Iconic Island Restaurants

ST. CROIX

Charmingly eclectic is the perfect description for both the menu and unique interior design found at Savant. Located in a two-story turquoise brick building adjacent to historic Fort Christiansvaern, Savant is considered to be one of USVI’s best restaurants — and it has numerous awards to prove it. The dining room has a swanky speakeasy vibe, while the candle-lit courtyard is pure romance, with native stone walls and a bar backed by a 350-year-old, above-ground cistern. Local fresh-caught fish and lobster appear as daily specials, while the rest of the farm-to-table menu might include shrimp pot stickers, stuffed filet mignon and Caribbean curry. Wine lovers will appreciate the Precious and Few list, which features curated offerings. With only 20 tables, reservations at Savant are highly recommended.

With its dreamy location overlooking the ocean, AMA at Cane Bay offers stunning views to go along with its refined cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, global wines and impeccable service. Long-standing relationships with local farmers, as well as environmentally responsible fishermen and divers, serve as the inspiration for the food. With gently lapping waves as a soundtrack and twinkling stars overhead, start your meal with crab souffle dip and yellowfin tuna crudo before moving on to heartier plates such as almond-crusted mahi-mahi and lobster fettuccine. Linger over dessert, such as the decadent flourless dark chocolate cake served with Cruzan spiced rum syrup and salted chocolate ganache.

Since 1956, La Reine Chicken Shack has been the go-to place for fall-off-the-bone, spit-roasted chicken and other Caribbean specialties. With a casual, laid-back vibe and easy-on-the-wallet prices, La Reine is the kind of place where everyone feels welcome, including families. While its chicken is the star of the show, La Reine offers plenty of other dishes, including barbecue ribs, oxtail stew and fried pork chops, all served with ample portions of rice and peas, salad and johnny cakes. For less than four bucks, add on a tasty side like baked macaroni or crispy tostones. A full bar is available for those who opt to eat at one of the picnic tables, or take your meal to-go.

With an eye toward island ingredients and flavors, The Landing Beach Bar offers an elevated approach to its Caribbean-inspired American fare. One of St. Croix’s most popular beach bars, The Landing features an expansive covered deck across the road from Cane Bay Beach, with views that provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying a variety of tropical cocktails (many of which use local spirits). Beer aficionados will appreciate the selection of St. Croix-brewed Leatherback beers. The food menu aims to please, too, with dishes ranging from a grilled mahi-mahi sandwich and jerk chicken salad to fresh lobster. Stop by on Sundays for all-day bottomless mimosas or on Wednesdays for live music.

ST. JOHN

While Lime Out isn’t the easiest restaurant to get to — it’s only accessible by boat, although there are several shuttles available — it’s definitely the most unusual. The floating green cottage offers tasty tacos and thirst-quenching cocktails. Large lily pads provide floating group seating on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lime Out is a labor of love by the three owners who not only came up with the novel idea, but also built it. But Lime Out is more than just a kitschy concept. Its renowned Puerto Rican chef creates taco fillings that range from blackened grilled shrimp to curried chicken with dark rum-pineapple chutney. Cocktails aren’t an afterthought either, and spotlight hand-squeezed juices, house-made syrups and premium liquors.

Spectacular sunsets are on the menu at ZoZo’s at Caneel Bay. From its terrace overlooking beautiful Caneel Bay, ZoZo’s features a sunset dining experience like no other. With four seatings a night, ZoZo’s offers a gourmet four-course Italian meal with plenty of options. Start with cocktails in the lounge before enjoying cured meats and artisanal cheeses. First courses on the seasonal menu might include beef tartare and fettuccine with fresh vegetables. For the main course, red snapper with roasted eggplant, crispy pork belly and langoustines with asparagus are recent offerings. An a la carte menu is offered in the lounge.

Woody’s Seafood Saloon is all about having fun. From its daily happy hour (from 3–6 p.m.) to its friendly staff, this beachfront bar in the heart of Cruz Bay exudes a chill vibe. Grab a specialty cocktail — perhaps a frozen piña colada or Surfer on Acid (Jägermeister, coconut rum, pineapple) — before heading to the rooftop to take in the scene. When hunger strikes, Woody’s is happy to oblige with conch fritters, crab cake sliders, tacos and more. Try a Key lime pie shot to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Before she created her now legendary restaurant, Miss Lucy was St. John’s first female taxi driver. Although she passed away in 2007, Miss Lucy’s in Coral Bay has retained its status as a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Sip on a tropical cocktail as you wait for a table — yes, it’s that popular — and enjoy the stunning views of Friis Bay just steps away from the open-air deck. The conch fritters served with a kicky “mango boom” sauce aren’t to be missed, the crunchy grouper Reuben gives the traditional sandwich a tasty island twist, and the johnny cakes are served warm with honey and butter. Come on Thursday and you can sway along to live music during open mic night.

ST. THOMAS

Located in the stone field house and former stable of a 200-year-old Danish sugar plantation, the Old Stone Farmhouse beautifully honors its historic setting. This award-winning fine dining restaurant takes a progressive, French-influenced approach to its menu with locally sourced ingredients at the forefront, resulting in cutting-edge cuisine. The outside courtyard overlooks the lush plantation grounds, while soft candlelight flickers against the native stone walls inside. Enjoy dishes such as salmon carpaccio, garlicky escargot, pan-seared sea bass with blue crab risotto, and grass-fed filet mignon. Old Stone Farmhouse features one of the best wine cellars in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including a large selection of sparkling wines.

While its breathtaking alfresco setting overlooking the Baye de Grigri would be reason enough to visit Oceana Restaurant & Bistro, this elegant restaurant doesn’t just rely on its good looks. Oceana was opened in 2002 by French-born chef Patricia LaCorte, who is well known for her commitment to developing the islands’ hospitality industry. Set inside a beautifully restored West Indian great house on the grounds of the first Danish Custom House, Oceana combines culinary excellence with superb service. A passion for sustainability can be found in dishes such as the fresh oysters, sauteed garlic shrimp and grilled Black Angus ribeye. For those seeking a more casual vibe, head to the Bistro, which offers small plates, creative cocktails and local craft beer on tap.

Offering a delicious mix of Caribbean and American dishes for more than 30 years, Gladys’ Cafe is the island’s go-to for breakfast and lunch. Accessed via a scenic alleyway in Charlotte Amalie’s shopping district, Gladys’ offers a wide variety of local delicacies, including fresh fruit coladas. Breakfast skews more traditional with plenty of egg dishes, while lunch leans into the island vibe. Start with callaloo soup or conch fritters before moving on to curry goat or jerk chicken. Those looking for some heat can sample Gladys’ house-made hot sauces, which are available for sale at the restaurant. Pro tip: A little hot sauce goes a long way.

While it’s not difficult to find tasty pizza in St. Thomas, Pizza Pi makes the dining experience a true adventure. From its sailboat in Christmas Cove that’s outfitted with pizza ovens, Pizza Pi serves New York-style pies to diners lounging on floats surrounding the pizzeria, via its dinghy drive-thru or through delivery to boats anywhere in the cove. Craft cocktails, chilled shots and frozen drinks are available, too. Pizza Pi has its own shuttle, providing a direct route to its boats and floats. Additionally, a number of USVI charter companies make it easy to get your slice of the pie, topped with porcini mushrooms, Italian sausage or, dare we say, pineapple.

Find more delicious island restaurants.