If you’re looking for food with a view, St. John delivers. While this selection of restaurants barely scratches the surface of St. John’s dining scene, it highlights dining experiences where the island views are unmatched. From breakfast on the beach to appetizers at sunset, dining on St. John is not just a meal; it’s an event.
Ocean 362
Located at Gallows Point Resort, Ocean 362 pairs island-to-table dishes with spectacular sunsets over the waters of Pillsbury Sound. You can even see the silhouettes of the hills on St. Thomas in the distance. Priding itself on utilizing only locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant serves an innovative Caribbean menu from Chef Nathan Bohning. Drawing upon his experience living on different islands throughout the Caribbean, Bohning has crafted a colorful cast of dishes, from seared tuna with herbal-shrimp risotto to goat cheese polenta.
The Terrace
At The Terrace, old-world Europe architecture compliments a French-inspired menu created by the brilliance of Chef Erica Miner. Located in the heart of Cruz Bay, it redefines the fine dining scene in the Virgin Islands with an elevated yet accessible menu featuring fresh, local and flown-in seafood, meats, premium ingredients, and a creative wine list to pair with it all. And the atmosphere? Imagine vaulted ceilings, open archways and lighting encased in cerulean blue ceramic fixtures. Now pair that with breathtaking waterfront views where you’ll watch boats drift and moor in the bay, and you’ve got an unparalleled dining experience.
Lime Out
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience on the water, there’s no better place than Lime Out. The owners of the iconic Lime Inn have brought the concept of a floating taco bar to St. John. Cleverly named Lime Out, it has been quite the hit since it started docking in Coral Bay in the spring of 2019. You can spot Lime Out’s neon lime-painted barge for miles. The menu includes fresh tacos, hibiscus iced tea, local beer, and creative cocktails. Guests can hang out and dine on the swim-up seats if they wish to keep cool in the water.
Miss Lucy’s
Located on the shores of Friis Bay, Miss Lucy’s is a St. John gem in the heart of Coral Bay. Featuring outdoor seating on the water’s edge underneath a grove of shaded trees, the restaurant also offers live entertainment and open mic nights that draw in visitors and locals alike (as well as friendly goats). The menu features a host of authentic Caribbean flavors, such as steamed clams, chicken roti (Indian-style flatbread stuffed with meat), traditional conch fritters or kallaloo soup. On Sundays, you don’t want to miss brunch. Dine on classic breakfast dishes, from eggs and French toast to crab cakes benedict, while a live jazz duo plays.
The Banana Deck
With its elevated wooden outdoor deck and open-air dining room, The Banana Deck near the ferry dock in Cruz Bay offers a romantic, treehouse vibe. Start your meal at the Bottomless Pour Your Own Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar, then enjoy the island’s gentle bay breezes while watching anchored boats lazily bob up and down in the bay amidst the backdrop of verdant rolling hills. Although this hot spot is known for its hand-cut ribeye steaks, it also offers local favorites, such as shrimp curry with rice and fried plantains, Caribbean-style chicken, or an all-out lobster dinner.
Aqua Bistro
For those seeking solitude away from the crowds, head to Coral Bay on the island’s east side. There, you can dine under the umbrellas of the Aqua Bistro’s tropical outdoor courtyard with scenic views of the waterfront and select from a casual menu with the local flavor of such favorites as fish tacos, pasta, seafood, burgers, salads, and daily specials. Vegetarian and gluten-free patrons are not left behind, and music lovers will appreciate the live talent that makes an appearance a few nights a week.
St. John Brewers – The Tap Room
Need to cool off after a long day exploring the North Shore? Head to The Tap Room for a frosty beer. Located on the 2nd floor of Mongoose Junction, you’ll enjoy views of the unique architecture, courtyard, and surrounding shopping district as you sample craft beers, such as Island Hoppin’ IPA, Toasted Coconut Brown Ale, and Tropical Mango Pale Ale. You can even book a tour to get an insider’s scoop on beer-making. One unique aspect of this brewery is that it incorporates tropical fruit such as mango into the brewing process. The menu also features mouthwatering pub grub, from burgers to pizza.
Champagne Sunset Sail
If a champagne-sipping evening of sailing into the sunset sounds like a happy ending to the day, this Champagne Sunset Sail experience was tailor-made for it. Board the luxury 55-foot Daydreamer catamaran for light hors d’oeuvres and a full open bar while cruising Cruz Bay. This group cruise sets sail from the Westin Hotel out into Pillsbury Sound. Then, as the sun sets, the sails rise, and the champagne flows. Enjoy an alternative perspective of St. John from the water on this 90-minute excursion before returning to Cruz Bay for dinner.
