster risotto make the most of the local catch. Fans of raw fish will enjoy fresh oysters and tuna tartar. For those who want something other than seafood, Océan 82 also prepares excellent French classics made with chicken and beef.

    Location: 82 Boulevard de Grande Case Grand-Case, 97150, Saint Martin

    Open: Daily from 3 pm to 10.30 pm

    Phone: +590 690 77 77 57

    Map
  • 4

    Bistrot Caraibes

    Enjoy French classics and local seafood

    Bistrot Caraibes
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury

    Bistrot Caraibes is an award-winning restaurant in Saint Martin that's dedicated to classic French cuisine. You won’t find many Caribbean spices here. Instead, you’ll be transported to Paris with dishes such as escargots, stuffed chicken breast (cordon bleu-style) and foie gras. Don’t worry – plenty of local seafood is incorporated into the menu. The grilled lobster is some of the best on the island.

    Bistrot Caraibes offers a nice escape if you’re looking for an alternative to the local Caribbean spices and hot sauce you might have already experienced while on the island. You’ll still enjoy the fresh Caribbean sea breezes as the ocean is just a skip away from the restaurant.

    Location: 81 Boulevard de Grand Case, Saint Martin 97150, Saint Martin

    Open: Daily from 6pm to 10pm

    Phone: +590 590 29 08 29

    Map
  • 5

    Restaurant L’Auberge Gourmande

    Elevated Creole cooking in a stunning Caribbean villa

    Restaurant L’Auberge Gourmande
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury

    Restaurant L’Auberge Gourmande serves creole cooking unlike any other among the rows of diners in Grand Case. The chef combines French inspiration and local favourites to create truly unique dishes. The jumbo Cajun prawns in mushroom sauce blend the flavours of the Caribbean Sea and the French countryside. The duck breast glazed with pineapple and lime juice adds a twist to a French classic.

    Restaurant L’Auberge Gourmande is housed in one of the oldest traditional Caribbean villas on the island. Beautiful pillars and high ceilings make your evening even more elegant. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Saint Martin.

    Location: Bd de Grande Case, Grand-Case 97150, Saint Martin

    Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 6 pm to midnight

    Phone: +590 590 87 73 37

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  • 6

    Villa Royale

    Homestyle Creole fare at affordable prices

    Villa Royale
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    Villa Royale is a casual restaurant serving Creole classics like marinated whole snapper, goat curry, and fish court-bouillon. You won’t find white tablecloths here – this is homestyle cooking in a relaxed atmosphere.

    Villa Royale’s homemade flavours have gained fame around the island. The large menu is full of marinated seafood and meat dishes made with traditional local recipes. Don’t forget to grab a cocktail or cold beer from the bar to wash down the spice. Villa Royale is ideal for large groups and families. The prices are very reasonable, and a kids’ menu and burger menu ensure everyone gets something they like.

    Location: 47 Bd de Grande Case, Grand-Case 97150, Saint Martin

    Open: Daily from 11 am to 11 pm

    Phone: +590 590 87 07 42

    Map
  • 7

    Irie Gardens

    Fresh vegetarian and vegan dishes with a Caribbean twist

    Irie Gardens
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    Irie Gardens is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Sint Marteen where you can taste fresh fruit and vegetables prepared with local herbs and spices. Irie offers a welcomed escape from the meat-heavy dishes of most other local restaurants and is a haven for vegetarians.

    Come for breakfast or lunch to enjoy fresh salads, sandwiches and stir-fried rice dishes. Want something a bit heavier? Irie Gardens prepares local fritters and fried plantains better than most. The dishes are made to order and well worth the wait. Not hungry? Grab a shake made with local tropical fruit to go.

    Location: Front Street 155 Unit 8 (Walter Plantz Square), Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 7.30 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +1 721-543-3322

    Map
  • 8

    Caribbean Blend

    Fresh and fast Caribbean food in a lively outdoor atmosphere

    Caribbean Blend
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    Caribbean Blend is a beloved BBQ restaurant and open-air bar where you can find Creole classics prepared by grill masters. Take a break from the beach just across the street to tuck into huge racks of ribs, aromatic rice and beans, and plump prawns covered in the zesty house sauce.

    After your meal, take a peek at the large open BBQ and watch as the grill master seasons and slow-cooks dishes to perfection. It’s a sight that embodies the Caribbean jerk tradition. Beers and cocktails are affordable at Caribbean Blend, which has made it a favourite spot to grab a drink and watch the waves.

    Location: 99 Front St, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

    Phone: +1 721-520-9669

    Map
  • 9

    Sky’s the Limit

    Local barbecues and laidback beach vibes

    Sky’s the Limit
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    Sky’s the Limit in Grand Case is a traditional “Lolo” restaurant serving Caribbean Jerk BBQ and drinks in the open. Lolos are open-air food stands and restaurants, and they are a big part of Saint Martin culture. You can’t miss out on a meal at a lolo while you’re here and Sky’s the Limit is regarded as one of the top ones on the island.

    Take a seat at a picnic table and get ready to dig into huge portions of shrimp kabobs, pork chops, jerk chicken and local fish. Grab a bucket of beers to complete the experience. Lolos are very affordable and Sky’s the Limit is ideal for budget travellers who want to try real local cuisine.

    Location: Bd de Grande Case, Grand-Case 97150, Saint Martin

    Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 10.30 pm

    Phone: +590 690 35 67 84

    Map
  • 10

    Orange Fever

    Beachfront cocktails and international food

    Orange Fever
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    Orange Fever is a relaxed beach bar serving cold beers, cocktails and international food. Come for familiar favourites like burgers, Caesar salads, and curries. If you want something local, the fish tartar of the day and the grilled mahi-mahi are recommended picks.

    Orange Fever has a roofed restaurant as well as setups with reclining chairs on the sand, so it’s a great place to post up on the beach or take shelter from the sun. If you’ve ever dreamt of being served cocktails while sunbathing, this is the place to do it in Saint Martin.

    Location: 222 Parc de la Baie Orientale Saint Martin, 97150, Saint Martin

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +590 690 75 52 11

    Map
Benjamin Gorman | Contributing Writer