The Cuisine of St Barths

Saint Barthélemy boasts one of the finest and most sophisticated dining scenes in the Caribbean, a natural expression of its blend of French heritage and island glamour. Here classic French gastronomy, with all its finesse, sauces and pâtisserie, is married to the fresh bounty of the tropics: local fish and lobster, tropical fruit, and Creole spice and flavour. Chic beach clubs serve elegant lunches by the turquoise sea, while Gustavia and the island's hillsides hold acclaimed restaurants where accomplished chefs turn out refined French-Caribbean cuisine, complemented by fine French wines. From a simple grilled catch of the day to an elaborate gourmet dinner, dining on St Barths is a genuine pleasure and a highlight of the island's stylish, indulgent character.

The main sights

• The French-Caribbean cuisine - the classic French cooking with island flavours.
• The fresh seafood - the local fish and Caribbean lobster.
• The beach clubs - the elegant seaside dining.
• The fine wines - the excellent French wine cellars.

When to go

Year-round; St Barths' restaurants and beach clubs serve superb food in every season, at their most glamorous and busy in the winter high season. Refined French-Caribbean cuisine, fresh local seafood and elegant beach-club dining are the signatures to seek out.

Before you go

St Barths' dining is refined and, like the island, expensive, reflecting its exclusive character, so its acclaimed restaurants and beach clubs are a luxury indulgence. As one of the finest dining scenes in the Caribbean, marrying classic French gastronomy with fresh island seafood and flavours, though, the cuisine of St Barths is a genuine highlight for food lovers.

Nearby

The restaurants of Gustavia and the island's chic beach clubs serve it.