The 30 Best Restaurants In St Maarten and St Martin (SXM)
30 Restaurants You Need To Try in the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean”.
Bordersology is a travel blog, created by two Canadians who have lived in French Saint Martin and worked in Dutch Sint Maarten. The following bar and restaurant recommendations are based on our own experiences.
Keywords: SXM Culinary, SXM Best Restaurants, Where To Eat SXM, St Maarten Best Things To Do, St Martin Best Restaurants, Saint Martin Restaurant Guide, Sint Maarten Restaurant Guide
**Last Updated October 2024**
Honourable Mentions
We appreciate everyone who has shared feedback on our 30 Best Restaurants in SXM Blog! These rankings only include restaurants we have tried ourselves. At the bottom on this blog you can find many more popular restaurants on the island we haven’t tried yet.
We do not have partnerships with these restaurants. What would you change? comment below!
We are returning to the island in 2025!
1) Bamboo House - Cole Bay - Dutch St Maarten
OVERVIEW: Bamboo House could win almost every category; best sushi, best cocktails, best happy hour, best location, best customer service, most creative dishes. Don’t just trust our opinion, go judge for yourself. Make a reservation for happy hour.
Bamboo House is located in the hills of Cole Bay overlooking SXM Airport, Simpson Bay, and Maho. Bamboo’s location is also one of the best places to watch the sunset on the entire island!
BEST HAPPY HOUR ON THE ISLAND? Sit at the bar (no reservation needed) from 5-7 pm: BOGO cocktails, happy hour sushi/appetizers, service from the bartenders.
Cocktail fans must try Bamboo’s Smoked Margarita - #3 in our 21 Signature Cocktails You Need To Try In SXM Blog! Ingredients: jalapeño infused mezcal, blue agave nectar, lime juice.
ADDRESS: 150 Union Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Bamboo House Website . . . Restaurant Menu . . . Sushi Menu . . . Cocktails Menu
2) Rainbow Cafe - Grand Case - French Saint Martin
OVERVIEW: Rainbow Cafe in Grand Case is our choice for the Best Beachside Restaurant in Saint Martin.
Rainbow Cafe makes excellent sushi and their salads are truly exceptional. Everything we tried at Rainbow filled our foodie hearts with joy and fulfillment.
Try the Pepe Margarita - choice for Best Margarita in our >21 Signature Cocktails You Must Try In SXM Blog<. Or, sample from dozens of unique house cocktails.
We recommend heading to Rainbow Cafe for lunch and then spending the afternoon at Grand Case Beach.
FYI Rainbow Cafe also features some of the best entertainment and parties on the island!
ADDRESS: 176 Boulevard de Grande Case - Grand-Case - Saint Martin, 97150
LINKS: Rainbow Website . . . Restaurant Menu . . . Events
We have created a custom, interactive map to help you plan your visit! The map includes our recommendations for activities, restaurants, bars, best beaches, etc.
3) PALAPA Grill - Simpson Bay - Dutch St Maarten
OVERVIEW: Palapa Grill proudly shares their story of resilience in the face of natural disaster. The unique atmosphere of PALAPA makes use of materials salvaged from 2017 Hurricane Irma.
Palapa Grill in Simpson Bay has one of the best dining rooms in St Maarten. The dining room is framed by a scenic water garden and the entire venue is complemented by art pieces.
We highly recommend the lamb shank and your choice from their creative cocktail menu!
Cocktail fans must try the Lychee Picante - #8 in our 21 Signature Cocktails You Need To Try In SXM Blog! The Lychee Picante is the ultimate combination of sweet, savoury, and spicy that will keep your taste buds guessing with each sip.
ADDRESS: Airport Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Palapa Grill Website . . . Restaurant Menu
4) Roma + Mr. Chow Combo - Maho - Dutch St Maarten
OVERVIEW: Roma Cucina and Mr Chow Asian Fusion share a venu in Maho. Two different restaurant kitchens, but they share the same bar. If you sit at the bar or the tables near the bar, you get access to two menus under one roof.
