Le Tamarin
Set in a lush garden beneath an enormous tamarind tree in Saline, Le Tamarin has been a St. Barts institution for years. The dining room is effectively outdoors, with tables scattered across a shaded terrace and into the garden, dappled light filtering through the canopy. It's one of the most beautiful restaurant settings in the Caribbean, particularly at lunch when the garden is at its most luminous.
The menu is classic French-Caribbean with seasonal accents. The lobster salad with mango and passion fruit vinaigrette is a long-standing favourite. The duck magret with honey and spice is rich and satisfying, while the catch of the day, grilled or pan-seared, is consistently excellent.
Le Tamarin is one of the better spots on the island for a leisurely lunch: the garden setting discourages rushing, and the wine list invites another bottle. Lunch runs 60-90 EUR per person; dinner 80-120 EUR. The restaurant sits a short drive from Saline Beach, making it a natural pairing.
Guest Reviews
Amazing atmosphere. We had a birthday dinner. Whole chicken with a very delicious creamy/buttery mashed potato and a delicious bottle of Barolo.
Our large party had a nice dinner here on a Friday night around 9pm. I was surprised that the dining room was pretty sparsely populated but I suppose that we were eating on the later side. We ordered several appetizers to share including the eggplant, arugula salad and caviar. For dinner I had the veggie main and my husband had the flank steak. The food was good if not great and the we had prompt service through the meal. Overall we had a very pleasant if not standout dining experience at Tamarin.
We had an incredible dining experience at this restaurant in St. Barths. The setting was absolutely stunning—like dining in a lush jungle. Half of the restaurant was covered, while the other half was open-air, creating a magical ambiance. The food was just as impressive as the atmosphere. The service was attentive and top-notch from start to finish. One standout dish was the eggplant appetizer—unique, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. The salads were fresh, the steak was perfectly cooked, and every dish we tried was fantastic. Overall, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone in St. Barths. Beautiful setting, great food, and excellent service—an unforgettable experience! If taking a taxi make sure you have one reserved beforehand
We had a very nice time at Le Tamarin. The setting and atmosphere is absolutely fantastic, feeling as though you are dining in an enchanted garden. We started with the eggplant appetizer, which was not to our taste but was rescued by a fabulous bread and hummus service. For our main dishes we enjoyed the Beef Wellington (exceptional!!) and the tomato pasta (fresh and clean), along with mashed potatoes and french fries. For dessert, the Chocolate Gianduja was a wonderful end to the night. Service was prompt and pleasant, with the restaurant team working together very smoothly.
Amazing experience at Tamarin – hands down the best restaurant on the island! The food was absolutely delicious from start to finish. Special shoutout to Gunel, our waitress – professional, friendly, and incredibly helpful with her recommendations. She made our evening even more special. Sorry I can’t add 6 stars out of 5 !! Highly recommend!
More Restaurants in St. Barts
Bonito
Perched above Gustavia harbour with panoramic views across the yachts and waterfront, Bonito is the fine-dining restaurant that most first-time visitors discover and the one that veterans keep returning to. The setting is spectacular: an open-air terrace with gauze curtains, candlelight, and a view that somehow manages to be glamorous without trying too hard.
Orega
The newest arrival on the island's fine-dining scene, Orega has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting kitchens on St. Barts. The concept is Japanese-French, a fusion that can go wrong in careless hands but here is handled with genuine skill. The menu moves fluidly between the two traditions without feeling forced.