Saint Barthélemy

Arawak Café is a charming Gustavia hideaway where locals and visitors gather for wholesome, flavour-packed meals from breakfast through evening. Tucked down an alley, its shaded terrace offers respite from the heat, with dishes like smoked salmon omelettes with feta and house-blended teas setting a fresh, casual tone. The menu leans into bright, healthy options: açai bowls burst with tropical fruit, while a variety salads and airy whipped omelettes showcase quality ingredients. Though portions err on the modest side, the lively atmosphere and accommodating staff (who cheerfully adapt orders) make it ideal for light bites between shopping or ferry stops. Don’t miss their French toast!

Ti’ Corail brings a refreshingly unpretentious vibe to Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach, operating like a "food truck without wheels" right on the sand. Open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday, this local favourite serves up market-fresh seafood with Caribbean flair — think marlin tataki with mango-lime sauce or crab rolls — all prepared from scratch daily. With just five tables and bar seating, reservations are key for securing an oceanfront spot. Chef Yann Vinsot (of pre-hurricane O’Corail fame) keeps things lively yet laid-back, pairing stellar vanilla rhum with dishes like truffle croquettes and tomato salads. Come for the million-dollar lagoon views, stay for the honest flavours and toes-in-sand simplicity.

La Guérite Beach brings a piece of the Mediterranean to St Jean Beach, its vibrant turquoise-and-white decor mirroring the Caribbean waters just steps away. Since opening in 2023, this offshoot of the French Riviera original has become a go-to for haute beach cuisine served under swaying palms. Think tuna tacos, grilled octopus, king crab, and more. By day, it’s all about lazy lunches on sun beds. Come evening, the energy amps up with DJ sets and a convivial crowd. Chef Yiannis Kioroglou (a veteran of San Sebastián and Italian kitchens) sources market-fresh ingredients for his dishes. Book the second seating for lively vibes, or arrive early to claim a prime spot right where the sand meets the sea.

Le Toiny Beach Club offers effortless luxury on St Barts’ southeastern coast, where guests arrive by resort Jeep to a secluded stretch of sand. The vibe is deliberately barefoot, with flip-flops being basically the dress code. Grilled seafood and crisp salads will be brought directly to your sunbed. Beyond the beach, a wellness area features a freshwater pool, hammocks, and massage treatments, while the boutique stocks chic essentials. Come for the to-die-for ocean views, stay for the unhurried rhythm of a private paradise (without the membership fee).

Shellona blends Greek-Mediterranean flavours with Caribbean ease on St Jean’s shell-strewn shore. Executive Chef Yiannis Kioroglou (of La Guérite fame) crafts shareable plates like truffle pizza, lemon-marinated chicken, and a standout trio of dips (melitzana, hummus, tzatziki) — best enjoyed at a beachfront table. Book a chaise lounge with your lunch reservation to extend the experience into an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing. The Ibiza-inspired vibe encourages lingering, with staff happily refilling glasses as DJ beats drift over the shells underfoot.