Have you visited St. Maarten by cruise ship recently? Then you know one day is just not enough for St. Maarten's 37 breathtaking beaches, the shopper's paradise of Duty Free bling and luxury goods, exciting casinos, entertainment and nightlife -- not to mention the glorious food in this culinary heaven.
Take advantage of the new “Bounce Back” rate, exclusively for former cruise passengers offered by Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino or Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino. A jaw-dropping $150 per night! Call toll free, 1-800-223-0757, or click here to print out the coupon offer.
Culinary Opulence
By Judy H. Fitzpatrick
No matter what your craving may be, St. Maarten/St. Martin is a great place to dine. Your palate will be delighted by the tasty culinary choices, since there are more than 350 restaurants here. That, we’ve been told, is the most per square mile in the Caribbean. They serve a medley of cuisines from around the world—from American and Caribbean to Chinese, Dutch, French, Indian, Italian, Japanese and Mexican. There are also local dishes, like the traditional St. Maarten callaloo soup with johnny cakes and chicken leg—a favorite among locals.
Taloula Mango’s For a classic St. Maarten Caribbean experience, Taloula Mango’s Caribbean Café is without equal. It’s one of the hippest spots on the Great Bay Beach Promenade, a busy strip along Great Bay Beach that the locals call The Boardwalk. This local hangout, frequented by the who’s who of St. Maarten/St. Martin, is a centerpiece of The Boardwalk, where everyone goes to see and be seen. Regulars and visitors flock to Taloula not only for the good food and refreshing drinks, but to get that refreshing Caribbean ambience. The extensive menu options include salads and sandwiches, seafood, beef, pasta and vegetarian palate pleasers. Bite into their signature Philipsburger (named after St. Maarten’s capital), devour the “Good Ass Ribs” or build your own burger. Prop up at the Blue Bitch Bar and cool down with the wide selection of tropical beverages, frozen thirst quenchers and mixed concoctions. Discover why regulars call this restaurant “One delicious slice of paradise.”
Greenhouse Greenhouse has a relaxed yet lively atmosphere with affordable, quality food. The outside terrace offers a tranquil breeze and a great view of the sea. You will be tempted by fresh mint mojitos, Heineken on tap, great wings, jerk chicken wraps, fish-and-chips and grouper Creole.
Try the goat cheese salad, burgers, sandwiches, smoked ribs, fish, shrimp, pasta, certified Angus steaks, mouthwatering filet mignon, shrimp and lobster thermidor. Special discounts on Lobster Mania Tuesday, Crab-a-Ganza Wednesday, Prime Rib Thursday and Lobster Mania Friday. Homemade desserts feature Key lime pie, brownie delight and cheesecake. Happy Hour daily from 4:30-7:00 p.m. All drinks are two-for-one, and appetizers are discounted. The Greenhouse now has two great locations. The original is located on The Boardwalk in Philipsburg at Bobby’s Marina with validated parking. The second location is in Simpson Bay next to the Atrium Hotel and sits right on Kim Sha Beach, and has plenty of parking across the street on two levels. Both restaurants are open daily. Philipsburg location, Tel: 599-542-2941, Fax: 599-542-1481; Simpson Bay location, Tel: 599-544-4173, Fax: 599-544-4168; E-mail: conan_westemeyer@hotmail.com; Web: www.thegreenhouserestaurant.com.
Ocean Lounge Ocean Lounge restaurant is the destination for anyone seeking great food, reputable service and incredible views of the Caribbean Sea. This open-air, chic Caribbean lounge is located on The Boardwalk at the Holland House Beach Hotel. It offers a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea from its outdoor terrace, complete with cozy white-cushioned seating and a great ambience, which General Manager Paul Boetekees says is part of the “Holland House experience.” This experience is complemented by an enticing selection of European international cuisine, featuring superb cocktails, finger foods and imaginative dishes created by a Michelin-Star-quality chef, Executive Chef Ricardo Niels, the 2008 Silver Medal Winner in the Taste of the Caribbean culinary competition. Ocean Lounge offers an extensive daily à la carte menu and unique entrées; it serves three-course meals for US$39 and a selection of more than 70 wines for under US$50 per bottle. Try their signature grilled Chilean sea bass bathed in black truffle butter sauce or Chef Niels’ award-winning slow roasted pork tenderloin in Worcestershire sauce. Desserts are made fresh daily, and ice creams and sorbets created from scratch. The Friday night ambience is sweetened by a free Rosé tasting and with live entertainment by Deejay Rah from 6-11 p.m.
