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.
Enjoy lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch in an open-air restaurant overlooking a magnificent stretch of white, sandy beach on the West End of St. Croix! Taste the delicious flavors of our Le Cordon Bleu cuisine team featuring daily specials and new spring menus. Choose affordable wines from the 2009 Spectator Award of Excellence Wine List plus custom tropical cocktails.
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.
| Oceana is regarded by most as one of the finest upscale restaurants in St Thomas. Long time St Thomas chef and rerstauranteur, | ||||||||||
| Patricia LaCorte, offers a creative selection of delectable fish dishes as well as tappas. Located on the site of Villa Olga, former Russian Consulate, | ||||||||||
| the retaurant is on the water and offers charming Alfresco dining. $$$$$ For a taste of the scene, stop by for Happy Hour drinks and appetizers in the main Bar. | ||||||||||
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The French Club meets on Thursdays upstairs at Oceana for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Only French is spoken. Undoubtedly welcomed at Oceana , since Patricia LaCorte’s Mother was French,as well as a restauranteur in St. Thomas. |
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| It’s rumored there is a one dollar fine for each English word. To arrange an invitation call Pierre at John Foster Real Estate. | ||||||||||
Since 1976, Delly Deck has consistently served good breakfast, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and drinks to locals and vacationers. This Havensight Mall eatery, located adjacent to the cruise ship dock, sees a good crowd of locals stopping by for breakfast and lunch along with their daily newspaper. You will sit near senators or taxi drivers & the governor might show up too. It’s not fancy, just plenty of good food and has a friendly island staff.
Prepare yourself for a culinary journey that is second to none. Old Stone Farmhouse is one of the most elegant and romantic settings you will ever enjoy. From the stunning centuries-old architecture to the dramatic courtyard and cascading fountain, you will feel the grace and ambiance of the island throughout the night. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back to a place and time when opulence and grandeur were the standard fare.
Your evening with us will be an “experience” unlike any you have had before. Each guest is invited into the kitchen where you will meet with our chef. The chef will present to you the entrées that are available for the evening and describe how they will be prepared. You will choose your own fresh, hand-selected ingredients and create your own custom menu. We’ll stimulate your palate with delightful culinary samplings during your tour of the kitchen. Our experienced culinary team will then skillfully prepare your selection using only the most sophisticated techniques to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Our stunning open air experience allows you to bask in the beauty and warmth of the island while enjoying a flawless meal created with attention to the smallest of details. Enjoy wine from our extensive wine list that offers the perfect pairing for your menu choices. For those who haven’t yet visited us… you’re missing an extraordinary experience. For those who have, we know you will be back.