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Dining in St. Martin
St. Martin/St. Maarten has hundreds of restaurants and it is impossible for us to offer an opinion that would satisfy everyone. However, over the years we have acquired a taste for the fare at several establishments. We will mark our "best picks" in each area we discuss with this sign # in front of the name. Other restaurants listed are fine and after all you will make the final choice. If a restaurant you have heard of is not listed, in our opinion it doesn't deserve to be for whatever reason. Times change, things happen and again I stress it is our opinion.
The $ signs are only meant as indications of an approximate per person cost for food only. One $ is roughly $12 or less. Two $$ would be $20 or less and three would be $30. Over 3 is just that $30 and up. Unless you are a wine aficionado, I recommend that you order 'vin maison' (house wine) it is always the least expensive and usually very good.
French Side Restaurants:
(when calling from the Dutch side dial 00 590 590 and then the 6 digit number)
Marigot Marina area
# Brassiere de la Gare $$ - 87 20 64 - On the water in Marina Royale in Marigot. The Brassiere has in a few short years become an institution and is one of the best places on the island to sit and enjoy anything from a light meal and up, drinks or an espresso and observe people from all over the world. The food is very good, reasonably priced and the staff is friendly. A great spot for lunch or dinner. If you can't get a table on the water go inside, it is air-conditioned.
# Don Camillio $$$ - 87 52 88 - A great little Italian restaurant that keeps growing by a few tables each year. It is located on the outer side of Marina Royale area. The service is excellent. With Don Camillio's growing reputation the prices have grown larger too. However, we have eaten there many times and I have never had a meal I didn't enjoy. Frequented by locals as well as visitors. Dinner only, air conditioned.
Tropicana $$ - 87 52 88 - A small and charming bistro in the interior section of the Marina. Owned and operated by a pleasant young couple who enjoy what they do and it shows. Italian flavor with many seafood entrees. Dinner only.
# La Diva $$ - 87 80 85 - On Rue de Hollande in downtown Marigot. A great little Italian restaurant that is quite reasonably priced. At the end of the meal the owner offers his customers a liqueur of his own mixture that is very good. Everyone has tried to figure out the ingredients unsuccessfully. He simply won't tell.
La Residence $$ - 87 70 37 - Located on the second floor of the downtown Marigot hotel of the same name. This restaurant is a pleasant surprise. They have a complete menu or you can order a la carte. The food is great. Popular with those who have discovered it. A fixed priced menu is offered every night.
La Chanticlaire $$ - 87 94 60 - A small restaurant on the opposite corner of the Marina from the Brassiere de la Gare. The food is French and excellent. The entire place only seats about twenty people. They usually have posted outside several entrees at a fixed price for a complete meal from appetizer through desert. A great value for good food.
Mastadama $ - "Zee best" is the trademark phrase of this small sidewalk cafe just down the street a little from Don Camillio. Mastadama is an institution on the French side and deservedly so. For perhaps the best breakfast on St. Martin or a light lunch it is hard to beat.
Marigot Harbor area
Maison Sur Le Port $$ - 87 56 38 - This restaurant has been in the harbor for as long as most people can remember. It has a wonderful setting for watching all that goes on in the harbor area. The cooking is French and good with large number of fresh fish entrees. This is one of the 2 or 3 best places on the island to have lunch. Open for both lunch and dinner.
Bar de la Mer $$ - 87 81 79 - There is both inside and outside dining in this harbor front bistro. However the inside offers very little in the the way of atmosphere. It has gained a reputation for grilled food, particularly fresh seafood. Great place to people watch although the street traffic can sometimes be a little to much. Lunch and dinner.
Arhawak $$ - 87 99 67 - Located right across the street from the Bar de la Mar. After a slow start Arhawak has become as popular as it's next door rival. The food is good with a varied menu. They also grill outside in the evening mostly fish. Open from about 11:30 until. They have the only street bar in the harbor.
Grand Case and the surrounding area:
The small village of Grand Case is unusual because its major business appears to be feeding people. There are restaurants, some of the finest on the island, from one end to the other.
# The Rainbow Cafe $$$ - 87 55 80 - Located on the water toward the Marigot side of town is certainly one of the best fine dining restaurants on either side of the island. The food is French and expensive but if you are planning a special night out you won't be disappointed. Reservations are a must at what many people believe is the finest restaurant on St. Martin.
Il Nettuno $$+ - 87 77 38 - An excellent Italian restaurant on the water. Il Nettuno is reasonably priced compared to many in Grand Case. A great staff that supplies very good service. Consider the specials they are always great.
# L'Auberge Gourmande $$+ - 87 73 37-This great little bistro is on the main road opposite side from the water in Grand Case. Because it's not on the water it is often over looked. It shouldn't be. Truly one of the best eateries on the island. International with a French flare. Dinner only.
Chez Martine $$+ - 87 51 59 - This restaurant is finally back. Great location on the waterfront. Small intimate atmosphere with really good French food. Dinner.
Baie Orientale Area
There are several beach front restaurants along Orient Beach that are really pretty good.