Simpson Bay
Mooi Mooi is a world of casual elegance where the cuisine is delectable, the prices easy and the ambience fun and relaxing. This just-opened, feel-happy restaurant in the charming Puerta del Sol Plaza at the Simpson Bay Yacht Club is set in a stylish two-tiered milieu of floor-to-ceiling glass and boasts a fashionable and relaxed, see-and-be-seen urban Caribbean vibe. It boasts two indoor dining halls—one on each level—and two open-air patios, complete with hand-picked Italian furniture and plush lounges. Mooi has a perfect laid-back atmosphere that Argentine proprietor Carlos Marinaro has been tweaking and perfecting for the past two years. The menu at Mooi, a Dutch word meaning beautiful, pays tribute to classical Argentine flavors with delectable yet simple selections such as authentic veal parmigiana—thin-pounded veal, crusted with bread crumbs and deep fried, then topped with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce—and Argentine tenderloin with au gratin potatoes, green salad and “salsa criolla” dip. There are also chicken and seafood choices, salads, sandwiches and hamburgers, as well as delectable desserts, pastries baked from scratch daily, and beverages, freshly brewed teas and coffees. Stop by for a snack or a drink with friends and enjoy the soft background music. Walk in with your laptop, since the restaurant has wireless Internet access. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m.-midnight. Tel: 599-544-2693. E-mail: info@mooi-lifeandfood.com.
Patagonia Patagonia is one of the newest, most exquisite restaurants to arrive into the dining scene in St. Maarten. Located on the lower level of the stylish Puerta del Sol Plaza, this refined restaurant promises to be a charming enclave where the service is exceptional, the atmosphere serene and the culinary choices created to seduce your appetite. The menu pays homage to authentic Argentine cuisine. The fine gourmet selection will include choices made from the famous beef of Las Pampas and lean Patagonia lamb, alongside treasures from the ocean such as spider crab, shrimps and scallops from Tierra del Fuego. An interesting selection of fine vintages from Argentina and around the world will await your indulgence in their large walk-in cellar. Dine anytime or stop by and enjoy cocktails and fine wine at the large bar. The brainchild of Carlos Marinaro, Patagonia will be the place to go for superb service and elegant dining. With seating for only 35 people, reservations are highly recommended. Patagonia opens in December 2009. Tel: 599-544-3394.
Lee’s Roadside Grill Think breezy, mesmerizing flavors and fresh catch of the day on your plate. Then head down to Lee’s Roadside Grill and bar, a casual lagoon-front eatery on Simpson Bay reputed for bringing to life the flavors of the fresh catch of the day. Your choice will be grilled to perfection and served with your pick of appetizing sides. Pop in for lunch or dinner. Whatever your choice—whether conch, mahi mahi, snapper, shrimp, wahoo or tuna—you’re likely to find it at Lee’s. You can also take your pick of fresh, live Caribbean Sea lobster from the always-full lobster pool. Of course, they also have chicken delicacies, and their barbecued ribs are very popular. Cash in on their daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m., for half off on everything. Check out the Carib Beer Mondays, Margarita Tuesdays, Coors Light Wednesdays, Sex on the Beach Thursdays, Corona Fridays and House Wine Saturdays for half-price selections all day long. The live nightly entertainment by a hot island band and bubbly atmosphere give Lee’s, voted Best Seafood Restaurant six years in a row, an authentic Caribbean ambience and set it apart from the rest. Lee’s is located on the road to Simpson Bay. Look out for the large sign.
Jimbo’s Rock & Blues Café Jimbo’s Rock & Blues Café in the Simpson Bay Yacht Club is a party-hardy restaurant that serves great gourmet food and has a swim-up bar for the adventurous. They serve enchiladas, burritos, chimichanga plates, fajitas, salads, sandwiches, desserts and Mexican platters. Try the lobster fajita special: mesquite grilled lobster with sizzling medallions of juicy lobster tail smothered with steaming strips of onion, and red and green peppers. A Kids Corner menu is also available, with yummy treats such as nuggets, hamburgers and baby back ribs. The beverage menu ranges from tropical cocktails and island specialties to a large selection of beers. They also have an extensive wine and Champagne list, and you can order by the glass. Try the frozen margaritas, Jimbo Mega-Rita and a “mean” sangria. Check out their store for all your trendy Jimbo’s wear. Located at Plaza del Lago behind Scotia Bank in Simpson Bay.
Valentino’s Italian Bistro Cupid may have been around when Valentino’s Italian Bistro opened on the day of love Feb. 14, 2007, but this dreamy eatery at Simpson Bay Marina is more than just a place for lovers to dine. An intimate restaurant and lounge, Valentino’s is the spot for anyone yearning for classic Italian treats. The warm decor features sepia photos from the olden film days and tops off Valentino’s classical experience. They serve traditional authentic homemade pastas, classic gourmet pizza and a number of Italian specialties complemented by the delightful dessert selection. Pair your menu choice with your favorite libation from an extensive selection. Enjoy a complimentary Champagne Bellini with dinner. Dine in the restaurant or unwind with a cocktail in the lounge, where the entertainment from the tube makes the occasion a memorable one. Open Monday-Saturday from 6 p.m.-midnight.
