Top 20 Must-Visit Restaurants in St. Maarten & Saint Martin

An exclusive collaboration with Roy Van Zutphen, the founder of "We Are SXM"

St. Maarten/Saint Martin is a true culinary capital, with more restaurants than there are days in the year. Here, I’ve curated my top 20 favorites for their unique atmospheres, extraordinary flavors, and exciting entertainment. Let’s dive in! - Roy van Zutphen | Founder, We Are SXM

1. La Villa Hibiscus, Mont Vernon

Chef Bastian Schenk brings Michelin-level culinary skill to this intimate retreat. Offering dishes made from local, seasonal ingredients with precision and flair, La Villa Hibiscus turns each meal into an exclusive experience, ideal for food connoisseurs seeking the pinnacle of Caribbean fine dining.

2. Ocean Lounge at Holland House, Philipsburg

Located right on Philipsburg’s shore, Ocean Lounge offers stunning views alongside a menu of Caribbean-European fusion dishes. Ideal for romantic waterfront dining or unwinding after a day of shopping, this spot pairs a refined setting with attentive service.

3. Loterie Farm, Colombier

Dining at Loterie Farm’s Jungle Room is an experience steeped in nature. Enjoying lunch by lush forests and accessing pools and zip-line courses, this is the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and gourmet fare, offering an unforgettable day on the island.

4. L’Atelier, Orient Bay

Famous for its expertly sourced meats and fresh local fish, L’Atelier offers a personal dining experience in a cozy, intimate space. Its attention to quality and refined approach make it a top choice for meat and seafood lovers in Orient Bay.

5. Palapa Grill, Simpson Bay

With lush greenery, romantic candlelit settings, and cozy white lounge spaces, Palapa Grill is an oasis. Alongside upscale Caribbean fusion cuisine, it offers live DJ sets, Club 28’s sophisticated Rum Bar, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere ideal for couples.

6. Bistrot Caraïbes, Grand Case

Known for its exquisite French cuisine and succulent lobster Thermidor, Bistrot Caraibes elevates the dining experience with fine ingredients and elegant service. Its cozy yet refined setting in Grand Case makes it a destination for those craving an authentic French feast.

7. Lagoonies Bistro, Cole Bay

This family-friendly bistro offers French-inspired dishes with vegan and vegetarian options, all crafted with an eco-conscious touch. Lagoonies’ laid-back atmosphere, welcoming vibe, and frequent live music make it a favorite for both locals and travelers alike.

8. Blue Martini, Grand Case

Perfect for casual nights out, Blue Martini serves shareable plates in a lively, music-filled setting. Known for its weekend live performances, it blends great food with an energetic ambiance, making it a go-to for relaxed, festive Caribbean evenings.

9. JAX Steakhouse, Maho

JAX is a New York-inspired steakhouse offering perfectly prepared USDA prime steaks in a jazzy atmosphere. Its stylish decor and exceptional cuts make it a standout, delivering high-quality dining for steak enthusiasts seeking a unique upscale experience.

10. Le Cottage, Grand Case

A premier destination for gourmet French dining, Le Cottage features fine wines paired with exquisite French dishes crafted with care by passionate owners. Its refined ambiance and emphasis on quality make it ideal for a memorable, upscale meal.

11. Bamboo House, Cole Bay

Bamboo House brings Asian flavors to the island with Korean, Thai, and sushi dishes. It’s an immersive experience with live music, DJs, and beautifully crafted cocktails, creating an ideal setting for dinner, drinks, and entertainment in a stunning venue.

12. Rainbow Café, Grand Case

Rainbow Café combines healthy, colorful dishes with a fun, beachfront vibe. Known for its vibrant DJ-led parties after dinner, this venue provides both a dynamic culinary experience and a lively social scene for those looking to dine and dance.

13. The Palms, Simpson Bay

Celebrated for its Caribbean-inspired dishes, The Palms serves favorites like Drunken Ribs in a cozy, laid-back beachside atmosphere. This spot brings bold, comforting flavors perfect for those seeking a taste of local cuisine with a relaxed island vibe.

14. La Terrasse, Marigot

La Terrasse is a cozy French bistro set in Marigot’s charming capital. Known for its authentic French classics, it’s perfect for a meal after exploring the area’s shops, making it a lovely place to relax and enjoy French island flavors.

15. Big Fish, Oyster Pond

This chic seafood restaurant offers a variety of fresh, flavorful fish dishes such as tuna tartare and seared snapper, all in an elegant waterside setting. Big Fish’s sophisticated ambiance and top-notch seafood make it an island favorite for fine dining.

16. Balls, Tapas & Wine, Simpson Bay

Specializing in South American and Asian-inspired tapas, Balls is a social dining experience perfect for sharing. Its casual setting and extensive menu create a welcoming spot to enjoy good food with friends, blending flavors from across the globe.

17. Nowhere Special, Simpson Bay

Known for its Caribbean-inspired cuisine and vibrant atmosphere, Nowhere Special serves as both a dining destination and a post-dinner party spot. It’s a fun, energetic choice that brings the island’s love for great food and music together.

18. Tropics Beach Bar, Grand Case

Tropics Beach Bar offers Caribbean seafood made with local ingredients by award-winning Chef Enor. This beachside restaurant combines incredible flavors with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those looking to enjoy the island’s culinary delights in a casual setting.

19. Emilio’s, Philipsburg

Emilio’s is a unique dining experience set in a restored 18th-century boiling house, offering a stunning blend of history and Caribbean elegance. Known for its refined cuisine, it’s perfect for a memorable meal in a setting filled with charm and character.

20. Jai’s Contemporary Indian Fusion, Cole Bay

Offering bold Indian and Asian flavors, Jai’s takes a modern approach to fusion cuisine with creative use of spices and fresh ingredients. A unique option for adventurous eaters, it stands out as a top choice for innovative dining on the island.

Bonus : Pyratz Gourmet Charters ...

...offers a luxurious four-course dinner experience on the water—a perfect way to explore St. Maarten’s culinary scene in an entirely new setting.

These twenty restaurants only scratch the surface of St. Maarten/Saint Martin's culinary scene. With additional local favorites like Ital Shack, Mario’s Bistro, Coco Beach, L'Astrolabe, and dozens more, there’s always something delicious to discover. For a full list of over 60 must-visit dining destinations, visit wearesxm.com/restaurants and start planning your culinary adventure.

We Are SXM is the go-to source for planning your trip to St. Maarten or St. Martin. In an exclusive for Europcar SXM, its founder, Roy Van Zutphen, shares all the insider secrets of SXM! To discover more, visit wearesxm.com.

About We Are SXM

At Europcar SXM, we know that exploring St. Martin is best done with a local touch.

That’s why we’re excited to partner with Roy van Zutphen, founder of We Are SXM. A true island enthusiast, Roy knows both the French and Dutch sides like the back of his hand! His extensive knowledge will help you uncover hidden gems, from the best local eateries to the perfect sunset spots.

And let’s face it—at Europcar SXM, we are SXM too! We’re all about enhancing your travel experience, ensuring you have unforgettable adventures along the way.

We’re excited to share Roy’s insider tips and tricks to make your visit truly unforgettable.

To discover more, visit wearesxm.com and :

• We Are SXM YouTube Channel

• We Are SXM Instagram

• We Are SXM Facebook