Best Beachfront Dining

ST. CROIX

With an expansive covered deck mere steps from the sand, The Landing Beach Bar at Cane Bay offers a treat for the eyes and ears, with lapping waves providing a soothing soundtrack. Throw in tasty food that fuses local flavors and ingredients (think blackened tuna bites, mahi tacos and jerk chicken salad), with tropical cocktails and beer from St. Croix’s Leatherback Brewing Co., and this North Shore spot somehow gets even better. Be on the lookout for live entertainment on select nights, too.

From its perch over the water, Duggan’s Reef couldn’t be any closer to the beach and the stunning ocean views it provides. Family-owned and -operated, Duggan’s has been an island institution since 1983. A favorite with locals and visiting celebs alike, it combines a laid-back atmosphere with impeccable food and stellar service. Local lobster is featured in a variety of dishes, and there’s always a fresh catch of the day, along with a specialty steak or two.

Located in The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, The Mermaid is a beautiful beachside restaurant accented with white rattan furniture and warm woods. It provides stunning views of the powdery white sand and turquoise waters just a few feet away. Open daily for lunch, and on Monday and Tuesday for dinner, The Mermaid offers two menus, including a special beach menu with dishes ranging from conch fritters and prime burgers to a variety of pizzas.

With the tagline “No shoes, no shirt, no problem,” it’s obvious that Off the Wall is a casual kind of place. But that’s only part of its story. Off the Wall also features panoramic ocean views from its colorfully painted outdoor deck right off Cane Bay. It’s the kind of place where locals and visitors gather at long communal tables over crispy-crust pizzas, hearty burgers and refreshing cocktails. Whether you come during the day — the roof overhead protects diners from the sun — or early evening for prime sunset viewing, Off the Wall’s open-air design offers one-of-a-kind ocean views.

ST. JOHN

No matter the time of day, High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill offers dazzling ocean views from its beachfront perch, just a few steps away from the Cruz Bay ferry dock. Start your day with eggs benedict, cinnamon French toast or other tasty breakfast food. Lunchtime means conch fritters, plus salads and sandwiches galore. And at dinner, pair those stellar sunset views with seared ahi tuna and a hefty cheeseburger. No matter when you come, fruity frozen drinks and tropical cocktails are a given.

Cruz Bay’s The Beach Bar provides a powerful one-two punch of beautiful views of drifting sailboats and the beach, along with live music featuring local artists. Especially popular at sunset, The Beach Bar’s alfresco setting means there’s not a bad seat in the house, whether you’re sitting at the bar or a high-top table. Pair one of their signature Painkillers with a basket of fried shrimp or a grilled mahi sandwich.

Set on 47 serene bayside acres, The Westin St. John Resort Villas provides plenty of spots to take in views of the nearby beach. And that includes the resort’s Snorkels Bar & Grill, where the sand underfoot and sound of crashing waves accompany a morning menu of omelets and breakfast bowls, followed by fresh salads, hearty sandwiches and tropical cocktails later in the day. 

While the lovely ocean views and beachfront location are reasons enough to visit, Miss Lucy’s has a bigger story to tell. Located on the shore of Coral Bay, Miss Lucy’s is named after St. John’s first female taxi driver, who ran the restaurant before she passed away in 2007. Celebrate the life of Miss Lucy over conch fritters served with a kicky “mango boom” dipping sauce, the signature grouper Reuben sandwich and other island-inspired specialties, paired perfectly with a tropical cocktail.

ST. THOMAS

Whether you’re sitting around the square-shaped bar or at a nearby table, the views of the blue ocean and powdery white-sand beach are equally breathtaking at Lanai Restaurant at Limetree Beach. Located on French Bay, this charming restaurant takes inspiration from its scenery, offering refined seafood fare with a touch of Asian flair and Caribbean-inspired cocktails. At brunch you’ll find poke bowls and tacos. Dinner features grilled salmon and smoked tamarind ribs, along with a fresh catch of the day.

With two large patios and an open-air dining room, Mim’s Seaside Bistro features plenty of beautiful ocean views from its Bolongo Bay setting. Turquoise-hued tablecloths echo the nearby water. The family-owned Mim’s is beloved by regulars for its signature coconut curry lobster and variety of fresh fish dishes served with island-inspired sides. Specialty frozen cocktails — a Lime in de Coconut, perhaps? — add to the relaxed vibe.

With its location on a low-rise waterside deck on Secret Harbour, Sunset Grille exudes an easy-breezy romantic ambiance, especially at sunset. Part of the Secret Harbour Beach Resort, this sultry restaurant features plenty of Latin- and Caribbean-inspired surf and turf dishes, ranging from jalapeño tempura octopus to the guava bone-in pork chop. Its beachside patio takes a more casual approach to breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour.

Located near lovely Magens Bay Beach, Fairchild’s Beach Bar & Grill takes its tagline “Paradise and Piña Coladas” seriously, offering plenty of both. Nosh on baskets of crispy coconut shrimp, handhelds and house-made pizzas, along with a variety of tropical cocktails that include, yes, piña coladas. Formerly known as Magens Bay Concessions, Fairchild’s pays homage to the local man who donated 56 acres of his own private land for the enjoyment of others.

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