Saratoga Restaurant Satisfy your comfort food cravings at Saratoga Restaurant in the Simpson Bay Yacht Club. This waterside eatery is elegantly casual, with a welcoming atmosphere for romantic dining. It has a great menu of delectable comfort foods for every appetite. The menu includes options for every craving: fresh Caribbean fish, French oysters, steak, pork, chicken, lamb, duck and pastas. Pair your choice with the right wine and spirit from the extensive selection. Start your culinary journey with fish soup with rouille as an appetizer, followed by a main course of sautéed red snapper fillet with pleurotte mushroom-roasted garlic butter sauce and wild rice. Top it off with one of the delectable Saratoga dessert choices. The Saratoga crispy fried fish, Saratoga salad and Saratoga dessert specials are always great treats for any day. Discover why “comfort food is a passion and quality and freshness a religion” at this eatery. Open Monday-Saturday from 6:30 p.m. until the last appetite is satisfied. All major credit cards accepted. E-mail: saratoga@caribserve.net.
Zee Best The charming Zee Best Restaurant has been tempting appetites with the most important meal of the day for 26 years and counting. Conveniently located in the heart of the bustling Simpson Bay district and on the serene Port de Plaisance property with a stunning view of the Simpson Bay Lagoon, Zee Best offers a classic breakfast experience. Zee Best has earned its reputation for quality, freshness and great taste. Winner of the Best Breakfast spot in St. Maarten five years in a row, Zee Best serves a large selection of patisseries, fresh fruits, juices, coffees and teas, and eggs whichever way you want. Their many croissants (more than 20 different types), fruit Danishes and breads are baked from scratch daily, so you’re guaranteed freshness every time. Sink your teeth into the famous almond croissant, a menu topper that melts in your mouth. You can dine a la carte at both locations. Chef Mikey is ready to make your breakfast a much cherished culinary experience in paradise. “We warmly welcome everyone and pride ourselves in giving the best service possible,” says owner Dominic. Breakfast is served daily from 7:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., and lunch from noon-2:00 p.m., seven days a week. This hot spot is “Zee Best” place to be for breakfast every morning!
The Hideaway Restaurant and Bar The Hideaway Restaurant and Bar is an unforgettable dining destination tucked away in La Vista Beach Resort in Pelican Key. It offers a warm, comfortable environment where the dining is superb and the ocean view amazing. Dishes are meticulously created by French International Chef Gerard Crescioni, who has been satisfying appetites at this cozy enclave since it opened in 1986. Appetizers include stuffed Antillean style crab back, West Indian- style fish fritters and Escargot de Bourgogne—a sumptuous serving of snails in a garlic butter sauce. The dinner options are wide and include pasta, chicken, fish and delightful dessert selections. Try their signature spaghetti carbonara in a light cream sauce topped with bacon and Parmesan cheese. Seafood selections include seafood in puff pastry, a special “Hideaway” of seafood in a golden crispy crust. Crescioni’s seafood ceviche is said to be out of this world. Top off your Hideaway experience with ice cream “Coupe,” Amaretto strawberry cheesecake, Key lime pie or the “best homemade” chocolate cake you’ll ever taste from the dessert menu. Hideaway opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy entertainment on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; and be a star at Karaoke Wednesdays. Happy hour is from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Tel: 599-544-3005 or e-mail: info@lavistaresort.com.
Bel Mar Enjoy breathtaking views of the -Caribbean Sea while dining at Bel Mar in Pelican Key. Guests are treated to a fine menu of grilled and seafood options and a full wine bar in an atmosphere that is serene. Dine a la carte while experiencing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The restaurant offers small and large plates to match your appetite. The specialties include a mouthwatering baked stuffed lobster sautéed in clarified butter, herbs and special seasoning, and combined with a fresh snapper stuffed into the lobster shell which is then oven-baked to perfection. Sink your teeth into a sought-after delicacy: their signature El Gaucho steak, an Argentine filet mignon, which is as lean as chicken and full of flavor. You may also try the traditional Dutch Caribbean dishes such as Keshi Yena, a real celebratory chicken dish from Curaçao. Top off a delightful dining experience with the selection of delicious desserts. Order your wine by the glass from the vast wine list selected by the sommelier of Vinissimo. Bel Mar’s extraordinary wedding and event planning company can also cater all your special events, including weddings and receptions. Tel: 599-544-2614.
Peg Leg Pub & Steakhouse Yield to your steak cravings by eating at the Peg Leg Pub & Steakhouse, a fun-filled casual open-air restaurant in the spacious Port de Plaisance Resort property—a stone’s throw from the Dutch/French border in Cole Bay. An inviting teak wood structure and the rustic atmosphere make you feel as if you’re dining in a restaurant in the center of Texas (if Texas had pirates). On Wednesday and Friday, the personable entertainers will serenade you, and if you accept their offer to take (or share) the microphone, you can be the star of the night. Dancing is encouraged and applauded. The menu boasts a hearty selection of tender USDA choice-quality steaks for appetites big and small. Sink your teeth into the Gigantic Cowboy Cut Steak, a bone-in tummy filler consisting of a double-cut T-bone steak, or the delightfully tender petite cut filet mignon for smaller appetites. Many customers choose a fresh Saba lobster from the live tanks. This versatile restaurant also offers vegetarian and seafood dishes as well as popular soups, desserts and salads. There’s also a full-service bar that many customers claim is the best seat in the house. They accommodate large parties and also have a private dining deck for parties who want a bit of privacy. Enjoy the glass of wine that comes with dinner compliments of owners Jack and Linda Parker, American expats who have realized their goal of always serving the finest steaks in the Caribbean. For reservations, check www.dinesxm.com or call 599-544-5859. Kids are welcome and all credit cards accepted.
