Restaurants We Like in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten

 

You will find all types of dining on Friendly Island. From street side lolos to gourmet restaurants and everything in between. Some of the popular areas for dining are Grand Case, Marigot and Orient Village in Saint Martin and In Simpson Bay, Maho and Cupecoy in Sint Maarten. We will be highlighting some of the restaurants that we have enjoyed during our visits. They are sorted by location and are in no order of preference. There are many more options around the island, and we hope that in time we will be adding some of them to this list. 

 

Grand Case 

You will find some of the best dining in all the Caribbean in Grand Case. A little over a mile long, the strip boats over a dozen restaurants highlighting the area’s French and Creole influences. We always try to visit at least one new restaurant each time we are on the island. With any luck we will get to try them all. These are some of our favorites. 

 

Bistro Caraibes 

Bistro Caraibes has a lobster tank right out front, and you can pick out your own lobster and have it grilled or served Thermidor (their signature dish). The fisherman’s platter bouillabaisse style is another favorite.  There are multiple seafood, poultry and meat options. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert. 

La Villa 

La Villa is a favorite of many Grand Case diners. It is considered by many to be the best restaurant on the island. The chilled asparagus soup is a perfect start to your dining experience. The menu offerings include meats, seafood and pasta. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. The rack of lamb is a sure bet. A Prix Fixe menu with choice of appetizer, main course and dessert is offered as well. 

JAVA

 

This Mediteranean inspired restaurant is one of our stops. They offer Mezze or small plates for sharing and it sits oceanside and provides a perfect view. We enjoy the lamb meatballs (kafta) hummus, babaganoush and tuna tacos to name a few favorites. Large plates are also on the menu with meat, seaford and pasta options.  

 

Ocean 82 

At Ocean 82 you will enjoy ocean views a creative seafood menu featuring red tuna tataki with citrus mango salsa and roasted sea scallops with a smoked duck breast carpaccio. There are also multiple puoltry and meat options. 

   

Simpson Bay 

Once a small fishing village, Simpson Bay is now a major hub of tourism on the island. Some of the larger resorts and many restaurants and entertainment venues can be found in the area as well as the marina that accommodates yachts arriving from around the world. These are some of our favorite restaurants in Simpson Bay. 

Located on Simpson Bay Marina this restaurant offers wonderful views and Italian inspired fine dining. A visit to Sint Maarten would not be complete if Sherry didn’t get a chance to enjoy their lobster thermidor. The freshly caught nightly fish specials are always a hit as well. 

 

Beirut SXM 

Beirut is a traditional Lebanese restaurant with tasty mezze (small plates) and delectable main dishes including kibbeh, shawarma and kabobs. Don’t forget to try some of the freshly baked desserts. 

 

Palapa Grill 

A unique and tropical setting awaits you at Palapa Grill and Hidden Oasis where you will dine on perfectly prepared steaks and seafood. This is a perfect place for a romantic evening. 

 

Skip Jack’s 

Skip Jack’s is a Simpson Bay favorite. They have two large lobster tanks and choosing your lobster is an event. There a plenty of land and sea options on the menu at this fun family restaurant 

 

Nola Bayou Bistro 

Visit the Louisianna Bayou right on Simpson Bay Marina. Enjoy the lagoon views while feasting on Cajun and Creole specialties like Jambalaya and shrimp and grits. 

 

Reveil Matin 

If you like creative breakfast choices and craft coffee this is your place. Try a 2 o’clock coffee with chocolate syrup, banana and hazelnut essence, espresso, milk, whipped cream and full of marshmallows. Enjoy omelets, benedicts, crepes and more. Bring your appetite and bring cash. No credit cards accepted. 

 

Izi Ristorante Italiano 

Izi Ristorante is a traditional Italian restaurant featuring handmade pastas and mouthwatering meat and seafood. Two of our favorites at this budget and family friendly stop are lasagna and ossobuco. 

 

Pineapple Pete’s 

 

Pineapple Pete’s is a casual restaurant with great service and great food. Plenty of menu options are sure to satisfy everyone’s taste.  Many diners claim that the lobster thermidor is the best on the island. Two of our picks are their signature burgers (they are massive) and the fish and chips made with fresh grouper. 

 

Isola 

Isola is located adjacent to Hollywood Casino at Simpson Bay Resort. They serve up tasty brick oven pizzas and Italian favorites like Pollo ala Parmigiana. You might try the homemade pappardelle with sausage and mushrooms. Then maybe try your luck at the casino. 

 

Bamboo House 

Bamboo House, sitting high atop the hillside overlooking Simpson Bay serves up delicious Asian entrees and signature sushi. Be sure to make your reservation so you can enjoy a wonderful meal and the beautiful Caribbean sunset. 

 

Cupecoy 

 

Cupecoy is located in the northwest part of Dutch Sint Maarten, and it is just across the border of French Saint Martin. Many vacation rentals are available at the area’s multiple condominium complexes. It is also the home of The American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. An array of small dining venues can be found in the Jordan Village section that cater to students and tourists alike. 

