The ultimate restaurant and dining guide
for St. Maarten / St. Martin

Excellent Food

This being a steakhouse, let's talk beef, which exceeded my highest expectations.This is mainstream meat...truly top of the line, prime No.1 The Tuna Steak , dark, translucent, moist with pure meaty flavor like sushi tuna. The high quality for high dollar will carry it long after the novelty has worn off. I had a very nice evening and I will come back on my next trip to St. Martin

THIS IS MUST DINE EXPERIENCE

My husband and I came here for our 2nd wedding anniversary on July 4, 2008. I wish I can remember the waitress's name, she was so pretty and personable, and spoke so eloquently. Anyhow, she was an excellent asset to the establishment. We started with Vegetarian Spring Rolls, which so fresh. and delicious, I had tuna steak, my husband had a seafood combo, tuna, tilapia, shrimp and scallops. And the presentation is so wonderful. Kudos to you and definitlely will see you next year

Fabulous

My husband and I just returned from our fifth year on the island, and this is the first year we visited this restuarant. We were greeted by an extradoinary waiter, he treated like he knew us all of our lives. We started with their caesar salad, which was absolutely the freshest, most delicious salad. Before our main course came, a gentleman came over and asked us how everything was going, he was so laid back, and dressed so comfortable I though he was another customer just being friendly, turns out it was the owner. Kudos to you!! I had steak kabobs my husband had garlic shrimp. The food was awesome, as was the service. Keep up the good work, See you next year!

MAGNIFICO

Need I say more. This was our first meal, on the first day of our vacation. Being italian myself, I love pasta cooked al dente, the pasta was perfect. The ambiance, with Italian music playing was awesome. As was our waitress Patricia. Even the owner Warren came over and chatted awhile, and told us how he came to the island. Excellent, keep up the good work

Most Beautiful Evening View of the Ocean on the Island and BEST SERVICE

We have been friends with Silvana for many years. We are thrilled that she is working at French Touch. We enjoyed seeing her that night. She is without a doubt, one of our FAVORITE people on St. Martin. We had a wonderful table right at the water's edge and enjoyed our meal, the ambiance, and the service! We love you, Silvana!

Deceitful

We travel to St. Martin every year and have tried many, many restaurants and Joe's was the absolute worst in every way. It is NOT a steakhouse. The menu is extremely over priced, the sevice is non existant and the view is not that great. The night we were there it was not busy, only 1 other couple in the restaurant. After looking over the menu we reluctantly placed our order. We took the water taxi to the restaurant so we could not easily jump in our car and leave or we would have. Our waiter placed our over priced food down and that was the last we saw of the snooty french man. I had to get up and track him down to get another drink and a glass of water. I believe they call it a steak house to entice Americans in who are expecting a great steak. It is a bad french restaurant in disguise. My husband and I will be really surprised if they are still in business in 2009 when we return to St. Martin. Maybe the new owner will actually open a real steak house!

New Peg Leg Over the Top

We went last Wednesday for dinner. It was always good in Simpson Bay, but they are incredible now. Bigger I think, kitchen all open, teak furniture, open air views, unbelievable entertainment, (2 guys did like a complete floor show with comedy and music.) Hubby had lobster, I had my favorite small tenderloin filet. Hot chocolate cake for dessert and fancy coffee drinks. Place was full because it must be the best show/restaurant in town. We are going back next Wednesday for our final Island dinner.

Best Tuna Carpaccio!

Excellent service, friendly staff and delicious seafood- highly reccommend!

Great Food - Outstanding Location

We've found a reason to go the airport three hours early...Lunch and cocktails at Jo's. Its a great way to start and finish every trip down here. I highly reccomend it to all.

Cheers!

Big improvement

Wife and I dined at Peg Leg's twice on recent visit. Both were exceptional. Waitstaff is great, food is outstanding, ambiance much better than old place. Can be expensive if you drift into the casino.

Nice, relaxing and skillful

With four people we were welcomed by the kitchen staff (open kitchen at the beginning of the restaurant), and welcomed and accompanied by the friendly waiter. Ok, the food was excellent, the wines were perfectly balanced and at the right temperature (!), none of this would excel if the service staff wasn't as skillful, friendly and attentive as the people at Halsey's are. This is a complete experience, thank you!

Excellent food, awesome ambiance

On our last night on the island we visited French Touch: wow, what a setting! Not only the beach-side setting, but also the ambiance, magnificent.

Combined with a service staff that was very pleasant, a wine list that was more than sufficient (with a special on the Pouilly Fuisse) and lovely food (abundant!), this was an excellent final night in the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.