The Espresso Coffee House Zest up your day with a tall cup of freshly brewed aromatic coffee and freshly baked pastry at The Espresso Coffee House in Cupecoy. This chic coffee house caters to all your coffee, tea and fresh pastry needs anytime of the day. Grab a piping-hot cup of the richest coffee at 7 in the morning or 7 at night. The coffee house offers a line of smooth-tasting teas, rich coffees, lattes, frappuccinos, espressos and cappuccinos. Snack on one of the fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, or freshly baked pastries and breads prepared from scratch daily.
Need something to warm you up? Espresso also offers a variety of soups to soothe your stomach and soul. If your taste buds are still asking for more, step next door for some pie; a pizza pie that is—get one of the best pizzas on the island with all your favorite toppings. The pizzeria opens until 11 p.m. nightly. Enjoy your fresh brew, baked goods and more in the serene Caribbean setting, or take it away and enjoy it at your leisure wherever you want. Espresso is located next to the American University of the Caribbean in the bustling Cupecoy district. Opening hours: 7:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Tel: 599-545-3717 or 599-545-3382.
Grand Case
Spiga Spiga Restaurant in quaint Grand Case village caters to all manner of tastes. Reputed for its fine Italian cuisine and toothsome homemade pastas, Spiga also offers an international medley of gourmet dining, with an array of options for beef, fish and poultry lovers and for vegetarians. The wide pasta and risotto menu includes an appetizing dish of tagliatelle with spiny lobster flambéed in Grand Marnier, with artichokes, pepperoncino and tomato sauce. You may also want to try the prosciutto-wrapped chicken breast stuffed with sundried tomato cream sauce and vegetable risotto. Top off your culinary excursion with a selection from the dessert menu, which includes chocolate tiramisu, lemon ricotta cake and orange Grand Marnier ricotta cheesecake with crumbled Amaretto cookie topping and chocolate sauce. The fishing village of Grand Case is the perfect setting for Spiga, located in a Creole-style building where parking is easy. The fine food, attentive service and great surroundings make your dining experience a memorable one in the French Caribbean. Tel: 590-590-52-47-83.
L’Auberge Gourmande L’Auberge Gourmande in Grand Case serves fine French cuisine in a romantic setting in one of the oldest and most beautiful Creole houses in French St. Martin, featuring original stone and wood architectural details. Dine a la carte on the terrace or indoors in the charming dining room. The friendly and efficient staff, led by Pascal, completes the cozy -environment. Take your pick from the creative fine French menu, which includes delicious salads, soups, appetizers and main courses, as well as some of the freshest fish available on the island—including French sea bass, tuna and Dover sole, deboned at your table. The meat courses include lamb, filet mignon, pork tenderloin, duck and more delicious treats, all served with a wide variety of interestingly prepared vegetable dishes. Don’t miss the wonderful opportunity to lose yourself in the decadent chocolate Delice, one of the chef’s signature dessert creations. The chef uses his culinary skills to delight with nightly special appetizers, entrées and desserts. L’Auberge Gourmande also has an extensive wine list of fine vintages to perfectly complement your meal. Caribbean Travel & Life voted this restaurant as one of the top four in the Caribbean.
Anse Marcel
Radisson St. Martin Resort and Spa Dine like royalty without paying a king’s ransom at C Le Restaurant and Le Marché, at the upscale Radisson St. Martin Resort and Spa—a gem in the pristine Anse Marcel area on the French side. These fine eateries offer two completely different settings but the same great taste.
C Le Restaurant is a chic waterfront oasis where immaculate attention is paid to details. Indulge yourself by opting for contemporary French/Caribbean cuisine for lunch and dinner. Chef Bruno carefully crafts each dish to tempt your palate and bring to life the distinctive tastes and flavors of the Caribbean. You can dine indoors in one of the two elegant President’s Pavilion dining rooms, or alfresco at the waterfront’s edge with sand between your toes as you’re caressed by the warm Caribbean breeze. C Le Restaurant transforms into an upscale lounge and gourmet restaurant after dark.
Le Marché is a casual market-style bistro that serves up fresh daily choices of fruit, pastries and desserts baked from scratch in-house, and is open for breakfast and dinner. Sit at one of the trendy kiosks for brick oven pizza and rotisserie. For dinner, Le Marché lays out six exotic menu choices for patrons. For 35 Euros, you can enjoy any combination from the rotisserie, brick oven, grill, pastas, salad and dessert bar. It’s a great choice for the budget-conscious. Both restaurants accept outside patrons.