Roma also has many delicious gluten-free options for those with celiac!
We recommend the Al Fresco @ Roma, #11 in our 21 Signature Cocktails You Must Try In SXM Blog!
ADDRESS: 14 Thames Rd, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Roma Website . . . Roma Menu . . . Mr Chow Instagram
Featured St Maarten/Martin Day Trips and Excursions
Why We Book With Viator: Viator allows local tour providers to conveniently list their tours and show availability. Viator offers you the ability to cancel bookings 24-48 hours beforehand!
Captain Bob Speed Boat/Snorkeling/Beach Tour + Lunch St Maarten (3.7K reviews)
St. Maarten Best Island Tour (645 reviews)
Toppers Rhum Distillery (***)
Big Three-Full Experience at Rainforest Adventures St Martin (Flying Dutchman, the Schooner Ride and the Sentry Hill Zipline)
Adventure SNUBA in St. Maarten (Unique)
Anguilla and Prickly Pear Cays (British Isle)
Honourable Mention: ELEV8 Music Festival (Monthly)
5) Mezza Luna - Nettle Bay - French St Martin
Mezza Luna Fish of the Day - Snapper
OVERVIEW: Mezza Luna is an Italian restaurant you will not find in many other Top 10s on the internet. However, we highly recommend this lesser-known gem after living in Nettle Bay! We walked to this restaurant on multiple occasions and each time Mezza Luna impressed us with their ambiance, service, appetizers, cocktails, and Italian cuisine.
If you go to Mezza Luna on a clear evening you can expect to see the stars and moon from their beach-front tables overlooking the Marigot harbour.
Try the escargot, pizzas, pasta, or seafood dishes!
We recommend watching the sunset on the lagoon side of Nettle Bay and then walking across the street to Mezza Luna for dinner.
ADDRESS: 501 Nbbc baie Nettlé, St Martin 97150, Saint Martin
HYPERLINKS: Mezza Luna Tripadvisor
6) Ocean 82 - Grand Case - French St Martin
Mahi-Mahi Tartar Trilogy: Peruvian, Tahitian, Creole
OVERVIEW: Ocean 82 is a popular indoor restaurant along Grand Case Beach. Visitors can expect local and international seafood options, an extensive cocktail menu, great service, and views of Grand Case Beach.
Their 2024 new menu (which labels every allergen in every dish) sets the standard for dietary transparency on the island!
Ocean 82 was featured on an episode of the popular reality TV show Below Deck. Below Deck filmed two seasons in St Martin with the yacht docking in Marigot harbour.
ADDRESS: 82 Boulevard de Grande Case, Grand-Case, 97150, Saint Martin
HYPERLINKS: Ocean 82 Website . . . Restaurant Menu
Our favourite tool for finding GF restaurants is Find Me Gluten Free! FMGF is an online community where people looking for gluten-free food can share their experiences.
On the app, restaurants are filtered by style of food, certified celiac-friendly, and much more!
We Use Find Me Gluten-Free Premium to create “Collections” or guides to the various cities we have lived abroad in.
Bordersology is a Find Me Gluten-Free Affiliate! >Get $5 off a Find Me Gluten-Free Premium Subscription Using Our Link! <
7) Salt Restaurant + Bar - The Morgan resort - Sint Maarten
OVERVIEW: Salt Restaurant is located in the Morgan Resort near Maho Beach in Dutch St Maarten.
Our first experience of Salt was their Easter Weekend Seafood Tasting Menu. As seafood enthusiasts, it was truly one of the best fine dining experiences we have ever had. We had several different types of fish, scallops, oysters, etc., paired with excellent cocktails and topped off with delicious desserts.
Salt truly has something for everyone, prepared by world-class chefs, and served to your table which overlooks a torch-lit infinity pool. Come experience it for yourself!
Do yourself a favour and try our favourite cocktail at Salt, The Maho Muddle, #2 in our 21 Signature Cocktails You Must Try In SXM Blog. A blueberry mojito served with cane sugar.
