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Dining is one of life’s greatest pleasures, especially on this tiny Dutch/French Island of 37 square miles that boasts more than 300 restaurants. Dating back to the centuries of discovery when the Dutch claimed and cultivated land, the island’s colonial past is reflected in ethnic flavors.
St. Maarten’s reputation as the 'Dining Capital of the Caribbean' is richly deserved, given its astonishing range of regional French, Italian, Indian, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines – not to mention Caribbean and Creole cooking. Ingredients, fresh from Europe and North America, combine with Caribbean indigenous flavors to create unforgettable meals. Where to eat will be the most difficult decision to make in St. Maarten.
Philipsburg serves up superb restaurants – from elegant dining rooms and jazzy cafés to beachside bars & grills. Popular spots include: Da Livio, a Front Street landmark and one of the best for Italian; Wajang Doll for Indonesian rijstaffel; L’Escargot where escargots are served half a dozen delicious ways; Antoine, which has a beautiful seaside terrace and French dishes (with a touch of Creole and Italian).
In the heart of town is the award-winning Kangaroo Court Café in a historic West Indian house that serves fresh baked goods for breakfast and light lunches (salad and sandwiches), not to mention sinful desserts; or Seafood Gallery and Chesterfield’s in Great Bay. For an exotic meal, try Le Perroquet, featured on the “Great Chefs” television series, where you’ll find wild game dishes.
Simpson Bay is the mecca for beer gardens, trattorias, pizzerias and classic French restaurants. Too many to name, among the favorites: overlooking the lagoon, Laguna serves excellent Italian cuisine; on a full moon visit Le Bec Fin’s dining terrace; sample the freshest seafood at The Boathouse’s nautical setting; check out the newest hot spot where international food is served with a twist at Hot Tomatoes; or, the Peg Leg Pub, which boasts the island’s largest beer selection with 25 brands.
At Maho Reef, catch outstanding sunsets and dinners at Bliss, or enjoy possibly the best sushi on the island prepared by a master chef at Bamboo Bernie’s at the Caravanserai Beach Resort. For a carb-fix – patisseries and baked goods (perfect for light breakfast or lunch) – Zee Best is a must! The Montreal-owner has both sides of St. Maarten covered – newest location is at Simpson Bay.
On Dutch St Maarten, mainly in Philipsburg and Simpson Bay, you will find a wide spectrum of cooking styles and ethnic food (French, Italian, American, Mexican, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese and Chinese) Whereas the French side is concentrating on European cuisine, mainly French and Italian, as well as Antillean cooking. Most of its fine restaurants are in Marigot or in Grand Case, the "Gourmet Capital" of the Caribbean, but there is also excellent dining in the Anse Marcel or French Cul de Sac area.
Besides French and Italian food, you will find American, Mexican, Argentinean, Indian, Indonesian, Surinamese, Japanese, Chinese, Créole and Antillean cuisine. Many of them are in a beautiful setting at the waterfront of Great Bay, Simpson Bay Lagoon or the Maho Reef. After dinner, there are plenty of places, on Dutch St Maarten, from bars and discotheques to Casinos, and gambling places, to keep you entertained.
On French St Martin, there are mainly three areas with a high concentration of restaurants and bars: Marigot offers you French and international dining, basically along the harbor road and around the bustling, pretty Marina Royale.
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