FINE DINING IN ST BARTH

L’Isola has become one of the symbols of St Barths’ ability to attract the most desirable restaurant owners and chefs. At the heart of the small town of Gustavia, L’Isola stands at the top of small stairs that lead into a tastefully decorated air-conditioned room filled with the scents of Italy. The cuisine, authentically Italian in style, offers only the best dishes, prepared with the finest ingredients exclusively imported from Italy. Antipasti, pasta, risotti and ‘secondi’ (meat and fish main courses) form the extensive yet extremely well established menu, in which there is a little bit for each taste. L’Isola also offers an outstanding wine list, in which one can denote some of the finest wines from Tuscany, Sicily and many other parts of the Italian peninsula.

Located on a hill overlooking Gustavia’s harbor, Bonito Saint Barts is one of the island’s most famous restaurants, praised by foodies the world over. Delicate forms and colours array this traditional and spacious colonial abode, with an open kitchen and a modern twist on exotic flavours, from cocktail glass to plate. Perfect for those seeking a romantic gastronomic dinner,  Bonito also has a resident DJ from 9pm, just in case you’re in the mood to spice things up a little bit. Chef Laurent’s culinary style, French in roots but inspired by ten years spent living in South America, produces bold flavors that work extremely well once combined. Bonito offers fresh, locally sourced seafood, prepared in all sorts of manners, from raw to stews, grilled, and salads, plus an extensive menu of creative cocktails served alongside unbeatable views of Gustavia Harbor

Orega is the talk of the town and the toughest table to get on the island. This is not just a feature of the restaurant’s relatively small size. It has more to do with its Franco-Japanese fusion food and the talents of its welcoming owner Greg and his entire crew. Orega excels in serving beautifully-cooked food with wonderful takes on familiar French favorites given an Asian accent; order a confit duck or mahi-mahi and see. But leave room for the chocolate bombe at dessert, a spectacular ending both visually and taste-wise.

Part of the Barrière legend in Paris, the Fouquet’s brasserie has its very own story and soul. Raw, unfinished wood, wicker furniture and soft, complete with the inimitable Parisian approach to the art of service: a dessert trolley, plating preparation and presentation, and a meticulous eye for detail down to each and every last fold of the tablecloth. A mindset shared by Chef Pierre Gagnaire who creates fresh twists on French classics infusing produce from land and sea with curiosity and creativity.

La Guérite located at the end of Gustavia, is about become a hotspot for the island’s nightlife. We went to La Guérite for its refined Mediterranean cuisine topped with St Barts identity. The view is as quiet as the atmosphere is muted, and if the waiters’ striped jerseys are rather respectable, the clients may not behave accordingly…And we love it!

In the heart of Gustavia on the harbor, Bagatelle brings its “joie de vivre” to the St Barth dining scene. It combines great French cuisine with a selection of the finest wines and champagnes on the island along with the legendary Bagatelle atmosphere.

Le Tamarin is one of the most beautiful gardens on the island, where the impressive centenarian tamarind still sits and two grumpy parrots entertain tourists and kids. This place, located in Saline, is the ideal signature garden for a first drink but also for a night out or a dinner thanks to its hut and main dining room. More than restaurant, it is a magic place where you want to be seen tasting delicious cuisine in a refined decor reflecting mastered Caribbean and Swedish cultures.

Shellona, on the renowned beach of Shell Beach, famous for its thousands of small pinkish and yellowish shells covering the cove, is the ideal location to contemplate the sunset with a refreshing cocktail or share a delicious lunch. At the foot of the Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf St Barts and at the heart of Gustavia, the Shellona is unmissable and renowned for its culinary delights, live bands and DJs, and its beach club atmosphere where your lose track of time. Spices and Greek haute cuisine seduce everyone in St Barts.

Nestled on the smaller part of St Jean beach, the Nikki Beach is the ultimate establishment to visit in St Barth, and truly unique amongst the franchise’s premium locations. For lunch, ‘le Nikki’ as the locals call it offers only the best: grilled lobster and local fish, Caviar Petrossian, chicken Satay ‘Nikki style’ and the most amazing selection of wines, champagnes and cocktail, served right at your table while you stare at their dazzling fashion shows and enjoy the unique vibe.