ADDRESS: 2 Beacon Hill Road, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Salt Website . . . Restaurant Menu
8) Le Moulin Fou - Maho - Dutch Sint Maarten
Sautéed Frog Legs in a Provençal Way
OVERVIEW: Fine-dining French cuisine in Maho
A taste of Paris on the island.
Le Moulin Fou is a great choice in Maho for a fancy dinner date. Expect high quality French dishes and seafood specialities.
Seafood lovers will appreciate Le Moulin Fou’s catch-of-the-day options and live lobster tank.
Le Moulin Fou also has one of the island’s most extensive wine lists and an in-house sommelier.
ADDRESS: Maho Plaza, Rhine Rd, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Le Moulin Fou Website . . . Restaurant Menu
9) Le Telegraphe/Peter McCool’s - Orient Bay - French St Martin
OVERVIEW: Le Telegraphe is a popular restaurant in the Orient Bay culinary village on the French Side of the island. Jammed into a Parisian Style culinary avenue. Or at least it used to be.
Recently named to Peter McCool’s, this pub now features 5 screens and live sports. We cannot wait to go experience the pub atmosphere when we return to SXM!
A great location at Orient Bay Beach. Maybe a great spot for lunch after you >Go Parasailing<?
Cocktail enthusiasts should try the SXM Passion, a locally named, tropical-tasting cocktail served at Le Telegraph, and #14 on our 21 Signature Cocktails You Should Try In the SXM Blog!
ADDRESS: Place d'Orient Baie Orientale Saint-Martin, 97150, Saint Martin
HYPERLINKS: Pub Facebook
10) Lagoonies Bistro & Bar - Simpson Bay - Dutch St Maarten
Lagoonies Mission Statement/Menu
OVERVIEW: Lagoonies is a marina front restaurant, located in Simpson Bay Lagoon. A sailor’s bar by reputation and history.
We truly believe that Lagoonies is one of the most sustainable restaurants on the island! Lagoonies is transparent with where they source their food, what allergens are in the food, and how they can help to raise public awareness. For us, Lagoonies was a delightful surprise solely based on their sustainability efforts. .
Daily and seasonally rotating menu(s) have something for everyone, with allergens and vegan options indicated.
Cocktail fans should try the Mojito Passion, an excellent take on a passion fruit mojito, balancing the sweetness of passion fruit with a minty aftertaste. The Mojito Passion is #9 on our 21 Signature Cocktails You Need To Try In SXM Blog.
Lagoonies also has great daily happy hour specials!
ADDRESS: Wellington Road, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Lagoonies Facebook . . . Lagoonies Instagram . . . Lagoonies Trip Advisor
11) Coco Beach - Orient Beach - French St Martin
Beef Tartare @ Coco Beach
OVERVIEW: The head chef at Coco Beach, Laurent Saudeau, earned 2 Michelin Stars in France before moving to the island.
Expect high-quality French cuisine and fine dining - on the beach!
Coco Beach has massive outdoor dining tables and private spaces that can host parties of any size. If you are booking for a large group or event, think Coco Beach.
Coco Beach is not a budget-friendly option! Expect small serving sizes for expensive dishes. Expect to pay for the high-quality food and service you receive.
We recommend Coco Beach’s salads and beef tartare.
ADDRESS: Orient Bay Beach Saint Martin, 97150, Saint Martin
HYPERLINKS: Coco Beach Website . . . Restaurant Menu
Links To SXM Foodie Tours
12) La Terrasse - Marigot Harbour - French St Martin
OVERVIEW: At La Terrasse Rooftop Restaurant expect French cuisine with scenic views over Marigot.
La Terrasse provides scenic views over Marigot harbour all afternoon. A great location to watch the sunset!
We recommend the seafood risotto and duck breast.
ADDRESS: Front De Mer West Indies Mall Marigot, 97150, Saint Martin
HYPERLINKS: La Terrasse Website . . . Restaurant Menu
13) Lazy Lizard Restaurant & Craft Bar - Philipsburg
Gluten-Free Shrimp and Rice @ Lazy Lizard
OVERVIEW: Lazy Lizard is our recommendation for the most gluten-friendly restaurant in Philipsburg!
