Baie Nettle

Visit this lively beach club for the day, relaxing and dining on sushi, tapas, great salads, pizza, and French specialties. Visit after dark and it's a restaurant/lounge party, with a DJ and dancing on Saturday night.

On the edge of Baie Nettlé, this restaurant has wonderful views of the lagoon from its dining room and open-air patio, but the charm comes from the devoted attention of adorable owner Olivier, helped by his mother and brother and various cousins, too. The delicious food is edible sculpture: ravioli of lobster with wild mushrooms and foie gras are poached in an intense lobster bisque, and house-smoked gravlax and salmon is garnished with a garlic cream sauce. For dessert, the house-made ginger ice cream with flambéed pineapple is a favorite. New in 2016 is a sister restaurant, So French, in the Pelican Bay area.

A stylish, upscale St. Barth vibe and beachfront location make this a great choice. Relax on the terrace for cocktails and snacks, or park yourself on a lounge chair on the beach with an umbrella for the day and enjoy the service, music, and ambience. The refined food is fresh and nicely presented; the snapper and beef and fish tartares are standouts, but real credit is due to the management and staff, who are friendly and attentive.

On the road to Marigot, this casual beach bar has better-than-average food and great views across the turquoise water to Anguilla. You can always get fresh lobster from the tank, and the traditional French onion soup with a cheesy crust is excellent. If the moules frites (fresh mussels) are a special, snap them up.

Under the shady pergolas at Mezza Luna you can sit with your feet in the sand any time of day and enjoy gorgeous beach views. Everything (including the perfectly cooked pasta) is homemade from first-rate ingredients. In addition to pasta, the extensive menu and chalkboard of daily specials feature updated Italian dishes with a bit of island flair. Burrata is paired with prosciutto. Shaved raw artichoke with arugula and Parmesan is refreshing, and Duck Breast O.M.G. deserves the moniker, which could also be applied to the truffle risotto. House-made tiramisu is the perfect ending. Pizza is available for takeout.