Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Rendezvous

ST. THOMAS

Oceana Restaurant & Bistro

Overlooking the turquoise Baye de Grigri, the open-air Oceana Restaurant & Bistro is one of the most iconic restaurants on the islands. Enjoy local sustainably caught seafood or grass-fed New Zealand beef as you watch passing sailboats, landing seaplanes and spectacular sunsets from the patio. The property where Oceana stands was initially settled by the first Danish governor of St. Thomas, Jurgen Iversen, between 1672 and 1679. The elegant main house served as the Russian Embassy in the late 1800s. Start your culinary journey with small plates like lemon-herb lump crab cakes or tuna tartar paired with craft cocktails.

Virgilio’s

A St. Thomas favorite for more than 23 years, Virgilio’s is one of USVI’s most celebrated Italian restaurants. Chef Ernesto Garrigos, who learned his craft from chefs from Palermo, Italy, has created an authentic menu that shines the spotlight on fresh-caught delights prepared the Italian way. Patrons come from near and far to enjoy his shrimp scampi diavolo, calamari Siciliani and cioppino Napoletano (a seafood stew made with clams, mussels, calamari, octopus and scallops). All of the pasta on the menu, including the manicotti and ravioli, is handmade, with sauces prepared individually to order.

Old Stone Farmhouse

The elegant Old Stone Farmhouse is an award-winning restaurant set in a 200-year-old former sugar plantation field house overlooking the lush, rolling hills of St. Thomas. The sustainably focused surf-and-turf menu changes each season and is inspired by local Caribbean ingredients, with freshly caught local fish (snapper, wahoo, mahi-mahi, grouper) always available. Wine lovers will appreciate the extensive cellar and long list of wines by the glass. The flower-filled courtyard is a lovely place to enjoy Sunday brunch.

ST. JOHN

The Terrace Restaurant

The Terrace is a French-influenced, chef-driven restaurant featuring both contemporary and classic takes on seafood and meats, curated by chef Erica Miner. Housed in a rustic stone building in the heart of Cruz Bay, diners are treated to sunset waterfront views and elegantly prepared dishes like butter-poached lobster tail, confit duck leg and steak au poivre. The baked macaroni and cheese is a favorite, with creamy three-cheese mornay sauce baked with panko breadcrumbs and parmesan. The handcrafted cocktails are exceptional: Try the Cinnamon Girl, made with Appleton Estate Rum, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, cinnamon syrup, orange bitters and a toasted cinnamon swizzle.

Ocean 362

Ocean 362 brings a modern take on traditional Caribbean island-to-table cuisine to the heart of Cruz Bay. The focus here is on fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients. Small plates include hamachi tartare and star anise-cured salmon. For your main course, try the green tea-glazed red snapper or rack of lamb marinated in blackstrap rum. Head upstairs to the open-air terrace bar for stellar cocktails and one of the most stunning sunset views on the island.

Extra Virgin Bistro

Extra Virgin Bistro is so dedicated to locally grown and sourced products that most herbs served here are grown in the bistro’s on-site garden. And all cheeses, including creamy burrata and ricotta, are made in-house. Local fishermen even have their names printed on the menu next to the catch they brought in that day. The seasonal, three-course tasting menu changes each day and includes an appetizer, salad and main course. Expect exceptional Italian takes on Caribbean dishes like langoustine risotto, wild mushroom pappardelle, and braised beef short ribs atop crispy polenta cakes.

ST. CROIX

AMA at Cane Bay

From its perch overlooking the Caribbean Sea, AMA at Cane Bay is one of the most romantic restaurants on the islands. The menu, curated by chef Cory White, features sustainably sourced seafood, including almond-crusted mahi-mahi, lobster fettuccine, and slow-roasted pork belly and prawns. Sip craft cocktails at the in-restaurant bar under the stars as you watch the waves roll in the bay. The flourless dark chocolate rum cake soaked in Cruzan spiced rum is a don’t-miss dessert.

Savant

Savant is housed in a two-story, blue-hued Danish colonial building adjacent to historic Fort Christiansvaern. The restaurant offers two unique dining atmospheres — a cozy, sophisticated indoor space and a romantic, candlelit courtyard featuring a bar backed by a 350-year-old, above-ground cistern. The eclectic menu curated by chef David Cioppa incorporates local produce from island farmers. Spicy mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, edible flowers and herbs make up dishes that are healthy yet delectable. Highlights include the tender filet mignon stuffed with goat cheese and mushrooms, and the Caribbean Curry, a vegetable curry slow-simmered in a house-made coconut-and-tamarind sauce. Wine lovers will want to check out the Precious and Few list of rare wines.

The Bombay Club

Housed in a historic Danish townhouse, the cozy Bombay Club has been a local favorite for more than 30 years. Mingle with locals at the cocktail bar and enjoy daily specials like conch fritters with mango-aioli chutney and mussels drizzled with curry-white wine sauce. The club’s entree-sized salads and Caribbean pub favorites, including fried shrimp with chips, are popular among both locals and visitors.

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