If you’re familiar with St. Barts and Vue de Rêves, you’re undoubtedly aware of the emphasis on impeccable cuisine and wine. In fact, the quality of St. Barts restaurants and unique Cuvée culinary experiences are the top reasons this island attracts such refined palates (hence the custom wine cave, imported La Cornue stove, and expansive outdoor kitchen and terrace at Vue de Rêves).
A guest favorite Cuvée-curated experience in St. Barts is an intimate evening at Vue de Rêves with a tasting menu highlighting the culinary artistry of acclaimed French Chef Christophe, paired with sommelier-consulted Grand Cru selections from the granite-backed wine cave. While these edible creations are beloved by discerning guests, an essential component of luxury travel is experiencing the top restaurant scenes around the world. With Cuvée, you’ll experience the creme de la creme of St. Barts restaurants, so whet your appetite with our Cuvée curated list of the best restaurants in St. Barts.
*Keep your eyes peeled for the favorite food and beverage selections of our St. Barts experience curator, Myriam Benchabane, and our co-founder, Susan Farrugia. Their St. Barts knowledge runs deep so make sure to note their recommendations for your next St. Barts getaway.
St. Barts Restaurants with Classic French Cuisine
L’Espirit
French Cuisine // Saline
For over 20 years, Chef Jean-Claude Dufour has been one of the most well-known and talented chefs on the Island. Since taking over L’Espirit in 2011, after running the kitchen at Eden Rock, Jean-Claude has created a fine dining experience that not only showcases French gastronomy, but incorporates St. Barts local vegetables, fresh-caught fish, and meats for added exotic flavor. Overlooking the salt ponds of Salines, the teak terrace is romantic and rustic chic among palm trees and perfectly placed shade sails. A few of the many gratifying items on the menu are Duck Spring Rolls, Lobster Ravioli, and the classic Filet de Boeuf.
Fouquet’s
French Cuisine // Gustavia
At Fouquet’s soak in a striking view of Gustavia while savoring cuisine that other than here could only be experienced in Paris. With a perfectly executed ambiance and a panoramic view of Gustavia overlooking the Marina, you’ll be enraptured by the setting from the start. This ‘spectacular in every way’ sort of St. Barts restaurant experience continues with course after course of fine French selections from red tuna tataki to beef filet with Osciètre caviar and a sweet finish of delectable pastry layers that make a mille feuille so special.
*Myriam recommends the sunset drink for a taste of bliss in a stemmed glass.
St. Barts Restaurants with Caribbean Flair
Gyp Sea
Barbecue-Centric Cuisine // Saint-Jean Beach
Enjoyed fresh from the grill, Gyp Sea specializes in roasting, smoking, grilling and braising a variety of local and seasonal ingredients for its guests, all done seaside on the beach of Saint-Jean. Start with rustic toast topped with Poutargue, savor a selection of grilled meats and fresh-caught fish, then end a spectacular meal with roasted pineapple with sweet spices atop coconut sorbet. The bar, known for its rare selections of rum and incredible handcrafted cocktails will impress you just as much as the delightful char on your meal.
St. Barts Restaurants Offering a Taste of Italy
L’Isola
French + Italian Cuisine // Gustavia
For the best Italian cuisine on the island, be sure to visit the quaint, beachy restaurant, L’Isola. Fine dining is defined at L’Isola with dark wood décor, candle-lit tables, and white glove service. Hailing from Rome, head chef Fabrizio Bianconi exclusively imports his ingredients from Italy to complete his authentic menu. The house-made pastas, traditional meats, and daily market fresh fish will surely meet your cravings. (The Scampi Penne, the Lobster Spaghetti and the Veal Scaloppini Rack are fan favorites). Their expertly chosen wine list carries some of the finest wines from all parts of the Italian Peninsula to complete a delicious meal. Buon Appetito!
Eden Rock Sand Bar
Casual Cuisine with Italian Flair // St. Jean
At the impossibly glamorous Eden Rock, directly on the St. Jean Beach, is the infamous Sand Bar restaurant. Overseen by star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the dishes are carried out with Mediterranean influences and Italian flair. Discerning foodies can dine here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with refined gourmet tastes that are continuously fresh and memorable. On the water’s edge in a small protected cove, reserve a comfy spot on their lounge couches under the warming sun and sit back to the music of the island vibes at this St. Barts restaurant. Be sure to try some of their classic dishes like the Truffle Pizza, Crispy Salmon, or the Pretzel-Dusted Calamari.
St. Barts Restaurants with Mediterranean Inspiration
La Guérite
Mediterranean Cuisine // Gustavia
Known for its historic location on the Sainte-Marguerite island near Cannes, La Guérite has found a second home in St. Barts. Located on the tip of the Gustavia Harbor, the idyllic location facing the dock allows guests to admire incoming yachts alongside local fishermen. Enjoy their innovative Mediterranean menu with dishes such as Grilled Squid with Parsley Butter and Red Pepper and Filet of Caribbean Mahi Mahi with Provençale sauce. Their bar and lounge offers hand-crafted cocktails from mixologists, rare vintages of wines, music from their resident DJ, and unobstructed views of the harbor.
