St Barth Gourmet Festival
The reference gastronomic event in the Caribbean where international Michelin-starred chefs and local restaurateurs create a week of exceptional culinary experiences under the November sun.
An Exceptional Gastronomic Week
The St Barth Gourmet Festival transforms the island into the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean for a week in early November. Created to celebrate culinary excellence, this unique event brings together each year Michelin-starred chefs from Europe, America and Asia who collaborate with the best restaurants of Saint-Barthelemy to create unforgettable gastronomic experiences.
What makes this festival so special is the perfect combination of international haute cuisine and Caribbean lifestyle. Gala dinners take place in extraordinary settings - feet in the sand at Nikki Beach, panoramic terraces overlooking Gustavia, intimate tropical gardens - where the clement November weather guarantees magical evenings under the stars with an ideal temperature around 26C.
Beyond signature dinners, the festival offers culinary masterclasses, wine and champagne tastings, themed brunches and more accessible events allowing more people to discover the creations of these exceptional chefs. The week traditionally ends with the Sand Bar where all chefs gather on St Jean beach for a festive and convivial event.
2024 Dates & Program
Festival Period
Early November (usually 1st week), for 5 consecutive days from Thursday to Monday. Exact dates are announced in July-August each year.
2024 Edition: to be confirmed in July
Participating Chefs
15 to 20 international starred chefs invited each year, collaborating with the 20+ best restaurants on the island. Progressive announcements from August to October.
More than 30 culinary events scheduled
Typical Week Program
Thursday - Opening
- - Official opening cocktail
- - First signature dinners (3-4 restaurants)
- - Presentation of guest chefs
- - Champagne tasting
Friday & Saturday - Main Events
- - Culinary masterclasses (lunch)
- - 4-hands gala dinners (8-10 restaurants)
- - Wine & spirits tastings
- - Themed beach parties
Sunday & Monday - Finale
- - Sunday gourmet brunch
- - Last signature dinners
- - Final Sand Bar (Monday afternoon)
- - Convivial event with feet in the sand
Perfect Weather Conditions
November is strategically chosen to host this gastronomic festival because it's one of the most pleasant months of the year in Saint-Barthelemy. The hurricane season officially ends in late November, but early November already presents excellent weather conditions with very low hurricane risk and rare disturbances.
Temperatures hover around 26-28C during the day with evenings at 24-25C, perfect for terrace or beach dinners. Humidity starts to drop compared to summer months, making the atmosphere more comfortable. Trade winds blow moderately, bringing a refreshing breeze without disrupting restaurants' outdoor setups.
November Weather Advantages
- OKIdeal temperatures: 26-28C perfect for dining outdoors
- OKLow rainfall: Minimal rain risk (10-15%)
- OKModerate wind: Pleasant breeze without excess (15-20 km/h)
- OKComfortable humidity: Less humidity than in summer
- OKCalm sea: Stable maritime conditions
Impact on the Event
- ->Guaranteed outdoor dinners: Terraces and beaches usable
- ->Optimal comfort: No excessive heat or humidity
- ->Magnificent photos: Clear skies and sunsets
- ->Facilitated logistics: No weather cancellations
- ->Idyllic atmosphere: Perfect conditions for conviviality
Participating Restaurants & Exceptional Venues
More than 20 Saint-Barthelemy establishments welcome international starred chefs during the festival. From historic gastronomic restaurants to newcomers, from intimate tables to festive beach clubs, each venue offers a unique experience enhancing its own identity while benefiting from the expertise of guest chefs.
Main Participating Restaurants
Le Tamarin
Saline - Gastronomic
Intimate tropical garden, refined French cuisine, exceptional romantic setting.
Bonito
Gustavia - Fine Dining
Panoramic view of the port, Latino-French fusion, sophisticated atmosphere.
La Plage
St Jean - Beach Restaurant
Feet in the sand, exceptional sea view, gourmet lunches and dinners.
Le Sereno
Grand Cul-de-Sac - Luxury
5-star hotel restaurant, lagoon terrace, creative Mediterranean cuisine.
Bagatelle
Gustavia - Festive
Chic festive atmosphere, modern French cuisine, DJ sets in the evening.
L'Isola
Gustavia - Italian
Authentic revisited Italian cuisine, port view, elegant setting.
Le Toiny
Toiny - Gastronomic
Luxury hotel restaurant, spectacular ocean view, haute cuisine.
Nikki Beach
St Jean - Beach Club
Iconic beach club, festive atmosphere, special festival events.
Le Piment
Vitet - Intimate
Confidential table, tropical garden, creative market cuisine.
Special Events Outside Restaurants
Sand Bar (Final Monday)
St Jean beach, 3pm-7pm. All chefs gathered feet in the sand for a convivial event accessible to all. Tasting stands, champagne bar, relaxed festive atmosphere. Free entry.
