St Barts

In the swinging ‘60s and disco-powered ‘70s, celebrities and tycoons, fishermen and freaks, debutantes and drop-outs were all part of the St. Barts tribe — coming together in a classless, carnival atmosphere where nobody slept before sunrise.

the Caribbean’s most
treasured secret

There are many guides to St Barts. This “menu” is our short conversation of our most loved favourites. If you have been to St Barts before you will probably know most of the places below. If you are new to St Barts we hope you enjoy discovering them…

Wear Clic

An electic mix of boho designers with an emphasis on gorgeous maxi dresses
Also super chic collection of bags, coffee table books, prints and sunglasses
We love how the casual store layout feels like a pop up
Star attraction – the collection from Ulla Johnston designer from LA.

Montaigne Market

This store has an incredible collection of designers
Do not be put off by how packed the rails are – they are full of gorgeous treasures

Lolita Jaca

Yet another fabulous St Barts original
Silk kimonos for over a bikini or for dinner
Super cute bags and shoes
Check out the store next to Bonitos

Poupette

An awesome St Barts original brand
Perfect for over bikinis but work equally well at night. Super comfortable and chic
Looking gorgeous made wonderfully easy!

Vanita Rosa

Another St Barts classic which truly encapsulates our island’s beachy fun chic style
Check out also St Barts Karma, from the daughter of Vanita Rosa which sells trendy leisurewear and swimwear

Sunday

Beachy and fancy with a little bit of funkiness thrown in Gorgeous colours!
There is a store next to Shellona at Shell Beach and one in Gustavia next to Le Select

Wild side

Great for teenagers (with access to Daddy’s credit card)
Very original pieces, a tiny bit Lady Gaga (in a good way)

for her

for him

Sunbarth

Super cool swimsuits and Aviator
Nation hoodies and sweatpants

MacKeene

Shirts and swimshorts. The swimshorts have a flattering flat fronted cut, perfect for a beach wardrobe update

food

Bonitos

The food here is fab, the right mix of fancy cheffy and just damn tasty. The staff and the view are first class. We recommend ordering a collection of starters and be sure to include some fish tacos. Ask for a table on the balcony for the best view of the harbour

Beware – the cocktails are served in weird and wonderful ways – great if you like drinking from a barbie doll bath. If you like your Old Fashioned in an old fashioned glass skip the cocktail and go straight for the wine.

Tamarin

Not toes in the sand or a view of the harbour but set in beautiful tropical gardens with a fun vibe. The food is adventurous and very well executed. We recommend pre dinner drinks in the garden.

Black Ginger

Tasty thai food serving all the classics. We recommend for family dinners, it’s a big hit with our teenage kids. We love the giant clay pots of rice.

Kinugawa

The first Kinguawa is in Paris and this is Japanese food with a French sensibility. Tastes and textures to tingle your taste buds and leave you feeling light and floaty. The staff are, even by St Barts standards, excellent. For the party vibe we give it a 6 out of 10 which in our book is a perfect 10 out of 10; enough of a party vibe for some holiday fun but the conversation doesn’t get drowned out by the music.

GypSea

The hot new addition to the beach restaurant scene is Gypsea on Lorient beach. Smart Greek food with a daytime party vibe. The scene here is quite a scene….and is very friendly. Great if you have kids; they will almost certainly make some new holiday friends here, keeping them amused leaving you free to indulge in the BBQ’d food and rose. When it opened at first, the food was not quite at the standard we have come to expect in our beloved little island. However, any issues have now been resolved and the food is unpretentious and delicious. Good place to have an all-day beach lounger party day.

Review of L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon

A new edition to the St Barts food scene is always welcome. We were, however, undecided about whether to include a review of this resto which is just a little bit too corporate for our taste. On balance we feel that many of you will want to go, that this restaurant will be hugely popular and it will be important to book early. Everything in this restaurant is quite perfect and if you are into restaurants with Michelin Stars book early!!

Bagatelle

This is the best place to go for a party night. As the evening draws on the party moves on to table top dancing. If you order BIG your order will be delivered by a cute smiling Superman. Run by the marvellous and always smiling JM the staff pull out all the stops to make sure you have a memorable St Barts evening. The food is delicious, sort of French comfort food – perfect for some carbo loading before dancing on the tables. We recommend ordering truffle pizza to start.

Beware – as the evening moves on the DJ digs out cheesy American music from Daddy’s record collection. If you want a more mellow night ask for a table outside.

Shellona

Very tasty high end Greek food. Perfect for a long lunch, followed by a long swim, followed by cocktails….Ahh

Fostok St Jean

Welcome new addition to the St Barts food scene. Bubble tea and frozen yogurt.

Cheval Blanc

We were big fans of Isle de France and had not been since the purchase by LVMH in 2013 as we heard stories of grossly inflated prices and snooty staff. In fact, it is as wonderful as when it was Isle de France, and the prices are well, just St Barts’ prices. The staff, far from being snooty were as friendly as before. We were even happy to see some faces from the old Taiwana/Isle de France days!! Lovely for a chill, luxury beach day.