*Myriam loves the ambiance at La Guérite on Wednesday evenings, as the restaurant comes to life with a live fashion show.
Shellona
Greek Cuisine // Gustavia
Just a short walk from the lively Gustavia, Shellona sits on the famous Shell Beach – the only beach where you can find an inexhaustible amount of seashells. Shellona is renowned for their succulent grilled foods and seafood dishes with flavors inspired from the Mediterranean. Discover signature dishes from Greek chef, Yiannis Kioroglou, including the Kalamakos (grilled Greek bread over a wood fire topped with chicken, lamb, beef or fish), the Mediterranean Mahi Mahi, or the Grilled Caribbean Lobster. With its unique location, enjoy lunch while listening to the DJ or live bands, relax on one of the sun beds, or taste one of their craft cocktails while admiring the most beautiful sunset of the island.
St. Barts Restaurants Meet Asian Fusion
Orega
French + Japanese Fusion // Gustavia
Situated in the heart of Gustavia, Orega is a French-Japanese fusion restaurant where French classics are reinvented with Japanese flair. Inside of a historic bungalow house, this dining spot has been transformed into a “garden-party-like atmosphere” with an outdoor rooftop and enclosed bar where you can sit and observe the sushi chefs. Choose from fresh sushi, sashimi and the real fusion of cuisine like the Wagyu Beef Gyoza (dumplings) with mushrooms, or Toro Tuna with Petrossian Caviar.
*Susan raves about the desserts at Orega, saying that “you can’t go wrong with any dessert selection on the menu!”
Nikki Beach
Seafood + Sushi // St. Jean
Nikki Beach is the hot spot for jet-set clientele who come to revel in excellent dining, entertainment, music, fashion and art in one luxurious location. This world-famous beach club is lodged right next to Eden Rock on an incredible stretch of white sand beach that is the epitome of paradise. Complementing their up-scale atmosphere, their exceptional menu is up to par. Their slow-roasted free-range rotisserie chicken, creative sushi rolls, raw bar and market-fresh seafood are guest favorites. Sip on their designer cocktails in simplistic beauty on a plush sun bed or inside trademark beach club teepees.
*Susan’s selections include the sushi dragon and a magnum of rosé. Sounds like an evening of celebration!
More St. Barts Cuisine
Bonito
French + Latin Cuisine // Gustavia
Perched atop the bay of Gustavia in an elegant beach house, lies Bonito, a cozy lounge-bar with spectacular views. Bonito has a comfortable and laid-back atmosphere where it’s not unusual to see celeb patrons like Simon Cowell, Beyoncé, or Pippa Middleton! The executive chef, Laurent Cantineaux, and chef de cuisine, Ronan Mahe, make an excellent duo in the kitchen, preparing cuisine with influences from France, South America, and the Caribbean. Seafood is where their menu shines as they are masters of incorporating the catch of the day into their dishes. The Grilled Tuna Tataki with Sesame, the Spiny Lobster Risotto or anything from the Ceviche bar is sure to satisfy.
*Susan can’t speak more highly of the tuna tacos and truffle fries from Bonito. She would likely eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if she could.
Tamarin
French + International Cuisine // Gustavia
There is something incredibly unique about the restaurant Tamarin. (Perhaps it’s the 200-year-old tamarind tree that welcomes you to this hidden oasis). Situated among a luxurious garden and lily-pad-ponds, Italian architect Johannes Zingerle has given dining tables a feeling of magic and serenity. While soaking in the exceptional surroundings, their menu offerings are sure to please at this St. Barts restaurant. For lunch, the menu is lighter including grilled fish, meats and salads, while the dinner menu displays a more complex and sophisticated myriad of flavors. Try their Pan-fried Foie Gras, Tuna Tartare, Chicken and Hummus Salad, and Gambas a la Plancha with Soba Noodles. Find yourself on the “wilder” side of the island in this enchanting and soul-satisfying haven.
*Myriam loves Tamarin for romantic dinner dates in the picturesque garden.
Très Chic. Exclusively Cuvée.
Your Cuvée vacances in St. Barts will combine the island’s swanky scene with the effortless knowledge of our uber-connected St. Barts experience team. We’ll transport you to dozens of stunning beaches and deliver unparalleled French cuisine with Cuvée’s Chef Christophe. Indulge in Cuvée-curated experiences, like floating with sea turtles in uncharted St. Barts coves or living like a rockstar at beachfront hotspot Nikki Beach.
The result: an even more exclusive St. Barts–where our signature style of laid-back luxury is intrinsically woven into the coveted island.