Saint-Barthélemy is brimming with exceptional restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re seeking a gourmet experience, an idyllic seaside setting, or local flavours, the island offers a wide range of culinary options. Here’s a guide to help you find the best dining spots during your stay.
St Barthélemy is a haven for food enthusiasts, with numerous restaurants offering exceptional culinary experiences.
L’Esprit Jean Claude Dufour: Nestled in a tropical garden, this restaurant offers creative and refined French cuisine. Michelin-starred chef Jean-Claude Dufour uses fresh, local ingredients to create innovative dishes that will delight even the most discerning palates.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon: Recently opened on the island, this restaurant brings the expertise of the famous Michelin-starred chef. Located at the counter, you can watch the chefs prepare modern and precise French cuisine. The menu features iconic dishes like the renowned mashed potatoes, along with creations inspired by local flavours.
La Case at Cheval Blanc Hotel: Chef Jean Imbert reinvents French gastronomy with a Caribbean twist here. In an elegant setting designed by Jacques Grange, enjoy dishes such as grilled blue lobster with Creole spices or local fish ceviche with passion fruit.
The island is full of restaurants offering spectacular views to complement your meal.
Le Bonito: Perched above Gustavia Harbour, it combines Peruvian-French fusion cuisine with breathtaking views. Enjoy a signature ceviche while admiring the luxurious yachts in the harbour.
Amis St Barth at Le Barthélemy Hotel: Overlooking the stunning Grand Cul-de-Sac Bay, Michelin-starred chef Jéremy Czaplicki offers refined Mediterranean cuisine, best enjoyed with a view of the turquoise ocean. Don’t miss their wine bar with high-quality wines by the glass.
Sky Bar Restaurant: For a unique experience, this venue offers a 360° view of the harbour and ocean. Relax while enjoying artisanal sushi and creative cocktails, accompanied by music from talented DJs. The sunset view is particularly magical.
For an authentic Caribbean experience, there’s nothing like dining with your feet in the sand.
Gyp Sea Beach: Located on Saint-Jean Beach, it offers Mediterranean cuisine in a chic bohemian setting. Their barbecued grilled meats and rum bar are especially popular.
Nikki Beach: The ideal spot for a lively lunch by the water. Their varied menu includes both sushi and Mediterranean dishes, all within a festive atmosphere featuring DJs and entertainment.
Beach Club at Le Toiny Hotel: For a more intimate atmosphere, this private beach restaurant is accessible by shuttle from the hotel. It focuses on fresh seafood and tropical cocktails, enjoyed with an ocean view.
Creole cuisine is central to St Barthélemy’s culinary identity.
Grain de Sel: An authentic local restaurant where you can try traditional dishes like goat curry (colombo de cabri) or lime chicken. Their homemade coconut tart is a must-try dessert.
O’Corail: Run by a local family for generations, it offers specialities such as court-bouillon de poisson, made with the day’s catch and local spices. Their cod fritters (accras de morue) are renowned as some of the best on the island. Grilled lobster is a must in St Barthélemy.
Shell Beach and La Plage: Many beach restaurants offer local specialties, often accompanied by Creole rice and local vegetables. Be sure to try the conch (lambi) in fricassée or grilled, a Caribbean specialty.
With its ideal location, St Barthélemy is a paradise for seafood lovers.
Fish Corner: A casual yet renowned spot for enjoying freshly caught fish, prepared simply to preserve all its flavours. Their Asian-flavoured tuna tartare is particularly appreciated.
L’Isola: For a more upscale experience, this restaurant serves exceptional seafood and grilled fish in an elegant setting. Their seafood platter is impressive, featuring oysters, shrimp, lobster, and other marine delights.
Orega: Fusion food enthusiasts will enjoy this restaurant, which blends Japanese and French flavours. Their miso-marinated black cod and tuna tartare with foie gras are must-tries.
Jojo Burger: For a more casual option, Jojo Burger offers excellent tuna burgers and other seafood sandwiches, perfect for a quick lunch.
Although St Barthélemy is known for its luxury establishments, there are more affordable options for all budgets.
Grain de Sel: As previously mentioned, it offers delicious local cuisine at reasonable prices. Their daily specials, often a curry or local stew, are excellent budget options.
Andy’s Hideaway: A local institution for a quick and economical lunch. Their generously filled sandwiches and fresh salads are perfect for a meal on the go.
Kiki-é Mo: Offers affordable healthy options such as smoothies, acai bowls, and wraps. Food trucks are also a great choice for eating on a budget.
Chez Rolande: Located near the airport, it serves Creole specialities at unbeatable prices.
La Cantine du Port: In Gustavia Harbour, this spot offers tasty and affordable daily specials popular with locals.
Feel free to venture a bit away from tourist areas to find more budget-friendly spots. The Lorient neighbourhood, for example, has several small local restaurants where you can enjoy authentic cuisine at reasonable prices.
For those seeking an exceptional gastronomic experience, St Barthélemy offers plenty of high-end options.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon: As previously mentioned, it provides Michelin-starred French cuisine in an elegant setting. Their tasting menu, though costly, offers an unforgettable culinary experience.
Le Bonito: Refined fusion cuisine with a spectacular view of the harbour. Their creative cocktails and signature ceviche justify the high price.
Kinugawa: For high-end Asian cuisine, this restaurant offers Franco-Japanese fusion in an elegant setting. Their sushi and sashimi platters are among the best on the island.
It’s important to note that in these luxury establishments, reservations well in advance are recommended, especially during high season. Prices are high, but the culinary experience, impeccable service, and exceptional setting make them prime choices for special occasions.
After enjoying a great meal, take advantage of the many activities the island offers. Relax on one of the beautiful beaches like Saline or Gouverneur. Shop in the luxury boutiques of Gustavia or go hiking to admire the stunning landscapes. For water sports enthusiasts, try snorkelling, paddleboarding, or kitesurfing. Visit local art galleries or treat yourself to a relaxing massage at one of the island’s spas for a day of pure relaxation.
For a 100% gourmet day, we suggest the perfect itinerary:
Start with breakfast at Café de la Poste in Gustavia. Then head to St-Jean Beach for a sandy lunch at Nikki Beach. In the afternoon, enjoy sweet treats at La Petite Colombe. As the day winds down, sip a cocktail while watching the sunset at the Christopher Hotel. Conclude with a gourmet dinner at L’Esprit Jean Claude Dufour or Bonito to end your day on a high note.
To fully enjoy St Barthélemy’s restaurants and move around freely, it is recommended to rent a vehicle. Maurice Car Rental, located near the airport, offers a wide range of cars suitable for the island’s roads. But which vehicle to choose? Opt for a small, compact car for easy navigation or a convertible to enjoy the climate. Rental costs vary by season and vehicle type. Expect around €50 per day for a small city car. Remember, driving is on the right side of the road on the island.
To be at the heart of the culinary scene, choose accommodation in Gustavia or St-Jean. Le Barthélemy Hotel offers easy access to the restaurants of Grand Cul-de-Sac. In Gustavia, Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf places you close to many renowned dining spots. For a more intimate stay, rent a villa with a fully equipped kitchen to alternate between dining out and preparing meals with local produce. Whatever your choice, you will never be far from an excellent restaurant in St Barthélemy!
