Dining on St. John USVI
Restaurants of St. John, USVI
Are you craving an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle? Well, why not make your next journey to St. John, USVI? You’ll get to indulge in the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and relish some of the most delectable foods in the world.
Dining on St. John offers a variety of American, European, and Barbados-influenced foods that will tantalize your taste buds and make your eyes widen with anticipation. Whether it’s an outdoor beach barbeque or an upscale restaurant with breathtaking views, there is something for every type of eater.
Restaurants of St. John, USVI, offer intimate ambiance and party atmospheres alike, making every visitor feel welcome. So what are you waiting for? Explore and enjoy all that glorious St. John offers and indulge in its heavenly culinary delights!
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Breakfast
If you’re dining on St. John, USVI, then breakfast is a must-do, and there are plenty of options. Whether you prefer a beachy atmosphere or something more intimate, a restaurant on the island will suit you.
High Tide Bar & Grill in Cruz Bay is the perfect spot for something with a view. Enjoy a hearty breakfast while gazing out at the pristine blue waters.
If you want a more laid-back feel, head to Cruz Bay Landing. The pancakes here are a must-try. And for anyone on the island’s north shore, North Shore Deli is known for its breakfast sandwiches.
Dining in St. John, USVI, is always a treat for the taste buds, no matter which restaurant you choose.
High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill
Breakfast with a view at High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill! Catch the breakfast happy hour from 8โ11 am for $6 Mimosas and Bloody Marys. They open at 8 am for breakfast and continue serving throughout the day for lunch and dinner.
They are located on a white sandy beach with one of the best views of Cruz Bay. We enjoyed our breakfast before taking the ferry back to St. Thomas.
Get the breakfast quesadilla or burrito; you won’t go away hungry! If you’re dining here for dinner, beware that they do not take reservations. Place your name on their waitlist and shop at their gift store while you wait for your table. Enjoy happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. while you wait for sunset.

Cruz Bay Landing
Cruz Bay Landing is our favorite breakfast spot. We ate there twice this trip, and the service was great.
They have a coffee bar, which is hard to find on an island. The location is convenient, right near the Cruz Bay ferry dock.
Dinner here is also delicious. There is live music most nights, and AK, their bartender, will serve you a tasty cocktail. A Bushwacker is his specialty drink.
North Shore Deli
North Shore Deli is our go-to for carry-out breakfast or lunch on the way to the beach. The staff is amazing and efficient, and everything is delicious. Add this stop as you head to the beach in the morning or at lunchtime. It is located in Mongoose Junction.
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Lunch
If you’re dining in St. John, USVI, you’ve got to check out the excellent food at Woody’s Seafood, Lime Out, Skinny Legs, and Shambles. Woody’s Seafood is a charming little spot serving fresh, delicious seafood for over three decades. Meanwhile, Lime Out is a fantastic floating taco bar that’s just as delightful as it sounds.
You can’t leave St. John without having a meal at Skinny Legs, a casual burger joint that’s been around since the seventies. Finally, there’s Shambles, a cozy restaurant that serves up some of the best comfort food on the island.
St. John, USVI restaurants can satisfy your cravings no matter what you’re in the mood for.
Woody’s Seafood Saloon
Woody’s might strike you as a dive bar at first glance, but don’t be fooled โ this is the best place on the Island to grab lunch. I recommend grabbing a spot at one of the two tables outside for a front-row seat to the town’s action.
Regarding food, the “Shark Bites” are our favorite item on the menu (we went twice in one week; they were so good)! Our second favorite is the peel-and-eat shrimp.
Besides the good food, they have one of the best happy hours! From 3 to 6 p.m. every day, they have $2 Coors Light, $3 Well drinks, $3 Captain, and $3 Bombs.

Sun Dog Cafe
This restaurant is in the heart of Mongoose Junction and features a cozy setting with just a few tables. Our group enjoyed the delicious Philly and fish sandwiches, both of which were excellent. However, the quesadilla and Caesar salad were only mediocre. It’s a convenient stop for lunch while shopping in Mongoose Junction.

Shambles
After a morning snorkeling at Salt Pond, Shambles is an ideal lunch spot. Not only do they offer cold drinks and good food, but the atmosphere of the beach bar is also amazing.
Shambles is a bar/restaurant established after the 2017 hurricanes. Its name reflects the island’s experience. We are confident it will soon establish itself as a must-visit place, demonstrating the Island’s resilient nature.
We visited this spot multiple times after snorkeling, and on the night we went to the Windmill, the staff was incredibly friendly. They serve fantastic cocktails and have a fully stocked gift shop. Be sure to try their Vanilla Painkillerโit’s the best I’ve ever had! Trust me, I’ve sampled quite a few to compare!

