St John, USVI: Where to Eat

Are you traveling to St. John, US Virgin Islands? Don’t miss your chance to try delicious seared scallops, fresh lobster tacos, rack of lamb and more. Check out my list of the best places to eat in St. John, USVI!

Food is an essential element of any travel experience.  With fresh local seafood, organic gardens and some of the best chefs in the Caribbean, St. John is a beautiful place that foodies will love. St. John, USVI has excellent culinary offerings, including everything from casual hole-in-the-wall restaurants on the side of the road to high-end dining establishments overlooking the ocean at sunset. 

I highly recommend making reservations for dinner, especially if you want a specific table with a view or have a large party. Shanna at Blue Sky Concierge can assist with your dinner reservations or you can call and arrange them yourself. I also highly recommend purchasing the books St. John, Feet, Fins and Four Wheel Drive and St. John Off the Beaten Track. Both books provide fun facts about the island and must-see places, including beaches, restaurants and more. With over 15 days spent on the island, I still haven’t visited all of the restaurants on St. John, but here are a few of my favorite foodie spots that should not be missed.

Breakfast

(1) Cruz Bay Landing 

Cruz Bay Landing is a great place to fuel up for the adventurous day ahead of you. They have a large breakfast menu and indoor or outdoor seating. I highly recommend the eggs benedict. In fact, on our last trip to the island, we ate at Cruz Bay Landing three mornings and I ordered the eggs benedict twice. Prices are reasonable and you will find options to satisfy everyone.

(2) Baked in the Sun

Are you looking for a quick breakfast or snack before you head to the beach? Baked in the Sun is a little bakery located in Cruz Bay and offers everything from breakfast sandwiches and pastries to delectable cakes and more. Stop in to grab a morning treat. I love the fresh baked muffins and cookies.

Lunch

(3) Caneel Bay Beach Bar & Grill

Lobster tacos, crab cakes, sandwiches, sushi and more! The menu at Caneel Bay Beach Bar & Grill is expansive and offers something for everyone. Do not miss the lobster tacos and sushi. The bar and grill is open for lunch and dinner and is a great option for when you want something casual in a laid-back atmosphere.

(4) Sundog Cafe

Sundog Cafe is a excellent option for many reasons. It is a great place to grab lunch or dinner and offers a wide menu with everything from tacos and sandwiches to pizza and more. I highly recommend the hummus for an appetizer and the Shrimp Vera Cruz. Sundog Cafe is a great casual spot to enjoy dinner the night you arrive on St. John or enjoy lunch before you catch the ferry on your last day on the island.

(5) Sam & Jacks Deli

On every trip to St. John, we always stop at Sam & Jacks Deli located in The Marketplace. They have a wide selection of fresh sandwiches and grab & go options. We love to grab sandwiches or salads before we head out to the beach. They have everything from healthy grab-and-go salads to pasta dinners!

(6) North Shore Deli

I am pleased to see that North Shore Deli still has the same appeal as the former Deli Grotto. Stop in for lunch or a snack on your way back from the beach. The dessert bars are amazing. I’m still thinking about the chocolate coconut layered bar I ate and wish they could ship them to me!

(7) Tourist Trap -updated as this restaurant is currently CLOSED

The Tourist Trap is one of those unassuming places that you might miss if you don’t know where to find it. I included it as part of my Foodie Jeep tour because it is a great stop on the way to Salt Pond or Lameshur Bay beaches. The people that run the place are great and you always hear an interesting story or two while chatting with fellow travelers. I always order the Lobster Roll but also recommend their tacos. Don’t forget to order the drink right, keep left drink! Sadly, the tourist trap closed in the summer of 2016. 

(8) Skinny Legs

Skinny Legs also makes my Foodie Jeep Tour because it is a great casual place to stop in Coral Bay. We usually stop in to this casual spot for drinks and a burger.

Snacks

After snorkeling or hiking for a few hours, I’m usually ready for a snack.

(9) Canella at Caneel Bay

Cannella is a fun little shop located in Caneel Bay. If you are staying on property, it is a great place to grab an afternoon snack. They have a dozen flavors of gelato, coffee, sandwiches and more.

(10) Scoops ice cream shop

Scoops ice cream shop is located in Mongoose Junction. Just follow the smell of freshly baked waffle cones. Don’t forget to ask for a shot of rum in your ice cream float.

Dinner

(11) Zozo’s at Caneel Bay

I never had the opportunity to eat at Zozo’s in their former location, but the location at the Sugar Mill at Caneel Bay is stunning. The view is beautiful and the food is excellent. Call to make a reservation as soon as possible. I called 30 days ahead of time and reserved one of the best tables in the restaurant overlooking Caneel Bay and St. Thomas. We enjoyed a sunset view. The food was so good, we actually ate at Zozo’s twice during our most recent visit to the island.

Zozo’s offers a great menu with additional seasonal offerings. Every single item on the menu is amazing. I highly recommend the rack of lamb and fresh fish. Don’t miss the homemade pasta and ravioli. On our last visit, we actually enjoyed dessert so much that we ordered two rounds – two seasonal blueberry tarts and a trio of homemade ice cream. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The chef sources local fish and island grown produce. They also offer gluten-free pasta and a selection of vegetarian options. If you are looking for an excellent dining experience, don’t miss Zozo’s!

 

(12) Ocean 362

Ocean 362 is located at Gallows Point and offers stunning sunset views, spectacular service and delicious Caribbean inspired cuisine.

Born on St John, Chef Shaun Brian brings innovative options made with fresh local ingredients. He sources the freshest produce, meats and fish from local farms and fisherman and creates a meal that combines modern elements infused with local flavors.

While we didn’t opt for the Chef Tasting, we experienced an amazing meal based on suggestions from our server. We ordered the Tomato Cucumber Gazpacho, Oysters Rockefeller, Seared Duck Breast and Daily Catch. Dark Chocolate Orange Fudge and Warm Doughnut Bread Pudding for dessert. Even the baby butter beans served with my fresh fish were the best I ever had.

Visit Ocean 362 and you will not be disappointed. The presentation, flavors and view are all excellent. I can’t wait to return!

(13) The Terrace Restaurant

The Terrace Restaurant is an outstanding restaurant with a lovely ambiance, outdoor terrace and beautiful sunset views. The restaurant overlooks Cruz Bay and offers an excellent menu with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Located in the heart of Cruz Bay, the restaurant is a great place to enjoy a quiet and relaxed meal. The seared scallops and Mahi Mahi should not be missed. Great service, delicious food and an incredible view make The Terrace Restaurant one of my favorite places to enjoy a meal on St. John.

(14) Hire a private chef

One of the most unique experiences in St John is to hire your own chef to prepare you dinner in the privacy of your own villa. A private chef will bring a taste of the Caribbean right to you. I provided more details and pictures of my experience of hiring a personal chef.

Don’t miss my other St. John travel guides:

Unique Experiences in St John, USVI

US Virgin Islands Tourism graciously hosted us at Ocean 362 and Caneel Bay hosted us for lunch. I researched, planned and paid for all other meals on my own and was not paid to write this post. As always, all opinions are my own. 

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