The 18 Must-Try Restaurants in Saint-Martin

At Sandy’s Creole Cuisine, the menu may resemble those found at other Creole establishments on the island, but the difference lies in the approach and vision. Owner Christine Illidge (named after her father, Sandy) is bringing something innovative: “Modern Creole without all the grease.” However, she remains rooted in tradition. Sandy’s was honored as the best authentic Creole restaurant at Saint-Martin’s 2021 Festival de la Gastronomie. The red snapper is succulent and flavorful, paired with fresh tomato salsa, sautéed zucchini, and a crisp green salad. If shrimp is your preference, explore the shrimp mania special with a variety of preparations; the tender shrimp can be enjoyed in spicy tomato sauce, lightly fried, or generously coated in garlic butter, but the coconut shrimp truly embodies the quintessential Caribbean taste and texture. [$$]

As the owner of the oldest lolo in the area, Rosemary Lendor stands as the unofficial matriarch of the Marigot waterfront, especially since her establishment received a visit from St. Anthony of Bourdain in 2012. Sporting a vibrant plaid shirt that coordinates with her tablecloths, she embodies both restaurateur and storyteller. Stop by for breakfast and indulge in ginger-bay leaf bush tea alongside a generous serving of salt fish, roasted green bananas, scrambled eggs, and a warm portion of johnnycakes, the beloved fried or baked flatbread that is a staple of Saint Martin's Creole cuisine. [$]

As the son of Mamie Rose, one of the island's iconic Creole chefs and restaurateurs, Coco Lake was meant to carry on the family tradition. After completing his military service in France, his mother urged him to establish his own Mytoury, and now he is a well-known figure along the Marigot waterfront. His daily specials, including goat and chicken curry and stewed oxtail, are popular and often sell out quickly. The menu also features steak, red snapper, tuna, salmon, and mahi-mahi cooked in a variety of styles, but his standout dish is the conch Creole, a unique offering not found elsewhere. The conch strips are succulent and infused with delicate hints of butter, green bell pepper, and herbs, served with seasoned rice, sweet plantains, potato salad, and a fresh green salad. Don’t miss the creamy mango colada, a must-try. [$ - $$]

Almost every local in Saint Martin will agree that the island's unique flavors stem from its vibrant seasonings. Before you leave, be sure to visit this charming spice stall in Marigot, managed by Marianne Gregoire-Celestine, who showcases her lively spirit in a tourism video. She and her husband began with a local twist on Jamaican jerk seasoning and have since expanded their offerings to include fresh nutmeg still encased in its mace, Caribbean curry powder, and their best-selling magic spice, which enhances everything from meats to pizza and even a cup of bush tea. [$]

This beloved bakery has been a family-run establishment for over 30 years. Its walls are adorned with photographs of cycling and tennis teams sponsored by the Mytoury. During busy hours, you’ll find patrons queuing outside for a cup of daily-changing bush tea (tisane), ginger-infused orange juice, or tropical smoothies featuring mango, soursop, papaya, and pineapple. Signature dishes include turnovers filled with guava paste or banana, savory croissants stuffed with salt cod and tuna, and breakfast sandwiches packed with bacon and eggs. [$]

On Sunday mornings, the lively corner of Rue de Rambaud and Rue de Colombier becomes a hub of excitement, especially near the Jimmy Sheik mural titled “Little Girl and Butterfly.” Here, Guy and Aldrina Helligar, beloved figures in the community, offer refreshing coconut water. Guy expertly chops the tops off vibrant red, orange, and green coconuts while Aldrina hands them out with straws. You sip, enjoy conversations, and once the juice is gone, Guy opens the coconut so you can savor the jelly inside. If you're feeling adventurous, they can add a splash of gin to your juice, creating a revitalizing drink they affectionately call morning coffee. Prices are 4 euros for coconuts, 5 for spiked ones, 10 for a liter of fresh coconut water, and 2 for coconut jelly. [$]

