St. Maarten

Cuisine

Twistour's St. Maarten Cuisine blog celebrates why the island is often called the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.” With French finesse, Dutch comfort food, and Creole spice, the dining scene here is unlike anywhere else in the region. From fine dining in Grand Case to casual barbecue shacks along the roadside, food is one of the best ways to experience the island’s culture in 2025.

Signature dishes include Creole specialties like johnnycakes, saltfish fritters, and conch stew, alongside Dutch treats such as gouda-filled snacks and bitterballen. On the French side, you’ll find patisseries, bistros, and wine bars that rival those in Paris. Seafood is everywhere — from grilled lobster and snapper to mahi-mahi and wahoo fresh from the sea.

Dining here can mean sipping champagne at a cliffside restaurant in Grand Case, or grabbing ribs and chicken straight off the grill at a local lolo (Creole barbecue stand). For a taste of the island’s food scene, St. Martin Tourist Office’s culinary page is a good resource, and the annual St. Martin Gastronomy Festival is one of the Caribbean’s top food events.

This section highlights both sides of the island — the elegance of French dining, the comfort of Dutch food, and the spice of Creole kitchens — showing how St. Maarten’s cuisine is a true reflection of its cultural blend.