Where to Eat & Drink in St. John, USVI: My Favorite Restaurants, Beach Bars & Boat Stops
THE ST. JOHN EDIT | M.Fairchild Edit
After 12 visits to St. John, we've definitely developed a list of favorite places to eat, drink, and enjoy island life.
One of the things I love most about St. John is how casual everything feels. You can spend the morning at the beach, head into Cruz Bay for lunch, enjoy cocktails overlooking the Caribbean, or hop on a boat for an entirely different dining experience.
We've eaten at so many restaurants over the years, and while I love discovering somewhere new, there are a handful of places we return to again and again.
From waterfront lunches to sunset cocktails and even floating restaurants, these are some of my favorite places to eat and drink around St. John.
Eating & Drinking by Boat: A St. John Must-Do
If you're planning a trip to St. John, I highly recommend spending at least one day exploring the surrounding islands by boat.
It's one of my favorite ways to experience the Virgin Islands. The water is unbelievably beautiful, and there are so many incredible places to stop for swimming, snorkeling, food, and cocktails.
My brother-in-law offers boat charters in the area, so if you're looking to spend a day on the water, I have a personal recommendation!
BOOK A ST. JOHN BOAT CHARTER — Captain Don Is The Best!
Pizza Pi — Pizza on the Water!
Yes, there's actually a floating pizza restaurant in the Virgin Islands!
Pizza Pi is located in Christmas Cove near Great St. James Island, and it's such a fun concept. You arrive by boat, order pizza, and enjoy lunch surrounded by that gorgeous Caribbean water.
It's a memorable addition to a day spent boating around the islands.
Lime Out — Floating Tacos in Coral Bay
Another uniquely St. John experience is Lime Out, the floating taco bar in Coral Bay.
Tacos, tropical drinks, and turquoise water? It doesn't get much more Caribbean than that.
Lime Out is designed for guests arriving by boat, making it a fun stop when exploring the Coral Bay side of the island. Check current access and ordering arrangements before visiting.
My Favorite Restaurants & Bars in Cruz Bay
Cruz Bay is where we spend many of our evenings. I love being able to walk around, browse the shops, and decide where to stop for dinner or a cocktail.
And after a morning at the beach, it's often exactly where we end up for lunch.
The Longboard
The Longboard is one of our favorite Cruz Bay spots.
I love the casual, tropical atmosphere. It's exactly the kind of place I want to go after spending the morning at the beach.
Great for lunch, cocktails, or a relaxed evening out, The Longboard is one of those restaurants that fits perfectly into the laid-back St. John lifestyle.
High Tide — Our First Stop After the Ferry
High Tide is one of those places we return to several times during a St. John vacation.
Located right near the ferry dock in Cruz Bay, it's especially convenient when you first arrive on the island.
After the ferry ride over from St. Thomas, we love stopping at High Tide for a drink or something to eat while waiting to pick up our Jeep.
It's a great way to officially settle into island time!
And because it's so conveniently located on the waterfront, we often find ourselves returning throughout our trip.
The Windmill Bar — Go for Sunset
If there's one thing you should make time for while visiting St. John, it's watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
The Windmill Bar is a beautiful place to do exactly that.
Perched high above the island, the bar offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding water and islands.
I recommend planning your visit around sunset, when the scenery becomes even more spectacular.
It's one of those places where the view is just as much a part of the experience as the drinks.
My tip: Arrive before sunset so you can settle in, order a cocktail, and enjoy the changing colors over the Caribbean.
Lovango Resort & Beach Club — An Island Escape
For something a little different, add Lovango Resort & Beach Club to your St. John itinerary.
Located on Lovango Cay, just offshore from St. John, this beautiful island resort offers a more elevated Caribbean experience.
It's a wonderful option for travelers looking to enjoy a special lunch, cocktails, or a beach club experience as part of their vacation.
I love the idea of making an afternoon of it rather than simply stopping in for a quick meal.
Be sure to check current dining reservations, beach club access, and boat transportation arrangements before planning your visit.
ZoZo's — A Special Night Out
While we love the casual beach bars and open-air restaurants around St. John, sometimes it's fun to dress up a little and enjoy a special dinner.
ZoZo's is one of the island's best-known upscale dining experiences.
Located at Caneel Bay, it offers a beautiful setting for an evening out, especially if you're celebrating something special or simply want a memorable dinner during your vacation.
It's the kind of restaurant I'd plan ahead for rather than leave to chance.
My tip: Make reservations in advance and consider timing your dinner around sunset.
My Perfect St. John Food & Drink Day
If you've read my guide to the best beaches in St. John, you already know that we like to get an early start.
We load up the Jeep, head to one of our favorite beaches, and settle in with a cooler filled with cheese, crackers, and a few island refreshments.
By lunchtime, we're usually ready to head back toward Cruz Bay.
A leisurely lunch, a little shopping around Mongoose Junction, and perhaps a stop for a cocktail is my idea of a perfect afternoon.
Then it's back to our villa for some pool time before deciding what to do for dinner.
Some nights we head back into town, and other nights we stay home, throw something on the grill, and enjoy the view.
That's what I love about St. John. There's no pressure to do everything. You can make the vacation exactly what you want it to be.
A Few Tips for Dining in St. John
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Make reservations for special dinners. Popular restaurants like ZoZo's can require advance planning.
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Plan a boat day. Some of the most memorable food experiences in the Virgin Islands are reached by water.
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Don't overlook waterfront lunches. There's something wonderful about a casual meal overlooking Cruz Bay.
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Time your cocktails around sunset. The Windmill Bar is one of my favorite recommendations for spectacular views.
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Check seasonal hours. Restaurant schedules and boat-access arrangements can change throughout the year.
Why We Keep Coming Back
After 12 visits, I still look forward to our favorite St. John traditions.
A morning at Francis Bay, lunch in Cruz Bay, cocktails at sunset, and the occasional boat adventure.
It's the combination of incredible beaches, wonderful restaurants, beautiful views, and that wonderfully relaxed island atmosphere that keeps bringing us back.
And I wouldn't change a thing.
THE ST. JOHN EDIT | M.Fairchild Edit
Planning your trip? Explore my guides to Where to Stay in St. John, the Best Beaches in St. John, and Getting to St. John.
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