What to Eat in St. Martin: Top 10 Island Foods

The 10 Foods You Have to Try in St. Martin (I Tried Them All So You Don’t Miss Out!)

Hey everybody, and welcome back to Tuesday Bingo! This one’s for the foodies, the curious travelers, and the flavor chasers out there—because today we’re digging into the must-try foods on the Caribbean island of St. Martin. I personally hit the streets, chatted with locals, and tried every single dish I’m about to share with you. Spoiler alert: I’m still thinking about that guava berry colada.

So if you're planning a trip to St. Martin or just daydreaming about it, get ready to drool. Let’s count down the top 10 foods you need to try on this amazing island.

1. Almond Croissant

Croissants are iconically buttery, flaky, and soft. While often linked to France, their roots are Austrian. A baker from Austria brought the pastry to France, and from there it spread. On the French side of St. Martin, the almond croissant shines—stuffed with sweet almond paste, topped with shaved almonds and powdered sugar. It’s a dreamy breakfast, especially when paired with island coffee and a sea breeze.

🌴 Tip: Go early to places like Serafina in Marigot—they sell out of almond croissants fast.

2. Carib Lager

Carib is a light Caribbean lager brewed on nearby islands like Trinidad or St. Kitts. It has a slightly sweet, malty taste and is best served ice cold. It’s incredibly popular in St. Martin and perfect for sipping at the beach. Smooth and easy to drink, it’s your go-to for a relaxed, tropical afternoon. Pair it with grilled seafood or BBQ for peak island vibes.

🌴 Tip: Ask for a lime wedge with your Carib—it adds a refreshing citrus kick locals love.

3. Grouper

Grouper is a hefty fish with a mild, flaky texture that falls somewhere between bass and halibut. Found in Caribbean waters, it’s often grilled, baked, broiled, or fried. I vote grilled. The meat is hearty but clean in flavor, and when seasoned with island spices and citrus, it’s unforgettable. With over 400 species of grouper, expect slight taste variations depending on the type.

🌴 Tip: Always ask if it’s fresh-caught—you’ll taste the difference and support local fishermen.

4. Johnny Cake

Johnny cakes are pan-fried discs of dough, crisp on the outside and buttery soft inside. These originated with Indigenous people and are a staple across the Caribbean. Often eaten at breakfast with honey or butter, they’re also great as a side or sandwich bread at lunch and dinner. Their slightly sweet flavor and golden crust make them an island favorite any time of day.

🌴 Tip: Try one stuffed with saltfish or cheese from a roadside stand—it’s a local favorite.

5. Red Snapper

Native to Caribbean waters, red snapper has a firm texture, light sweetness, and slightly nutty flavor. It's kid-friendly and mild, making it a great entry point for seafood newbies. Usually wild-caught, you’ll find it grilled, fried, pan-seared, or deep-fried. My personal pick? Fried with mango chutney. Crunchy on the outside and tender inside, it hits the spot every time.

🌴 Tip: If you see whole fried snapper on the menu—go for it. It’s the traditional island way to enjoy it.

6. Queen Conch

Queen Conch is a sea snail with a clam-like taste and firmer texture. It’s mostly served as fritters or chowder in St. Martin. The flavor is ocean-sweet, and when fried, it gets a satisfying crunch outside and tender bite inside. It’s a Caribbean classic, but keep in mind—conch is vulnerable to overfishing due to its slow growth.

🌴 Tip: Limit yourself to one conch dish per trip to support sustainability—and enjoy it extra mindfully!

7. GuavaBerry Colada

A fun twist on the piña colada, the guava berry colada swaps out rum for guava berry liqueur. Guava berries aren’t the same as guavas—they’re smaller, tangier, and grown locally. The drink blends coconut, pineapple, and this unique liqueur into a bright purple frozen cocktail that’s as tasty as it is Instagrammable. One sip, and you’re instantly in vacation mode.

🌴 Tip: Pick up a bottle of guava berry liqueur from the Guavaberry Emporium in Philipsburg—it makes great souvenirs or cocktails back home.

8. Rum

St. Martin is a rum-lover’s paradise. From white to gold to dark varieties, this spirit is everywhere. White rum is great in cocktails, gold adds barrel-aged depth, and dark rum brings funky, toasted-sugar richness. Local brands like Topper’s and Old Man Guavaberry produce everything from banana to almond rum. Whether you're sipping or mixing, there’s a flavor for every vibe.

🌴 Tip: Visit Topper’s Rhum Distillery to sample 20+ flavors—and grab some travel-sized bottles to take home.

9. BBQ Spare Ribs

St. Martin's roadside lolos serve up some of the island’s best BBQ spare ribs—slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone, and slathered in a sweet, tangy sauce. You’ll smell the smoke before you even see the grill. These ribs are all about family recipes and island soul. Grab a plate, sit outdoors, and dig in with your hands.

🌴 Tip: Order the combo platter at lolos like Sky’s the Limit—it comes with ribs, rice, plantains, and more for a full local feast.

10. Spiny Lobster

Spiny lobster is St. Martin’s crustacean star—clawless but meaty, especially in the tail. It’s milder and firmer than New England lobster, and you’ll usually find it grilled or baked into a cheesy, creamy lobster thermidor (a nod to the island’s French roots). It’s rich, decadent, and unforgettable.

🌴 Tip: Dine at a Grand Case spot where you can choose your lobster from a live tank—they’ll cook it fresh just for you.

Final Bite

St. Martin is a flavor-packed blend of French finesse and Caribbean soul—and when I say the food here is unforgettable, I mean it. Whether you're a seafood fanatic, a BBQ lover, or just in it for the cocktails, there's something for every palate on this island.

So, next time you’re lucky enough to land in St. Martin, eat your way through this list. Your taste buds will thank you—and so will the locals who’ve been perfecting these dishes for generations.