St Barth's

Eating out in St Barth's

After a day of sporting around, lounging on the beach, or browsing the markets, it's easy to work up a healthy appetite, and the great restaurants of St Barths come to the rescue. The cuisine ranges from Continental French to island Creole, and they all serve the finest seafood you could want.

Gourmet

Carl Gustaf Restaurant's panoramic view of Gustavia Harbor is a visual appetizer to the flawless gourmet French fare. If you just want a light Antillian lunch of sea scallops with white truffles, or a 6-course meal around crispy roast duck, the chef will amaze you with his creations . Rue Des Normands, Gustavia.

Highly recommended

K'fé Massaï has food as innovative as its French nouveau décor. The walls are clad in tones of grapevines and earth, and the tables and glassware are custom designs. The delicacies begin with curried coconut sauce accompanied by French bread. Favorites include the light Salad De Marche, consisting of pears and lamb lettuce in a walnut oil and vinaigrette, to Brochet de Volaille Grilee a la mode Thai, a richly-flavored Thai-style skewered chicken. For dessert you can't go wrong with the Sablé Choco Banane, a heavenly mousse. The Oasis Center, Lorient.

Local Flair

La Langouste provides the beachfront dining and Creole fare that sums up what St Barths dining is all about, along with the best in lobster specialties. If you like fresh seafood served up spicy you'll love this place, and since it's set right on the bay, it's perfect for a sunset dinner. Hotel Baie des Anges, Anse de Flamands.

Romantic

Marigot Bay Club, near one of the most popular beaches in the Caribbean, has romance written all over it. Most of the selections are served for two, so that "large" lobster dish can be tackled like a team. For dessert, the profiteroles with chocolate sauce are the second sweetest part of the night.. Marigot Bay.

Going party in St Barth's

St Barths is fairly quiet in the way of nightlife, but in its laid-back way, it has plenty to do.

Le Select

This favorite watering hole in Gustavia attracts lots of sailors with its great drinks and live music. Almost every visit guarantees a good time and lots of laughs, and legend has it that this is the place that inspired Jimmy Buffet to write "Cheeseburger in Paradise" after munching at the outdoor grill on the sea.

Le Petit Club

If you're partial to partying with mind-blowing disco and dance, this glossy club in Gustavia is the best you'll find in St Barths. The music is great and the crowd even better, with everyone pumped up and having fun.

Feeling

With its brain buzzing drinks, music, and a large dance floor, this club is the best night out in Lurin - always crowded and always fun.

Bar de l'Oubli

Situated on Centreville, the most prominent corner in Gustavia, this posh bar begins its day at 8am, with breakfast and Bloody Marys. The night brings a lively mix of chic patrons.

Moonlight Walks

Only a five-minute walk from Gustavia, the Petite Anse de Galet coastline makes for a perfect after dinner stroll. It is known also as Shell Beach for its ankle-deep piles of tiny shells.

Common events in St Barth's

Festival de Musique de St Barthelemy

Started by 5 dedicated, professional musicians in 1985, this annual gathering now lasts for about ten days and attracts top level musicians from all over the world. Performances highlight the broad spectrum of music, ranging from symphony orchestras to jazz. January.

Carnival

The entire month is devoted to the celebration of Mardi Gras. Restaurants and bars hold food and wine festivals and the nights are filled with music and dancing in the streets. At the end, there is a parade featuring outlandish costumes and a bonfire at Shell Beach. February.

St Barths Film Festival, Cinema Caraibe

Created to bring world-wide attention to the films of the Caribbean, events include screenings at and seminars on "The Magic of Film." April.

Gastronomic Festival

In celebration of the local fare, restaurants offer tastings at this week-long event. May.

Bastille Day

Since St Barths is a part of the French Antilles, the end of the French monarchy is celebrated here as well. The activities include parades and feasts. July.