Beach Front Dining in St-Barths, West French Indies

January 02, 2023

Beach Front Dining in St-Barths, West French Indies

Crystal blue waters, white powder sand beaches and a fraction of tourists than your typical Caribbean resort town, are just a few reasons why St-Barths is on the bucket list of every influencer, and a destination of choice for jet setting A-listers. The island is part of the French West Indies, and to maintain its quaint vibe and low foot traffic, Gustaf III airport only accommodates small 10-14 passenger prop planes in addition to mid-size cruise ships. Satisfying these discerning travelers means that the cuisine has match the island's exclusivity, and the celebrity chefs have answered the call. The most notable recent opening is L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, which joins famous restaurants like Bagatelle and La Guérite, in the heart of Gustavia. Other Chefs have chosen to take retreat in luxury resorts on the outskirts of the island.

Le Toiny Restaurant - Le Toiny Hotel

One such chef is Brenton Styles, executive Chef at the island's only Relais & Châteaux restaurant, Le Toiny. His creative cuisine & menus have been touted as the best culinary experience on St-Bathélemy, the perfect compliment to views of the pristine Anse Toiny Bay. The hotel itself, much like similar beach front hotels on the island, is like something out of a movie; perfectly built into lush & full tropical vegetation. Le Toiny Hotel is also the furthest West on the island, and from the main town of Gustavia, offering privacy to its notable guests including the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Pitt. For more information on Le Toiny restaurant and hotel click here.

Prawn Tortellini, Charred Octopus, Fennel, Sweet Lemon and Dashi

Amuse Bouche - Tuna Tartare & Black Garlic Mayonnaise on a Linseed Cracker

with Avocado Purée and Vein Sorrel

Mahi Mahi, Cauliflower, Caper & Raisin Purée, Sea Herbs and Caribbean Spiced Sauce

Chocolate Ganache, Banana, Lemongrass & Ginger

La Case - Cheval Blanc Hotel

If I had to encapsulate the essence of La Case restaurant and Cheval Blanc hotel in a few words it would be "bohemian chic." The grounds & the restaurant are free flowingly Caribbean casual and the amenities & services are first class. The boutique hotel line has a presence in notable destinations the likes of Paris, St-Tropez, Courchevel (ski resort) and Randheli (Maldives), sure to attract the world's best culinary talent.

Queue Chef Jean Imbert; The French superstar first entered the spotlight after winning the show Top Chef France season 3 & 4, and being the youngest in history to do so. Following successes in France, in 2018 Imbert would take on his first venture in the United States and opened Swan and Bar Bevy in Miami's Design District with good friend and artist, Pharrell Williams. Through the Pandemic and 2021 Imbert continued to make headlines which included names of the highest ranks in the culinary world when the news broke that he would succeed Alain Ducasse at Plaza Atheenée in Paris - both a big deal and a big apron to fill.

In the much more casual environment of St-Barth's ocean breeze, Chef overseas menus and direction at La Case, marrying a noticeable use of local products with cuisine of the French West Indies. Caribbean flavors, responsibly sourced fish and island spices dominate the contemporary menu. In big comfy wicker chairs patrons of restaurant can gaze upon the sunset views from the North Western part of the island. At night, the lights & infinity pools from the rooms and suites light up the face of the mountain like flickering candles in the dark. For more information on La Case restaurant in the Cheval Blanc hotel, click here.

Local Wahoo marinated in Fresh Coconut Milk & Lemon, Coconut, Radish, Lime Zest

Beach view from La Case restaurant in Le Cheval Blanc hotel, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

Tuna Marinated in Local Oranges *Rougail, Banana Plantain

*Rougail is a term which originates from Mauritius, loosely meaning, a sauce which brings all ingredients of a dish together.

Jungle Negroni - Rum Infused with Orange Peel, Sweet Vermouth infused with Vanilla,

Campari Infused with Banana

"Coconut from the Islands" Sherbet , Lime, Citronella

Sand Bar - Eden Rock Hotel

Don't let the casual name fool you. Although the venue is laid back, and no one would bat an eye if you walked through the al fresco dining room in a bathing suit and no shoes (ahem, at lunch), the Sand Bar restaurant inside Eden Rock hotel is overseen by a serious name. A celebrity chef who has restaurants on five of the seven continents, who's known by his first name only, and has reached the pinnacle of pop culture references; in hit TV shows and grammy nominated rap lyrics. A name truly fitting for the famed celeb spotting hotel, and celeb in his own right, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. By day, patrons can walk in literally off the beautiful St Jean Bay beach, where the famed Chef offers refreshing mediterranean fare; think feta watermelon salad and truffle pizza. Jean-Georges displays his Michelin pedigree on the dinner menu and transforms gourmet classic dishes using Caribbean ingredients, like tropical fruit lobster and mango foie gras.

The hotel's name is not a gimmick as its formidably built, and re-built, on an actual rock formation, on the central North side of the island. Whether looking out at the pristine beach with planes taking off nearby by day, or enjoying the "the rock" lit up in spotlights to the soundtrack of the ocean, the Sand Bar restaurant and Eden Rock Hotel are truly one of a kind. For more information on the Sand Bar in the Eden Rock hotel, click here.