Eating at the side of the marina: wow

When you walk into the marina area of Marigot, you have to walk a little further than you might think, to find La Petite Auberge. But when you are enjoying your meal in a Riviera-like setting, with a host who knows all the details about the food, the wines and the area (e.g. you are a true guest in someones home), with food that has that special french touch, you are glad you found this Little Inn of the Islands.

Good and traditional: Sopranos

Dropped in for a late night meal (22.30 pm), I had the Veal Parmagianno, my friend an excellent fettucini, both reminded us of the meals we had in Italy: traditional style, good food. With thanks to Marcie and Sebastian for being good hosts.

One word: Excellent

Need I say more? Maybe it should be possible to give a higher value rating, just for a place like this.

Always a great gastronomical experience

We don't miss going to halsey's on every trip to SXM since we discovered it last year. Jessica and Ryan Halsey are terrific hosts, they have a great sense of humour, and they make you feel at home in their open air restaurant. This time we enjoyed an appetiser of Mussels - a sensational sauce covered a large bowlful of delicious mussels - MMM MMM!! We followed up with the seared Tuna served with soem sushi rolls and seaweed salad which still makes my mouth water when I think of it. And my wife has to have the fried banana dessert every time we go - I helped her eat it - I got one bite! We love this place and so will you - try it.

Great steak, nice music

Went into Rancho's on the saturday; live music. Great band, volume little bit on the loud side. Had the Filetto de Lomo, we all loved it. Beautiful ambiance.

Great food in a busy restaurant

This time had dinner at Topper's. We got our drink and the menu quickly, then waited for 20 minutes before our order was taken. The restaurant was packed, so the waiter was too busy. After food arrived, it showed it was worth the wait. Maybe one extra person in service would be a good idea.

Fun in a great atmosphere

We walked in, first had a couple of drinks, great peach margarita, and followed that with the Fajitas. Nice presentation on a sizzling plate, great taste. Next time we come back we will try one (or more!) of the mexican beers.

Authentic German in the Caribbean

I've been going to Bavaria since 2007 and must say after all this time it is still a treat. Excellent service, Annette and her staff are the most pleasant hosts I've ever seen. The food is always great and the prices are surprisingly normal for a tourist island. Highly recommended, you won't be disappointed. Also, they frequently carry beer from Germany which you can't find on the island.

A Positive Experience in Dining

When I am in St. Maarten for several months at a time (usually 4-5 visits a year), the only restaurant that I make a point of going to at least once a week is Los Gauchos. The food and its presentation are CONSISTENTLY of great quality. The service is excellent because of the very attentive and pleasant staff !

Best steak & service south of Boston or New York city

Ambience of a first rate restaurant. Staff very well trained. Food arrived in a timely manner and was excellent. Steak was delicious .Vegetables and salad very fresh. Price reasonable for such an outstanding meal. From 30 plus years of dining experience on this island Gaucho truly g oes to the top of fine dining.

Make a reservation!

It was my last night in SXM and my boyfriend and I wanted to treat ourselves to a nice meal out. We had heard wonderful things about Halsey's so decided to give it a try. I think Halsey's describes Halsey's best, "refined dining - unrefined".

The restaurant was fully booked the night we were there (walk ins be forewarned!) and understandably so. You can tell the kitchen takes pride in the dishes it produces, beautiful presentation and fresh and flavorful ingredients. I have a tendency to order entrees based on sides. Tough choice here as I found all of them appealing: not the standard rice and vegetables you find at a lot of restaurants on the island. If you are a garlic lover (I am) you will be pleased. Both of my dishes were very heavy on the garlic, but it just may have been because I veered that way. I started with the spinach artichoke dip. It was very good with big chunks of artichoke. My boyfriend started with the prosciutto wrapped sea scallops and very much enjoyed them.

For my entree, I had the pan seared grouper. It was served with a blue crab and lobster sauce, roasted garlic and goat cheese whipped potatoes and sauteed artichoke hearts. Unfortunately I was not feeling well so I took it to go, but it was delicious when I ate it later that night! My boyfriend had the filet mignon. He ordered it rare, it came medium rare, but he didn't seem to mind as it was so tender and juicy. He cleaned his plate and it was a generously sized filet. His filet came with rosemary potatoes and sauteed vegetables, perfectly prepared.

For dessert, my boyfriend ordered a fried concoction filled with banana custard. I think you have to be a huge banana fan to truly appreciate it (he is). I would have preferred it to be slightly more subtle. The wine list is great and reasonably priced. I was very happy with the cabernet I had and even more happy that it was served at an optimal temperature. If you are looking for a nice meal out in a casual setting, this is a great find. But make reservations in advance so you can be sure you get seated!

