Prices are for a main course at dinner.

St. Maarten's identity as a cultural crossroads is reflected in the many different types of excellent restaurants. Whether your tastes run to Italian, Tex-Mex, Vietnamese, French, Bavarian, Caribbean, or even down-home American, it could take months to eat your way across the island. Prices can be steep, a reflection both of the island's high culinary reputation and the difficulty of obtaining fresh ingredients.

In high season, make reservations. A month's notice is needed for many of the island's top restaurants, especially on the French side. Many restaurants close during summer months; call ahead to check hours. Some restaurants include a 15% service charge, so go over your bill before tipping.