There are dozens of restaurants to choose from on the Philipsburg Boardwalk, but somehow we always end up at Lazy Lizard. What makes the difference is the staff! The manager Nick and his kitchen staff are very flexible with creating gluten-free options, just ask! Many of the best gluten-free meals we have had are at Lazy Lizard!
Lazy Lizard is within walking distance from the cruise ship terminal drop-offs in Philipsburg.
Don’t just listen to us, Lazy Lizard is the #2 ranked restaurant in Philipsburg on TripAdvisor with an impressive 4.9/5 rating (1500+ reviews).
Each day there are daily specials that make dining at Lazy Lizard affordable and budget-friendly.
TV playing American and European sports.
ADDRESS: 5 Boardwalk, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Lazy Lizard Facebook . . . Lazy Lizard Instagram . . . Lazy Lizard TripAdvisor
14) Avantika Thai - Simpson Bay - Dutch Sint Maarten
OVERVIEW: Our choice for the Best Thai Restaurant In SXM & one of the most gluten-friendly restaurants!
Dining-in or takeout, Avantika will not disappoint! For those planning to dine in, Avantika restaurant has a fine-dining ambiance with Thai-influenced decor. The food is delicious; you can expect Thai staples with international and Caribbean fusion.
Avantika has a gluten-friendly menu with each dish labelled as GF or not. We highly recommend anyone with food allergies consider eating at Avantika Thai.
ADDRESS: 68 Welfare Road, Puerta Del Sol, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Avantika Website . . . Avantika Facebook . . . Avantika Instagram
15) Alina Japanese Fusion - Maho - Dutch St Maarten
Cloud 9 Cocktail @ Alina
OVERVIEW: Alina Japanese Fusion, a Japanese-Caribbean fusion restaurant on the Maho strip.
Elevated dining experience, creative food options.
For a unique cocktail experience, try the Cloud 9, #20 on our 21 Signature Cocktails You Need To Try In SXM Blog! The Cloud 9 is a fun drink to try as it is served in a sushi bowl! Ingredients: stoli citrus, sake, lychee, lime.
We also recommend the Mexican Rabbit for those who like spicy drinks!
ADDRESS: 1 Rhine Rd, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Alina Website . . . Restaurant Menu . . . Cocktail Menu
16) Cupecoy Brasserie - Cupecoy - Dutch Sint Maarten
OVERVIEW: Delicious and affordable French cuisine. Expect large servings of high-quality meats & fish. Only open seasonally.
10/10 we would eat here again! Great value for large servings of delicious food. French Brasserie ambiance.
We recommend the lamb shank and fillet mignon!
ADDRESS: Palm Court, Cupecoy Jordan Rd, Cupecoy Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Cupecoy Brasserie Facebook . . . Instagram . . . TripAdvisor
17) Sunset Beach Bar and Grill - Maho - Dutch St Maarten
Plane Flying Over Maho Beach
OVERVIEW: One of the most popular and touristy restaurants on the island, for a reason! The absolute best restaurant to watch planes land at SXM.
Great atmosphere & views, quality food & drink.
Sunset Beach Bar also has an outdoor pool and showers.
ADDRESS: 2 Beacon Hill Road, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Sunset Beach Website . . . Restaurant Menu
Related Blog Posts
18) Rusty Rocket - Simpson Bay - Dutch St Maarten
One of Many Amazing Burgers @ Rusty Rocket
OVERVIEW: Our recommendation for the Best Burgers On The Island! Burgers offered here are unique and unlike anything you have ever tried before! Many are named after famous movies/popular culture references.
We highly recommend visiting one of their poetry open mic nights. They are a great way to meet locals and experience the island culture.
ADDRESS: 130 Airport Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Rusty Rocket Facebook . . . Rusty Rocket Instagram
19) Topper’s Distillery - Simpson Bay - Dutch St Maarten
OVERVIEW: Toppers Distillery in Simpson Bay has a kitchen that serves affordable pub food, especially during happy hour! 10% off meals after a tasting.
