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Although most people come to St. Maarten/St. Martin for sun and fun, they leave praising the cuisine. On an island that covers only 37 square miles (96 square km), there are more than 400 restaurants from which to choose. You can sample the best dishes from France, Thailand, Italy, Vietnam, India, Japan, and, of course, the Cari
Although most people come to St. Maarten/St. Martin for sun and fun, they leave praising the cuisine. On an island that covers only 37 square miles (96 square km), there are more than 400 restaurants from which to choose. You can sample the best dishes from France, Thai
Although most people come to St. Maarten/St. Martin for sun and fun, they leave praising the cuisine. On an island that
Although most people come to St. Maarten/St. Martin for sun and fun, they leave praising the cuisine. On an island that covers only 37 square miles (96 square km), there are more than 400 restaurants from which to choose. You can sample the best dishes from France, Thailand, Italy, Vietnam, India, Japan, and, of course, the Caribbean.
Many of the best restaurants are in Grand Case (on the French side), but you should not limit your culinary adventures to that village. Great dining thrives throughout the island, from the bistros of Marigot to the hopping restaurants of Cupecoy to the low-key eateries of Simpson Bay. Whether you enjoy dining on fine china in one of the upscale restaurants or off a paper plate at the island's many lolos (roadside barbecue stands), St. Maarten/St. Martin's culinary options are sure to appeal to every palate. Loyalists on both "sides" will cheerfully try to steer you to their own favorites, and it’s common to cite high euro prices to deter exploration, but quite a few restaurants still offer a one-to-one exchange rate between dollars and euros if you use cash, and main-course portions are often large enough to be shared.
During high season, it's essential to make reservations, and making them a month in advance is advisable for some of the best places. Dutch-side restaurants sometimes include a 15% service charge, so check your bill before tipping. On the French side, service is always included, but it is customary to leave 5% to 10% extra in cash for the server. Don’t count on leaving tips on your credit card—it's customary to tip in cash. A taxi is probably the easiest solution to the parking problems in Grand Case, Marigot, and Philipsburg. Grand Case has two lots—each costs $4—at each end of the main boulevard, but they're often packed by 8 pm.
What to Wear: Although appropriate dining attire ranges from swimsuits to sport jackets, casual dress is usually appropriate throughout restaurants on the island. For men, a jacket and khakis or jeans will take you anywhere; for women, dressy pants, a skirt, or even fancy shorts are usually acceptable. Jeans are fine in the less formal eateries.
There is a sophisticated vibe at this quiet, rather elegant beach club that may make you feel as if you're on a private beach. You can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas (half price with lunch) and spend the whole day relaxing, drinking, and dining. With decor less funky than some other beach-club restaurants, it is open from breakfast through the spectacular sunset, offering a menu reminiscent of a French bistro. A blackboard lists specials, carpaccios of meat and fish are sparklingly fresh, and the salads are terrific. French standbys include tomato and goat cheese tartlets, and "international" ones add burgers and sandwiches. Watch for the red-and-black signs on the road between Grand Case and Marigot, and drive slow because the road is rough, especially the last 200 yards or so before you get to the beach.
With a highly Instagrammable Bohemian look, this restaurant brings style, wit, and a bit of panache to the beach bar genre. Rainbow delivers a memorable breakfast, lunch, sunset drinks, sushi, and tapas---on the beach, their beachfront deck, or on the covered rooftop. Choose a front-row seat (or lounge chair) on Grand Case beach and choose from an eclectic menu, which includes vegetarian and vegan selections, steaks, grilled fish, sushi, and lobster, too. Yes, there are burgers here, but they're buried in a "rainbow" of French flavors and textures. It's fun to come here at the end of the day for tapas, sushi, and dynamite cocktails with spectacular sunsets over Grand Case Bay. There's live music on Tuesday. Browse the Rainbow Boutique on the rooftop for Boho-chic garments and beach accessories.
Both locals and tourists seem to love this restaurant at Great Bay Marina. Seafood is the main focus, but steaks, burgers, pasta, and poultry are all on the dinner menu. You can also come for breakfast, lunch, or happy hour (5–7). If you love sophisticated cuisine, look elsewhere, but the portions are big and the prices reasonable. Delivery to area condos and time-shares is available.
Great Bay Marina, Philipsburg, n/a St. Maarten, St. Maarten
Made famous by the late Anthony Bourdain after he stopped here in 2000, this local, vibrant spot on the edge of town is well-known for its colorful exterior and animated owner. Serving ital food (vegan and organic) made of strictly local ingredients from either their own land out back or from local farmers, the Ital Shack has a very loyal following. It is family-owned and -operated by Ras Bushman together with his wife and son. Take your lunch or breakfast to go or take a seat inside the charming restaurant, where you surely will be entertained by Ras Bushman himself, who is very knowledgeable about the island and especially the medicinal purposes of the plants and herbs that grow here. On Saturday, Ital Shack hosts Redemption Night, an evening of reggae music and local drinks.
An airy modern verandah perched on the Philipsburg boardwalk gives a distinct South Beach vibe. You'll want to linger over fresh fish and steaks as you watch tourists pass by on romantic strolls by night or determined cruise-ship passengers surveying the surrounding shops by day. There is also a fun beachfront lounge with a menu of bar snacks and martinis. It's a bit hard to park here so consider taking a taxi at night. Holland House is the only hotel in the middle of town, and late in the day the lounge gets busy.
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