For an island just 25 square kilometers in size, St Barts packs an extraordinary culinary punch. With over 80 restaurants serving everything from freshly grilled lobster on the sand to refined French cuisine in candlelit courtyards, the dining scene here is one of the Caribbean's finest. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or looking for a casual lunch between beach sessions, this guide covers the essentials.
Dining at a glance
Restaurants: 80+ on the island · Peak season: Dec–Apr (book ahead!) · Budget lunch: from €15 · Fine dining: €80–200+
Beach Restaurants: Toes in the Sand
Nothing says St Barts quite like a long lunch with your feet in the sand and the turquoise sea just meters away. The island's beach restaurants are an institution — expect fresh seafood, crisp rosé, and a pace that slows with each course.
- Shellona (Shell Beach) — Greek-Mediterranean cuisine with a stunning Gustavia harbor backdrop
- La Plage (St Jean) — Casual chic with excellent salads and grilled fish, right on St Jean Beach
- Nikki Beach (St Jean) — The famous beach club with lively atmosphere, sushi, and international dishes
- Le Tamarin (Saline) — Hidden under tamarind trees, a favorite for relaxed Creole and French cooking
Most beach restaurants are open for lunch only. Arrive before 12:30 in high season or you may wait for a table.
Fine Dining in Gustavia
The island's capital, Gustavia, is where St Barts' culinary ambitions truly shine. Nestled around the picturesque harbor, you'll find restaurants helmed by classically trained chefs using the freshest ingredients flown in from France and sourced locally.
Gustavia restaurants generally open for dinner around 7 PM. Smart casual is the dress code — think linen shirts and sundresses rather than flip-flops and swimwear.
Local Flavors and Budget Tips
Dining in St Barts has a reputation for being expensive, and while fine dining certainly is, there are wallet-friendly options if you know where to look.
Where to Eat on a Budget
- Rôtisseries and delis — Grab rotisserie chicken, quiches, or sandwiches from €8-15
- Food trucks — Several trucks near St Jean and Lorient serve excellent burgers and crêpes
- Supermarket delis — Joël Robuchon deli counter at Marché U in St Jean offers gourmet prepared meals
- Lunch over dinner — Many upscale restaurants offer lunch menus at half the dinner price
What to Try
Don't leave without tasting accras de morue (salt cod fritters), grilled langouste (local spiny lobster), and a classic Ti' Punch made with rhum agricole. For dessert, the coconut tart is a local favorite.
When to Book and Practical Tips
During peak season (December to April), reservations are essential at popular spots — book 2-3 days ahead, or a week for the most sought-after tables around Christmas and New Year. Most restaurants accept euros and credit cards, though a few beach spots prefer cash.
Check our 7-day forecast before planning an outdoor dinner — rain showers can be brief but intense, and some terraces don't have cover. The trade winds keep evenings pleasantly cool, so a light layer is worth bringing.