La Case de l’Isle by French chef Jean Imbert, a few steps away from the sea, is a beachfront restaurant perfect for a relaxing, feet-in-the-sand lunch or a romantic cocktail at sunset. The restaurant is open for lunch and for dinner. Throughout the day, the White Bar serves refreshing cocktails and light dishes around the swimming pool, with panoramic views of the Bay.

Sometimes lounge and electro, always cool, Pearl Beach restaurant is also a beach bar where you can party with your feet in the sand. The natural wooden deck, the DJ booth facing the sea, and the circle cocktail bar set the scene. At night, the bay of St Jean is vibrant with music and shows; with dancers or fire spinners, wine tastings or lobster barbecues.

The Toiny Beach Club offers a full beach service with loungers under the shade of Coconut palms and an al fresco bar as well as a delightful boutique. Enjoy a feet-inthe- sand Cocktail while looking at surfers. The beach is accessible by hotel shuttle or a short walk. Pool on the beach.

On Pelican Beach (St Jean beach) that Gypsea Saint-Barth, the all-new “Bohemian Beach Club” by the Sibuet family has dropped anchor. A place all about the Bohemian lifestyle, but with a Caribbean touch. The dress code is barefoot and salty hair. The restaurant, which is right on the beach, is adorned with shades of blue in homage to the Caribbean sea. Roasted, smoked, grilled or braised… this is where, from starter to dessert, (almost) everything is prepared on the barbecue. Rum bar and DJ.

Take a seat with you feet in the sand, enjoy a knockout view of the turquoise waters and beach in St Jean. As if the setting were not enough, the staff at Lil Rock welcomes you with a winning combo: fresh made planter punch, and a choice of fresh flavors: mahi mahi tartare, carpaccio, langouste, salad Niçoise, tapas… all served in a friendly ambiance with entertainment, from live music to local DJs.

Occupying the former Route des Boucaniers space in Gustavia, this Parisian transport offers all day dining, including breakfast. With smoothies and açaí bowls, avocado tartines and inventive cocktails, this light-filled space is a welcome addition to town!

François Plantation restaurant transports you to the heart of Provence or to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. French elegance sets the tone, blended with Colonial style and tropical touches to create a true cabinet of curiosities that evokes a sense of travel: old wooden boat models, rare shells, and Colonial woodworking that accent a refined, yet relaxed atmosphere.

Eddy’s restaurant, is one of the most cherished addresses in Gustavia: go two steps from the port and around the corner to discover this charming restaurant, whose garden protects it from the outside world. The menu subtly blends French cuisine and Creole traditions.

Captured within a grand garden setting near Saline beach, L’Esprit is one of the area’s more famous eateries within a series of indoor and outdoor dining rooms that capture the chicer lunch clientele of high season. L’Esprit is currently run by Jean-Claude Dufour, who has been a chef in St Barth for the past 19 years, notably to the infamous Eden Rock hotel. This talented epicurean has managed to use his traditional French training to create a fresh, elegant and extremely reliable gastronomic experience, which we are sure you will visit over and over again.

“A true “Roman style” pizzeria right in the center of Gustavia, L’Isoletta treats you to a variety of delicious pizzas at any hour of the day and late into the evening. Add some good Italian wine and settle down comfortably at one of the low tables on the covered terrace.
Using the very best ingredients direct from Italy, our chef creates great pizza, as well as lasagna, eggplant parme- san, and a variety of sandwiches based on what’s available at the market, plus traditional Italian desserts made fresh daily.”

The Rhum Room in St Barth is widely recognized as the greatest rum bar in the Caribbean, home to the largest rum collection of any bar in the Caribbean — and the largest selection of rhums agricoles of any bar in the Western Hemisphere. (More than 650 rums!)

Officially, you enter a cabaret, but you have been warned, Le Ti St Barth is “Carole’s place” above all else. In other words, this is the place for exuberance, never-ending partying, Champagne and smile faces. As the lady of the house, Carole goes from table to table and poses with anyone. An unusual setting, with an unusual tasty menu concocted by chef Pascal Giglio, fashion shows, theme evenings, hip music, unbridled fun. This is one of the mythical party spots in Saint Barth.

Faithful to the initial signature of the concept (open kitchen, red and black decor, subdued lighting, counter), this dining area will extend over nearly 850 m² over 2 floors. On the ground floor, guests will find a restaurant with an open counter, as well as a shop / bakery / pastry / caterer / tea room, while the first floor will host a club area, a bar and a large terrace with a view. panoramic view of the port of Gustavia and the sea.