Loterie Farm is a chic eco-resort where adventurous guests can soar on ziplines or explore the lush tropical hills — but most come to show off their beach bodies at the Jungle Pool. This kidney-shaped oasis is surrounded by waterfalls and adorned with mango trees, colorful vines, loungers, and cozy cabanas. The extensive drink selection features rum punch, passionfruit daiquiris, piña coladas, mojitos, margaritas, and refreshing non-alcoholic options. The restaurant offers a range of dishes from salads and burgers to platters brimming with beef samosas, barbecue riblets, accra (salt cod fritters), crab-spinach dip, and hummus. Don’t be surprised if you spot large iguanas on the DJ platform or munching on ferns beside your cabana — they’ve been here longer. Admission is 25 euros per person or 8 euros for a cabana. [$$ - $$$]

For generations, local Saint Martiners have been infusing Caribbean rum with the unique spicy flavor of guavaberries. Unlike the typical juicy guava found in Latin America or Asia, this native tree (Myrciaria floribunda) is related to cloves and allspice, yielding sweet-tart berries that lend a spicy, bittersweet essence to the rum. “It’s not Christmas without guavaberry,” remarks Louis Maccow, who, along with his wife Luz-Maria, established Guavaberry Colombier. After refining their recipe for this traditional spirit, the Maccows developed a lighter variant that showcases a milder guavaberry flavor, as well as an extensive range of liqueurs infused with flavors like mango, sorrel (hibiscus), coconut, and cashew fruit. A surprising favorite? Their creamy peanut liqueur that you never knew you wanted. [$$]

Located among four lolos in central Grand Case near the waterfront, Sky's the Limit, managed by Jacqueline Lake-Carty, offers hearty servings of barbecued meats with an array of sides starting at just 10 euros. With nearly 20 years of experience, the restaurant has built a loyal following, so you might find yourself waiting for a spot in one of the brightly painted red, yellow, and green booths. But once you dig into the ribs, whole fried snapper, lobster, or chicken accompanied by seasoned rice, plantains, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, coleslaw, and a green salad, you’ll understand the hype. [$ - $$]

Chef Leo Saintil may not often be seen outside the kitchen, but his radiant smile is as warm as a sunny day. Originally from Haiti, his interpretation of Creole cuisine brings a unique flair distinct from the usual Saint-Martin offerings. His Haitian rice, enriched by French Maggi seasoning and djon djon mushrooms, is a standout. The conch fritters, paired with a delicate curry dip, are a delightful treat, especially alongside a glass of Herve Blin Champagne. Other must-tries include the accra salt cod fritters served with spicy Haitian pikliz, the seafood cassoulet, and grilled conch. However, it's the goat curry that will leave a lasting impression, with its tender meat resembling a juicy blend of pork and beef, perfectly infused with the savory curry gravy. [$$ - $$$]

While Saint-Martin may lack its own rum distilleries due to insufficient water for sugar cane cultivation, you can indulge in exquisite cane spirits sourced from nearby islands like Martinique and Guadeloupe. This intimate rum and Cuban cigar bar, located next to Le Pressoir, boasts an impressive collection of nearly 120 bottles. Sink into one of the leather barrel chairs and engage with rum expert Jason Thomas while savoring selections like Habitation Saint Etienne’s VSOP Très Vieux Rhum Agricole or the Trois Rivières Rhum Vieux de l’Ocean, hailing from one of Martinique’s historic distilleries. [$$$]

Once famous for its natural salt pond that produced salt crystals for grinding, Grand Case is home to the historic salt press showcased in the circa-1872 Creole building of Le Pressoir. After managing for the previous owners, Milaure Soucy and partner Gill Sacconi have transformed it into a cozy dining destination filled with delightful surprises. Choose a three-course meal crafted by chef Jerome Droingt, who breathes new life into classic French cuisine with local ingredients. Highlights include the foie gras terrine enhanced with Rhum Clement and roasted pineapple chutney, while mains feature a rustic bouillabaisse with local fish, island-raised hen breast with porcini stuffing, or tender Iberian pluma steak with candied duck in thyme gravy. [$$$]

