For a beautiful view over town and the WICO cruise ship dock I never hesitate to recommend Banana Tree Grille. Under the same ownership for close to three decades, they never fail to provide an excellent dinner in lovely surrounds with great service and ambience. Now THAT would be a great place to see the Carnival fireworks if they still have space available. A table close to the balcony for the best view whether for fireworks or not - and let them know the occasion as they like to lay on some nice extras for special events!

Oceana behind Frenchtown.

We were there to celebrate our 30th and Room with a View was recommended by a couple of locals we became acquainted with at Sapphire Beach. It was very nice.

We went to Banana Tree one night and room with a view the next. Both were very nice; I don't know if they share a wine list (I didn't ask), but Room with a View had a killer selection. If I had to pick one, I guess I"d go Banana tree, as it was a little quieter. Both have stunning views.

Funny, I went to STT for one week and now I get to pretend I know stuff.

Another vote for Oceana. Havana Blue (but not on a friday night). At either place call and make a reservation. Ask for a "good table with a good view". Tell them it's a special occasion. Lucky lady. I'm jealous!

Check out the menus and web sites online.

http://www.oceanavi.com/#!entrees

http://havanabluerestaurant.com/

Bannna tree, while nice is more of a "steak house".

Here's a link to Banana Tree Grille's menu. I've never thought of it as a "steak house" and in fact rarely eat steak at all:

http://www.bananatreegrille.com/pages/st_thomas_restaurant_menu.html

Nice! I was leaning towards Oceana so I'm glad you guys like it. I will definitely try the bananatree grille as well. Man, Im excited for this trip!!

Have a wonderful 20th anniversary and a great trip.

I like both Banana Tree and Room with a View. I would look over the menu for each and see what looks best for you.
One thing I would mention is that on Sunday night at Banana Tree they have a fabulous piano player doing background music. I forgot his name but he could play any song and he was really good.

I made reservations for Banana tree grill to eat and watch the fireworks! Fingers crossed for a good table. I also made a reservation for Oceana. Thanks everyone for the recommendations. I'll be sure to let you all know how both places are. One other question- is it safe to drink the water everywhere on the island? I havent seen this topic on any forums so I assume its not an issue

No worries about the water. There are a couple of restaurants where I just don't like the taste of the water so order bottled but the water is tested monthly by a certified water testing lab. Some like to err on the side of caution and drink only bottled water but I've never heard of anyone getting sick from the tap water. Enjoy your vacation!

are long pants required for men at either Oceana or Banana Tree grille?

Nice dress shorts and a casual dress shirt are fine. I actually prefer wearing light pants in the evening to deter any mossies hiding under the table from any leg-nibbling (plus the breezes at night can be quite cool) and many of my male friends stick to long pants in the evening.

Me I would ride the ferry over to STJ and have dinner at ZoZos. Ambiance and Food are the best. The ride back under the stars is pretty special also. Reservations required.

Congratulations

wildbill wrote:
I made reservations for Banana tree grill to eat and watch the fireworks! Fingers crossed for a good table. I also made a reservation for Oceana. Thanks everyone for the recommendations. I'll be sure to let you all know how both places are. One other question- is it safe to drink the water everywhere on the island? I havent seen this topic on any forums so I assume its not an issue

No it is NOT safe to drink the water EVERYWHERE on the island. Most resturants offer filtered water. Ask first! I drink bottled water at home as my water, like 90% of the water on STT, comes from my cistern (giant quasi-subterainian run-off rain water collection tank). I will drink regular table water at SOME restruants (especially at resorts with on-site RO). Other than that I just BYOB water or spring for sparkling.

Shorts are fine for Bannana Tree. At Oceana you will feel more comfortable in collared a shirt. I carry bug spray (off) with me. And spray my ankles befor going out. You find most places keep an can or two behind the bar. Just don't spray in the dining room.

You can always ask your server if they drink the tap water. I rarely order bottled water and have never had a problem. Consider the fact that they must wash the veggies and salad fixings in same water that comes from the tap so if you were going to get sick drinking then one would also get sick eating salads, etc. If this were Haiti or the DR, I'd recommend bottled water and not eating any fruits (unless it has a skin you can peel), salads or veggies, etc.

We had dinner at banana tree grille on Saturday. Thanks to your suggestions. Dinner was great and the fireworks were spectacular! We had at able on the railing so we were basically eye level with the fireworks -awesome! Wednesday we will go to Oceana! Can't wait,

Glad to hear you're having such a good time! (tu)

Ditto! Keep us posted and Enjoy!