Whether you are arriving in St. Thomas on a cruise ship or whether you are planning on staying a week in a beach resort, or even if you are local, everyone needs to eat. But where is the best food in St. Thomas? There are so many types of foods available on the island of St. Thomas. From the beachside grills, the local food trucks or the more exclusive restaurants, you can be guaranteed that there will be something that will tickle your fancy be it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just snacks. Whatever your style or budget, St. Thomas has some of the best food in the Caribbean.
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Dinghy’s Beach bar and Grill
Located at Honeymoon beach, Dinghy’s Beach Bar and Grill serves a mix of American-Caribbean food and seafood. It is reasonable in price, and it has a great view of the beach. Rumour has it that the rum punches pack quite a wallop and can lead to overindulgence rather quickly! remember, you are on an island so be careful.
The grill serves poke bowls, jerk chicken, pulled pork sandwiches and the blackened mahi-mahi tacos and bang-bang shrimp are amazing! This is some of the best “fast food” in St. Thomas!
Note: Be aware that Honeymoon beach is very popular and as such there can be line-ups at the beach club and service can be slow. It also has a small kitchen so this can affect wait time depending on your order. When you finally get to eat, the taste will amaze you.
Ideal Restaurant
The Ideal Restaurant is located right in Charlotte Amalie and it caters to a more transient crowd as it is more like Caribbean fast food. Always satisfying, the handmade roti is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. It is prepared in true Trini style with an authentic mix of curry flavors, traditional in the West Indies. Chicken, shrimp and conch are some of the roti offered. A true Caribbean experience not to be missed. a perfect way to relax after seeing some of the best views on the island.
The owner is welcoming and the customer service is friendly. Support the local business and give this one a try for a quick lunch on your walk around town.
Petite Pump Room
With a view of the harbour, the Petite Pump Room is a great way to kill some time on a lazy afternoon on vacation. Watch the sea planes take off while enjoying a laidback lunch or a few drinks. You can start off with a few drinks like the Painkiller or Bushwhacker while you share appetizers like Conch Fritters and Coconut Shrimp. If you are there later in the day and want a fuller meal, entrees such as Caesar Salad with Lobster and the Mahi-Mahi Plate would be worth the while.
Tickles dockside Pub
The Tickles Dockside Pub is located right beside the ferry to Water Island. It is a great place to grab a quick bite while waiting for the ferry. Tickles serves both American and Caribbean food but their seafood, chicken, burgers, salads and finger food make a great lunch. The island drinks and Painkillers, Bushwhackers and St. John beer all serve up to expectation. This pub is a favorite of the locals as well as the tourists and on Wednesday nights as it hosts an open mic night. The music is pretty good.
Hook, Line and Sinker
The Hook, Line and Sinker has been a staple in St. Thomas for over 30 years. Their specialty is seafood and Caribbean dishes as well as steak and burgers. It is more of an upscale restaurant but it is worth the price. The restaurant overlooks a marina in Frenchtown and the views of the harbor and amazing. The almond crusted snapper and shrimp scampi are to die for! I am told they have the best Bloody Mary’s on the island and serve most other local in international cocktails. Here, you will find some of the best seafood in St. Thomas.
Blue 11
The Blue 11 is believed to be one of the finest restaurants on the island. Although on the pricy side, it will definite satisfy you for a special occasion. One of their claims to fame is their 7-9-11 course meals which are really appetizer sized plates. If you select the table in the right location you are able to watch the Executive chef exquisitely preparing the many delectable items.
Preparation and cooking is done with such finesse it is like watching the Food Chanel. And the taste are just as amazing. It will probably be one of your most expensive meals on vacation or even at home but well worth the cost. Dishes include watercress salad, callaloo (soup), tuna tartare, butter poached halibut, lobster tail, New York strip, wagyu short ribs, and jerk chicken. These dishes can be pared with wines for a truly special meal you will never forget!
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Prime at Paradise point
The Prime at Paradise is somewhat like your typical American steakhouse. The tomahawk steaks are very filling and are sometimes brought to your table to cut. Other menu choices include lamb, lobster and bison steak. Serving size is great and sides are typical with a Caribbean flavour to them. Desserts, if you have room, are also available and the passionfruit creme brulee and dulce de leche cheesecake are worth trying to stuff in your mouth.
Tip: On a side note, it is best to take a taxi here as it is a steep, unfamiliar drive and it may be a challenge for some.
Side Street Pub
Side Street Pub is an American style pub located within the shopping area although up an alley. It serves your typical pub fare of sandwiches, tacos and burgers with the burgers being some of the best on the island. Drinks are also available and the Painkillers and Bushwhackers will impress! It would be a great place for the guy’s to hang out while the gals do their shopping thing.
There is music playing also all the time and frequently you find yourself singing along or involved in a trivia contest. A fun time not to be missed.
So if you are the type of person that enjoys experiencing new foods, drinks, history and culture, St. Thomas will not disappoint! It has so many places to eat and drink that could be considered the best on the island!
My favorite was Tickles Dockside Pub.
Do you have a favorite place to eat?
If you are in St. Thomas on a cruise excursion, or would prefer to see some of the great places in a more organized fashion, there is a Flavours of St. Thomas walking tour is available and well worth it.
Money Saving Tips
Flights: For those not arriving on a cruise ship, I would use different sites to try and get the best possible price for flights. I prefer Cheap-O-Air or Trip.com to compare the cost of flights. You can also try different routes.
Car Rental: To compare rental car company prices, I use Rentalcars.com. They are the world’s biggest car rental site, comparing all main brands including, Budget, Ace, Hertz, Avis, and Alamo.
Travel Insurance: Don’t travel anywhere without travel insurance, it’s not worth the risk. Travel insurance from VisitorsCoverage.com is available to people from over 175 countries. It’s designed for adventurous travelers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.
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