It's the first question people ask when they decide on visiting St. John: What's a good restaurant?
A popular source of answers is TripAdvisor where hundreds of reviews have been posted by folks who have already tasted the island's offerings. At the moment, 28 restaurants are ranked. However, there are some 60-70 restaurants on the island, so the site's reviews are not the last word on where's a good place to eat. So, if there's a place you like, and it's not on the list, do yourself and the restaurant a favor by posting a review.
Here are the spots currently ranked in the Top 5, with a snippet of reviews posted this month.
La Plancha del Mar (at Mongoose Junction)
"Friday Saturday night is 'movie night' where they have a set menu of rather fancy 4 course meal for $40 each person."
(A sample of La Plancha's menu.)
Ocean Grill (at Mongoose)
"Everyone found their meal to be excellent! Everyone tasted the Mahi and said it was the best fish they ever had! The service was superb!"
Morgan's Mango (between Nature's and Mongoose)
"Morgan's Mango is very busy, but the food and the service remain consistently excellent."
The Beach Bar (at Wharfside)100% recommend
"Very good bar & very fun place to be. Food is ok. Drinks are good. Service is good. Good happy hour. Great spot for watching boats & people."
Spyglass (at Wharfside)
“Beautiful locale with decent food! We enjoyed a beautiful bay side table at sunset. The margarita was refreshing. The snapper was impressively presented! The Mahi Mahi served with red beans and rice was delicious.
We love Sweet Plantains in Coral Bay. We try to eat there a couple of times during our annual visit. The food is always so wonderful and how food in should be in the Caribbean.
We ate at La Plancha, Ocean Grill and Morgan’s Mango, all 3 were great. Have to recommend Asolare, surprised it’s not on the list. Great food and great views of Cruz Bay, it’s expensive, even by St John standards but very good. Also enjoyed The Fish Trap and the restaurant at the Westin Hotel (forgot the name)
Year in and year out the Lime Inn has had consistently good food and excellent service. Restaurants on St John tend to come and go, longevity speaks volumes about quality of food and service and The Lime Inn has been around for a long time. Some restaurants have a fancier decor, and others fancier dishes, but for the money and service provided, the Lime Inn is our favorite restaurant on the Island…
FYI – movie night at La Plancha is Saturday (not Friday). It’s fun and delicious! Seating is limited so it’s best to make reservations. This week is “The Princess Bride” – really fun menu and drink pairing. Check it out – the food is always amazing! But that’s anytime, not just movie night. Enjoy!!
As long as Shipwreck Landing is still there…then I’m still happy ! Oh Yeah, Morgan’s Mango is a favorite of mine too !
La Tapa–the absolute best by far!
The past three years we have enjoyed delicious food at and views from the Water Front Bistro! Agree with favorites Morgan’s Mango, always dine there for the atmosphere and food. Anxious to try La Tapa, but it has always been bustling…need to make a reservation. In addition, had two wonderful meals at Miss Lucy’s for both Sunday Brunch and the The Full Moon Party. Skinny’s is always a must for us:) And, and, and……
Long time island visitor and we hardly ever cook, here are our favorites; for breakfast- Gratto Deli, lunch- Skinny’s (burger or GTO), Tourist Trap (Mahi Taco’s!)and Sundog Cafe’. Dinners- ZOZO’s (great food and sevice, relax and enjoy don’t rush), Asolaire (great view and exciting food), La Tapa (on the street, noisy, but great food), Lime Inn (every visit must include). Others to visit; Miss Lucy’s for Sunday brunch, Woody’s for a down and dirty burger and best happy hour anywhere, Joe’s Rum Hut after a day on the beach (the pizza joint behind)or before dinner, Beach Bar is a real surprise for food and always fun to relax with your favorite beverage. This is why we keep coming back in addition to the great beaches and waters!
We spend 6 – 8 weeks on island each year. Our favorites (casual) are:
1. Shipwreck Landing – best food for the money anywhere
2. Banana Deck – best burger!
Fine Dining
1. Waterfront Bistro
2. La Tapa (of course)
3. Da Livio – great authentic northern Italian
Great pictures! The food looks amazing. Loved the first-hand tips from you and your readers!