A territory of France in the northeast Caribbean Sea, St. Martin seamlessly blends French provincial charm with an island spirit. The same is true for its cuisine: It feels as if Parisian chefs had moved their epicurean talents to the majestic tropics. And in fact, they did — many chefs come here for sun, sea and spices, which lets them elevate their already delicious dishes to another level.
From duck a l'orange to foie gras sushi rolls, traditional Creole goat stews and guavaberry-flavored rums, a foodie in St. Martin can eat in a different place every day and never order the same dish twice.
Here’s a delicious list of reasons to visit this island.
Breakfast in St. Martin
Oh, French pastries: crispy croissants, juicy pear tarts and sinful desserts. Diners will find that, and much more, at L’Express Bakery in the center of Marigot, the island’s main town. Supplemented by espressos and cappuccinos, it is a delicious way to start the day.
For a more authentic Caribbean breakfast experience, try one of the “lolos” — a local outdoor restaurant — such as Sandy’s, which serves fresh or salted fish with creole spices, cod fritters and johnny cakes (fried breads with various fillings). A filling meal, it’s a favorite of laborers and fishermen before embarking on a long hard day.
Sandy’s johnny cakes come with various fillings.
Credit: 2022 Lina ZeldovichBest Restaurants for Lunch
For a refreshing lunch with a sea view, drop into the Rainbow Cafe, an artsy shorefront spot where the handmade furniture is rivaled only by the creative dishes and their presentation. Here, the sushi rolls come with minuscule, melt-in-your-mouth morsels of foie gras, and meat plates arrive looking like Renaissance paintings. After lunch, swing by the upstairs boutique clothing shop or watch a local craftsman build the very chairs diners sit on.
For those who want to dip their toes in the water, Coco Beach is a perfect option. At this posh beach club, clients can dine on the sand and even go for a swim while waiting for their order. From fresh salads to duck ravioli, every dish here is a work of art, while drinks and desserts are as colorful as tropical flowers. A secret pina colada recipe will surprise and delight, and the taste of the Fraicheur Exotique dessert with passion fruit mousse is unforgettable.
Offering lunch with views overlooking the water is the rooftop La Terrasse, where the menu offers truly tantalizing choices. When in doubt, go for the egg cocotte, a French classic that is oven-baked with herbs and spices — as perfect as an egg can be. (Expect to find yourself Googling the recipe afterward.)
Order the egg cocotte at La Terrasse.
Credit: 2022 Lina ZeldovichAn Afternoon Treat
Beat the afternoon heat with gourmet cheese-and-wine tastings at the recently opened Le Comptoir Des Fromages and learn how everything — from the grass cows eat to the climate in which cheeses mature — affects a cheese’s taste.
Or venture out to Guavaberry Colombier Tradition distillery, which makes a variety of flavored rums, including one made with the local specialty, guavaberry. Although it’s traditionally a Christmas drink, it can be enjoyed year-round.
Where to Eat Dinner in St. Martin
Restaurant choices get even more enticing at dinnertime. For an authentic island treat, opt for a fried seafood appetizer followed by goat stew at the colorful Villa Royale. Or, for a chicer Creole experience, choose L’Auberge Gourmande — the dishes made with foie gras and the seabass are delightful choices, as are the flambe desserts set on fire at the table.
It’s a good idea to pace yourself at Maison Mere — a fine French restaurant with a gentle Caribbean touch — because it’s easy to crave nearly every dish. A refreshing appetizer (such as white asparagus or another vegetable-focused dish) followed by baked dover sole, artfully deboned as the diner watches, are wise choices if the plan is to save some space for a few bites of fine and rare cheeses.
Thirsty for a unique late-night cocktail? Try a spice-inspired drink — such as the tamarind martini — at the Hot Spot by Bush Tea Sxm, another one of the island’s lolos.
No matter which of these restaurants travelers choose, one thing is for sure: The island’s unique culinary scene is guaranteed to tease and please even the most discerning connoisseurs’ taste buds.
