Recommended Restaurants
Ocean 82
French Fusion, Seafood
Grand Case, St. Martin (French side)
Must Try: French fusion with emphasis on fresh seafood and gorgeous water views overlooking Grand Case beach. One of the finest in culinary capital of Caribbean.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Arrive between 5:30-6:00 PM for sunset dinner service - you'll get the best oceanfront tables before the cruise ship crowds arrive around 6:30 PM, and you'll catch the golden hour lighting over the water.
Order from the local fish market selection rather than the imported seafood - the daily catch is often half the price of items like imported lobster, and the local red snapper and mahi-mahi are fresher and better prepared.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Emilio's
Caribbean, International
Rockland Estate, Dutch side, St. Maarten
Must Try: Award-winning restaurant in 18th-century sugarcane boiling house serving nouveau Caribbean cuisine. Historic setting with innovative menu.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit Emilio's for lunch between 2-4 PM when they offer their local lunch specials at significantly lower prices than dinner, and you'll avoid both the cruise ship crowds and evening tourist rush.
Ask for the 'local rate' when paying - many restaurants in St. Maarten offer discounts to residents, and Emilio's often extends this courtesy to repeat visitors or those who speak basic Dutch or French phrases.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
The Ocean Lounge
European, Caribbean
Holland House Beach Hotel, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Must Try: Gem of beachfront dining on the Boardwalk. Menu spotlighting tastes of Europe and Caribbean. Perfect oceanfront location.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit The Ocean Lounge during weekday afternoons between 2-4 PM when cruise ship passengers have departed and before dinner rush - you'll get the best beachfront tables and more attentive service from the staff.
Order drinks during their daily happy hour from 4-6 PM when cocktails are buy-one-get-one-half-price, but ask specifically about it since it's not always advertised on the menu - locals know to time their visits around this deal.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
JAX Steakhouse
Steakhouse, American
Maho Village, Dutch side, St. Maarten
Must Try: Sexy fusion of taste and style laid out in mahogany and leather. Premium steaks in sophisticated Maho atmosphere.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit JAX Steakhouse during their early dinner seating between 6:00-7:00 PM to avoid the cruise ship crowds that typically arrive around 7:30-8:00 PM, especially on days when multiple ships are docked in Philipsburg.
Ask about their 'local appreciation' discount when making reservations - many high-end restaurants in Simpson Bay offer 10-15% off for residents, but you need to mention it when booking as they don't always advertise this perk.
Avg. per person
$60
$$$
Little Jerusalem
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Near airport, Dutch side, St. Maarten
Must Try: Exceptional Mediterranean food: hummus, pita, shawarma plates. Hidden gem near airport with authentic flavors.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Local Tips
Visit Little Jerusalem on weekday afternoons between 2-4 PM when the lunch crowd has cleared but before dinner prep gets busy - you'll get much more personal attention from the staff and can often chat with the owner about the history of Jewish cuisine on the island.
Ask for the 'traditional preparation' of any dish - the kitchen often has ingredients and cooking methods from old family recipes that aren't listed on the regular menu, especially for items like matzo ball soup or brisket that they'll prepare the authentic way if you show genuine interest.
Avg. per person
$30
$$
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