Pleasantly Surprised

I have to admit, the first time I went to Toppers, I was not overly impressed. It was good, but by no means did it blow me away. I decided to give it another try and stopped by for lunch. I am so happy I did! I had the beef brisket sandwich. Wow! It just might have been the best beef brisket I have ever had. Being a NYC resident, that is a huge compliment. The sandwich was served on a fresh baguette, mounded high with brisket and oozing with a delicious gravy. It came with steak fries that were perfectly cooked and still piping hot. There was also a side of coleslaw. I am usually not a coleslaw fan, but their coleslaw was light and flavorful and wonderfully tasty. I finished my entire plate, an unusual feat. The place was a mix of locals and tourists. Everyone was very friendly and social, the atmosphere was relaxed. Topper himself came over to say hello. Overall, a perfect afternoon retreat. I will be back.

3 Years of Excellence

Lisa,

Another great two week vacation at the Pelican with Los Gauchos planned into our evening meals 25% of our stay.

Everyone at Los Gauchos is treated as a GUEST and your servers take the time to ask if we needed anything everytime they passed us. A direct reflection on your commitment to Excellent Service.

Once again, the Parrillada Pampas steaks where so tender and juicy, cooked as requested. Which we where able to enjoy the next morning with our breakfeast.

Your House Salad Dressing is excellent, which we requested and received for the Pasta All-You-Can-Eat special, another great value.

I have attached a photo of Donna, Don and Theresa on our way to Los Gauchos.

See you in 09!

Greg and Theresa Nevills

Yummy Margaritas!

I popped in on a Tuesday night for drinks with friends. Ro serves up a great margarita - potent and mighty tasty. We ordered a bucket of wings to go along with our drinks. They make them with a honey coating - I prefer savory to sweet so not quite to my liking, but good nonetheless. The fajitas I saw come out of the kitchen were sizzling and smelled wonderful. Will give them a try on my next visit. This is a good spot if you are looking for a fun, casual atmosphere with good tunes playing in the background.

Great Food and Staff

We have been going here for the past three years. The first year there we ordered appetizers and dinner after the appetizers we were so full we barely touched our dinner. We learned that dinner was enough you walk out stuffed and the food is excellent.

Great German Food

This is also a restaurant you can't miss while in St. Maarten! Annette is a very warm and friendly host. We were so impressed with the restaurant and the food we ate at this restaurant three times during our fourteen day stay. If after dinner, you have room you must try the streudel. Annette got us both hooked on an after dinner drink Limoncello. There were times we just stopped by to have a drink and dessert at the bar to chat with Annette. When you stop by, tell Annette that Bob & Anna said hello.

The Owner Warren Is A great Host

Looking for a great pasta dish? Then visit Tutta Pasta!!!! Everything is fresh and tastes absolutely divine. The owner Warren is a great host and makes you feel like family. This is one restaurant you can't miss when you visit St. Maarten. When you visit this restaurant don't forget to tell Patricia that Bob & Anna said hello and we'll be back in August. You won't leave this restaurant disappointed.

Pollo a la Sebastiano

This is a restaurant I frequent quite often and enjoy a lot. During my last visit, we sat at the bar and were served by Marcie, the bartender. Some of you will remember her from Sunset Beach Bar, and also the Sand Bar at Isle de Sol.

I chose the Pollo a la Sebastiano, a succulent chicken breast stuffed with Parma ham, served in a rich creamy cheese sauce with mushrooms with a side of sauteed potatoes. It totally hit the spot, as I wanted to try something other than my usual faves: pasta with pesto and spaghetti bolognese.

Sebastian, the manager, stopped by to greet us and make conversation. He always finds the time to say hello. The night came to an end with what is probably the best espresso on this side of Rome.

Will definitely return!

Comfort food in a bustling bodega

This is not the place to bring a date on a quiet romantic dinner, but definitely the right spot for a fun-filled evening with friends.

The wait staff is friendly and efficient. Appetizers are tasty: I've tried the Chili, Nachos, Quesadillas and my favorites to date: the bucket of wings! Not to be missed also are the Fajitas and Tijuana's special: the Pollo a la Parrilla, which comes with a hearty chocolate sauce - finger-lickin good!

Good selection of mexican beers, and lots of tequilas - loved the Herradura Reposado.

Casual atmosphere, juicy steak

Rancho's staff is always friendly, my medium-rare tenderloin always done just right, and the prices are reasonable.

But for some reason, it's one of those spots where I only end up whenever I can't make up my mind about where to dine. As a steak lover I really should know better :)

PS: The latin band on Saturdays is great fun as well...