A Trip Would Not Be Complete Without ...
A visit to the fish market in Simpson Bay. The cleaning process is fascinating to watch and a great activity for kids. And, you can find a plate of the typical island cuisine from island grilling legend Johnny Under the Tree.
Cave de Marigot—located in the Hope Industrial estate on the road to Grand Case. It is a one-of-a-kind experience: a wine cellar and gourmet restaurant in one. Sit amid stacks of wine, imbibe on the finest ingredients from France, and soak up the atmosphere and the wine. The Grand Café, served with a selection of French chocolate, is about as good as it gets. No dinner service.
Bread. Forget about counting carbs. Buy a loaf of crusty bread—there really isn't a bad loaf on the island—or ask a local for their favorite bakery. Slather on the Dutch or French butter and enjoy.
Ice cream made on the island. The coffee, vanilla, passion fruit, coconut, raspberry and mango are amazing. They don't have all the flavors in one place, but they are worth the scavenger hunt to find and taste them all.
Indian food. There are several places that serve this on the island, but Lal's across from the airport beats them all. Crispy nan and samosa appetizers and luscious fish, chicken and lamb—freshly cooked for you to your heat request, with perfumed basmati rice on the side.
Sampling the many flavors of guavaberry at the Guavaberry Tasting Emporium in Philipsburg. The liquors and hot sauces are amazing, and the building itself is a gem of a historic building, with the ruins of an old synagogue in the back.
You'll just have to ditch the diet and enjoy more than three meals a day while in St. Maarten/St. Martin. Check out our Dining Guide to plan ahead and get the full details and contact information for reservations for the islands great restaurants!
Lively atmosphere and affordable, high quality food. Mojitos, Heineken on tap, jerk chicken, wraps, fish’n chips and mouth-watering filets, shrimp and lobster! Lobster mania Tuesdays, crab-aganza Wednesdays, prime rib Thursdays, key lime pie and home-made deserts. Happy “hour” daily: 4:30pm – 7:00pm – all drinks are 2-for-1 and discounted appetizers. Bobby’s Marina and Simpson Bay next to the Atrium Hotel.
Blue Mall at Cupecoy Beach
Blue Mall is a brand new celebration of design excellence, blending the tranquility of the tropics with the simplicity of classic architecture. Precious gems, the latest in international fashion, all the brands you love are here – plus an international wine selection and gourmet food market to pack a decadent picnic basket for the beach, boat or plane charter, or to take as gifts. Secured and valet parking, 84 luxury boutiques, 12 world class restaurants.
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Have you visited St. Maarten by cruise ship recently? Then you know one day is just not enough for St. Maarten's 37 breathtaking beaches, the shopper's paradise of Duty Free bling and luxury goods, exciting casinos, entertainment and nightlife -- not to mention the glorious food in this culinary heaven. 
No matter what your craving may be, St. Maarten/St. Martin is a great place to dine. Your palate will be delighted by the tasty culinary choices, since there are more than 350 restaurants here. That, we’ve been told, is the most per square mile in the Caribbean. They serve a medley of cuisines from around the world—from American and Caribbean to Chinese, Dutch, French, Indian, Italian, Japanese and Mexican. There are also local dishes, like the traditional St. Maarten callaloo soup with johnny cakes and chicken leg—a favorite among locals.
For a classic St. Maarten Caribbean experience, Taloula Mango’s Caribbean Café is without equal. It’s one of the hippest spots on the Great Bay Beach Promenade, a busy strip along Great Bay Beach that the locals call The Boardwalk. This local hangout, frequented by the who’s who of St. Maarten/St. Martin, is a centerpiece of The Boardwalk, where everyone goes to see and be seen. Regulars and visitors flock to Taloula not only for the good food and refreshing drinks, but to get that refreshing Caribbean ambience. The extensive menu options include salads and sandwiches, seafood, beef, pasta and vegetarian palate pleasers. Bite into their signature Philipsburger (named after St. Maarten’s capital), devour the “Good Ass Ribs” or build your own burger. Prop up at the Blue Bitch Bar and cool down with the wide selection of tropical beverages, frozen thirst quenchers and mixed concoctions. Discover why regulars call this restaurant “One delicious slice of paradise.”
Greenhouse has a relaxed yet lively atmosphere with affordable, quality food. The outside terrace offers a tranquil breeze and a great view of the sea. You will be tempted by fresh mint mojitos, Heineken on tap, great wings, jerk chicken wraps, fish-and-chips and grouper Creole.
