5 Favorite Restaurants in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

 
As a yacht charter Captain and Crew, there's one thing we really love to do...eat out! We call it "research & development" for new menus to create for our award-winning galley. But, quite honestly, we love having someone take as good a care of us as we take care of our guests! Deciding which 5 restaurants in St. Thomas are our favorites is quite a dilemma. There are so many talented chefs on this 39 sq. mile island! And like most true artistic people, they tend to hop around a bit, changing restaurants with the seasons. We've tried below to list the establishments that we think are the most consistent with the best staff.

1. Enkai Sushi Bar: Enjoy an array of artisanal sushi, created with made-to-order loving care by owner Katie Lombardo and her amazing crew. Enkai creates a distinct culinary experience by taking the time to know the likes of each of their customers. We purchase our fresh fish from the same place they do and know it's going to be perfect everytime! Click here for more info on their Facebook page.

Some of our favorite unique rolls are:

• Aviones: Spicy tuna, avocado, caramelized plantain, scallion cream cheese, onion crunchies, wrapped in local yellowtail snapper & topped with a hot mustard-sweet chili sauce & daikon sprouts.
• Prism: Futo Maki syle spicy tuna & fresh hamachi paired with artisanal red lettuce, creamy avocado, cucumber, crispy tempura sea beans, ginger mayo, scallion, lemon & lentil sprouts

2. Havana Blue: Havana Blue is like stepping into the cool vibes of Cuba shaken with the refreshing energy of the tropics. Yes, the lighting is blue! Their "Experiential Dining" combines the warm, rustic culture & robust flavors of Latin America with the exotic spices & tangy sauces of the Pacific Rim. Visit: HavanaBlueRestaurant

• Don't miss their signature Cuban mojitos as well as their Ancho Filet: Filet Mignon/ Ancho chile & expresso rub/ grilled asparagus/ cilantro-chorizo mash/ tempura leeks/ cuban espresso reduction...all featured in Gourmet Magazine! 

3. Grande Cru at Yacht Haven Grande: Known for their Mediterranean cuisine with an island flair, this is a sexy restaurant with amazing lighting, ambiance and attentive staff. Their wine bar has no less that 20 bottles of wine offered by the glass as well as daily $5 martini specials. There are lots of creative tapas on the menu as well as big plates offered below. Visit: Grandecruvi.com

• The gorgeous plate above is Pan-Seared Sea Bass atop Grilled Eggplant, Portobello Mushroom Red Pepper and Yellow Squash with a 4-Potato-Arugula Puree and Balsamic Reduction

4. Oceana: A "must-go" restaurant on a full moon evening, Oceana has become one of the island's premier restaurants known for innovative global cuisine created by renown executive chef Patricia laCorte and her culinary staff. We love the feeling of this water side restaurant located in a historic house in Frenchtown at Villa Olga. Visit: Oceanavi.com

• Try the Focaccia crusted oven roasted Chilean Sea Bass with fennel, tomato & chickpea confit, kalamata olive dust with lemon preserve vinaigrette

5. Thirteen: This is the kind of hidden place down a long winding road that's the perfect date spot, or you can head there for a great meal with friends. The view is amazing if you get there before dark. The restaurant overlooks Inner & Outer Brass Island and the North side. There's no website; but you can find them here on Yelp.

• Start with several appetizers such as the Foccacia Bread, P.E.I. Mussels, Crab Cake BLT Slider, and Beef Carpaccio Bruschetta; all are exceptional.
• Try the Crispy Oven Roasted Duck Breast with Cherry Tamarind Brandy Glaze or the Pepita Crusted Grouper with Poblano Cream; both were phenomenal.
• Definitely try the Pavlova or the Pretzel Covered Chocolate Brownie.