Skinny Legs
Skinny Legs is situated in Coral Bay and has it all. First, there’s often live music, which creates an exciting and lively vibe.
Moreover, their gift shop takes the cake – it’s the best on the island! You’ll find everything from t-shirts and hats to any other souvenirs you’d like to take home from the Island.
Additionally, their burgers are an absolute must-tryโthey’re super tasty and affordable. This tropical oasis is precisely what you need after a day of exploring the Coral Bay area.

Lime Out
Are you looking for a unique place to unwind and indulge in delicious drinks and tacos? Look no further than Lime Out, a floating taco bar with craft-made cocktails! Accessible only by boat charter, this stunning watering hole boasts a swim-up bar and floating lily pads to add to the fun.
If you’re worried about how to get there, don’t be. There are various ways to reach Lime Out, so don’t let its location intimidate you.
Once settled in, relax and enjoy your thermal glass of cocktail and tasty tacos, sure to impress you. We highly recommend adding shrimp tacos from Lime Out to your must-do list! I highly recommend taking this snorkel and Lime Out lunch tour!
Dinner
If you’re searching for a delectable dining experience while visiting the stunning island of St. John, USVI, let me introduce you to restaurants that will satisfy your appetite.
La Tapa
La Tapa restaurant is in Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI, known for its atmosphere and delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients, La Tapa offers a diverse menu featuring tapas-style dishes perfect for sharing, alongside an impressive selection of wines and cocktails.
The menu is not set, but here are some recommendations. Try the mussels and bread with sauces; they are a must!
The cozy, laid-back ambiance makes it ideal for casual dining and special occasions. It is a great place to enjoy a sunset dinner; La Tapa promises a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of island life.

Lime Inn
Lime Inn, located in the heart of Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI, has recently undergone a stylish remodel, transforming it into a dining destination specializing in gourmet tacos. With a fresh and inviting atmosphere, Lime Inn offers a creative twist on traditional flavors, featuring a menu highlighting locally sourced ingredients and unique taco combinations.
The Refinery
The Refinery is an exciting new addition to Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI, offering a fresh take on island dining. With its modern design and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant focuses on Caribbean tapas; shared plates.
The menu features a creative blend of flavors, including various seafood, meats, and vegetarian options. Recommended dishes are the Churrasco Skirt Steak plus the Crab, Corn, and Shrimp Fritters. Guests can enjoy a relaxed dining experience while savoring refreshing craft cocktails.

Ocean 362
Ocean 362 restaurant is located in Gallows Point, a short drive from Cruz Bay. If you make a reservation close to sunset, you will have a fantastic view.
This “Island to Table” restaurant features local Caribbean flavors and has a friendly staff. It is an outstanding restaurant and a foodie’s dream. Our group ordered scallops, tuna, salmon, and mahi mahi, and everything was exceptional.
Morgan’s Mango
Make a reservation at Morgan’s Mango for classy island fare. The ambiance here is unmatched by any other restaurant on the Island.
Tuesday and Saturday are lobster nights. The menu features upscale seafood and fish, covering many Caribbean Island flavors. The company sources its seafood and fish and produces them locally. The panko-encrusted grouper was fantastic! Save room for the key lime pie!
Roma Cafe
Roma Cafe in St. John, USVI, is a charming eatery that offers a delightful blend of Italian cuisine and Caribbean flavors. Known for its warm ambiance and friendly service, the cafรฉ features a diverse menu, including fresh pasta, seafood dishes, and delicious desserts, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal after a day of exploring the island. Roma Cafe is located upstairs from The Longboard.

Greengo’s Caribbean Cantina
Located at Mongoose Junction, it is a lively Mexican restaurant. The extensive tequila collection on the main wall makes an attractive visual. We enjoyed the enchiladas, tacos, and catch of the day. It was a pleasant surprise that we happened upon while shopping at Mongoose Junction.
The Tap & Still
Do you like Five Guys burgers? If so, definitely make The Tap & Still for dinner one night. This popular US chain offers French fries and burgers similar to this chain. They also have wings, which we rated high, especially the Spicy Korean.

