You can’t leave (We Are SXM) without trying the local fare and snack shacks; all around, you’ll find Caribbean barbeques triggering your senses. Try the perfectly grilled chicken, ribs, or seafood, served with rice & peas, and local johnnycakes.
Recommended snack shacks for local food are Fat Boy Jimmy’s in Philipsburg, Lolo’s in Grand Case, Da Waterhole in Mullet Bay, and Captain D’s or Johnny B under the Tree in Simpson Bay.
Top 10 local food to try in Sint Maarten – Saint Martin:
- Conch & Dumplings with rice & peas (National dish Saint Martin)
- Callaloo Soup (National dish Sint Maarten)
- Johnny Cakes / Journey Cakes made the St. Maarten way
- Stuffed crab backs (Crab meat, herbs, spices)
- Goat, Bull foot or Oxtail stew usually served with rice & peas
- Caribbean Ribs or Chicken from the BBQ usually served with rice & peas and plantain (deep-fried banana)
- Locri from Saint Martin (rice, chicken and a variety of vegetables)
- Codfish fritters (deep-fried dough mixed with codfish)
- One of the locally caught fish such as Mahi mahi, Grouper, Red snapper, Wahoo
- Caribbean spiny lobster or the Slipper lobster (hard to find)
National dishes
Sint Maarten | Saint Martin’s culture foods that you have to try are the national dishes callaloo soup (French Side) and conch & dumplings (Dutch side).
Callaloo Soup (Saint Martin):
The preferred delicacy and national dish on the French side is Callaloo, a thick green soup made from spinach greens, pork cubes, hot pepper, okra, black pepper, thyme, and chicken stock.
You can find Callaloo soup at Ital Shack in Philipsburg every Saturday night and at Captain D’s Roadside Grill in Simpson Bay.
Conch & Dumplings (Sint Maarten):
The national dish of Dutch Sint Maarten is the conch and dumplings. First, they pound the conch (sea snail) to tender it—afterward, it’s pressure-cooked with dumplings, herbs, and spices. The thick sauce from the conch and dumplings is used as gravy to eat with rice, vegetables, and johnnycakes. You might also find a delicious soup variety of this dish.
Enjoy this dish at Yvette’s Kitchen in French Quarter.
Where do these Caribbean delicacies come from?
As SXM is known as the melting pot of the Caribbean, you find lots of National and authentic local dishes originated from other Caribbean Islands. We have everything Jerk, and saltfish & ackee from Jamaica, porc Colombo from Guadeloupe, locri from St. Martin, plantain (Caribbean), breadfruit (St. Kitts), stuffed crab-backs (Bahamas), Goat stew (Montserrat).
Locally caught fresh fish:
Furthermore, a must-try is the locally caught fish such as red snapper, mahi-mahi, tuna, grouper, triggerfish, wahoo, hogfish, or Caribbean lobster.
Fun Fact: did you know many locals up to today do not eat lobster? Because back in the days, there were so many lobsters around that fishermen would solely use them as bait to catch the “real” fish back in the days.
Our selection of local restaurants
Below you’ll find our selection of the best locations to enjoy a local Lunch or Dinner being seated. Make sure you order a smooth Caribbean Rum or Island cocktail to pair with your meal. These places are handpicked based on the possibility to sit, Price – Quality, and Service.
First, we mention all authentic local restaurants, afterward those with significant local influences within their menu or use locally grown products. Each location serves excellent food and has reasons to be worth your visit.
Enjoy your meal!
Gorgeous Mullet Bay Beach can now be a full-day destination! Offering a Changing Room, Shower, Toilets, and Lockers.
Visit Joelle & Gregg in Simpson Bay | A place to relax, sit back, and enjoy a home-cooked meal full of Caribbean flavor inspired by Trinidad!
This cozy Beach Bar & Restaurant right on Orient Bay beach spreads the aroma of Caribbean charcoal grilled dishes since 1977!
Authentic local BBQ & Caribbean delicacies seasoned with island spices and cooked to perfection – Kim Sha Beach
Home-cooked vegan meals with ingredients mostly from SXM’s soil. Ital shack in Philipsburg is helping people cleanse their bodies for decades.
One of the island’s best Roadside BBQ grills for authentic Caribbean dishes and local flavors. Try the Ribs, Chicken or Jimmy Cake Burger in Philipsburg!
Locally owned and run, this place in Simpson Bay shows that you really can do fine dining with Caribbean food, drinks and service! Go Locals!
Visit this typical Dutch “Bruin Café” in Madame Estate, serving the largest selection of Belgium Beers, over 70 Whiskey’s, Rhums & Dutch snacks!
Newest addition to Grand Case Beach, Serving strong drinks, BBQ, Fresh Catch & Authentic Local Cuisine by Award-Winning Chef Enor.
Local influences within their menu or the use of locally grown products
Located on a historic 18th century sugar cane plantation. The Chef brings a combination of high-end dining with classic Caribbean cuisine.
Lagoonies in Cole Bay combines the delicate French taste with fun-loving Dutch side vibes. Intimate family-style venue & authentic local experience.
Escape in the mesmerizing nature of St Martin. Great food, with a French – Caribbean cuisine, top cocktails & the most beautiful pool you will ever find.
This oceanfront Dutch | Caribbean restaurant in Philipsburg is a quintessential eatery looking out to Great Bay’s blue water.
The original Grand Case (Big House), a Caribbean French & American fusion menu, friendly staff, and cozy ambiance always attract a fun crowd!
Gourmet french dining on the square in Orient Bay Village Square with world-class meats & locally sourced fish, balanced Cocktails & Top Wines.
The Hideaway welcomes everyone to Pelican. Serving Caribbean | International cuisine all day with pool seating overlooking the ocean!
American diner with Caribbean influences in Simpson Bay. With nightly Karaoke and a Dinner-Dance show – a fun, colorful hangout with AC.
Other great places worth a mention and hopefully soon on We Are SXM:
Chez Yvette | French Quarter
Shieka’s Vegetarian & Caribbean Cuisine | Philipsburg
The Johnny Caker | Philipsburg
Mark’s Place | Philipsburg
The Jerk & Roti Hut | Philipsburg
De Blauwe Hap | Madame Estate
Johnny B’s under the tree | Simpson Bay
White Swan | Simpson Bay
Chez Coco | Marigot
Creol’ Garden | Marigot
Tek Away Caribbean Cuisine | Marigot
Sandy’s Too | La Savanna
Lolo’s BBQ | Grand Case
Villa Royale | Grand Case
Chez Maguy | Hope Estate
Le Douze | Orient Bay
Mimi’s Deli | French Quarter
Restaurants per area in Sint Maarten | Saint Martin
We Are SXM Application
Our Application will show you every place on the map and provides GPS service to each location. It works super simple, just follow the steps below.
Step 1: Download App
Step 2: Choose Category
Step 3: Check Map
Step 4: Choose location
Step 4: Read more
Step 5: Route
Step 6: Enjoy
Have a wonderful dinner paired with a Caribbean cocktail, a local spirit/beer, or delicious French wine.
Download the We Are SXM Application for Android or Iphone with the buttons below
Other Restaurants in St. Martin & St. Maartin worth a mention but information outdated!
Johney’s is obsessed with making the best burger in the Caribbean! This burger is as unique as St. Maarten itself. Indulge in your last edible souvenir at the Airport!
Fat Tony’s in Cupecoy | The only thing better than their southern family hospitality is the amazing smoked meats & the great price!