The dining scene in St. Thomas is among the best in the Caribbean. You can find everything from fine dining in chic beach hotels to funky shacks dishing up inspired seafood. Here are five of our favorite spots for enjoying great food served up in a great setting.
1. Dinghy’s Beach Bar & Grill
More than just a casual, fun restaurant, Dinghy’s offers an all-day adventure. You’ll have to take a 10-minute ferry ride from Crown Bay Marina to Water Island to get to this restaurant, but it’s worth the trip. Plan to make a day of it so you can enjoy the free beach amenities, stellar specialty cocktails (we recommend the Creamy Dinghy), and island-inspired cuisine. The signature dish here, pan-fried lionfish in a Caribbean sauce, is worth the trip. Kick back, nap in a hammock, and enjoy a local experience.
2. Havana Blue
For a romantic dinner with a view, it’s hard to beat Havana Blue. Located in the Morningstar Beach Club, this elegant restaurant mixes Latin American and Pacific Rim cuisines with an amazing oceanfront setting. Come here to sip mango mojitos at sunset and taste delicate, inspired ceviches. Floor-to-ceiling drapes catch the trade winds and candlelight makes everyone look more relaxed.
3. Hook, Line & Sinker
Take a short walk down the waterfront in Charlotte Amalie to the harbor-side community of Frenchtown, and you’ll feel like you’re worlds away. Hook, Line & Sinker sits right on the water and serves up super fresh, local seafood. Come for lunch and enjoy the conch fritters, Caribbean lobster (super sweet and lots more tail meat than a Maine lobster), and Snapper Creole. Or come for brunch or dinner, for fun food in a casual, waterfront setting.
4. Mafolie Hotel & Restaurant
Open since 1952, the Mafolie represents old-school island dining at its best. Sitting high above Government Hill, the restaurant offers panoramic views of Charlotte Amalie, Hasell Island, and the harbor. Specialties here include kallalloo soup, mango-avocado salad with starfruit, and locally-caught seafood. This really is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or special celebration.
5. Oceana Restaurant & Wine Bar
Nestled in an estate that was originally settled by the first Danish governor of St. Thomas, this open, waterfront restaurant is considered by many to be the best restaurant on the island. Choose from fresh fish and steak at dinner, or come for the Bloody Mary Tuna Tartare at Sunday brunch. Either way, you’ll enjoy watching seaplanes and boats traverse the shipping channel, while the waves gently lap at the shore just beyond your table.
Whether you want to chow down like a local or enjoy fine dining, St. Thomas has you covered. Eat up and soak up the gorgeous views.
Tags: St. Thomas