The Windmill
The Windmill is a restaurant on St. John, USVI, offering breathtaking, especially magical views at sunset. Perched on a hillside, this charming eatery invites guests to soak in the picturesque scenery while enjoying a casual meal.
The Windmill is known for its fabulous cocktails, perfect for sipping as you take in the panoramic vistas. Whether you’re looking to unwind with a drink during golden hour or savor a delicious dinner with friends and family, The Windmill promises a delightful dining experience with the island’s natural beauty.

Johnny Lime
This Coral Bay restaurant, which serves Caribbean BBQ, opened in 2022. On Fridays, they have Lobster night, starting at 5:30 p.m. Check out their website for events and a live music schedule.
Where to go for Cocktails
Without mentioning the island’s abundant cocktails, one can’t talk about dining on St. John, USVI. From the Beach Bar’s signature Painkiller to the Windmill’s refreshing Windmill Breeze, there’s never a shortage of delicious drinks.
Longboards is another must-visit location, boasting an impressive selection of craft beers and specialty cocktails. For a truly unique experience, head over to Paddle-In Tiki Bar, a hidden gem that offers an extensive list of handcrafted cocktails that are simply unbeatable.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic margarita or a fruity concoction, St. John, USVI restaurants have you covered. Cheers to island life!
Beach Bar
Day or night, the Beach Bar is an island staple and fan-favorite. Come for the delicious drinks, but stay for the unbeatable energy and live music. They are known for their Bushwackers (a boozy coconut and chocolate milkshake) and Painkillers (rum, pineapple, coconut, and orange juice).
If you are hungry after a few drinks, don’t worry; they also serve food. Have friends at home with FOMO? They can watch you living your best island life on the bar’s livestream โ check it out here. The Beach Bar also has a radio station that you can listen to.

The Longboard
Check out the Longboard for happy hour from 2 to 4 p.m. It can get quite crowded. The bartenders excel at specialty drinks; watching them in action is fun. They don’t accept reservations, but they do have a waitlist. Place your name on the list and enjoy a cocktail at the bar.
The Windmill
Love sunsets and picture-perfect views? Then drinks at Windmill are a must-do! Arrive during happy hour (3โ6 pm) for the best spot on the Island to catch the sunset.
Grab a seat beside an old Sugar Mill and sip on a Windmill Breeze (rum, orange juice, cranberry & mango juice). Look for panoramic views of Hawks Nest; a little further in the distance, you’ll spot Lovango, an up-and-coming beach resort. To your left, you’ll see Caneel Bay.
We found this place on our last day on the Island and wish we had known about it earlier โ we would’ve been here every day! If there is one place you take away from this list, let it be this one!
PaddleโIn Tiki Bar
The Paddle-In Tiki Bar is across the street from the fabulous Maho Beach in the Crossroads. We had one of the best Lime in da Coconut drinks here. This whole area had a great island vibe. There were also several shops at the Crossroads. It was well worth the stop after visiting Maho Beach.
This is just a few bars to visit on St. John. Check out our whole list of recommended drinking spots on St. John.
Related Blog Posts
For more St. John Island travel tips, check out my other posts.
Bars in St. John USVI: Best Spots for a Tropical Drink
Top 15 Bucket List Activities on St. John U.S.V.I.
Beaches & Snorkeling Guide of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Ultimate Guide to Travel Basics for St. John USVI
FAQ Dining on St. John USVI
Are there any customs or traditions I should know when visiting St John?
St John has a diverse cultural heritage influenced by African, European, and Caribbean traditions. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and greeting people with a “good morning” or “good afternoon” before beginning a conversation is customary. Respect for the culture and environment is essential, so take a “leave no trace” approach when exploring the island’s natural beauty.
What is the local currency in St John?
The local currency in St John is the U.S. dollar. Credit cards and cash are widely accepted, but carrying some cash for smaller purchases and tips is a good idea. Taxis require cash if you plan to take them.
Also, if you plan on traveling to the BVIs, Jost Van Dyke takes the US dollar.
What are some local dishes I should try in St John?
St John is known for its seafood, including conch fritters, fish tacos, and lobster rolls. Other popular local dishes include johnnycakes, fried bread, pates, and a meat-filled pastry.
How do I get around St John?
Renting a car is recommended in St John due to the distance to the beaches. Beware of its narrow and steep roads, plus driving on the left side of the road in American cars. Taxis are readily available, and many tour companies offer guided tours around the island.
I’ve never heard about this place before reading this article. The food looks delicious here. Thanks for sharing this dining experience!