La Tapa St. John in downtown Cruz Bay began in 1996 with a small restaurant vibe, evolving over time into a traditional menu with appetizers and entrees along with the namesake variety of delectable tapas. The inviting island and French bistro charm has not left during the double decades, though, with tables still lining the streets and scrumptious menu options available as always. Exceptional service and fantastic experiences await along with delicious yet elegant plates. With some of the best food on the island, you won’t regret your visit to La Tapa St. John. Here are just a few reasons why you should visit La Tapa St. John during your vacation stay with CimmaronStJohn!

La Tapa St. John Menu

The menu at La Tapa St. John changes every day, owing new plates and presentation ideas to the mastermind chef and kitchen team. However, a sample menu will give you a flavor of what there is to be had.

The Con Pan with three sauces, la tapa oil, or marinated olives will get your mouth watering when thinking about your meal at La Tapa St. John. You can also enjoy a gazpacho soup or a variety of salad options, one daily menu offering gorgonzola caesar with romaine, celery, radicchio, endive, frisee, hazelnut, and apple crouton. Another option under the Verduras Y Quesos category is rosemary tempura fried Coral Bay eggplant with a local honey drizzle. Our tastebuds are already tingling!

Follow things up with some Del Mar, including squid ink linguini, Mike & Alex’s lobster bisque, or sauteed Portuguese octopus with spicy chorizo, potatoes, and pimenton. The Para Carnivoros include another wonderful variety, this menu giving options that range from braised pork belly with red beet, carrot, green apple slaw, and local honey mustard to crispy veal sweetbread with shaved fennel, micros, lemon, and truffle vinaigrette. Follow up with one of the Platos Grandes, such as seared local yellowfin tuna with green papaya, christophene citronette, avocado mousse, and Minnesota wild rice pilaf or West Indian organic chicken pot pie with green curry, coconut milk, lemongrass, pumpkin, and sweet potato.

Follow up your exquisite meal at La Tapa St. John with some Postres, such as chocolate hazelnut truffle cake with carajillo ice cream, banana and lemongrass creme brulee, or apricot raspberry bread pudding with lemon lavender ice cream. The apple tarte tatin with vanilla saffron ice cream or a selection of sorbets and fresh fruit are other great ideas. Pair with a choice dessert wine for a truly magical and romantic evening.

After Dining at La Tapa St. John

After dining at La Tapa St. John, come back to your CimmaronStJohn vacation villa for more quality time with your loved ones. With breathtaking views of St. John beaches, bays, and mountains, you will truly be encompassed by paradise during your stay with us! After a relaxing sleep, wake up in the morning to birds chirping, blue skies, blue water, and incredible panoramic scenery that will leave you awestruck. Trust us; once you’re here, you won’t want to leave!

St. John is full of beautiful views and exciting attractions, including the resort-style villas available at CimmaronStJohn, but it is also home to some truly delicious and picturesque restaurants that are awaiting your palate. There are some great restaurants in Coral Bay that feature a great blend of spectacular scenery, live music, and yummy tropical drinks. If you’re looking for the best casual beach dining, we’ve got you covered. Here are just 5 of the best restaurants in Coral Bay.

Aqua Bistro

One of the quieter restaurants in Coral Bay, Aqua Bistro has a casual but elegant atmosphere with an umbrella-spattered courtyard and tiki-style outdoor bar. For lunch or an appetizer, try calamari in a chipotle dipping sauce or grouper fingers lightly battered and served with fries and tartar sauce. Conch fritters are another sure favorite! Or, enjoy a sandwich, like jerk chicken, cracked conch, or grilled Mahi. Dinner plates include chicken parmesan, macadamia down island grouper, and house cut steak.

Shipwreck Landing

When selecting from restaurants in Coral Bay, a great option is Shipwreck Landing. Soak in the view, people, and atmosphere here and indulge in an enjoyable meal with family and friends. A favorite stop for good music and happy hour, Shipwreck Landing offers a great lunch menu with sandwiches like the barbeque chicken or Maryland style crab cake. Then, indulge in a delectable entree such as the curry-nut crusted grouper, Jerkiyaki grilled Mahi Mahi, or classic fish and chips. In between lunch and dinner, try the breaded shrimp, conch fritters, or soup du jour. Then for dinner, try shrimp scampi, grilled ribeye steak, or the pasta of the day. Pair with a golden margarita, passionfruit daiquiri, or pina colada!

