The friendly Caribbean island of St Martin offers its visitors a diverse culinary selection with an even more varied choice of spices. Of course, you can dine at restaurants specializing in multiple cuisines from across the world, but the most popular cuisine on the island is French infused with a Caribbean kick of bold herbs and seasoning.

Local cuisine in St. Martin stands out because of the richness and intensity of its flavours, a product of the simple purity of its ingredients. Some of the primary herbs used in St. Martin dishes are thyme, cloves, bay leaves, curry, seasoned pepper, and chives or spring onion. The main spice used is decided on what dish is being cooked, but it’s almost guaranteed you’ll taste each one during your stay on the island.

Here are some spots for foodies on the island that will take your gastronomical experience to a whole different level:

Villa Royale, in Grand Case

Experience fine dining with a twist. Villa Royale falls somewhere between a low-cost ‘lolo’ and haute cuisine restaurant. Along with killer rum drinks, this place serves the best creole dishes on the island. According to travellers, some of the must try dishes are beans and rice, fresh tuna, shrimp, mahi-mahi skewers and sweet potato fries. Villa Royale is the kind of place you plan on visiting once but end up coming back to again and again.

Hercule, in Cul de Sac

This cute and cozy place is tucked away in the French Cul-de-Sac on the way to Pinel Island. Far from being a hole-in-the-wall, Hercule is clean, sophisticated, and authentic. You will be greeted with warm smiles and a lovely creole menu that will delight your senses and make your day outstanding. Hercule’s Goat Stew and the fish (snapper) are delicacies you definitely want to try.

Spicy Milo

This spice shop located in the center of Marigot is operated by Marian Gregoire-Celestine and her husband, Spicy Milo opened its doors in 2014, intending to help people discover all of the Caribbean cuisine’s unique flavours. It has been an island staple ever since, giving tourists an authentic culinary experience unique to St. Martin. The shop carries over 60 different spices, including local oregano, creole sauce mix, curry, and St. Martin’s jerk (their take on the classic jerk spice). Make sure to visit while on the island and get some recipe ideas from Marian! Take the trademark tastes of St. Martin home with you by stopping in at Spicy Milo.