Sint Maarten Restaurant Tips by shohman

Ocean Lounge: way too salty!

We went here for our first anniversary. The service was a bit slow and the server just didn't seem knowledgable as she read off a piece of paper whenever we asked a question. I got a seared tuna with pasta. The dish was super salty, so much that it ruined what was a fine pice of tuna. My wife also said her food was extra salty.
Presentation was good and they did start by giving us a small sample of a celery soup that was fantastic. Sadly, for the price we paid ( A LOT) we wouldn't suggest eating here due to the aforementioned issues.

Favorite Dish: well, Id have to say the free sample of celery soup :/

Address: Boardwalk

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 2

Theme: Local

Au Petit Cafe: Breakfast

I was dying for good coffee and someone suggested this place. It's very charming and the staff is friendly, but they did mess up our order twice. Sad, since all we got were drinks. I first ordered cappucino, which was ok, but not as strong as I like. Wife ordered a mango smoothie and for some reason he brought a banana smoothie. He was quick to replace it. I then ordered an iced coffee with a shot. He asked if I want whipped cream and I declined, but for some reason he added it anyway. Still, this is a great place to relax.

Favorite Dish: err, we got drinks , but the food looked quite good.

Address: Front Street

Comparison: about average

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 2

Theme: French

Bonita's Cantina: Bonita's Cantina

We went here after a long day in Anguilla. We were the only people here. The place is large and the owner is very friendly. She is originally from South Africa and her hubby is from Kansas City. Located right on the harbor. The food was ok, but we seriously would have eaten anything at this point. The menu is almost too big. We ordered entirely too much food and devoured it so quickly that I can barely remember details. I do remember my wife got ribs that were very good.

Favorite Dish: Ribs were great. Co-owner is from KC, so they should be. :)

Address: simpson bay

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.bonitascantinasxm.com/

Zee Best: great breakfast

I love this place! very small but a very loyal following. They have a small patio and an even smaller inside, but we never waited for a seat.
When you are seated, they give you a basket of pastries. You pay for whatever you take. My wife was addicted to the almond croissant. I got an iced coffee with a shot. Then we split a goat cheese omellete. Delicious. Wifey also got a fresh squeezed OJ and it was so good my head almost exploded when I tasted it.
staff is super friendly and very pretty. We had a slight overcharge issue once but it was quickly corrected.

Favorite Dish: The goat cheese omellete was fantastic.

Address: Simpson Bay

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: French

Website: http://www.zeebestrestaurant.com/

Barefoot: Dine on the boardwalk

Nothing special, but I don't mean that in a bad way. Open early for breakfast (and not many places are here in Philippsburg) Basic food, but very tasty and the staff is very friendly and laid back.
We had breakfast here twice and sat on the patio overlooking the bay.

Favorite Dish: I had steak and eggs. Steak had tons of garlic which I loved, but my wife sure didn't like it later. Also, they had a johnny cake on the side. Not the type you get in New England, but more of a doughy crusty sweet bread. very good.

Address: on the boardwalk.

Comparison: about average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: Local

The Greenhouse: Outdoor dining, friendly service

We went here twice during our stay. It was never busy, but this area gets slow once the cruise ships leave port for the day. Food was super good and the service was good. Sit on the patio and look out at the harbor. They have 1/2 price apps and 2 for one drinks every afternoon.
One thing I like is that when you get a 2 for 1 beer, they put the second beer on ice so it stays cold.

Favorite Dish: I had a blackened group that was great and I'm not really a fish guy. Plus, the calamari app was so good we came back a few days later just for that.

Address: boardwalk

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.thegreenhouserestaurant.com/

Zee Best: great breakfast

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: French

The Greenhouse: Outdoor dining, friendly service

Address: boardwalk

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Local