St Eustatius Food and Drink

Despite the island's small size, there is a good range of restaurants offering different blends of imported cuisine mainly from Europe, Asia and the United States. The dozen or so hotel restaurants are probably the best, dining is generally relaxed and informal. Most menus feature well presented examples of burgers, pizzas and a fair range of Chinese dishes. Others specialise in Italian, French or Dutch cuisine; some go for an eclectic combination of all.

The local Creole-style cooking is particularly well suited to seafood, although there are few dishes that are particular to the island. The pickled conch shell meat, lobster and grilled fish are perennial favourites.

There are no licensing hours on the island – although most restaurants and bars are usually closed by midnight – and alcohol is virtually tax-free. Most well known brand names are available – a 'Greenie' is a Heineken.

Specialities

Seafood: Grilled, fried and spicy stewed fish dishes abound. Lobsters are locally caught and a real treat.

Baked snapper with shrimp sauce: A favourite at Ocean View Terrace.

Carnistoba: Goat stew.

Funchi: Maize porridge.

Pan bati: Maize flour pancake.

Cheese: A reflection of the island's shared history with the Netherlands, the Statia people certainly enjoy their Gouda.

Bolo pretu: Black cake, prepared for special occasions. In practice, most desserts and sweet treats on Statia are drawn from European traditions – some of the chocolate cakes and patisserie are reportedly superb.

Things to know

Waiters expect a 10% tip.

Tipping

18.