These discussions always seem to focus on the higher end places, so I'll offer up my local/lower prices alternatives.

French Food: Champagne Bistro,on the Dutch side, offers daily lunch plates for under $20. Le Taitu offers a lunch menu for around 12 Euros that includes the meal, drink, and coffee. I much prefer their French offerings to their island dishes, but those aren't bad either.

Island Food: All on the french side. Overall favorite is Yvette's in the French Quarter, followed by Villa Royale and Ti Coin Creole in Grand Case, and rising, in my opinion, Les 13 Travaux d'Hercule in Cul de Sac. Caribbean Blend on the Philipsburg Boardwalk makes and excellent grilled grouper, basted in butter and seasoned with flavorful herbs. All these meals should be washed down with some Ti Punch.