Prices are for a main course at dinner, excluding tip.

Although most people come to St. Maarten/St. Martin for fun and sun, they leave craving the cuisine, and that's not surprising. Every day, delicacies are flown here from all over the world. Of course, you'll be able to find fine French cuisine, but foods from around the globe -- Argentine, Asian, Italian, Tex-Mex, Vietnamese, American, Bavarian, and of course creole and Caribbean -- make their way to the kitchens of the island's restaurants. Dining in St. Maarten is not cheap, but the price usually reflects the high quality of the culinary creations.

During the high season, it's essential to make reservations, and making them a month in advance is advisable for some of the best places. Often restaurants include a 15% service charge, so go over your bill before tipping. However, you can't always leave tips on your credit card, so carry cash, too. A taxi is probably the easiest solution to the parking problem in the main restaurant areas, particularly in Grand Case and Philipsburg but during the high season also in Marigot. Marigot has free parking near the waterfront and throughout the town; Grand Case has two lots -- each costs $4 -- at each end of the main boulevard, but they are always crowded.