Miss Lucy’s

Miss Lucy’s has a true old Caribbean taste with a fresh and flavorful menu. The unforgettable views, however, are the true gem at Miss Lucy’s. Start off with some yummy rum punch and then try the steamed mussels with extra bread to soak up all the mouthwatering broth. Listen to some casual jazz music during Sunday brunch while you watch the surrounding nature, such as lizards and chickens on the island. The Lime in Da Coconut is another favorite drink that you don’t want to miss!

Coral Bay Caribbean Oasis

Comfort food is available at one of the best restaurants in Coral Bay, Coral Bay Caribbean Oasis. Large portions and pour your own drinks will make you feel right at home, and the constantly changing menu has a little bit of something for everyone. There’s also some great local live music to get you in a beach mood!

Sweet Plantains Restaurants and Bar

Sweet Plantains Restaurant and Bar has great pub grub, happy hour, and live music- the three necessities when choosing from restaurants in Coral Bay, obviously! The Skipper’s pub menu includes delicious appetizers, wraps, and sandwiches, as well as vegetarian options and Caribbean alternatives. The Sweet Plantains menu comes into play in the evening as well as the pub menu, and this one includes curried goat, grouper, and a vegetarian Bob Marley stew as just a few of the options. There is also some prime Italian cuisines available with a Caribbean twist.

Stay at CimmaronStJohn After Trying The Best Restaurants in Coral Bay

After enjoying one of these restaurants in Coral Bay, come back to CimmaronStJohn for some rest and relaxation fueled by the healing salt air. Stay in one of our beautiful Coral Bay vacation rentals like the Coral Rhapsody villa and enjoy a luxurious stay in St. John. Leave all your worries behind when you arrive on St. John and let the sunshine seep into your pores and let all your troubles melt away!

Photo Credit: merc67

If you see the yellow awning, then you have reached a small piece of paradise on St. John.  The Beach Bar St. John is a local hotspot on the island where the drinks are strong and the views are free.  The Beach Bar St. John is located in Wharfside Village directly on the beach.  The Bar is the only location with seating where you can relax with your feet in the sand.  Pull up a seat, feel the breeze in your hair and live like a local for the day at the Beach Bar St. John.

The Beach Bar St John, All You Need to Know

The menu at the Beach Bar St. John has a little something for everyone.  If you feel like snacking, try splitting a plate of Beach Bar Nachos, the Crabmeat Wontons or the Bar’s classic Tuna Down Now.  If you plan to stay for lunch or dinner, the entrée menu features everything from a Veggie Burger with spicy avocado sauce or Sliders to Shrimp and Chips and Fresco Tacos.  Pair your entrée with a side of wakame salad, chips and salsa, fries or edamame and you are sure to delight your taste buds.

What’s a trip to the Beach Bar St. John without ordering one of their signature frozen drinks?  Cool down with a Coconut Mojito, Bushwacker (the adult milkshake), or a Mango Colada.  They also offer a Lime and Coconut, which tastes just like frozen key lime pie.  The Beach Bar Painkiller is a Virgin Island’s classic drink with a mix of Cruzan Rum, orange juice, coconut and pineapple.  If you’d rather have a beer, they have that too.  In addition to classics like Red Stripe, Miller Lite and Corona, try a VI Island Hoppin’ IPA, VI Mango Ale or a VI Massive Double IPA.

On most evenings at the Beach Bar St. John, you’ll find great music by local musicians.  Just a few of the greats that play at the bar include The Get Right Band, Little Bird, Soul Falyah and Jon Gazi.  At The Beach Bar, you’ll hear all kinds of music from island music to bluegrass.  Before you head out, check their website to see who’s on the lineup for the night.

For offsite parties, the Beach Bar St. John has their RockNRolla private boat for rent.  The RocknRolla is available for a full or half day rental for 6 guests.  The Beach Bar also offers catering to go for your afternoon out on the beach or boat.  Let them pack your cooler for you and stock it with a great lunch and adult beverages.

If you are planning your trip to St. John, let us help you with all the details here at CimmaronStJohn.  We offer vacation rentals and villas, each complete with breathtaking views of the ocean and just a short drive or walk to the beach.  Our concierge service team can help you plan all of your St. John activities from your transportation, to where to dine and also where to play.  To speak with one of our team members, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 340-715-2666.