ADDRESS: 60 Welfare Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Topper’s Website . . . Restaurant Menu . . . Daily and Happy Hour Specials
20) Fat Tony’s Smokehouse - Cupecoy - Dutch St Maarten
OVERVIEW: American sports bar and smokehouse located in Cupecoy.
A very popular spot for students at the American Medical University of the Carribean to watch North American sports and get pub food.
We highly recommend the deep-dish pizza and cheesy fries! American and local beers, ciders, cocktails, etc.
ADDRESS: 15 Jordan Rd, Cupecoy, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Fat Tony’s Facebook . . . Fat Tony’s TripAdvisor
21) 3 Amigos - Maho - St Maarten
Taco Tuesday @ 3 Amigos
OVERVIEW: Our recommendation for Best Taco Tuesday specials on the Island!
3 AMIGOS IS A MUST-VISIT ON TUESDAYS: $2 hard-shelled corn tacos (beef, pork, chicken, vegetable) and drink specials.
ADDRESS: Rhine Rd, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: 3 Amigos Facebook . . . 3 Amigos TripAdvisor
22) Dutch Blonde Beach Bar - Philipsburg - Dutch St Maarten
OVERVIEW: Craft brewery in Philipsburg with pub food and gluten-free food options.
Dutch Blonde serves 3-4 different styles of locally crafted beer and tasty pub food!
The Dutch Blonde is hard to miss when walking along the Philipsburg Boardwalk, just look for the windmill!
ADDRESS: 79 Boardwalk, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Dutch Blonde Website . . . Dutch Blonde Facebook
23) The Greenhouse - Simpson Bay + Philipsburg - St Maarten
OVERVIEW: Two locations on the island with good food and great happy hour specials.
Green House has one of the best everyday happy hour specials on the island - buy one, get one free cocktails
ADDRESS: Philipsburg Water Taxi Marina and Billy Folly Road, Simpson Bay
HYPERLINKS: Greenhouse Website . . . Restaurant Menu
24) Freedom Fighters Ital Shack - Philipsburg - St Maarten
Meal of the Day @ Freedom Fighters
OVERVIEW: Our recommendation for Best Farm To Table Restaurant and Best Vegan Restaurant in SXM!
ITAL kitchen that sources ingredients locally from farms/gardens.
The menu is entirely vegan and many daily dishes are made completely gluten-free.
ADDRESS: 7 Bush Rd, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Freedom Fighters Facebook . . . Freedom Fighters Instagram
25) The Lolos - Grand Case - St Martin
OVERVIEW: Our recommendation for Best Locally Run Restaurant and Most Authentic Caribbean Restaurant: Cynthia’s Talk of the Town is located in the Lolos of Grand Case. The Lolos are a stretch of locally run kitchens and BBQs lining the beach.
Budget friendly, filling meals located on the same street as world class restaurants.
The Lolos are very budget-friendly and serve some of the most authentic local food on the island!
ADDRESS: 6 Bd de Grande Case, Grand-Case 97150, Saint Martin
HYPERLINKS: Talk of the Town TripAdvisor
26) Loterie Farm - Pic Paradise - French St Martin
OVERVIEW: Loterie Farm is a nature reserve turned adventure park on the French side of the island.
The kitchen also crafts amazing food + cocktails to reward yourself with after a day of zip-lining, hiking, or swimming.
Cocktail enthusiasts should try the Frozen Guavaberry Coconut, #10 on our 21 Signature Cocktails You Need To Try In SXM Blog. Guavaberry is St Maarten and St Martin’s unique, nationalistic plant, there is even a museum dedicated to it in Philipsburg! The Frozen Guavaberry Cocktail @ Loterie Farm combines the plant with coconut creme and blends it up with ice.
Loterie Farm is featured on an episode of Below Deck. The crew enjoys a day off in one of Loterie Farm’s private hot tubs.
Wild (invasive) monkeys live on the farm and in the surrounding forests.
