Fodor's Expert Review Le Petibonum

This marriage of French island funkiness and South Beach gloss is one-of-a-kind in Martinique. So is charismatic owner Guy Ferdinand, who has made this a destination restaurant in the north coast's tiny town of Carbet. Smack on the beach, it's an ideal stopover if you're visiting nearby St-Pierre. So remember to wear your swimsuit, kick off your shoes, and order the signature rum drink made with hibiscus and mint from the rum bar. You can lounge on one of the 60 coral rubber chaises, shaded by umbrellas, and be sprayed intermittently with a gentle, cool mist. The appetizers—blue marlin tartare or fried flying fish right from the Carbet shore—are delicious, as are main courses of fresh fish. There are lobster nights, and on Friday there are classical musicians. It's a mellow scene.