Got St Lucia on your bucket list? You're in for a treat - as well as amazing views, beautiful beaches and a laid-back vibe, the island is home to some seriously amazing places to eat.
International flavours including French, Chinese, Italian, Indian and Thai are most likely to be found in tourist hot-spot Rodney Bay. However, if you’re longing for a more local dining experience there are many authentic establishments offering Caribbean and Creole flavours throughout the island too.
Here are some of our recommendations on where to eat in St Lucia...
Tipping
In St Lucia, tipping is at the customer’s discretion - the amount should reflect the level of service received. However, a minimum of 10 to 12% is suggested. Some restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill, so watch out for this to avoid tipping twice by mistake.
Our top picks of the restaurants in St Lucia include:
- Martha's Tables
- The Cliff at Cap
- Big Chef Steakhouse
- The Naked Fisherman
- Masala Bay
- Pink Plantation
- Jade Mountain Club
- Orlando's
- The Coal Pot
- Jump Up
Martha's Tables
Malgretoute Jalousie Rd, Soufrière
Tel: +1 758-459-7270
Open for lunch only, Monday to Friday, 11:30 am to 3 pm. Closed weekends.
Close to many popular tourist favourites including the sensational Sugar Beach and picturesque Piton Falls, technically Martha’s Tables isn't a restaurant. But don’t be put off by the no-frills approach on offer here.
Far from fancy, guests visiting Martha’s describe the experience as akin to being treated to a home-cooked meal on a beautifully decorated patio at a friend’s house.
Moreover, while the menu here isn't exactly extensive, every dish is prepared on-site using local ingredients and served with a welcoming smile.
Dine here to enjoy traditional St Lucian hospitality, generous portions and good value-for-money.
The menu includes local specialities such as grilled meat and seafood. In particular, the creole shrimp comes highly recommended. Everything is served with authentic side dishes including rice and beans, potato salad and plantains. A vegetarian menu is also on offer.
Insider Tip: Head to Martha’s early on in your trip, as you’re bound to want to eat here more than once. Reservations are advisable.
The Cliff at Cap
Cap Maison, Smugglers Cove Rd, Gros Islet
Tel: +1 758-457-8681
Open daily. Lunch: 12pm to 2:30pm. Dinner: 6pm to 10pm.
Part of the magnificent Cap Maison hotel, island-inspired The Cliff At Cap is perched upon a private oceanfront bluff. Indeed, the views of Pigeon Island and nearby Martinique are worth a visit alone.
However, the food's pretty good too. The chefs at this elegant, fine-dining establishment take great pride in their commitment to serving French-West Indian cuisine. They use only seasonal, local ingredients that are guaranteed to tantalise your tastebuds.
And the food here doesn’t just taste wonderful - it’s a real feast for the eyes too. The contemporary, inventive menu is regularly updated so there’s always something new to enjoy.
The delicious cuisine is complemented by first-class service and a decadent, inventive cocktail selection. This luxurious restaurant is the ideal venue for a special occasion or celebration dinner.
Big Chef Steakhouse
Reduit Beach Avenue, Rodney Bay Village
Tel: +1-758-450-0210
Open daily from 6pm
You’d be forgiven for thinking this elegant, airy restaurant was reserved exclusively for the steak fans. But, in reality, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Of course, if steak is what you fancy, this is probably one of the best places to visit on the island. After all, Big Chef Steakhouse is proud to serve only certified Angus, which the kitchen team promise to season and grill to your exact preferences.
The menu also offers the freshest locally-caught seafood and lobster.
If you just can’t decide between meat and lobster, why not order the Lobster Surf ‘n’ Turf Burger, guaranteed to give you the very best of both worlds?
End your meal with a tropical cocktail or delicious dessert, crafted using a colourful array of island fruits.
Aside from the delicious food offering, Big Chef Steakhouse also boasts accommodating staff, a great kids' menu, and regular entertainment from some of St Lucia’s finest musicians.