Sailing around the French side of Saint Martin reveals a bounty of fine-dining restaurants for hungry travelers, as well as a collection of beachfront lolos (open-air barbecue joints) cooking large portions of lobster, chicken, rice and peas outdoors on large grills. Fine French cuisine abounds, but hearty Creole options such as conch stew are also prevalent on this quieter side of the Caribbean island. Here’s where to drop anchor in Marigot.
Sample the restaurants of Saint Martin by renting a yacht with SamBoat.
Tucked into a corner of the Marigot marina, this hideaway restaurant serves Cajun Creole cuisine with a touch of French finesse. The brightly colored tablecloths and murals of local landscapes are rivaled only by the cool breezes and delicious dishes including grilled lobster with creole sauce. This is a laid-back spot to enjoy a secluded meal amid moored yachts and boats sailing in and out of the marina.
Sister restaurant to popular La Cigale, this chic dining option sits atop the West Indies Mall. It overlooks Marigot Bay with open-air seating and panoramic views of boats sailing in and out. The French-focused menu includes delicacies such as oeufs cocotte (a baked-egg appetizer), roasted duck with tangy raspberry sauce and house-made profiteroles to finish. The wine list is extensive and the craft cocktails pair with the swaying palms and pastel sunsets perfectly.
This quaint bistro on the Marigot marina has glam waterside views and an equally luxurious, French-focused menu. Indoor seating is available, but tables on the terrace offer front-row seats to the glorious play of fiery sunsets over the water. The escargot in puff pastry and niçoise salad are superb, but seafood items such as the dover sole meunière are the stars. Save room for classic French pastries including silky chocolate mousse with sky-high tuiles. Every plate is a feast for the eyes and the stomach.
Only open for breakfast and lunch, this lolo at the waterfront Marigot Market serves all the signature Saint Martin dishes. Creole and Caribbean specialties such as saltfish, stewed conch and fried johnnycakes (cornmeal flatbreads) are first-come, first-served, so get there early. Outdoor furniture is arranged under the canvas awning for optimal communal dining. This is the spot to catch up on local gossip and grab an authentic Saint Martin meal.
Another casual lolo on the waterfront, this grill spot features brightly colored vinyl tablecloths covered by a canvas roof, plus a few seats at the bar and ample portions of Creole food. The stewed oxtail is tender, the creole conch is spicy, and everything comes with rice and peas, lettuce, tomato, potato salad and fried plantain. Nothing is fancy, but everything is local and home-made.
Overlooking the Marina Fort Louis yacht club, this casual, nautical-themed spot has a prime view of sailboats and yachts bobbing on the water against a backdrop of Anguilla in the distance. There are French specialties such as moules frites (steamed mussels with French fries), bountiful fresh seafood served as tartares, ceviche and filets, plus a variety of daily specials. The wine list is large, and desserts such as tarte tatin will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Jetties of craggy rock extending into turquoise water are the backdrop of this Nettle Bay Beach Club spot. Diners can opt for inside seating or one of the pergola-covered picnic tables on the sand. Everything on the Italian menu is home-made. There’s a wide selection of pizzas with white or red sauce, small bites including burrata with heart-shaped bresaola, fortifying mains such as duck breast with morels, and creamy tiramisu for dessert. If you’re heading back to your boat, grab a pizza to go.
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