cruise182,

I know that more locals will go to Zozo's than Asolare, but I'm not sure why, I just know that my friends who live down there go there more often. But Asolare has an amazing view at sunset...can't be beat!!! As far as food, I don't know because I have never been to Zozo's believe it or not. You think in 8 years, I would have gone...maybe in June.

ZOZO's for sure!!!

Why: Great food, atmposphere, and very friendly service. Portions are much larger than Asolare. Plus, Asolare is a little more stuffy to me...too formal for the island.

Views are good from both, but I think better from Zozo's. Go to the bar before dinner for a breathtaking sunset!

We will be there in 2 weeks for our wedding...can't wait!

Thanks....formal is not what I was looking for....thanks!~!

Could someone tell me where these 2 places are and would I need to wear something more formal than a light cotton dress for either?

Zozo's is in town, across from The Fish Trap. Asolare is up by the National Park enterance on the other side of town. I think a light cotton dress if fine for Zozo's and probably Asolare. I don't remember the attire for Asolare because it has been a few years since I was there, but meigan was right, it is way more stuffy and formal, and the portions are small.

Thanks IB- what do you mean the other side of town- out near Mongoose Junction? We haven't been there in 5 long years so my memory of Cruz Bay spots has slipped- to be activated in November!!!

Just one more thing...try the Calamari app. at Zozo's! To die for!!!!

It is through town, past Mongoose, and up the hill like you are heading out to the north shore beaches, at the top of that first hill.

Okay, I think I remember a place on the left at the top of the hill, maybe with a white fence around it, something jogs my memory of it as a garden like setting, white fence, something- oh well, guess we gotta go and check it out!

It depends. If it's fine dining we're after, smaller portions but with perhaps more courses, more formal (I wouldn't say "stuffy") service and a quieter, more romantic atmosphere, and the credit card isn't too close to being maxed out, we go to Asolare. If we want great food and a great view, but a bit more casual atmosphere and friendlier service, we go to ZoZo's.

At this moment, I'd kill to be walking up to either one.

Just one little note. ZoZo's is not across from the Fish Trap. It is up the hill and located at/in Gallows Point.

I would actually suggest Stone Terrace, the food is better than both asolare and zozo's( I never understand why people come to the caribbean to eat overpriced italian food) Note: If the freshest fish they offer is Chilean sea Bass, Arctic Char and Salmon, you know you've hit a TOURIST TRAP!)Also, the one and only time we ate at Asolare, they tried to pass off linguini as rice stick noodles, very embarassing for them, great for us, got a great bottle of wine on the house and a very embarassed server. Also, the only view at Zozos is upstairs in the bar, the entire dining room looks onto the next building. If you've got your heart set on it, Go early, go upstairs, order great antipasto, a bottle of wine, enjoy the sunset, .

As far as fresh fish goes, unless you are ordering mahi-mahi, there is a very small likelihood that it is local.

Our favorite was actually 10 tables. Opened by the former chef from Zozo's.

Actually, Sosa's is across from the Fish Trap, and Sogo's is next door to the Fish Trap (with Conrad's Car Rental in between the two).

I get a kick out of people who trash other restaurants with agendas. I work for the company that owns Asolare. I personally know the chef(s) and I will say the ONLY way they would consider substituting anything off the menu is if there was a problem in shipment. St. John is a unique island where it is very hard to get specialty items. It is true that unless a fish is Mahi, Tuna, or yellowtail snapper, it is probably not 'locally' caught. We also dont have any cattle ranches or dairies.
The only local farm with much production is Josephine Roller's farm. I use her alot. But even things like bananas, mangos, and yes, most of your tropical purees for your caribbean drinks are not grown or processed here. I shy away from being negative about restaurants because I know people from almost all of them. I can tell my preferences are based on the specific restaurants and who the chefs are. Chef based restaurants are a dying breed today in corporate America but St. John is lucky. We have places that most towns would kill to have one but we have several good choices and excellent chefs. I thank God for the airport to bring me fresh caught fish, cheeses, and wild mushrooms from all parts of the world to cook for all the guest who come to Chloes. Isn't that how it works in New York? I mean, you would order Artic Char there, wouldn't you? I see your point that it isnt very Caribbean but neither is beef. It is always a top seller on my menus! I just focus on trying to give people what they want but even then, you can't please everyone.

We ran a conference at the westin a year back and Chef Cody is right He has a lovely place.. i like his flowing curtains., yummy food. and good bar... The island has many special places. i still dream of "cheeseburger in paradise" . i hope it's still there ???

Stone terrace has incredible food and the dress is spiffy but comfy . Asolare a bit more formal as noterd but when it is a balcony seat and the one you love besides you looking at the sunset .. nothing is better ... ditto the Beach bar .. my fav day time hang out .. we stay in Caneel but don't eat there often .a jacket code seems soo un islandy

This time i am gonna even wait in the line for the bbq by the square.... leaving SUNDAY !!yippee
Chef ? any place we gotta try after your's this visit ? thank you ..

Chris,
It was not my intention to "trash" anyone, I am merely brutally honest! Since an evening off work is rare for me, I expect a lot when I go out to dinner, and I merely found it insulting that the kitchen staff believed I would not know the difference between rice flour and semolina. As far as locally caught fish that is safe to eat goes, Mahi, wahoo, yellowfin and blackfin tuna are all available right now. As far as an agenda goes, I live and work on St. thomas, and have nothing at all against the company whom owns, Asolare, Chloe's, chat. bordeaux etc. I was merely suggesting that visitors seek out local products and fresh fish is something many people have never experienced at home, and should definately try!

Well, to be brutally honest, also. There are many people in the states who dont know what EITHER one of those flours taste like. I am not saying I know what happened in your situation but that much is true. Local fish all come in runs and its not like you can say, "i need twenty pounds of this" and get it. At the bare minimum, you have to fill in your orders with non local fish. Unless, you subscribe to the business of freezing fresh fish. I will never agree with local frozen is better than fresh from somewhere else. Maybe you should put on a chef coat and see how easy it is, like on TV!!!!