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 on St. John, USVI, no matter which restaurant you choose is always a treat for the taste buds.
High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill
Breakfast with a view at High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill! Catch the breakfast happy hour from 8–11 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 right on a white sandy beach with one of the best views of Cruz Bay. We enjoyed our breakfast before heading back to St. Thomas on the ferry.
Get the breakfast quesadilla or burrito; you won’t go away hungry! If 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 the evening happy hour from 3–5 pm while you wait for sunset.
Cruz Bay Landing
Cruz Bay Landing is our favorite breakfast spot. We ate there twice this trip. The service is 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.
If you want to make a Bushwacker at home, check out Cocktails Around the World
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. Everything was delicious. Add this stop as you head to the beach in the morning or at lunchtime. Located in Mongoose Junction.
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.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, St. John, USVI restaurants will be able to satisfy your cravings.
Woody’s Seafood Saloon
Woody’s might strike you as a dive bar at first glance, but don’t be fooled – 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” is our favorite item on the menu (we went twice in one week; they were so good)!
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, and its name reflects the experience of the Island. We are confident it will soon establish itself as a must-visit place, demonstrating the Island’s resilient nature.
Skinny Legs
Skinny Legs is situated in Coral Bay and has it all. To start off, 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-try – They’re super tasty and affordable. This tropical oasis is precisely what you need after a day of exploring the Coral Bay area.
Lime Out
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 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 three stunning restaurants that will satisfy your appetite. Ocean 362, located in the Cruz Bay area, offers mouth-watering dishes inspired by the surrounding Caribbean waters.
Enjoy a romantic dinner for two with a breathtaking view of the sea. For a romantic evening, head over to Morgan’s Mango, where live music and a tropical ambiance set the scene for a night filled with good food and great company.
And last but not least, for authentic Mexican cuisine, Greengo’s Cantina is a must-visit spot. They have everything, whether you’re in the mood for tacos or tequila. Dining on St. John, USVI, is an experience you won’t miss.
Ocean 362
Ocean 362 restaurant is located in Gallows Point, a short drive from Cruz Bay. You will have a fantastic view if you make a reservation close to sunset.
This “Island to Table” restaurant features local Caribbean flavors and has a friendly staff. This outstanding restaurant is 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. Their menu is upscale seafood and fish, covering many Caribbean Islands flavors. They locally source their seafood, fish, and produce. The panko-encrusted grouper was fantastic! Save room for the key lime pie!
Greengo’s Caribbean Cantina
Located at Mongoose Junction, it is a lively Mexican Cuisine restaurant. Their extensive tequila collection on their main wall makes an attractive visual. We enjoyed the enchiladas, tacos, and the catch of the day. It was a pleasant surprise that we happened upon while shopping at Mongoose Junction.
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, where you can enjoy a drink at this hidden gem. It 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 – check it out here.
The Longboard
Check out the Longboard for happy hour from 2–4 pm. It can get quite crowded. Specialty drinks are what they excel at, and it’s fun to watch the bartenders in action. 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 (3–6 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 – we would’ve been here every day! If there is one place you take away from this list, let it be this one!
Paddle–In 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.
Salty Mongoose Pizza and Rum Bar
We stopped at the Salty Mongoose after our Salt Pond snorkel. The lively bar caught our attention from the road.
In addition to cocktails, they also serve pizza and salad. We ordered only cocktails on this trip, but the pizza looked delicious! Our server was amiable, with a laid-back island vibe.
The Mongoose Rum Punch was excellent. After spending time at the beach on a Sunday afternoon, it was a great pit stop. They only accept cash, not credit cards.
For more St. John Island travel tips, check out my other posts. Cocktails Around the World Top 15 Bucket List Activities on St. John U.S.V.I. Beaches & Snorkeling Guide of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Our Trusted Resources
Booking.com: for booking accommodations
Fare Drop: for finding the best airfare deals.
Viator or Get Your Guide: for all my activities
Discover Cars: for car rentals
Airalo: for eSIM card
Trainline: for booking train tickets
Vuori & prAna: great sources for travel clothes
Columbia: great clothes and accessories for outdoor adventures.
International Drivers Permit: for getting your IDP
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.
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, and pates, 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!