Ocean Lounge restaurant is the destination for anyone seeking great food, reputable service and incredible views of the Caribbean Sea. This open-air, chic Caribbean lounge is located on The Boardwalk at the Holland House Beach Hotel. It offers a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea from its outdoor terrace, complete with cozy white-cushioned seating and a great ambience, which General Manager Paul Boetekees says is part of the “Holland House experience.” This experience is complemented by an enticing selection of European international cuisine, featuring superb cocktails, finger foods and imaginative dishes created by a Michelin-Star-quality chef, Executive Chef Ricardo Niels, the 2008 Silver Medal Winner in the Taste of the Caribbean culinary competition. Ocean Lounge offers an extensive daily à la carte menu and unique entrées; it serves three-course meals for US$39 and a selection of more than 70 wines for under US$50 per bottle. Try their signature grilled Chilean sea bass bathed in black truffle butter sauce or Chef Niels’ award-winning slow roasted pork tenderloin in Worcestershire sauce. Desserts are made fresh daily, and ice creams and sorbets created from scratch. The Friday night ambience is sweetened by a free Rosé tasting and with live entertainment by Deejay Rah from 6-11 p.m.
Mooi is a world of casual elegance where the cuisine is delectable, the prices easy and the ambience fun and relaxing. This just-opened, feel-happy restaurant in the charming Puerta del Sol Plaza at the Simpson Bay Yacht Club is set in a stylish two-tiered milieu of floor-to-ceiling glass and boasts a fashionable and relaxed, see-and-be-seen urban Caribbean vibe. It boasts two indoor dining halls—one on each level—and two open-air patios, complete with hand-picked Italian furniture and plush lounges. Mooi has a perfect laid-back atmosphere that Argentine proprietor Carlos Marinaro has been tweaking and perfecting for the past two years. The menu at Mooi, a Dutch word meaning beautiful, pays tribute to classical Argentine flavors with delectable yet simple selections such as authentic veal parmigiana—thin-pounded veal, crusted with bread crumbs and deep fried, then topped with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce—and Argentine tenderloin with au gratin potatoes, green salad and “salsa criolla” dip. There are also chicken and seafood choices, salads, sandwiches and hamburgers, as well as delectable desserts, pastries baked from scratch daily, and beverages, freshly brewed teas and coffees. Stop by for a snack or a drink with friends and enjoy the soft background music. Walk in with your laptop, since the restaurant has wireless Internet access. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m.-midnight. Tel: 599-544-2693. E-mail: info@mooi-lifeandfood.com.
Patagonia is one of the newest, most exquisite restaurants to arrive into the dining scene in St. Maarten. Located on the lower level of the stylish Puerta del Sol Plaza, this refined restaurant promises to be a charming enclave where the service is exceptional, the atmosphere serene and the culinary choices created to seduce your appetite. The menu pays homage to authentic Argentine cuisine. The fine gourmet selection will include choices made from the famous beef of Las Pampas and lean Patagonia lamb, alongside treasures from the ocean such as spider crab, shrimps and scallops from Tierra del Fuego. An interesting selection of fine vintages from Argentina and around the world will await your indulgence in their large walk-in cellar. Dine anytime or stop by and enjoy cocktails and fine wine at the large bar. The brainchild of Carlos Marinaro, Patagonia will be the place to go for superb service and elegant dining. With seating for only 35 people, reservations are highly recommended. Patagonia opens in December 2009. Tel: 599-544-3394. 
Think breezy, mesmerizing flavors and fresh catch of the day on your plate. Then head down to Lee’s Roadside Grill and bar, a casual lagoon-front eatery on Simpson Bay reputed for bringing to life the flavors of the fresh catch of the day. Your choice will be grilled to perfection and served with your pick of appetizing sides. Pop in for lunch or dinner. Whatever your choice—whether conch, mahi mahi, snapper, shrimp, wahoo or tuna—you’re likely to find it at Lee’s. You can also take your pick of fresh, live Caribbean Sea lobster from the always-full lobster pool. Of course, they also have chicken delicacies, and their barbecued ribs are very popular. Cash in on their daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m., for half off on everything. Check out the Carib Beer Mondays, Margarita Tuesdays, Coors Light Wednesdays, Sex on the Beach Thursdays, Corona Fridays and House Wine Saturdays for half-price selections all day long. The live nightly entertainment by a hot island band and bubbly atmosphere give Lee’s, voted Best Seafood Restaurant six years in a row, an authentic Caribbean ambience and set it apart from the rest. Lee’s is located on the road to Simpson Bay. Look out for the large sign.
Jimbo’s Rock & Blues Café in the Simpson Bay Yacht Club is a party-hardy restaurant that serves great gourmet food and has a swim-up bar for the adventurous. They serve enchiladas, burritos, chimichanga plates, fajitas, salads, sandwiches, desserts and Mexican platters. Try the lobster fajita special: mesquite grilled lobster with sizzling medallions of juicy lobster tail smothered with steaming strips of onion, and red and green peppers. A Kids Corner menu is also available, with yummy treats such as nuggets, hamburgers and baby back ribs. The beverage menu ranges from tropical cocktails and island specialties to a large selection of beers. They also have an extensive wine and Champagne list, and you can order by the glass. Try the frozen margaritas, Jimbo Mega-Rita and a “mean” sangria. Check out their store for all your trendy Jimbo’s wear. Located at Plaza del Lago behind Scotia Bank in Simpson Bay.
