Embark on a culinary odyssey with thrilling experiences

Fresh-caught seafood made to order, white-sand beaches and a generous dash of French flair—many Caribbean islands serve up good food and fun, but none quite match Saint-Martin.

With non-stop flights from Toronto via Air Canada and WestJet, Saint-Martin is an easy-to-reach holiday hot spot for families and couples alike, boasting high-end accommodations, thrilling adventure and, of course, incredible food.

Highly considered as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, the island’s food scene is one of its strongest attributes, offering every type of cuisine—from classic French and Creole dishes to Asian delicacies and traditional Caribbean fare

Ready to savour fresh island flavours? Check out these can’t-miss dining experiences in Saint-Martin—your taste buds will thank you. 

For beachside bites

At Le String Beach, relish award-winning French and Caribbean cuisine in a stunning seaside setting. Elected the best table of Saint-Martin at the 2022 Festival de la Gastronomie, it has an open terrace and wooden karbays on the sand, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy tasty bites like homemade acras (salt-cod fritters), breaded squid, and crab-and-avocado rolls. Fish lovers can savour coconut-breaded mahi mahi while meat enthusiasts dig in to tender rack of lamb. Pro tip: save room for the homemade tiramisu.

Anse Marcel beach resort, open for breakfast and lunch only, offers delicious plates made from locally sourced ingredients, with a breathtaking view of the gorgeous bay from every table. Watch yachts bob gracefully in the beautiful blue waters while you dine, then retreat to your comfy suite or relax and unwind at the tranquil spa.

Captain Frenchy is another fun beach bar in Grand Case that serves lunch and dinner. Other top oceanfront spots for a beer and a bite include KKÔ Beach, Waï Plage, Bikini Beach, Kontiki, Rainbow Café, Le Temps des Cerises, La Playa and many more, all located at or near Orient Beach and Grand Case.

For spectacular views

Loterie Farm is a stylish eco-resort set on a 54-acre nature reserve in the island’s tropical hills. Sip a passion-fruit daiquiri, then dive into salt-cod fritters or samosas by the jungle pool, which is surrounded by lush, deep green vegetation and waterfalls. In the hotel, take a quick trip down the adult-friendly zipline while the children play at the adventure park. 

The West Indies shopping centre boasts majestic architecture, inviting you to wander through luxury before taking a moment at La Terrasse. Amid panoramic views day or night, tantalize your taste buds with a bistro-style menu focusing on traditional French dishes, like snails in garlic butter, eggs en cocotte, lamb shank confit and roast corn-fed chicken supreme. As the sun sets, sip a cocktail while you admire the stunning scenery, then relish the moment in a cozy, romantic nook with a loved one.

Another great way to enjoy local cuisine is to dine at one of Saint-Martin’s roadside food stands, called

lolos. Ribs Shack Lolo’s is a waterfront lolo in Grand Case that dishes out cod, crab and Creole black pudding, as well as lobster and ribs. Its views of the ocean are as good as the food.

For classic cuisine

In the heart of Grand Case just a minute from the beach, you’ll find Villa Royale, one of the best places to delve into Creole gastronomic culture. The kitchen, led by chef Leo Saintil from Haiti, offers a tempting array of traditional Caribbean dishes, including féroce d’avocat, queen conch stew, chicken Colombo, Creole court bouillon, grilled lobster and mahi mahi. Don’t miss the chance to try pikliz, a spicy Haitian pickled cabbage, for a delightful new flavour profile.

Celebrities are known to flock to La Cigale for classic French cuisine like duck confit and Dover sole, which are flown in directly from France. Tables are set up in the sand by the edge of a lagoon with palm trees towering overhead. If you’re in the mood for Asian food, Sao Asian Factory in Orient Bay offers traditional bites such as steamed dumplings and Korean chicken, as well as Vietnamese- and Thai-style soups.

For those who want to indulge in a little bit of everything, Saint-Martin hosts its annual Festival de la Gastronomie, featuring many world-renowned guest chefs and cooking workshops. Running from Nov. 11 to 22 every year, you’ll find no shortage of succulent sweet and savoury dishes. 

With some of the Caribbean’s finest resorts, breathtaking island views and exceptional fare, Saint-Martin is a sought-after destination for honeymooners, foodies and adventurers. The journey of a lifetime awaits.