TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Your SINGLE Favorite Restaraunt Still Open Today

OK, only one vote...mine is Le Ti Bouchon, Momo's place.

Wow...tough question but I think I'd have to say Bistro Caribes.

While places like Momo's, Bistrot, L' Auberge, et. al. are go to places for us, the one we go to the most over our 3+ week stay is Yvette's.

Yes, really tough, but I agree---Bistrot Cariabes!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

I guess you mean one still open after many years. In that case I would have to say Sol e Luna.

From the first visit in the 90's, Auberge Gourmand is always wonderful

Auberge Gourmande. We make sure we get there twice on each trip.

Temptation. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Tropicana

Tutta Pasta

Le Cottage for sure !!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Mark's Place.

Now, why did I think you were going to say Hilma's!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

A picture is worth 1000 words...



Need I say more <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Hands down...... Mario's Bistro

Same for us...Mario's Bistro <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Impossible <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" />
Each time I decide on one, another pushes its way into my decision.
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Spiga. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

A coin toss between Hilma's and Yvettes.
I know this will make the foodies LOL, but I come to eat truly local food.

Yvettes

My very favorite restaurant is not necessarily "The BEST" of all the offerings from a culinary standpoint or the ritziest or the classiest either, for that matter, but based on all the above and then toss in longevity and consistency, it would most definitely be ANTOINE'S BY THE SEA on Front street in Philipsberg. We first discovered it in the late seventies or very early eighties under the management of the original owners and at a time when one of the current owners was but a young waiter serving his apprenticeship under the Captain and his Lady.

It's been there since our earliest trips to the island and it has endured over all these years through changes too numerous to list. It has survived countless major storms that destroyed its original location along with economic downturns across the island that cost many an entrepreneur to throw in the towel and call it quits, and has even managed to survive a flawless change in ownership way back when, and can boast that it's still going strong today despite the average visitors hesitancy to visit P'berg at night for dining opportunities.

Jean Pierre and Pierre get my vote because of their quality, for sure, but also because of their longevity and their resiliency, not to discount at all their friendship over all these years. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Spiga

The Palms

I am a bit surprised that there is such " consensus" since many people have fairly long "favorite lists". I am also thrilled that there are places on the list we have not been to yet!

Although I have already answered I can't believe that no one has mentioned Dreams!!! It's definitely tied for first for us although I said Bistro Caribes only because we always feel we are treated like good friends there for so many years.

I think you nailed the reason Dreams perhaps wasn't mentioned - Dreams has only been around for a couple of years and the OP used the word 'still' in the original question. Given the wording, My take was which of the places that had been around for a while. Had I been asked for a second choice I would have said Marks, which has also been around since at least the late 70s or early 80s, too. We discovered Marks in 83 in its original location and followed it to today. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Many come to mind but as Pat said earlier....Antoines! Always perfection and never a disappointment and valet parking is a plus.
Lisa

Chuck---I definitely wavered between Bistrot and Dreams, but as Pat said, it seemed that the question was asking for a long time favorite and Dreams is a newcomer..

My thoughts exactely !so we should begin another thread , what is your favorite new resto !!!

Le Cottage for me.

dane--I knew that would be your choice! Le Cottage hasn't been quite the same for me since Bruno isn't there..

I agree that Le Cottage is not quite the same and I feel the same way about Spiga since it has enlarged. Success has its challenges...

On Trip Advisor the top rated restaurant on the island is Bistrot Caraibes. The French side of the island is heavily favored as a general rule of thumb. There are 496 places that are on their restaurant list and the first 126 places all had better than a 4 out of 5 ranking - that is really strong.

Agree with Antoine's - went there for the first time in 1986 and try to get back every year since. Just love the souffl�s!

Definitely Ma Ti beach and the owner Laurent!

After all these years and tons of restaurants (lost count after 31 years).....Bistrot Caraibes is the most consistent. There are many other fine restaurants but not consistent.....Ti and Amaury do a great job. Love them and their cuisine!!

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Contessa

How 'bout that!!! I never thought I would see someone vote for my favorite. I really think this is the 1st time I've seen it mentioned after being on this forum for 10 years.

Love their tables with a view as well as their outside tables.

No question....Piazza Pascal

So many of all of you posted some of our favorite places to dine. But here's one we love too!!! Paradise View!!! Lucie and Laurent are great host!!! The menu is great the atmosphere is wonderful and the view??? No words!!!
Check it out!!! http://www.paradiseviewsxm.com/

Carol, I agree Le Cottage changed a little immediately following the transfer of ownership. However, my several recent visits there have been among the best meals I have enjoyed on the island in recent memory. Stephane and Tania have Le Cottage hitting its stride.

Of course, I have trouble naming just one restaurant. That's why a week has 7 days to enjoy <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />