Date Night Eats

St. Maarten, known for being a hot spot for couples to visit, has many lunch or dinner date options for you and your significant other. Whether it’s a cute lunch spot or a candle lit dinner the island prides itself on great eats and intimate atmosphere. This week we visited some of the many amazing date night spots that will take your vacation to the next level.

         Starting off the week strong we visited Barcode, a must-see spot, located in Jordan village. The luxurious and intimate ambiance make it a perfect spot for you and your partner. The restaurant has a mix of both indoor and outdoor seating, which make it adaptable through the cooler seasons. Barcode is known for its homemade food; in fact it is the reason we have returned back several times. Everything on the menu is recommended but their burgers are really what makes the trip worthwhile. The southern burger, a fan favorite, has a homemade burger topped with sweet ‘n sour bacon-onion chutney, smoked cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and homemade Cajun mayo. If burgers are not your go-to, their homemade chili cannot be beat. They also have a simple list of amazing cocktails and wine. The ginger rush, a cocktail made with fresh ginger, lemon vodka, and ginger ale, is a perfect partner for any entrée. The staff is welcoming and accommodating. They also have a great list of wines and beers. We could not speak higher of Barcode and absolutely recommend it for your next date night.

         Also located in Jordan village, Yami sushi is a delicious contender to your date adventures here on the island. We tried a few different sushi spots on the island, but none compare to Yami. Yami is very popular on the island so we would recommend that you be prepared to wait for your food to come out. Many people order takeout which makes their restaurant always busy with orders. However, this is great if you and your significant other want time to talk and conversate before the meal. While you wait for your entrees, you can try one of the delicious appetizers Yami offers. Our favorite were the crispy pork dumplings. The gyoza sauce was to die for. You can also taste test some of their delicious cocktails. As for entrees, everything on the menu is cooked and prepared for perfection, which makes it a spot that is easy for everyone to enjoy. Yami offers sushi platters that come with twenty-five to fifty pieces of various sushi rolls. The platter is perfect for couples who want to taste test and share different options. The bento boxes were also popularly ordered amongst our group because of their variety. Bento boxes come with three to four different options. If rolls aren’t your thing, they also offer rice bowls and poke. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming. There is not much indoor seating, so we recommend that you are prepared to sit outside. Luckily the Caribbean weather is mostly warm and dry!

When visiting St. Maarten, you will often find yourself venturing over the French side during the day to do some shopping. While you are there, we recommend that you stop for lunch at Java, located in Grand Case. Java is an absolute must see while in St. Maarten. It offers beautiful views of the french side of the island with an aesthetic that makes your mouth water. Speaking of mouth watering, the food will do the same. It’s absolutely delicious. Java operates in a very different way that many traditional restaurants. Their main value is kindness, and as we all know sharing is caring. Therefore, they’ve made all their orders shareable dishes, although you can still order individually if you and your partner have different cravings. We went as a large group and they were able to accommodate for some of us wanting individual meals and others splitting some. Not only does Java offer incredible views, food, and an atmosphere of paradise, it also has amazing beverages. The Paloma was in high demand with our group, while I stook with my strawberry daiquiri. I’m not sure what they put in those drinks but we had the time of our lives. 

While everyone can’t be the star of the show, there are three restaurants that deserve an honorable mention. Roma, Milan Fou, and Mr. Chow are all located in Maho and are all right next to each other. Roma, is a breathtaking Italian restaurant. Roma is located directly in the middle of Milan Fou and Mr. Chow. Its appetizers are enough to fill you up so be careful what you order when it comes to the main course. They’re also accommodating to those with food allergies. All of the pasta can be made gluten free which is amazing. The most popular dish among us has been the gnocchi. We’ve returned multiple times for the great food, environment, and experiences. Next door, Milan Fou is a French restaurant. They’re tucked away more from the street so it’s the perfect place to have a nice quiet dinner. The candle lights and low french music make this place feel like you’re somewhere else. One of the best parts is that at the end, they serve you a full bottle of an amaretto and rum mix of some sort completely for free. I recommend you drink lots of water if you decide to take them up on their offer. Finally, we have Mr. Chow’s which is an asian bistro. If you’re looking for sushi, this isn’t your ideal spot. However, if you love noodles and rice this is the spot for you. Its large open air dynamic makes the place feel spacious and welcoming. All of these spots are going to give you a meal you’ll never forget. 

This island is full of incredible cuisine that will bring you home with a full happy belly. With waterfront restaurants, tucked away hidden gems, the restaurants here provide options for everyone. For those who will eat anything in front of them to those who will only eat chicken tenders, restaurants here can accommodate any type of eater.