Where to Eat in St. Thomas
Dinner here is a whole thing. You can eat with your feet in the sand or you can eat somewhere with a real wine list all in the same day. What trips people up is everything else...what it costs, how far away it is and whether you should have booked ahead. That part is all below.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR DINING
What to know before you land
Call ahead from December - April
High season is insanely busy and the good spots book up quickly. Special occasions definitely book ahead of time.
Walking is not a good option
Plan on 20 to 40 minutes and a taxi between the East End and your condo or hotel. Sapphire is one of the easiest with on site food.
Check your bill
Service is often already on there. We always have cash on hand and will tip the server directly on top of this for good service. Up to you.
START HERE
So what kind of day...or night is it?
THE REASON YOU'RE HERE
Beachfront Dining
This is the one you pictured when you booked the trip. Sand and waves steps away, watching the boats cruise by. It also needs the most planning because everybody wants that same 6pm table.
$$$ · about $35 to $60 a person · reserve for sunset Sapphire, Secret Harbour, Northside and downtown.
OR WORK BACKWARDS
Where are you staying?
Taxis add up fast and the roads are slower than the map makes them look. Most people end up happiest eating within about fifteen minutes of their bed.
Red Hook
EAST END · FERRY DOCK
The most restaurants per square foot on the island and the only spot that stays busy late. Parking is the tax you pay for that.
Best for: casual, nightlife and breakfast
Sapphire & East End
RESORTS · BEACHFRONT
Ocean views without the parking hassles of Red Hook. Plenty of choices from Sapphire through Smith Bay.
Best for: beachfront, sunsets & live music
Frenchtown
NEAR TOWN · WATERFRONT
Small, walkable once you are in it and home to some amazing fine dining. Quiet on Sundays.
Best for: fine dining, seafood
Northside & Hull Bay
QUIET · MOUNTAINTOP
It is a drive. The view on the way over is half the reason to go. Fewer places, way more character.
Best for: fresh catch & views
Charlotte Amalie & Havensight
DOWNTOWN · CRUISE PORTS
Built around ship days. Busy and easy when the ships are in...pretty sleepy when they are not.
Best for: lunch & quick bites
West End & Crown Bay
AIRPORT · WATER ISLAND
This area is expanding quite a bit...great options close to the airport and also where you catch the ferry to Water Island.
Best for: last meal on island or adventure days
Best options for cruise ship guests...
Havensight
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Walk, under 10 min to the shops and restaurants at the dock. Easiest, least interesting.
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Taxi, 10 min to Charlotte Amalie waterfront for a proper sit down lunch.
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Taxi, 35 min to the beaches, if you want to mix the meal with swim time.
Crown Bay
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Walk, under 10 min. The marina restaurants right at the dock.
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Taxi, 15 min to downtown. It's closer from here than most people realize.
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Ferry, 10 min to Water Island. Food and beach are a short shuttle ride away.