Fresh Seafood Spots

ST. CROIX

Family-owned and -operated since 1983, Christiansted’s Duggan’s Reef overlooks beautiful Reef Beach, a favorite of windsurfers and sailing enthusiasts. Fresh Caribbean lobster takes center stage here in a variety of dishes, from lobster bisque and lobster gratin to Irish whiskey lobster. A favorite of visiting celebs, Duggan’s Reef is also known for its specials inspired by the day’s catch of local fishermen, including pan-fried crab cakes and shrimp scampi linguine.

Located on the Christiansted Boardwalk, Nate’s Boathouse pairs lovely harbor views with fresh-from-the-sea offerings and a laid-back vibe. Although a favorite for its global breakfast dishes, it’s at lunch and dinner where Nate’s Boathouse really takes advantage of the bounties of the sea. Start with crispy conch fritters and flash-fried calamari before moving on to grilled mahi and whole fried snapper. Seafood also finds its way into more casual fare, including shrimp tacos and crab cake-topped fries. A daily happy hour sweetens the deal.

Sourcing from environmentally responsible fishermen and working with local farmers is at the heart of AMA at Cane Bay on the island’s North Shore. Featuring stunning views, thanks to its prime location overlooking a rocky ocean ledge, this casually elegant restaurant takes an international approach in its curated menu. Small raw seafood plates, such as yellowfin tuna crudo and shrimp ceviche, offer a fitting start before moving on to almond-crusted mahi or lobster fettuccine.

If its logo featuring an illustration of a fish doesn’t tip you off that Cibone takes seafood seriously, perhaps a few items from its always-changing menu will — think ginger-white wine mussels, crab cakes, oysters Rockefeller and snapper empanadas. Located in a charming courtyard in Frederiksted, Cibone combines Crucian flavors with wild-caught seafood to create dishes uniquely its own.

ST. JOHN

Rather than limiting its inspiration to just one Caribbean cuisine, Morgan’s Mango thoughtfully encompasses them all, creating a vibrant culinary adventure in the process. Since 1992, this Cruz Bay fine dining restaurant has been wowing diners with its selection of fresh seafood and romantic ambiance. Choose from an extensive variety of frozen tropical cocktails before moving on to dishes such as coconut shrimp and seafood paella. On Tuesday and Saturday evenings, enjoy fresh locally caught grilled Caribbean lobster.

With the sound of lapping waves from the nearby beach in the background, High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill offers a soothing vibe to go along with its stellar seafood selection. Located a few steps from the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock, this open-air beachfront spot features favorite island dishes ranging from conch fritters and seared ahi tuna to tropical mahi with pineapple-mango salsa. A popular sunset-viewing spot, High Tide is also a great place to recharge during the day, with a canopy offering some shade.

Don’t let its dive bar ambiance fool you — Woody’s Seafood Saloon offers terrific seafood. Start with a rum punch or frozen Bushwacker before digging into shark bites (a local favorite) or peel-and-eat shrimp. Mahi can be found stuffed in a taco, as well as in a sandwich. Woody’s takes pride in its daily happy hour too, which offers specially priced drinks from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Located at Gallows Point Resort in the heart of Cruz Bay, Ocean 362 features modern takes on traditional Caribbean dishes utilizing local, sustainably sourced ingredients. Set inside a charming three-story structure with beautiful views of the nearby ocean, Ocean 362’s seafood specialties include seared scallops, grilled octopus and fresh-caught Caribbean whole lobster. Elegant yet unpretentious, Ocean 362 offers a unique island experience.

ST. THOMAS

From its perch at the Club Wyndham Elysian Beach Resort, Caribbean Fish Market is graced with unobstructed views of the lovely Cowpet Bay. Highlighting just-caught Caribbean lobster and other catches of the day, Caribbean Fish Market utilizes global flavors to make its dishes shine. That means you’ll find spicy seafood hot pot next to sesame-crusted wahoo and tamarind calamari at this indoor-outdoor restaurant. A daily happy hour features signature cocktails and seafood specials.

A family-owned restaurant, Mim’s Seaside Bistro features two large patios to take in the stellar ocean views courtesy of its Bolongo Bay setting. Come at sunset for an especially exciting show. Fitting its location, Mim’s offers a variety of fresh seafood specialties. Start with a signature beverage — a Caribbean margarita, perhaps? — before moving on to starters such as lobster-and-crab dip or coconut shrimp. Entrees range from King crab legs and breaded sea scallops to grilled mahi.  

History abounds at Frenchtown’s Oceana Restaurant & Bistro, which is located in a lovingly restored West Indian great house on the estate of the first Danish Customs House. Its open-air structure offers beautiful waterfront views of the Baye de Grigri. Led by renowned French-trained chef Patricia LaCorte, Oceana offers one of the best fine dining experiences on the island. Fresh seafood sourced from local fishermen dominates the seasonal menu, which might include tuna tartare, sauteed garlic shrimp and pan-seared diver scallops.

In the heart of Red Hook, surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery, The Easterly channels a chic bohemian vibe. In its kitchen, a wood-fueled fire serves as the primary cooking source, offering a hint of smoke to its refined dishes. In addition to its robust beverage program, this charming outdoor restaurant features a seafood-focused menu. Galician-style octopus, coconut curried mussels and wood-fired whole Caribbean lobster are just a few of the specialties here.

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