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Restaurants in St. Lucia

Travelers seeking restaurants will find everything from international cuisine to barbecue jump-ups in St. Lucia

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All-inclusive hotels in St. Lucia offer patrons exciting menus, respected chefs, attentive service, and convenience. But visitors who are willing to venture away from their resorts will find relaxing restaurants, lively fish fries, and local vendors all teeming with French and spicy Creole influences.

St. Lucia plays host to a number of all-inclusive resortss where international cuisine delights guests. Vacationers who wander away from the hotels will be richly rewarded by the unpretentious bistros, vendors, and mom and pop shops that add local flavor to the landscape. Visit a fish fry in Gros Islet, Anse La Ray, or Dennery and try barbecue, tatiri (a small fish, deep-fried and eaten whole), and chargrilled tuna steak. Whether you're looking for excitement and dancing (Gros Islet) or something slightly more subdued (Anse La Ray, Dennery), fish fries are an economical way to experience local cuisine and culture. The bill at Anse la Ray will be about $5(USD) per person and includes a drink.

For something different, try one of the island's plantation-style restaurants. And as on many Caribbean islands, fast food is also a ready, low-cost option and includes burgers, barbecue, and pizza.

Travelers who have spent the day hiking or snorkeling may wish to relax in one of the moderately priced restaurants that are concentrated largely in the tourist areas. These establishments offer a variety of fares, from Asian, Indian, and Mexican to the local Creole and Amerindian, to American Nouveau. Many also offer outdoor seating with views of beach or mountain sunsets. A meal at one of these eateries will cost between $12(USD) and $20(USD) before drinks and tip.

Those seeking the elegance of fine dining should look to Soufrière, Rodney Bay, and the area east of Castries. Many of the island's hotel restaurants also offer higher-end cuisine. Expect the bill to also be higher-end, starting at around $20(USD) and sometimes exceeding $30(USD).

During the busy winter season, reservations are essential for moderately priced and fancier restaurants. Service in St. Lucia is often extremely friendly. In fact, some restaurants will arrange for transportation to and from their location. Managers sometimes greet patrons as they are seated. While the atmosphere is usually one of "liming," dress is conservative. Beach ware should be reserved for the sand and sun.

Few of the smaller, mom and pop restaurants and nearly no vendor accepts credit cards, so it is wise to have cash on hand. Most establishments list their prices in both Eastern Caribbean Dollars and U.S. Dollars and will take both forms of currency. Change is given predominantly in Eastern Caribbean dollars. An 8 percent tax and 10 percent service charge are usually added to the bill, but you may tip more if the service was informative and attentive. If a tip is not included, 10 to 15 percent is appropriate.

With the exception of hotel restaurants, many establishments close their doors on Sundays. During the off-season, hours may change or restaurants may close for weeks at a time. Generally, the hours for restaurants are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for breakfast; Noon to 2:00 p.m. for lunch; and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for dinner.

Restaurants in St. Lucia are wholly unique, and your dining experiences can be a significant and enjoyable part of your stay. Explore your options. Whether coming off of a boat, a beach, or a mountain, find a meal that will get you through another day of adventure and relaxation in St. Lucia.

 

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