Top Restaurants in Cruz Bay
Top Things to do in Cruz Bay
Cruz Bay Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Cruz Bay
St. John’s vibrant main town and port, Cruz Bay is home to most of the 28-square-mile island’s restaurants, bars, stores and dive centers. Two-thirds of affluent St. John is a national park, and many safari buses and jeeps set out from Cruz Bay. Don’t miss local art and history at Elaine Ione Sprauve Museum or the pristine sand of Hawksnest Bay, popular with snorkelers due to its nearby reef. There is no airport; ferries connect the town of 2750 with other U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
Things to do in Cruz Bay
1. Morgan's Mango
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
At Morgan’s Mango, we try to reflect the life of the Islands, a place of dazzling light and color, tropical breezes and starry nights, a relaxed and sensory experience.Joining us, to share in the culinary history of an island world crowded with so many wonderful cultures that it takes your breath way. Our food covers many Caribbean and South American cuisines—Creole, Bahamian, Cuban, Jamaican, Haitian, Puerto Rican, Argentinian and Mayan. All of these cuisines have been influenced by the original inhabitants of the Islands, the Arawak and Carib Indians, as well as the Africans, East Indians and Chinese who arrived later. Add to these the foods of the Spanish, French, British and Danish settlers, and you have an incredible melting pot of ethnic and classic cuisines.Hence Cuisines of the Caribbean, a neo-Caribbean experience conveying the juice and jazz of the Islands, a carnival of flavors and lifestyles.
Reviewed By Jwolff70
Morgan’s Mango just reopened, and due to the long closure, their staff may need re-training, desperately!! Our server was erratic, forgetful, and kept us waiting multiple times- for more water, a margarita, a glass of wine, and even got my dinner order incorrect, then forgot to bring me the boxed remains, as everyone else had finished before I could even start! Very few gluten free options, but the chef passed on a few selections through our waiter. Otherwise, not much to choose from, and insanely expensive for what’s offered. My kids dinner looked FABULOUS, but when I asked if I could just have a plain piece of grilled grouper instead of coconut pan fried grouper,they weren’t willing to accommodate this at all- and brought me salmon, which I didn’t even order!! Glad the bday girl had a nice meal!
2. Sun Dog Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 868 reviews
Sun Dog Cafe is a great casual dining option, and home to the Gecko Gazebo, our open air bar overlooking the gracious center courtyard of Mongoose Junction. A New York Times Travel and Leisure Pick for St. John, we serve lunch daily, dinner on weekdays, and brunch on Sunday. Don't Miss the Wednesday Night Jam, from 6 to pm, a great musical event with local and visiting talent. Welcome!
Reviewed By JillConnecticut - Connecticut
Took granddaughters to their first “concert “ and they were fascinated. Amazing local talent! Great variety of special guests joined terrific singer. Had never heard anyone play the spoons and he was fabulous! Luckily we can go one more time before heading home.
3. Woody's Seafood Saloon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Michael H - Boylston, Massachusetts
Very disappointed this year. Woody’s is cash only which because of the internet being sporadic I understand. But no food being served and they had some great appetizers in the past. Also not consistent with their prices. Went last Thursday ( The bartender told us they were only open Thursday thru Sunday for now) and were charged $6 per standard vodka or gin and tonic. Taylor was the bartender from Texas and she was very nice and congenial. Went back Friday and sat outside at the tables and had a different waitress and same drinks were now $ 7 each. Better get consistent. When I questioned our waitress she just said that is what we are told to charge. Sorry but no food and I can get the same drinks on the water at High Tide for $3 and $5 at Banana Deck make my decision for my next stop easy.
4. Candi's Barbecue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
It is really a small shack type place but has the most amazing bbq i have had in the carribean. please contact me with any Q's.
Reviewed By Phyllis10 - Holbrook, New York
After traveling all day to get to St John, getting our car, checking into condo, doing a little food shopping at Starfish, we wanted something fast. We didn't feel like sitting in a restaurant, so we went to Candi's. We ordered BBQ chicken, with rice and beans, I got corn on cob, hubs got cole slaw. Rice and beans, corn and cole slaw was good. The chicken had too much BBQ sauce for me and it was a little dry.
