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Saint Barthélemy, more commonly known as St. Barts or Saint Barth, is famed for its fancy stores and white-sand beaches. The rich and famous are known for frequenting this tropical paradise in the French West Indies, making the rock-star caliber of this island’s cuisine and the number of high-end restaurants unsurprising.
Ranked as one of the best Caribbean islands for foodies by U.S. News and Travel, St. Barts is a gastronomic haven. Ultra-fresh seafood might be to blame. Or it’s the French influence. Or perhaps it’s because the island draws some of the best chefs in the world and even holds an annual food festival. The possibilities are endless!
All we know is that it’s tough not to feel enthusiastic when we think about the top St. Barts restaurants. But, even if you stayed for a luxurious weeklong vacation, it would be difficult to sample all the best this French-speaking Caribbean island is known for.
Fret not, we’re here to help you narrow down your options for the must-try most delish St Barts restaurants.
L’Esprit
$$$$ | French, Pan-Asian | V5RG+HX8, Vitet
L’esprit, near Saline Beach in Vitet, is great if you’re looking for something completely different because it boasts what is undoubtedly St. Barts’ most inventive seasonal menu. Start with a crab salad before moving on to duck spring rolls and sea scallop sashimi. A homemade ice cream or sorbet is a perfect way to end a meal. You can even order L’Esprit to-go and have a picnic at nearby Saline Beach!
After spending several years working at Eden Rock luxury hotel before starting his own restaurant, chef Jean-Claude Dufour has become an island legend. With several indoor and outdoor dining areas that attract a more affluent crowd during the peak season, L’Esprit is one of the more well-known restaurants in the area. Housed in a romantic garden, you can dine among tropical flora, surrounded by palm palms and candles. Soft lighting allows the stars to glimmer above. What’s not to love?
Black Ginger
$$ – $$$ | Thai | Rue Samuel Fahlberg, Gustavia
Black Ginger serves authentic and elegant Thai cuisine created by a team of Thai chefs and is conveniently located in the heart of Gustavia, the capital of St. Barts. If you like spice, this is the place for you. You can enjoy dishes like locally caught black pepper mahi-mahi, shrimp ravioli soup, mango salad with soft-shell crab, and creative variations of curries and noodles.
Black Ginger opened in 2014, introducing a touch of drama with its modern architecture—black tables, wood floors, and seductive red accents—to the relaxed space. Dine downstairs or on their upper floor open-air deck while enjoying the spectacular night sky.
Shellona
$$ – $$$ | Mediterranean, Greek, Seafood | Shell Beach, Gustavia
Shellona, a recent addition to St Barts restaurants, is situated on Shell Beach, known for its hundreds of tiny pinkish and yellowish shells covering the cove. It has quickly become a favorite on the island with its stylish furnishings, comfortable lounge chairs, and distinctive cocktails.
Shellona is a must-visit establishment in Gustavia, at the foot of the Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf St. Barts. Renowned for its gastronomic delights, live music performances, and beach club ambiance where you’re bound to lose track of time, groups will find this Mediterranean restaurant ideal.
Everyone in St. Barts is seduced by flavorful, grilled food seasoned with the best fragrant herbs & marinades, created by one of the emerging stars of Greek food, chef Yiannis Kioroglou. So enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes while you dine with your feet in the sand.
Fish Corner
$$ | Seafood | 41 Rue de La Republique, Gustavia
Fish Corner is a modest eatery with a well-kept secret address tucked away behind the Bar de l’Oubli. The specialty, which is seafood, is fresh.
The Fish Corner, opened in 2018, provides the opportunity for a great balanced dinner well suited to the environment. It’s usually accompanied by fresh vegetables (a very uncommon product in Saint Barthélemy). A glass of white wine will add a hint of freshness to your dinner.
By day, owners Nicholas and Johnny and their staff provide delicious food and stellar service to local seafood enthusiasts in a casual setting with charming, brightly colored decor. By night, the establishment changes into a stylish bistro, and the ambiance acquires a fresh appearance with a decidedly romantic appeal.
Bonito
$$$$ | French, Latin American | Rue Lubin Brin, Gustavia
The view from Bonito will catch your attention immediately. In addition to a wide selection of inventive drinks and fresh, locally sourced seafood prepared in various ways, including raw, stewed, grilled, and salads, Bonito offers unrivaled panoramic views of Gustavia Harbor. Evenings on the water are magical, thanks to the surrounding boat lights.
Bonito is undoubtedly one of the trendiest St Barts restaurants with its beach-chic ambiance and roomy lounge area. However, if you need to liven things up, Bonito features a resident DJ starting at 9 o’clock, making it ideal for couples looking for a romantic, upbeat culinary-centric evening.
This beautiful and expansive colonial home is decorated with delicate shapes, from cocktail glasses to dinner plates and vibrant colors, and an open kitchen featuring modern takes on exotic flavors. The robust flavors produced by Chef Laurent Cantineaux’s cooking, which has French roots but was inspired by ten years spent living in South America, go incredibly well together. Don’t leave without trying the ceviche!
Nikki Beach
$$$$ | French, Japanese, American | Plage de St. Jean, St. Jean
If you’re expecting to rub elbows with a celebrity or, at the very least, spot one, stop at Nikki Beach for a refreshing cocktail and their famous rotisserie chicken. Nikki Beach is where you’ll enjoy a leisurely meal in an effortlessly opulent location that might turn into a full-fledged party. Think unlimited champagne bottles, afternoons of live music, and a vast sushi selection.
Situated on a more intimate section of St. Jean Beach, you can find comfortable loungers and tipis where you can socialize over drinks, a light lunch, or dance the night away. It has grown to be the most renowned beach club in the Caribbean since its opening in 2002, with weddings and private events being regular occasions.
Le Nikki, as the locals call it, serves only the best, including grilled lobster and caviar Petrossian, alongside the most incredible selection of wines, champagnes, and cocktails.
Le Toiny
$$$$ | French | Anse de Toiny, Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach
The revamped Le Toiny is a very romantic location with a half-moon infinity pool and expansive views of the wave-tossed Toiny shore below. It has a brand-new inlaid oyster-shell outdoor bar and an inviting dining area. Guests can enjoy a champagne sitting area while they await a seat.
A lighter, more condensed menu features items like tuna steak with mango and ginger compote and sea bass with a salt crust. Leading food experts from all over the world have praised Le Toiny as one of St. Barts’ best restaurants!
This restaurant, situated in the hills above Anse de Toiny near Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach with views of the Caribbean Sea, perfectly encapsulates the feel of an island paradise. Le Toiny must be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a fine dining experience in St. Barts.
Le Tamarin
$$$ | International | Rue de Saline
One of the island’s most stunning gardens, Le Tamarin, is home to an amazing 100-year-old tamarind and cranky parrots that amuse all. The Saline location is ideal for a first drink and a night out, complete with a decadent dinner.
With its elegant surroundings, this magical location seamlessly blends Swedish and Caribbean cultures. Sandwiches, sushi, burgers, and basic grills are available for lunch. Dinnertime provides heartier dishes like Chilean sea bass and duck breast, but start with duck foie gras.
For dessert, be sure to try the magnificently prepared giant profiteroles. The wine list is also superb. There’s even a charming little boutique if you wish to shop between courses.
Sand Bar
$$$$ | Eclectic | St Jean Bay
The Sand Bar is the Eden Rock hotel’s gastronomic hub, and its distinctive setting perfectly captures the spirit and carefree beach vibe of St. Barths. Classic Sand Bar menu items include crispy salmon, fontina or truffle pizza, and a brand-new vegan matcha crème brûlée.
Celebrity chef Jean Georges Vongerichten’s cuisine highlights an eclectic mix of flavors, from soups and carpaccio to grilled fish and meat dishes. Enjoy Eden Rock’s world-class people-watching alongside desserts like their mouthwatering lemon tart. Lunch on the terrace at this restaurant is unmatched by anything else.
L’Isola
$$$$ | Italian | Rue du Roi Oscar II, Gustavia
This is St. Barts’ top Italian eatery, with fresh ingredients imported directly from Italy. L’Isola opened in 2008; since then, this upscale Italian restaurant has been a St. Barts favorite. With illuminating and romantic candlelight accenting a beautiful dining area, L’Isola makes for a memorable meal.
There is something for every palate, including cioppino and braised short-rib Bolognese sauce over a bed of fettuccine. Additionally, L’Isola has a fantastic wine selection with some of the best bottles from Tuscany, Sicily, and many other regions of Italy.
L’Isola also has a smaller sibling establishment called L’isoletta, which is highly recommended if you crave unforgettable pizza.
La Langouste
$$$ | French | Flamands
The cozy La Langouste near Colombier Beach lives up to its name by providing freshly grilled local spiny lobster and lobster thermidor at a little more reasonable cost than most other island establishments.
Try one of the five soups, which includes lobster bisque, or one of the starters, like local squash gratin or scallop-and-leek samosas. Excellent main options include well-prepared meals like stuffed crab and traditional French cuisine and Creole dishes like conch fricassee. The calories are worth it for sweets like a fruit tart or the crepes Suzette.
Orega
$$$$ | Japanese | Rue Samuel Fahlberg, Gustavia
The most sought-after table on the island, Orega, is the talk of the town with its fascinating atmosphere and contemporary decor. Although, it has more to do with the restaurant’s French-Japanese fusion cuisine and the skills of its hospitable owner, Greg, and his entire staff.
Reservations are required at this historic bungalow house in the center of Gustavia. The service is prompt and kind, and the atmosphere is welcoming and cheerful. This restaurant has been turned into a “garden-party-like ambiance.” It’s complete with an outdoor rooftop and an open kitchen, which provides a front-seat view of the sushi preparation, contributing to the lively environment.
Fresh sashimi, confit duck, and authentic French dishes reimagined with a Japanese flair, such as Wagyu Beef Gyoza with mushrooms and mahi-mahi, all look as wonderful as they taste. But save room for the chocolate bombe for dessert, which is artistically and gastronomically stunning.
Gyp Sea Beach
$$$$ | French, International, Seafood | St. Jean Bay
Gyp Sea Beach, located on Saint-Jean Beach, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, has become a sensation since it first opened in December 2020. This bohemian-luxe beach club perfectly embodies the island’s spirit, thanks to this restaurant’s incredible attention to detail.
Handmade plates, patterned textiles, an abundance of cozy mismatched couches, and music from the resident DJ create a quintessential beach club vibe. Gyp Sea also features a chic bar where you can unwind with a unique selection of rum-inspired cocktails and a designer shop with a variety of one-of-a-kind products from across the globe.
Gyp Sea is known for roasting, smoking, grilling, and braising a range of regional and seasonal ingredients for its guests, all prepared on Saint-Jean beach. Start with the snow roll crab and move on to the grilled octopus. Gyp Sea can also plan any private event, from a fabulous beachfront evening soirée to a remarkable wedding.
Eddy’s Ghetto
$$-$$$ | Creole | Rue Samuel Fahlberg, Gustavia
In line with the island’s relaxed way of life and tucked away between almond and palm trees, this seductive and moody Gustavia institution is hidden behind a stone wall.
Locals and visitors have enjoyed moderately priced Creole cuisine for over 20 years at Eddy’s Ghetto. Creole fare like shrimp curry, green mango salad, and codfish fritters adorn a delicious menu filled with international flavors. Come for the tapas and stay for dessert!
Dine With the Best in St. Barts
If there’s one thing we’re certain of, you’ll be hard pressed to find a bad meal while vacationing in St. Barts. This island is world-renowned for its attention to detail, impressive quality, and of course, stunning views all around. Regardless of the type of food you’re craving, you’ll easily be able to find a delicious version of it on St. Barts.