Culinary Masterclasses
Private villa or restaurant closed to the public. Interactive cooking classes with starred chefs (12-15 participants max). Tasting of the prepared meal. Reservation required, price: 200-300 EUR.
Practical Tips to Enjoy the Festival
Early Reservations Essential
Signature dinners are booked as soon as the program is announced (usually late August / early September). The most popular restaurants fill up in a few days. Book immediately when reservations open to have a choice.
- -Follow the festival's social media for announcements
- -Prepare a list of 3-4 desired dinners (in order of preference)
- -Book villa/hotel from July to guarantee accommodation during the festival
- -Average budget: 250-400 EUR/person per signature dinner (wine included)
Accessible Events Strategy
If you can't book signature dinners, several festival events remain accessible and allow you to enjoy the atmosphere without prior reservation or with more affordable prices.
- -Final Sand Bar (Monday): free access, convivial atmosphere, all chefs present
- -Participating restaurant lunches: less in demand than dinners, lower prices
- -Champagne bars & tastings: short events without reservation
- -Beach clubs (Nikki Beach): festive atmosphere with chefs, easier access
Dress Code & Preparation
Although Saint-Barthelemy is relaxed, Gourmet Festival dinners require elegant attire. Plan clothes suitable for tropical heat while remaining chic.
- -Women: elegant dress, chic sandals (avoid high heels for beach/sand)
- -Men: linen pants, shirt, loafers (jacket not mandatory)
- -Bring shawl/light jacket for air-conditioned restaurants
- -Discreet mosquito repellent recommended for garden/beach dinners
Transportation & Timing
During the festival, the island experiences significant crowds. Plan your trips ahead and arrive early at restaurants to fully enjoy the experience.
- -Car rental: book upon travel confirmation (high demand November)
- -Taxis: difficult to get in the evening, plan alternative or car
- -Restaurant arrival: 15-20 min before reservation for aperitif
- -Dinner duration: allow minimum 3-4h to fully enjoy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average budget to participate in the festival?
For a complete stay during the festival: expect 250-400 EUR per person per signature dinner (4 courses + wines), 3000-5000 EUR for 5-night accommodation (villa or hotel), 800-1200 EUR car rental per week. Realistic total budget: 6000-10000 EUR for 2 people including 2-3 signature dinners and side events. More accessible options exist: signature lunches (150-200 EUR), final Sand Bar (free with drinks), beach club events (80-150 EUR).
Can I attend the festival without prior reservation?
Signature dinners absolutely require prior reservation (fill up quickly). However, several events remain accessible without reservation: the final Monday Sand Bar (free access), some champagne bars, beach and beach club entertainment. You can also try your luck with restaurants in case of cancellation, but success not guaranteed. To truly enjoy, planning 2-3 months in advance recommended.
Is the festival suitable for children?
The Gourmet Festival primarily targets adult gastronomy enthusiasts. Signature dinners last 3-4h with slow, refined service, not well suited for young children. Some restaurants accept children but sophisticated atmosphere is not very compatible. The final Monday Sand Bar is more family-friendly with relaxed beach atmosphere. Ideally, arrange villa/hotel babysitting for gastronomic dinners if traveling with family. Some participating restaurants offer simplified children's menus on request.
How to get the complete festival program?
The complete program is usually released late August / early September on the official festival website and social media (@stbarthgourmetfestival Instagram). It details each event, participating chefs, restaurants, prices and reservation procedures. The Saint-Barthelemy tourism office also shares the information. Sign up for the festival newsletter to receive announcements and program upon publication. Some participating restaurants communicate directly on their own social channels.
Is there a weather risk that could disrupt the festival?
Early November presents very low weather risk in Saint-Barthelemy. The hurricane season officially ends in late November, and statistically very few disturbances affect the island in early November. Stable temperatures 26-28C, rare precipitation, moderate wind. In 15+ festival editions, no major weather-related cancellation. Restaurants all have indoor backup solutions if passing shower. Conditions virtually guaranteed for outdoor dinners and beach events. It's precisely for these optimal conditions that November is chosen.
Can I meet the chefs and get autographs?
Yes! One of the festival's charms is the proximity to starred chefs. During signature dinners, chefs often come to the dining room to present their dishes and chat with guests. The final Monday Sand Bar is the ideal time: all chefs present in a relaxed atmosphere, photos and discussions possible. Culinary masterclasses also offer privileged interaction (small groups of 12-15 people). The festival's overall atmosphere is convivial and accessible despite the prestige of participants.
Discover Other Saint-Barth Events
St Barth Bucket Regatta
March - Prestigious regatta of the most beautiful classic yachts and superyachts in the world.
Learn more ->St Barth Film Festival
April - Caribbean and international cinema screenings under the stars on the beach.
Learn more ->St Barth Music Festival
January - Classical music festival with renowned international soloists.
Learn more ->