5. Sam & Jack's Deli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 808 reviews
Reviewed By Martin M - Annapolis, Maryland
Just above Starfish Market is this wonderful deli that makes simple but wonderful sandwiches. Real sliced Turkey or ham, with cheese, lettuce and tomato on really fresh good bread may not sound like much but these guys put together a great Sandwich. Their gazpacho must be yummy because they always ran out just before I ordered and everyone said it was icy cold and good. They have a case where you can purchase prepared foods (usually a selection of two items); we took the spaghetti & meat balls home and it was wonderful: enough to feed to hungry adults for two evenings.
6. The Lime Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The Lime Inn restaurant is located in downtown Cruz Bay and has been a favorite between locals and visitors alike since 1984. Our goal is for you to sit back and relax as you enjoy our delicious cocktails, hand-picked wines, and cold beers while sampling from our diverse and consistently delicious menu. Choose from small or large plates, but always leave full and content that you enjoyed life with us!
Reviewed By Elise R - Falmouth,MA
The Lime Inn is a St. John Institution. Rich Meyer and his wife are the cornerstones of this place, not to overlook the fantastic chefs and staff. Expect classic St. John food ( fresh fish, etc) and a consistent, dependable menu. If you live there, as we did, you tend to eat at the Lime Inn frequently. It's where you see friends and neighbors and meet tourists who love St. John ( usually)!
7. Driftwood David's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
Local neighborhood sports bar and restaurant that offers fresh burgers, ribs, fish wings and fries. Daily specials ..Live music and dance nights..Call for more info
Reviewed By 2-an-island-lady - san diego
Yummy! It's a small, unassuming place located in the Lumberyard (not a hardware store, but the name of a shopping/dining complex). Just 2 tables facing the water of Cruz Bay and one hard working man making delicious food. It was so good that we not only went for lunch, but dinner too the same day. Elizabeth was our server for dinner and she had a warm and sparkling personality. The food ... delicious. It was $5 Burger Friday - my husband and daughter ordered those and loved them. My son got the delicious ribs. And I had the wonderful pulled pork Sandwich! Why would you get BBQ on an island? Because it's that good. Great flavor, moist, not doused in BBQ sauce... perfect. On a soft bioche bun with a touch of cole slaw and pickle slices. My mouth waters just thinking about it. And then to top it off was his delicious homemade key lime pie. Small and casual with a water view and amazing food. You won't want to miss this!
8. The Terrace Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 525 reviews
French inspired fine dining and fine wines. Located on the waterfront in Cruz Bay, between Grande Bay Resort and Wharfside Village. Bar opens nightly at 4:30 for our fresh oyster happy hour, restaurant opens at 5:30. Open 7 days. Reservations recommended
Reviewed By CapeSwimmer - Cape Cod, MA
In our many trips to the island, we had never been here--after meals at Zozo's, Asolare, and Extra Virgin, we usually opted for a lighter dinner. But post hurricanes, Zozo's and Asolare destroyed, finally checked out The Terrace. Wow, have we been missing out.
Everything was perfect: the atmosphere (sitting on the Terrace overlooking the bay), the friendly and efficient service, and most importantly, the food (expertly prepared with fresh ingredients.
As one shopkeeper told me, the chef here is the best on the island. And I wholeheartedly agree.
9. Our Market Smoothies
Overall Ratings
5 based on 570 reviews
Our Market Smoothies is the best place for freshly made fruit smoothies, island cocktails and refreshing coconuts - with or without rum. Sit back and relax in the eclectic heart of Cruz Bay, (right next to the Post Office) as Thomas, your friendly drink specialist, machete opens chilled coconuts and blends up a tasty, nutritious smoothies for you and your friends!
Reviewed By Kgreene2013 - York, Maine
I had just returned from the weekly volunteer group with Friends of Virgin Islands National Park. We helped clean up debris from Hurricane Hole.
I stopped at Our Market Smoothies stand. I ordered a BBC, my favorite. I chatted with Thomas while he was making my drink. He was as gracious as ever and very appreciative of me stopping by.
10. LaTapa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 671 reviews
Reviewed By Elise R - Falmouth,MA
La Tapa is always welcoming and comfortable. Food is dependably good. Service is usually excellent and the menu is somewhat extensive ( for St. John) and creative. The drinks are great- even the iced tea! This is a popular St. John restaurant. A reservation is not a bad idea. The owners are enthusiastic and really put effort into the food, ambiance and service. Great place!