# Bikini Beach $+ - 87 43 25 - Located in the middle of the beach area. There are numerous signs from the main road. Great bar friendly employees serving Spanish style food. Tapas, Pyeya, etc. Open for breakfast, lunch and early dinner. They often have a band. Not as large as Kontiki and therefor I think better. This is a great place to start out from. It is just about in the middle of the beach.
Kontiki $$+ - 87 43 27 - This is the largest of the beach side eateries located next to small shops and rib shacks. Kontiki serves a variety from steak and seafood to pasta. Large bar often has entertainment. lunch and dinner. Usually very crowded, especially on Sunday.
Other French side restaurants of note in no particular order:
# Layla's $+ - This outdoor beach bar and restaurant is located on the main road in Nettle Baie. They have a wonderful menu with everything from specialty salads to lobster and pasta dishes. The menu changes, but the food is always terrific. You can sit in one of two covered dining areas or under the shade of the sea grape trees. Owned and operated by Layla and Pierre, this is truly a great spot to relax and have breakfast or lunch. They will soon be open for dinner as well. A definite must while you are on island. The beach is not so good for swimming, but excellent for sunning. Bring your suit, the beach chairs are free!
# Mario's Bistro $$$ - 87 06 36 - The eatery is actually located in an area known as Sandy Ground near the French bridge. It is very popular and reservations are a must in season. Wonderful international cuisine with an Indonesian flare. Since Mario's opening we have yet to hear a negative comment. Dinner only.
La Vie En Rose $$$+ - 87 54 42
La Testavin $$$ - 87 55 45
La Samanna $$$$ - 87 64 00
Hevea $$$ - 87 56 85
Fabulous Feasts $$$ - 87 93 16 - This is perhaps the one gourmet restaurant you shouldn't miss and its located at your villa. This great little company will come to your house and prepare a fabulous meal from appetizer through dessert that you will enjoy. A very pleasant evening.
Dutch Side Restaurants:
(when calling from the French side dial 00 599 and then the seven digit number)
Maho and Airport Area
# La Rosa Too $$$ - 545-3470 - An excellent Italian Restaurant tucked behind the Maho shopping area. Reservations are wise almost anytime of the year. Great food and excellent service. I am sure it has happened but I have never met anyone who has had a bad dining experience. Dinner only.
Cheri's Cafe $$ - 545-3361 - A central gathering point next to the Casino Royal. Everything from burgers up. Live music/dancing at night. Cheri's is a must stop at least once while on the island. It is for tourists and those who like to meet them.
# Sunset Beach Bar $ - 545-3998 - Great beach bar that offers grilled sandwiches and $2.00 beers. Watch the planes land from the deck! Located at the end of the airport runway on Maho beach, this bar is great for a quick lunch and a great atmosphere. Loved by locals and tourists alike!
Cole Bay Area
# Spartaco $$$ - 544-5379 - Well known and successful. Northern Italian cuisine at it's finest. The restaurant is located in a wonderfully refurbished old stone plantation building. The combination of atmosphere and very fine food has earned Spartaco an envied reputation. The service is perhaps the best on the island. Dinner only.
Philipsburg
L'Escargot $$$ - 542-2483 - This restaurant has been serving visitors to St. Maarten for over 20 years. It is located in a 150 year old Caribbean gingerbread house, The food is international. True to its name you can have snails just about any way you want them. If you are only in Philipsburg one day to shop go here for lunch.
Chesterfield's $$ - 542-3484 -The same owners as the Boat House. Located on the water near Bobby's Marina. Chesterfield's serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of the day trip boats to Anguilla and St. Barths leave from here.
The Pasangrahan $$ - 542-3588 - A delightful setting in one of the islands oldest small hotels on Front Street in downtown Philipsburg. This is a perfect place for lunch during a shopping day in town. Also open for breakfast and dinner.Oyster Pond Area
Mr. Busby's $+ - Busby's is a beach bar at one end of Dawn Beach adjacent to the entrance to the Oyster Bay Hotel. It is popular and inexpensive. The food is very good. They rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Highly recommended...
Oyster Baie Yacht Club $$$ - 542-2206 - For years this dining room was regarded as one of the finest in St. Martin and then fell out of favor. I am happy to report great food is back. Great atmosphere. Elegant bar and cocktail terrace. Open for lunch and dinner.
Simpson Bay Area
#Bavaria $+ - 544-2665 - The only German restaurant on the St. Martin. The food is authentic and consistently very good. The restaurant is an excellent value and enjoys a very loyal following from the local community Lunch and dinner.
The Boat House $$+ - 544-2429 - Very popular steak and seafood restaurant. Always crowded, no reservations or credit cards. Indoor and outdoor dining. Good if you need a fix of food that looks and tastes like it was cooked in the States.
# Lee's Deep Sea Fishing $+ - A small outdoor lunch spot with some of the freshest fish and lobster around. Lee's is located on the main road near the Dutch side bridge. Wednesday night is popular with the locals, there is a DJ and dancing. All drinks are 2 bucks.
# Marty's $ - Marty's is the place to go for the best shoarma and gyros on the island. This little bar and restaurant is across the street from the Boathouse on the main road. Open for lunch and dinner. A favorite with the locals.
Ric's Place $+ - 542-6050 - Located right near the bridge in Simpson Bay. If you have a desire for a good hamburger, hot dog or Philly cheese steak, than Ric's is your place.
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