One of our favorites is Zozo's. No trip without a nice helping of their fried calimari and osso bucco.

As girls would say.........to die for!!!

You will be on STJ during one of the busiest weeks in the year. You should plan on making reservations. Some restaurants may even take a credit card when you make your reservation and charge you a cancellation fee if you don't show up -- that's how busy they are.

ASOLARE is a great place to eat as well, but you will DEFINITELY need reservations. Also, for really really great authentic local fare, check out SWEET PLANTAINS out in Coral Bay.

We were there over Thanksgiving and ate at LaTapa. It was absolutely wonderful. We also are very fond of Morgan's Mango and the Lime Inn. We also had a good meal at The Banana Deck in November.
Jay

My all time favorite is La Tapa. When hubby and I want to go out for a special dinner, that's where we go almost every time. Second favorite is Stone Terrace.

I have to add my endorsement for Sweet Plantains in Coral Bay.
It is consistently yummy West Indian cuisine. Nice people, and a
pleasant atmosphere at the harbor's edge.

It also depends on what kind of food you want. When we're on STJ we're usually looking for something that's related to the Caribbean. We'd never go looking for Chinese or Mexican or Italian or Middle Eastern food in the Caribbean. We like to order things we're probably not going to be able to find at home. I like places like Morgans Mango or Lime Inn. We also like to get some local food when on STJ. For dinner in Cruz Bay, we like Sogo's (West Indian) or Sosa's (Latin Caribbean). For lunch we like to stop by one of the cart/truck stands by the pavilion or the post office (Shela's or Patrick's). We also like Hercules for pate. In Coral Bay both Miss Lucy's and Sweet Plantains have sort of upscale West Indian. The Sputnik bar sometimes has food and there are a few small truck/stand operations around the triangle. The guys at Fire Foods were doing some interesting local stuff. There's a lot of things available that most tourists miss out on.

Thanks for the great recommendations. I'm getting hungry just thinking about some of the great food. Thanks also for the tip on making reservations in advance. Now to decide which ones!

Can't go wrong with the Lime Inn but make reservations this time of year.

We just had a surprisingly good meal at Chateau Bordeaux. We had not been there in several years. Under the previous owner the menu had grown tired and expensive. But Chef Oscar Sanchez has brought new energy and ideas to the place. it is now #1 on our list! I highly recommend this place for a special dinner. If you are here during a full moon, i would say don't miss it. My second don't miss is Sweet Plantains, great anytime, and special, dining outside under a full moon.
Sloop Jones

I would DEF say ZOZO'S.... Such a great place and the view from upstairs is UNREAL! We had our wedding there and it was amazing....

the FOOD IS AWESOME....

ALWAYS make reservations for ANY fine dining returaunt regardless of which island or what time of year. The best ones are ALWAYS tough to get a table at during peak hours.

I second the Cheatau Bordeaux recommendation. In March, our group, comprised of well traveled gourmands from Europe and the U.S., enjoyed what one couple described as simply the most well prepared and executed meal they'd had in a decade. Chef Sanchez is a true treasure.

Get some bbq at Uncle Joe's in Cruz Bay near the post office. You know a place is good if there is no sign out front, three items are on the menu, and you have to order before they run out of food. Oh yea, and they open at 5:30pm and serve until they are out of food which might be 7pm or it might be 9pm depending on the night. Occassionaly they will be open for lunch.

-Josh