 

Fat Tony’s 

Fat Tony’s is an American bar and grill with great BBQ, pizza, wings and burgers. They also have a steak night and a pork chop night when they serve a big double cut chop. There is live music on the weekends, and they offer takeout, so this is a nice option when you are looking for some down time and want to spend some quality time at your rental. 

 

Mama  

Mama, located in Porto Cupecoy Plaza, has a large variety of hand tossed pizzas and daily dinner specials. The prefect place to relax and enjoy a nice meal and a glass of wine in the peaceful little plaza. 

 

Altro 

Altro is just across Porto Cupecy Plaza from Mama, and it is one of our newfound gems. The daily menu features include Mediterranean and French entrees, and they offer a Prix Fixe Menu that includes an appetizer, main course and desert for under $40. 

 

Maho 

Along with low flying airplanes over its beach, Maho is also known for its restaurants, nightlife and entertainment. At Maho Plaza you will find over a dozen restaurants, multiple music venues and Casino Royale, the largest casino on the island. Maho has something for everyone. 

JAX Steakhouse 

JAX is possibly the best steakhouse on the island. Sitting in the middle of Maho Villiage, they serve up certified prime steaks accompanied by traditional stakehouse sides and a Caesar salad is large enough to share.  

 

Roma 

 

Roma is a recent addition to the Maho restaurant scene, and it has been a hit since it opened. Features include Nonna’s Lasagna and Pappardelle Bolognese as well as meat, poultry and seafood.  

 

Le Moulin Fou 

This renowned French restaurant has been a staple of Maho Plaza for years. Delicious meat, seafood and pasta dished are accompanied by a nice wine list and homemade deserts. You will want to try their famous molten chocolate cake with bananna flambe. 

 

Alina 

lina

Alina sits atop Casino Royal and looks out over Maho Plaza. Enjoy people watching and chef Ken’s amazing sushi. Omakase (chefs tasting) is available for the ultimate dining experience.  

 

La Rosa 

This hidden gem in the back of Maho Plaza has been serving up old fashioned Italian deliciousness for over 25 years. Dine al fresco or in their air-conditioned dining room. The veal parmigiana and fusilli del piscatore are two of our favorites. 

 

Sublime 

Great food, great service, great ambiance. What more can you say. This very modern, very romantic restaurant is on the second floor of Maho Plaza and is a great place to unwind and relax with a signature cocktail and enjoy some tasty food. 

 

Phillipsburg 

Phillipsburg is the capital of Sint Maarten. Home to a major cruise ship port, it is the hub of duty-free shopping on the island. When spending a day in Phillipsburg walking the boardwalk and browsing in the shops along Front Street you may want to stop and have lunch at one of these restaurants. 

 

Ocean Lounge at Holland House 

 

Sitting along the boardwalk and overlooking Little Bay, Taloula Mango’s is a great place to enjoy a cool drink and some favorites like Haitian Voodoo Wings and fish tacos. 

 

Beach Eats 

There are 37 beaches around the island and there are many places to dine at some of those beaches. From beach clubs to beach shacks, you will be amazed at the food offered on the beaches of Friendly Island. 

 

Orient Beach 

Orient Beach offers the widest selection of beach side restaurants on the island. You will find everything from hot dogs, burgers and pizza to full entrees of fish and steaks. Each place offers beach chair and umbrella rentals. Sometimes they will waive the rental fee if you are dining with them. These are a few of our favorite places. 

 

Kontiki 

 

Kontiki has a large selection of sharable plates, appetizers and sushi as well as entrees. You can dine in the restaurant area or beach side. 

 

Aloha 

 

 

Aloha is a friendly little beach restaurant along Orient Beach that offers great food including salads, burgers and gourmet meals. 

 

Mullet Bay 

 

Mullet Bay Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Sint Maarten. It is a favorite of tourists and locals alike. There are three places for food, and they each offer beach chair rentals and great food. Rosie’s and Da Waterhole are on the south end of the beach. Kalatua is on the north end of the beach. 

 

Rosie’s 

Rosie serves up awesome chicken, ribs, burgers and hot dogs. You wash it down with a tropical drink, beer or soft drink. Bring cash because they do not accept credit cards. 

 

Kalatua 

For an upscale beach experience, you can book a day at the new and trendy Kalatua Beach Restaurant. Lay back on one of their comfortable beach loungers and sip on a cool craft cocktail. Enjoy Mediterranean inspired tapas, grilled meat and seafood in the dining area or beachside. Reservations are necessary. 

 

 

For breakfast, lunch dinner and late-night tapas, these are some of our favorite places to enjoy around the island. Give some of them a try on your visit and be sure to try some other restaurants as well. Speak with the friendly locals who are always happy to share some of their recommendations. You are sure to have your very own favorites to share with others when you are out exploring the island.