Cupid may have been around when Valentino’s Italian Bistro opened on the day of love Feb. 14, 2007, but this dreamy eatery at Simpson Bay Marina is more than just a place for lovers to dine. An intimate restaurant and lounge, Valentino’s is the spot for anyone yearning for classic Italian treats. The warm decor features sepia photos from the olden film days and tops off Valentino’s classical experience. They serve traditional authentic homemade pastas, classic gourmet pizza and a number of Italian specialties complemented by the delightful dessert selection. Pair your menu choice with your favorite libation from an extensive selection. Enjoy a complimentary Champagne Bellini with dinner. Dine in the restaurant or unwind with a cocktail in the lounge, where the entertainment from the tube makes the occasion a memorable one. Open Monday-Saturday from 6 p.m.-midnight.
Satisfy your comfort food cravings at Saratoga Restaurant in the Simpson Bay Yacht Club. This waterside eatery is elegantly casual, with a welcoming atmosphere for romantic dining. It has a great menu of delectable comfort foods for every appetite. The menu includes options for every craving: fresh Caribbean fish, French oysters, steak, pork, chicken, lamb, duck and pastas. Pair your choice with the right wine and spirit from the extensive selection. Start your culinary journey with fish soup with rouille as an appetizer, followed by a main course of sautéed red snapper fillet with pleurotte mushroom-roasted garlic butter sauce and wild rice. Top it off with one of the delectable Saratoga dessert choices. The Saratoga crispy fried fish, Saratoga salad and Saratoga dessert specials are always great treats for any day. Discover why “comfort food is a passion and quality and freshness a religion” at this eatery. Open Monday-Saturday from 6:30 p.m. until the last appetite is satisfied. All major credit cards accepted. E-mail: saratoga@caribserve.net. 
The charming Zee Best Restaurant has been tempting appetites with the most important meal of the day for 26 years and counting. Conveniently located in the heart of the bustling Simpson Bay district and on the serene Port de Plaisance property with a stunning view of the Simpson Bay Lagoon, Zee Best offers a classic breakfast experience. Zee Best has earned its reputation for quality, freshness and great taste. Winner of the Best Breakfast spot in St. Maarten five years in a row, Zee Best serves a large selection of patisseries, fresh fruits, juices, coffees and teas, and eggs whichever way you want. Their many croissants (more than 20 different types), fruit Danishes and breads are baked from scratch daily, so you’re guaranteed freshness every time. Sink your teeth into the famous almond croissant, a menu topper that melts in your mouth. You can dine a la carte at both locations. Chef Mikey is ready to make your breakfast a much cherished culinary experience in paradise. “We warmly welcome everyone and pride ourselves in giving the best service possible,” says owner Dominic. Breakfast is served daily from 7:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., and lunch from noon-2:00 p.m., seven days a week. This hot spot is “Zee Best” place to be for breakfast every morning!
The Hideaway Restaurant and Bar is an unforgettable dining destination tucked away in La Vista Beach Resort in Pelican Key. It offers a warm, comfortable environment where the dining is superb and the ocean view amazing. Dishes are meticulously created by French International Chef Gerard Crescioni, who has been satisfying appetites at this cozy enclave since it opened in 1986. Appetizers include stuffed Antillean style crab back, West Indian- style fish fritters and Escargot de Bourgogne—a sumptuous serving of snails in a garlic butter sauce. The dinner options are wide and include pasta, chicken, fish and delightful dessert selections. Try their signature spaghetti carbonara in a light cream sauce topped with bacon and Parmesan cheese. Seafood selections include seafood in puff pastry, a special “Hideaway” of seafood in a golden crispy crust. Crescioni’s seafood ceviche is said to be out of this world. Top off your Hideaway experience with ice cream “Coupe,” Amaretto strawberry cheesecake, Key lime pie or the “best homemade” chocolate cake you’ll ever taste from the dessert menu. Hideaway opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy entertainment on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; and be a star at Karaoke Wednesdays. Happy hour is from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Tel: 599-544-3005 or e-mail: info@lavistaresort.com.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the -Caribbean Sea while dining at Bel Mar in Pelican Key. Guests are treated to a fine menu of grilled and seafood options and a full wine bar in an atmosphere that is serene. Dine a la carte while experiencing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The restaurant offers small and large plates to match your appetite. The specialties include a mouthwatering baked stuffed lobster sautéed in clarified butter, herbs and special seasoning, and combined with a fresh snapper stuffed into the lobster shell which is then oven-baked to perfection. Sink your teeth into a sought-after delicacy: their signature El Gaucho steak, an Argentine filet mignon, which is as lean as chicken and full of flavor. You may also try the traditional Dutch Caribbean dishes such as Keshi Yena, a real celebratory chicken dish from Curaçao. Top off a delightful dining experience with the selection of delicious desserts. Order your wine by the glass from the vast wine list selected by the sommelier of Vinissimo. Bel Mar’s extraordinary wedding and event planning company can also cater all your special events, including weddings and receptions. Tel: 599-544-2614.