ADDRESS: Rue du Pic Paradis, St Martin 97150, Saint Martin
HYPERLINKS: Loterie Farm Website . . . Loterie Farm Instagram . . . Jungle Pool Parties
27) Mr. Papaya’s Juice Bar - Maho - Dutch St Maarten
Gluten-Free Savoury Ham & Cheese Crepe
OVERVIEW: The only location on the island to get gluten-free crepes. They also serve a variety of brunch dishes and smoothies!
ADDRESS: Rhine Road, Maho, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Mr Papaya’s Facebook . . . Mr Papaya's Instagram
28) Pineapple Pete’s + Wasabi Charlie’s - Simpson Bay
Sushi Platter @ Wasabi Charlie's
OVERVIEW: Popular restaurant + bar in Simpson Bay
Pineapple Pete’s and Wasabi Charlie’s combined into one restaurant to offer an extensive menu of pub food and seafood.
We recommend trying the sushi or the New Zealand muscles!
ADDRESS: Welfare Rd, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Pete and Charlie Facebook . . . Pineapple Pete Instagram
29) Bold Buddha - Philipsburg
OVERVIEW: Popular restaurant + Wine Bar in Philipsburg
Bold Buddha is nestled along the boardwalk along Great Bay Beach. A Caribbean fusion restaurant with a large array of cuisine. From Japanese to Indian fusion dishes, this is a delicious locally-owned restaurant. They also have great specialty cocktails!
ADDRESS: Horizon view hotel, 49 Front St, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
HYPERLINKS: Bold Buddha Facebook
30) SAO Asian Factory - Orient Bay
OVERVIEW: Restaurant + bar in Orient Bay
SAO Asian Factory is a popular Asian fusion restaurant located in the culinary village of Orient Bay.
Their menu features allergen labels for every dish, making this an excellent choice for those with celiac and food allergies!
A great dinner option after a day out at Orient Beach!
ADDRESS: Orient Bay Village Square, 97150, Saint-Martin
HYPERLINKS: SAO Asian Factory Website . . . SAO Asian Factory Facebook
Honourable Mentions
Our honourable mentions! If you feel like we missed something, please comment below, we will try next visit!
Bistrot Caraibes (Grand Case) - Ranked #1 on TA.
Jax Steakhouse (Maho) - Ranked #2 on TA.
IZI Ristorante Italiano (Simpson Bay) - Ranked #4 on TA. Excited to try the GF pasta next time in SXM!
The Palms (Simpson Bay) - Ranked #8 on TA. They have interesting Caribbean fusion food! Locally-run.
Tortuga (Maho) - Beachfront restaurant with planes flying overhead. Happy hour specials. We never tried this place.
La Villa Hibiscus (Mont Vernon) - Ranked #17 on TA. Very expensive, but highly recommended as a French fine dining experience.
L'Auberge Gourmande (Grand Case) - Ranked #18 on TA. Expensive, elevated entrees.
Dinghy Dock (Simpson Bay) - Ranked #24 on TA. Great happy hour deals! Pub food.
Le Pressoir (Grand Case) - Ranked #1 Restaurant in the Caribbean by Magic of Caribbean Magazine.
Nowhere Special (Simpson Bay) - We never got around to this locally-run pub. Quality drinks menu.
L’Atelier Restaurant (Orient Bay) - We planned to dine here, then saw how expensive the entrees are.
Emilios (Sentry Hill) - We have heard good reviews!
Le Piment (Orient Bay) - Popular choice in Orient.
La Cigale (Nettle Bay) - We lived in Nettle Bay and considered it many times, but the entrees are extremely expensive. Went to Mezza Luna instead.
Zee Best Breakfast (Simpson Bay). - Popular spot for brunch. Limited gluten-free options.
Mood SXM (Grand Case) - Health food, poke bowls, smoothies, freshly pressed juices.
Sale & Pepe Marina (Simpson Bay) - Italian restaurant. Recommended by readers.
Bikini Beach Bar (Orient Bay) - Great beachfront restaurant and cocktail bar.
SXM To Go App - Use this app to order delivery from dozens of different restaurants!
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