From fish fries to fine dining: an insider’s guide to St Martin’s food scene

There’s no denying that the Caribbean has one of the most vibrant food scenes on the planet. While some flavours and ingredients – from creamy coconut and fresh seafood to piquant peppers and tropical fruits – crop up on almost every island, each destination has its unique speciality cuisine.

Many food critics and restaurateurs agree that St Martin (or Sint Maarten) is one of the best Caribbean islands for food. Tucked away in the French Antilles, it’s a true oasis for gourmands thanks to the fact it hosts over 500 different dining venues. St Martin's food is among the region’s most eclectic, too. That’s all down to its fascinating melting pot of heritages.

The island is famously split into two halves (one French and one Dutch), and it's been like this ever since the 17th century. Both European countries have undeniably left their mark on the island's food scene during that time – but they're not the only ones. St Martin’s cuisine has also been historically influenced by the Arawaks (the indigenous islanders), as well as various East Indian and African gastronomical traditions.

If you’re jetting off to St Martin’s sunny shores for your next villa getaway, your tastebuds are in for a treat. The island has plenty to offer, including one of the most enticing Caribbean food destinations: Grand Case Boulevard. You’ll also come across sizzling BBQ stalls known as ‘lolos’ tucked away along its beaches, plus Creole and global restaurants to satisfy every craving in its principal towns.

Seven tasty St Martin foods to try

Wondering which dishes to look out for at St Martin’s best restaurants and food stalls? From sumptuous French Caribbean food to delicious snacks with a distinct Dutch flair, here are seven delicacies to try on your next visit:

Uncovering the best restaurants in St Martin

Caribbean food culture is amazingly diverse. This is especially true in St Martin, where chic French bistros, Parisian-style bakeries and laidback Caribbean cafes nestle alongside no-frills beach shacks, which serve up some of the best street food on the island.

Whether you want to savour French-Caribbean food or tuck into some delicious Dutch fusion cuisine, there are a few locations in St Martin worth having on your itinerary:

For an authentic island experience, wander down to the beachfront, where you'll find a handful of the best St Martin lolos. These al fresco BBQ stalls are brilliant places to try traditional Caribbean food, with recipes often going back several generations. Prepare to whet your appetite with all kinds of local delicacies, from cheese-stuffed johnny cakes and grilled lobster to succulent meats and spicy goat stew.

Philipsburg is additionally a brilliant place to sip on locally-made liquor. Make your way to the Sint Maarten Guavaberry Co. shop at the cruise port, where you can taste and buy rums flavoured with tangy tropical fruits like guava berries, passion fruits and limes.

For more casual dining, venture to the town's marketplace or seafront, where you'll find a selection of lolos. Top picks include Chez Coco for the oxtail stew or Enoch's Place, where you can tuck into fried fish, chicken or seafood platters served with rice, greens and plantain to your heart’s content.

St Martin cooking classes

Want to discover more about this island’s delicious cuisine? A St Martin cooking class is a fantastic activity option. Several local chefs and St Martin restaurants host culinary masterclasses where you can learn how to make everything from Johnny cakes to callaloo stew, simply speak to your dedicated concierge and they can arrange a private cooking lesson for your group.

You’ll also find a few food-themed tours on offer, including those that take you on a whirlwind journey around Philipsburg’s best dining spots. Or, for something with minimal effort, why not have your concierge book a wine and cheese tasting?

Another memorable way to experience St Martin’s food offering is by having one of the island’s talented chefs cook for you in your villa. Private dining is just one of the services we can offer as part of your personalised onefinestay experience. Sit back and relax as a culinary expert whips up a flavour-packed, French-Caribbean feast that you’ll remember for years to come.