Perched on the terrace of Villa Hibiscus, located near the summit of Pic Paradis, the island's highest peak, you can witness the breathtaking sunset painting the sky in hues of peach and purple, accompanied by the lively sounds of frogs, crickets, and monkeys. This mesmerizing experience is only surpassed by the exclusive tasting menus offered for just 16 guests each night. Chef Bastian Schenk, who has honed his skills alongside culinary legends Anne-Sophie Pic and Joël Robuchon, and his talented team earned accolades for their cuisine and service at the 2021 Festival de la Gastronomie. The state-of-the-art farmhouse kitchen serves exquisite dishes such as grilled chestnut mousse with black truffles, seared scallops with smoked sabayon and yuzu, and poached chicken breast filled with confit thigh in a mushroom ivoire sauce. His wife, Sabine, who grew up on the premises, leads the skilled service team. In addition to the breathtaking views, the signature hibiscus cocktail is a delightful way to begin or conclude your meal. Menu prices vary from 60 to 150 euros per person, depending on the number of courses and wine pairings. [$$$$]

For aficionados of French wines and unique Caribbean rum, Bacchus is a must-visit for your collection. Run by Magali and Benjamin Laurent, this spot boasts the finest wine cellar in the Caribbean, filled with an impressive selection of red and white Burgundies, Opus One, Pio Cesare, Sassicaia, and vintage Sauternes, with the oldest dating back to 1955. Prices here are often lower than what you’d find elsewhere; 'We don’t have the taxes you face in the U.S.,' Magali shares with a hint of pride. Their son Valentin, just shy of 21, is already well-versed in the finest Caribbean rhums and Cuban cigars. Their offerings include beautifully decorated bottles from Rhum Neisson and Rhum Clement, not found in the U.S. After shopping, be sure to visit Bacchus's chic bistro for wines by the glass, refreshing salads, tartines, and decadent desserts, including a salad-sized crème brûlée and Trianon, a crunchy chocolate mousse cake. [$$ - $$$$]

Step into the Anse Marcel Beach resort, a slice of the French Riviera with elegant yachts bobbing in the azure waters, sunbathers relaxing on loungers, and colorful umbrellas swaying in the gentle breeze. Owner Jean-Pierre Pisoni, hailing from Cannes, has designed a restaurant that perfectly complements this picturesque setting. The open-air dining space resembles a luxurious cabana, ensuring that every table boasts a stunning ocean view. Begin your meal with a refreshing glass of Château Puech-Haut Argali Rosé paired with olive tapenade crostini that transports you straight to Southern France. Next, savor local white fish tartare accented with kumquats and seaweed, or enjoy a curated selection of French cheeses, before indulging in a locally sourced spiny lobster, delicately roasted and served with melted butter. Don’t forget your camera for the scenic drive over the hill to Anse Marcel! [$$$$]

This beloved corner bakery and café near the Marigot waterfront, operated by the Bacchus team, excels in authentic French pastries. They offer all your favorites—golden, flaky croissants, indulgent pain au chocolat, and zesty tart au citron—alongside café press, a variety of teas, and herbal infusions. A standout treat is their pistachio financier, which surpasses typical versions of these buttery cakes; here, they're generously sized, pale green muffins that delight the palate. [$]

Originally from Lyon, Alexandre Deglise came to Saint-Martin to work as a beach waiter. Now, he owns L’Atelier, a vibrant steak and seafood brasserie run alongside a talented team of Caribbean women he has met throughout his 22 years in the island's restaurant scene. Deglise enthusiastically guides guests through the chalkboard menu, featuring delights such as Brillat-Savarin cheese with black truffles, Kagoshima wagyu, seared foie gras, whole grilled fish, and Creekstone Farms rib-eye steaks. At just 24, head chef Sarah Honoré showcases her expertise, while her partner Orlane Germany, 22, manages the dining room and presents dishes with flair. Choose a bottle of Napa cab or Côtes du Rhône from the diverse wine selection, or enjoy one of Elise Agoha’s smoky Old Fashioneds or rum mules made with her signature ginger syrup. L’Atelier offers one of the premier dining experiences on the island. [$$$$]