Savour the flavours of Saint Lucia on a culinary journey

19 August 2024

While Saint Lucia is famed for its stunning beaches, it is the island's extraordinary dining scene that truly captivates the soul of culinary enthusiasts. Visitors flock to this paradise not just for the sun-kissed shores, but to embark on a remarkable gastronomic journey. From elegant fine-dining establishments ideal for celebrating special moments like anniversaries and weddings to charming beachside venues that serve up beloved Caribbean classics, every meal is an adventure. To whet your appetite further, we’ve focused on two new fine-dining venues that are a must-visit during your next getaway.

Savour the flavours of Saint Lucia on a culinary journey

Artisan, Vieux Fort

This exclusive culinary experience is the brainchild of French chef Jacques Chrétien, his son Kevin Dirson, and Esteban Derache – exceptional chefs who have worked for Michelin-starred restaurants in France. Expect French gourmet cuisine with a Creole twist – dishes such as langoustine tartare with ginger and Espelette pepper, seasoned green zebra tomato gazpacho, and local yellowfin tuna and watermelon carpaccio. It also has a sushi bar fusing Asian and Latin flavours.

Soley Kouche, Choiseul

Perched on a hillside with sweeping views of the ocean and Saint Vincent, against the backdrop of the majestic Gros Piton, this foodie haven blends a whole range of global influences (including Cajun and Creole, as well as Mediterranean and Argentinian) to stunning effect. Dishes change seasonally, but you might encounter the likes of hand-dived scallop ceviche with papaya souskai, split sauce, and cress; compressed watermelon salad with heirloom tomatoes, pickled red onions, and burrata; and pan-seared fish with spiced coconut broth, mussels, and gnocchi.

Casual dining and pub crawls on Saint Lucia

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good meal on Saint Lucia, as there are lots of authentic and inexpensive local joints, ranging from mom-and-pop shops specialising in a few key dishes to beachside restaurants with sunset views. A great venue worth seeking out is The Naked Fisherman, a relaxed beach bar and grill on a natural cove just below Cap Maison, named after three local fishermen who used to dive into the sea and go about their fishing au naturel in Smugglers Cove. Its all-day dining includes the likes of crispy squid with pickled veg and smoked paprika mayo, and island-grilled conch and rice and peas with Creole dressing.

Or head for the Coalpot Restaurant in Castries, a Saint Lucian landmark dating back half a century and overseen by several generations of the Elliott family. Popular among islanders for special occasions, its divine Caribbean and French fusion dishes embraces the likes of king fish in garlic butter sauce, crab back, coconut curry lobster and shrimp, and callaloo soup.

Another firm favourite is Fryday’s Bar & Restaurant in Gros Islet, which is especially good at the start of the weekend, as it’s situated right in the heart of the famous Friday Night Street Party and is the perfect place to savour jerk chicken while taking in the action.

A great way to get to know the island is through the Kabawé Krawl experience. Creole for pub or bar crawls, this is a trail of bars around the island hand-picked to give you a flavour of its different communities – places where you can meet locals, swap stories, and enjoy Saint Lucian hospitality while sampling a Piton beer or a rum punch. There are Kabawé Krawl signs at participating venues, or your Travel Counsellor can book a guided tour around the bars.

To book your Saint Lucia holiday, call your Travel Counsellor today.

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