Yield to your steak cravings by eating at the Peg Leg Pub & Steakhouse, a fun-filled casual open-air restaurant in the spacious Port de Plaisance Resort property—a stone’s throw from the Dutch/French border in Cole Bay. An inviting teak wood structure and the rustic atmosphere make you feel as if you’re dining in a restaurant in the center of Texas (if Texas had pirates). On Wednesday and Friday, the personable entertainers will serenade you, and if you accept their offer to take (or share) the microphone, you can be the star of the night. Dancing is encouraged and applauded. The menu boasts a hearty selection of tender USDA choice-quality steaks for appetites big and small. Sink your teeth into the Gigantic Cowboy Cut Steak, a bone-in tummy filler consisting of a double-cut T-bone steak, or the delightfully tender petite cut filet mignon for smaller appetites. Many customers choose a fresh Saba lobster from the live tanks. This versatile restaurant also offers vegetarian and seafood dishes as well as popular soups, desserts and salads. There’s also a full-service bar that many customers claim is the best seat in the house. They accommodate large parties and also have a private dining deck for parties who want a bit of privacy. Enjoy the glass of wine that comes with dinner compliments of owners Jack and Linda Parker, American expats who have realized their goal of always serving the finest steaks in the Caribbean. For reservations, check www.dinesxm.com or call 599-544-5859. Kids are welcome and all credit cards accepted. 
Zest up your day with a tall cup of freshly brewed aromatic coffee and freshly baked pastry at The Espresso Coffee House in Cupecoy. This chic coffee house caters to all your coffee, tea and fresh pastry needs anytime of the day. Grab a piping-hot cup of the richest coffee at 7 in the morning or 7 at night. The coffee house offers a line of smooth-tasting teas, rich coffees, lattes, frappuccinos, espressos and cappuccinos. Snack on one of the fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, or freshly baked pastries and breads prepared from scratch daily. 
Spiga Restaurant in quaint Grand Case village caters to all manner of tastes. Reputed for its fine Italian cuisine and toothsome homemade pastas, Spiga also offers an international medley of gourmet dining, with an array of options for beef, fish and poultry lovers and for vegetarians. The wide pasta and risotto menu includes an appetizing dish of tagliatelle with spiny lobster flambéed in Grand Marnier, with artichokes, pepperoncino and tomato sauce. You may also want to try the prosciutto-wrapped chicken breast stuffed with sundried tomato cream sauce and vegetable risotto. Top off your culinary excursion with a selection from the dessert menu, which includes chocolate tiramisu, lemon ricotta cake and orange Grand Marnier ricotta cheesecake with crumbled Amaretto cookie topping and chocolate sauce. The fishing village of Grand Case is the perfect setting for Spiga, located in a Creole-style building where parking is easy. The fine food, attentive service and great surroundings make your dining experience a memorable one in the French Caribbean. Tel: 590-590-52-47-83.
L’Auberge Gourmande in Grand Case serves fine French cuisine in a romantic setting in one of the oldest and most beautiful Creole houses in French St. Martin, featuring original stone and wood architectural details. Dine a la carte on the terrace or indoors in the charming dining room. The friendly and efficient staff, led by Pascal, completes the cozy -environment. Take your pick from the creative fine French menu, which includes delicious salads, soups, appetizers and main courses, as well as some of the freshest fish available on the island—including French sea bass, tuna and Dover sole, deboned at your table. The meat courses include lamb, filet mignon, pork tenderloin, duck and more delicious treats, all served with a wide variety of interestingly prepared vegetable dishes. Don’t miss the wonderful opportunity to lose yourself in the decadent chocolate Delice, one of the chef’s signature dessert creations. The chef uses his culinary skills to delight with nightly special appetizers, entrées and desserts. L’Auberge Gourmande also has an extensive wine list of fine vintages to perfectly complement your meal. Caribbean Travel & Life voted this restaurant as one of the top four in the Caribbean. 
Dine like royalty without paying a king’s ransom at C Le Restaurant and Le Marché, at the upscale Radisson St. Martin Resort and Spa—a gem in the pristine Anse Marcel area on the French side. These fine eateries offer two completely different settings but the same great taste.
Lively atmosphere and affordable, high quality food. Mojitos, Heineken on tap, jerk chicken, wraps, fish’n chips and mouth-watering filets, shrimp and lobster! Lobster mania Tuesdays, crab-aganza Wednesdays, prime rib Thursdays, key lime pie and home-made deserts. Happy “hour” daily: 4:30pm – 7:00pm – all drinks are 2-for-1 and discounted appetizers. Bobby’s Marina and Simpson Bay next to the Atrium Hotel.
Blue Mall is a brand new celebration of design excellence, blending the tranquility of the tropics with the simplicity of classic architecture. Precious gems, the latest in international fashion, all the brands you love are here – plus an international wine selection and gourmet food market to pack a decadent picnic basket for the beach, boat or plane charter, or to take as gifts. Secured and valet parking, 84 luxury boutiques, 12 world class restaurants. 
