Driving around our islands, you'll see brightly colored fruit, strange-looking root vegetables, flourishing herbs and even foot-long spiny lobsters – all for sale at roadside markets. This rich bounty represents just a few of the local ingredients which makes up the heart-and-soul of our Caribbean cuisine – a melting pot sifted, stirred and savored by many cultures throughout the ages.
Long before Columbus, the Arawaks cultivated foods like cassava, sweet potatoes and pumpkins in fertile Virgin Islands' valleys. These ancient people also hooked, speared and netted a number of fin fish and shellfish like king mackerel, conch and whelks. Danish colonists arrived in the 1600's, followed by the Spanish, French, British and Dutch. Africans were imported to work the sugar cane fields, then came the Chinese and East Indians who labored as indentured servants after emancipation. Each wave of newcomer brought something unique to the culinary table – a different cooking method, a new spice or another way of preserving food.
Today, our ethnic diversity has led to a variety of eating options. Sizzling seafood scampi, schnitzels galore, pasta's tossed with island-grown herbs or Caribbean-caught fish, Danish-style smorgasbords, sushi bars, Cajun crawfish etouffe, chateaubriand and even Peking Duck – you name it, we've got it, the Virgin Islands' rivals many major cities in it's number of food choices per square mile.
But if you're going to indulge in our sun, sea and sand, then you must sample some of our local Creole soul food as well. Start a Caribbean feast with a creamy bowl of nutmeg-topped pumpkin soup or hearty kallaloo stew made thick with fresh spinach and shellfish. Move on to coconut-curried chicken, succulent roast pork marinated in sunny citrus juices and savory herbs or a Caribbean lobster tail hot off the grill and topped with a smooth avocado-based mayonnaise. You'll find the cornmeal and okra combination called `fungi', fried plantains or spicy beans and rice are fulfilling entree accompaniments. And for dessert? Nothing equals a frosty wedge of key lime pie.
Whether you're overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor, snuggled in downtown Cruz Bay, or seated along the Christiansted or Fredericksted waterfronts – twinkling lights reflected off the surrounding seas at night create the perfect backdrop for any fine dining experience.
Reservations are always recommended for dinner in season (December through April). You won't need a coat and tie for dining in our islands, but do wear a shirt and pants, shorts or skirt – no bathing suits, please. Major credit cards are accepted in most restaurants.
One of the most popular restaurants on St. Croix and only 10 feet from the still waters of Reef Beach which makes it an ideal perch for watching windsurfers and Hobie Cats. At lunch, an array of salads, crepes, and sandwiches are on offer. The more elaborate night menu features the popular house specialties
Homesick New Yorkers especially head for this small eatery for breakfast or lunch while touring in Charlotte Amalie. At breakfast you can order yogurt with granola, or else ask for a three-cheese omelet with sausage, bacon, or ham. At lunch you can enjoy fresh salad platters, or else opt for one of the well-stuffed sandwiches, including slow-roasted beef, pastrami, or albacore tuna. The kitchen prepares various wraps and even a Philly cheese steak. Desserts are homemade daily.
The only sushi restaurant on St. John Happy Fish is a sushi lover’s dream. Expertly prepared sushi is offered at amazingly low prices. Sit at the sushi bar to watch your food being prepared. Happy Fish offers a large selection of sushi, appetizers and entrees. Cooked entrees are available for those who do not want to eat sushi. The restaurant is conveniently located at The Marketplace.
Located in the heart of Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI. Rhumb Lines Restaurant encompasses the flavors of the Caribbean as well as Pacific Rim cuisines. Owned & operated by long-time St John residents, Rhumb Lines is located on the site of the original restaurant on St John and has been renovated to reflect the comfort and ambience of a well-appointed south seas home. Come join us and enjoy the inspired cuisine in an atmosphere of rustic elegance.
Our casual, comfortable, covered patio setting allows you to enjoy the outdoors and cool tropical breezes while you dine, or you can eat in our air-conditioned bar. Enjoy the mahogany wood bar with its hand painted tiles, our unique works of art on the walls and our flat-screen TV showing sports and other specials.
Our food covers many Caribbean cuisines – Creole, Bahamian, Cuban, Jamaican, Haitian, Puerto Rican and Mayan. All of these cuisines have been influenced by the original inhabitants of the islands, the Arawak and Carib Indians, as well as the Africans, East Indians and Chinese who arrived later. Add to these the foods of the Spanish, French, British and Danish settlers, and you have an incredible melting pot of ethnic and classic cuisines
One of the most talked-about restaurant on St. John and one of the few that’s air-conditioned. The interior has lots of brass, glowing hardwoods and nautical antiques, not to mention the most beautiful bar on the island, crafted from mahogany, purpleheart, and angelique. The food is excellent, with fish, pasta, beef and vegetable dishes highlighting the menu. Try the Herb and Garlic Grilled Local Yellowfin Tuna or the Roulade of Grilled Eggplant. The ever-changing dessert menu always features decadent selections.
For over two decades, Mim’s has delighted guests with a blue ribbon menu and romantic seaside ambience. Award-winning hosts Mim and Jerry DeFreitas are seasoned restaurateurs. The chef is a Tommy Star winner. When you arrive, you are greeted with a warm smile and cool seating choices: under the stars or on the festively-lit covered patio. Why not begin with seafood bisque or conch fritters? Delicious! House specials are coconut curry lobster and baked stuffed lobster major gastronomic events.Enjoy hand-cut steaks, King crab legs, chicken, fish and creative pasta dishes. Thursday is shrimp night, featuring fresh corn on the cob, fries, and as much peel and eat shrimp as you want. What fun! Save room for homemade butterscotch walnut bread pudding.
With the warmth and hospitality of the Italian people, the spirit of Italy pervades at Pesce. We serve only the finest Italian cuisine & freshest seafood. Located in American Yacht Harbor (Red Hook) on the beautiful island of St Thomas, Pesce serves lunch & dinner seven days a week, as well as brunch on Saturdays and Sundays!
This charming, open-air restaurant is nestled in the stone-walled passage of the beautifully refurbished 19th century warehouse now fashioned as the A.H. Riise mall. Cafe Amici serves crisp salads, bistro pizzas and sandwiches, creative pastas and the best tropical frozen drinks on St Thomas!
Whether business or pleasure, you’re sure to have a memorable dining experience with our friendly staff, breezy location and exceptional cuisine. The staff is more than friendly, their great at their job which of course we’ve all come to expect. However, what makes this a great place for someone new to town…because the staff all know the Island well…and are all to willing to offer local knowledge to help your stay on the island be more pleasurable. We’ve been back three times in 2 weeks.
ISLAND INSIDER TIP #1: Cafe Amici is owned by the same restaurant group that also owns and operates Pesce, The Cellar, and Havana Blue. All are tops on the island the eat at, but for the best tasting pizza you have ever had…Cafe Amici hands down. Between the service, the food and the atmosphere…it has to get our Editors highest rating for all categories. ORDER THE PIZZA…THAT’S THE TIP. TRUST US. ORDER THE PIZZA.
ISLAND INSIDER TIP #2: Due to its location, Cafe Amici derives 90% if not more of its business due to Cruise Ship presence. When they leave, Cafe Amici shuts down. Reason? All the shops close down when the Cruise Ships leave. Are they open when the Cruise Ships aren’t in? Yes, but ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS have your order in by no later than 2:30 pm, as they Cruise Ships will be leaving soon and you can always check with the waitress when the kitchen is closing to be certain. Yes…its very much worth it. Just make sure you arrive early enough in the day to ensure you get the chance to enjoy a local tasty delight.