St Barth: 10 Must-Try Restaurants
Imagine an island where every meal becomes a sensory experience — where flavors embrace the landscapes and chefs compete in creativity to delight your taste buds. In Saint-Barths, gastronomy is more than just dining — it’s a lifestyle. But with over 80 restaurants on the island, how do you choose? Here’s our handpicked selection of the top 10 restaurants you simply can’t miss.
1. Bonito: Latin-French fusion with a sunset view
Perched above Gustavia, this iconic restaurant offers more than just a panoramic view of the harbor’s dancing yachts. Chef Laurent Cantineaux blends French techniques with Panamanian and Peruvian influences: think red snapper ceviche spiced with Espelette pepper or lobster risotto infused with kaffir lime. In the evening, the ambiance shifts into a lounge club with a live DJ — perfect for sipping a Pisco Sour on the terrace.
Must-try: Yellowfin tuna tartare on avocado — a reimagined classic.
2. L’Isola: Authentic Italy in the Caribbean
A cozy setting, handmade pasta, and a wine cellar dedicated to Italian vintages. In this Creole-style stone house, Roman owner Fabrizio Bianconi flies in fresh Italian products weekly. Try the tagliatelle with black Alba truffles or crispy Milanese veal. Pro tip: book early to get a table under the wooden arches — the acoustics make for intimate conversations.
3. Kinugawa: Japanese artistry in the heart of Gustavia
Craving a chic Japanese escape? Head to Kinugawa, the refined spot bringing elevated Japanese cuisine to the Gustavia port. In a setting of soft blues and light wood, enjoy ultra-fresh sashimi, creative rolls, and signature dishes where Japanese tradition flirts with French modernity. The cocktail bar mixes bold Franco-Japanese creations, perfect for a festive night by the glowing yachts.
4. Shellona: A Greek escape with your toes in the sand
Located on Shell Beach, this relaxed yet chic venue turns lunch into a Mediterranean celebration. Between dips, enjoy grilled octopus salad with olive oil and thyme, or share a mezze board with smoky hummus and dolmas. On select evenings, local DJs bring a Mykonos-meets-Caribbean vibe.
Tip: Book a lounger during the day to soak up the experience between rosé and swims.
5. La Petite Plage: Barefoot elegance
New in Gustavia, this beachfront restaurant charms with a menu curated by Michelin-starred chef Éric Frechon. Even kids enjoy truffle pasta, while adults savor grilled sea bass with a glass of Chablis. As night falls, lanterns glow and the mood turns festive — sometimes with gypsy jazz or lounge playlists.
6. Le Tamarin: Dining beneath a centuries-old tree
Tucked in a tropical garden, this romantic spot is a haven of authenticity. Between banana trees and lily ponds, try citrus-marinated zebra tuna tartare or duck breast glazed with aged rum. Note: friendly stray cats may roam — charming for some, optional for others.
7. L’Esprit Jean-Claude Dufour: A hidden gem in Saline
Loïc, a regular on the island, says: “This is where St. Barths chefs dine on their night off.” In this serene garden setting, Jean-Claude Dufour crafts refined French cuisine — from seared foie gras with roasted figs to salt-crusted Guérande pigeon. The menu changes weekly based on arrivals — a chance to try rare finds like deepwater snapper. (Open Tuesday to Saturday, dinner only.)
8. Sella: A Levantine flavor explosion
Opened in 2022, this spot led by Israeli chef Assaf Granit brings vibrant, colorful dishes to the island. Try the moabet with scallops (coriander, pomegranate, tahini) or rosewater-infused bassboussa semolina cake. Some nights feature electro-oriental DJs on the seafront terrace — a dynamic, high-season vibe.
9. Nikki Beach: Saint-Jean’s iconic Sunday brunch
Sundays are sacred here. From 11 am to 7 pm, the beach turns into a giant dance floor with fusion dishes and eccentric cocktails (try the Caribbean pepper Bloody Mary). Expect sushi, ceviche, and caviar on sculpted ice. Tip: Book ahead and aim for the second seating at 2 pm for peak energy and pro dancers.
10. La Guérite Beach: The French Riviera under the palms
Imported from Sainte-Marguerite Island near Cannes, this Saint-Jean beach club exudes Mediterranean flair. Dine with your feet in the sand on a reimagined Niçoise salad (tuna, soft-boiled egg, olives) or pastis-flambéed prawns. The vibe? Relaxed yet glamorous — with a mix of locals and yacht-goers mooring nearby.
Why these restaurants?
These spots were selected for embodying the true spirit of Saint-Barths — a blend of discreet luxury, authenticity, and culinary creativity. Each offers a unique experience, whether it’s tasting a signature dish under the stars or dancing barefoot in the sand. As regulars say: “In St. Barths, you don’t just eat — you live.”