St. Martin’s Top 5 Food & Drink: A Tasty Guide

So, are you dreaming of those sunny beaches and that warm Caribbean breeze? You’re almost definitely planning a trip to St. Martin. St. Martin, that gem in the Caribbean, isn’t just beaches; that island seriously has a fantastic food scene, too. That scene kind of combines French and Caribbean tastes into some unforgettable flavors. Let’s check out some spots for some eats and drinks you absolutely have to hit.

1. Friar’s Bay Beach Cafe: For Beachside Bliss

Friar’s Bay, a sweet, calm beach, is where you find Friar’s Bay Beach Cafe. I think the atmosphere there is just relaxed. You’re chilling right on the sand, very much digging your toes in while getting tasty food. Now, their BBQ ribs? Really, they are pretty famous. Tender meat, a special sauce that I would almost say is just perfect…honestly, they’re amazing. You should pair that with a frozen cocktail – maybe a daiquiri – you’ve got some paradise right there. A visit at sunset? Like, totally magic.

2. Grand Case Restaurants: The Culinary Capital

They call Grand Case “the culinary capital of the Caribbean,” which is fair, arguably, it’s so packed with seriously good restaurants. I would stroll along the main street here, and you see a lineup of spots each spot serving up high-end French food and the island spices blending beautifully. I remember one spot, that local seafood platter I got? Very fresh. I guess it all comes off a boat, really! Maybe try the lobster Thermidor? That one always comes up as a must-eat dish.

Loló’s: Authentic Local Eats

Now, if you’re just into local tastes and aren’t interested in anything touristy, just hit up one of those “Loló’s” in Grand Case. Those are like, very casual open-air spots just serving BBQ, and they’re pretty awesome. The ribs, chicken, and that johnnycake. Trust me: You want that johnnycake. Those plates there tend to come with rice and peas and coleslaw… You’re almost certain to feel like you’re eating with family. So, definitely great flavors, definitely without burning a hole in your wallet, too.

3. Karakter Beach Bar: Sunset Cocktails

Next, how does this sound… chilling at a bar built from a bus? Sounds pretty amazing, I suppose? Karakter Beach Bar, is one of the most popular spot on St. Martin; for good reason, almost too. This is definitely one of the best sunset-watching spots anywhere. You can kick back, grab that cocktail, and have a seat right on the sand and watch the sun dip into the ocean. If you’re in the mood for some snacking, the Dutch snacks they have tend to be pretty spot-on! Bitterballen (sort of spiced meatballs)? Yes, definitely try that!

4. BZH Creperie: A Touch of France

If you want a taste of France while in St. Martin, go try BZH Creperie in Grand Case. These people have the magic touch for that perfect crêpe. Sweet, savory… it looks almost like anything. That place also uses proper French butter that I find so tasty with almost anything that they have. So, basically get some Nutella crêpe for a totally dreamy thing that I could definitely get into any day or go for the savory stuff with cheese and ham for more of some lunch thing. Plus, their place has got some super cute decor; definitely good spot for a photo, for sure.

5. Topper’s Rhum Distillery: Sip Local Flavors

Are you like, into tasting that real island rum? It’s like taking something from the true Caribbean with you! That might sound interesting… Visit Topper’s Rhum Distillery and you could try out all sorts of differently-flavored rums during some cool tasting thing. That setup’s pretty chill, the folks who work there kind of explain about making rum there, so I believe that it’s a very informative stop. Those flavored rums I thought I heard somewhere, come in all sorts of crazy kinds, vanilla to something that tastes like Dutch spice cake. Plus, the bottles make very cool gifts!