Bistrot Caraibes in Grand Case  Just remodeled by the brothers Amaury and Thibault who are the owners originally from Lyon, France. We have been going every time we are on the island, usually three or four visits per year to the restaurant since they opened in the Winter of 1995.  This is our very favorite restaurant on the French side.

Claude's Mini Club is another favorite on her Buffet nights of Wednesday and Saturday.  This is a grand buffet with all the Spiny Lobster, Prime Rib, Chicken, Duck, Suckling Pig, Leg of Lamb and Ham.  Also, there is a full Snapper or Grouper on the buffet as well. Conch Chowder, Onion Soup or Fish Chowder are the first presentations, then salad choices, then the fish, fowl and meat, and then on to the wonderful desserts. Also, there is no additional charge for water and wine.  Reservations are a must during high season.  You will recognize the Mini Club with its balcony seating and Palms through the roof. Claude's is located near the fish market along the old port in Marigot.

In the Port Royale in Marigot are two additional recommendations, the first being for breakfast and lunch, while the second is for lunch and dinner. 
La Croissanterie offers superb coffees, Americano, Espresso as well as Decaf and excellent pastries.  Continental and American breakfasts are offered with Euro/USD parity. Keep in mind though that they needed to do some tweaking of the pricing due to strength of the Euro to the Dollar.

La Belle Epoque has the very best pizzas on the Island, great Mussels, Greek Salad and very reasonably priced pasta dishes.  This is just along the new port, but around the corner from the first row of restaurants, and it is well worth the short walk.  The staff is professional, courteous and prompt. Actually, we have never had a bad meal there, and we have been going since their opening in the early Nineties.

The Dutch side has a distinct advantage as the Netherland Antilles Guilder is 'pegged' to the US Dollar. In the markets the pricing is in Guilders, then converted at the register.  In the restaurants the pricing is in US Dollars.

Two of the three restaurants recommended are within 1/2 to 2 miles for The Ocean Club, while the last recommendation is on the way down the hill towards Philipsburg.

La Gondola is connected to the Atlantis Casino complex and represents some of the finest Italian on the Island.  After a slow start, this restaurant has really created a fine experience and reservations during high season are a must.

Down behind Cheri's Cafe near Royale Casino in the Maho area is a fine French restaurant named Le Moulin Fou without the 'sticker shook' of the Euro conversion. Along with excellent food and service I suggest that you might book a table on Tuesdays when Cheri's is closed (as it can get pretty noisy.)

The third recommendation is Mark's Place, by the Round-about going into Philipsburg. We enjoyed Mark's original restaurant in Cul de Sac between Grand Case and Orient Beach; however, it was destroyed in the hurricane of 1995.  Mark re-grouped and opened at his current location.  He offers wonderful local dishes, such as Curried Goat, but the best deal is his fine Baby-Back Ribs that you can order on a platter, or as an all-you-can eat special.  And are they special.  After lunch or dinner, go to Le Grande Marche market, one of the two operated on the Dutch side.  Very complete offerings.  The other is on the Union Road going from Cole Bay toward Marigot by Port a Plaisance. We are to get one in the "Blue Mall" near us in 2009.

Lolos - These are primary located in Grand Case, but also along the old market in Marigot.  They are operated by locals offering good food and very good prices. The Sky's the Limit is our favorite in Grand Case, and Rosemary's in Marigot.