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.
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.
Come check out the best kept secret on the Northside. Rumbuzz Bar and Grill located in Magens Point Resort in St. Thomas, VI. Featuring great happy hours, delicious food and an amazing view of Magens Bay
The Cellar’s Caribbean inspired American cuisine is rapidly making it one of St Thomas’ hottest restaurants. Let us tantalize your taste buds with a starter dish from our “From the Start” menu before indulging in something “From the Sea” or “From the Land”. We’re sure to delight your palate with pleasures such as daily fresh seafood features, beef wellington and truffle macaroni & cheese. We also have wines paired for each dish, making us the food and wine pairing destination of the Caribbean! After dinner, be sure to try one of our celestial homemade desserts or treat yourself to one of our dessert martinis or coffee drinks. We have an abundance of after-dinner cordials as well! Our lush wine bar features an extraordinarily extensive wine list of more than 150 bottles and myriad wines by the glass from all over the world. We also have a signature selection of perfected martinis and fine cocktails.
Primarily a seafood restaurant, Walker’s by the Sea pays attention to the details, whether it’s the fine table setting or the artfully presented plate. Favorite dishes include fried or steamed ole wife (a local seafood specialty) and braised oxtail in a herb-accented sauce. Walker’s by the Sea is unique as the only restaurant on the island to market themselves as a true Christian restaurant. No alcohol is served except for a very limited choice of wine (two’s the limit!).
At our independently owned St. Thomas hotel, we invite you to experience an unrivaled combination of luxury amenities, gourmet dining and boutique hotel services at remarkably affordable prices. Winning raves from the International Press, the New York Times wrote of Mafolie, “Some of St. Thomas’s most reasonably priced accommodations and a view that even the top resorts can’t rival.”
This is a great tavern to hang out, have a few drinks, listen to music, watch sports on 13 screens, and shoot some pool. For late night hunger , the guys at Shipwreck Tavern have hamburgers down to a science because they are good. In-fact they are the best 3/4 lbs hamburgers on St. Thomas. Come and enjoy a great spot for locals and travelers.
Grande Cru presents an upscale dining experience in a casually chic setting with a superior selection of 23 wines by the glass, and an expansive array of house infused Martinis and Cocktails. Chef inspired Mediterranean cuisine uses only fresh ingredients to create a cutting edge menu, and is served in a totally hip ambiance.
The perfect waterfront spot, choose from small plates with wine, full entrees or house made ice cream with espresso.
Since February 14, 1991 It’s been a great change of pace from the Caribbean and steak choices that dominate the islands. There are nearly 30 vegetarian and seafood rolls to choose from, including avocado, spicy crab, and red snapper. The real favorite here is steamed mussels in a house-made creamy sesame dressing dubbed iguana sauce,” a creamy sesame dressing that we make ourselves exclusively at Beni Iguana’s.”
This friendly establishment sits on the corner and is open-sided with views of the cruise ships and yachts that inhabit this harbor. The menu features a simple American-pub fare of burgers, including a veggie burger; sandwiches; fish; and pasta. Choose from ham, turkey, or corned beef for your Reuben, grilled with Tickles’ own special Russian dressing, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut. Classic dishes include: chicken Alfredo, prime rib, baby back ribs, fried catfish, and a fisherman’s platter served over pasta.