"If you're staying in the Soufrière area, head north to nearby Anse la Raye, a fishing village that hosts a fun Friday night fish fry. It's not as crowded or boisterous as Gros Islet's weekly jump-up, but it's lively enough to give a tasteof island "liming," or hanging out with friends at the end of the workweek. Order your fish of choice, throw back some cold beers, and glimpse a slice of laid-back fishing-village life."

"Set on the grounds of a cacao plantation turned hotel, Boucan's open-air restaurant is just one more fine-dining option with impressive views, in this case, St. Lucia’sverdant hills and Petit Piton. But the difference between Boucan and the others is that Boucan offers a menu informedby its immediate surroundings, throwing a hint of cacao into many of thedishes. Chocolate balsamic vinegar, cacao butter dip, chocolate onion soup—a meal here isa unique experience. Dessert, of course, is divine; opt for the molten chocolate cake. For more insight, ask for a walking tour around the plantation's cacao groves. Better yet, sign up to take partin atree-to-bar chocolate-making experience."

"Dasheene, the restaurant in the award-winning Ladera Resort, is a magical place unlikeany other on the island. The open dining room, overlookingthe sea, isso close tothe Pitons that you feel as if you could reach out and touch the peaks. The menu, which focuses oningredients sourced from local farms and plantations, putsa creative spin on classic St. Lucian cuisine, including plantain gratin with a coconut rum sauce, androast conch. The restaurantis open for breakfast and lunch as well, but there's no beating the romantic atmosphere and sunset views at dinner, which make a meal herewell worth the high price."

"Dasheene, the restaurant in the award-winning Ladera Resort, is a magical place unlikeany other on the island. The open dining room, overlookingthe sea, isso close tothe Pitons that you feel as if you could reach out and touch the peaks. The menu, which focuses oningredients sourced from local farms and plantations, putsa creative spin on classic St. Lucian cuisine, including plantain gratin with a coconut rum sauce, androast conch. The restaurantis open for breakfast and lunch as well, but there's no beating the romantic atmosphere and sunset views at dinner, which make a meal herewell worth the high price."

"Find great St. Lucian soul food right in the heart of Gros Islet ata traditional pastel-colored house turned restaurant.Generous meals—pork chops, fresh fish, lamb chops, curried goat, corn, rice and peas—are cooked and grilled outdoors andservedup at picnic tables in front or on a side garden terrace. The food isplated as artfully as in more upscale establishments. Don't skip the rum cocktails or the homemade dessert of the day. The placegets busy quickly, so arrive early for both lunch and dinner service—particularly on Friday nights when Gros Islet fills up for its weekly fish fry."

"TheHardest Hard isa quintessential St. Lucian food stop. Setunder an almond tree off La Toc Road, this restaurant, with a zinc roof and a blue and yellow exteriorthat matches the Piton beer bottle, has a windowless interior that may put you off—untilyou noticethe crowds of locals who flock here at lunchtime. Order fromthe changing menu of home-cooked disheslike fish Creole, goat peleau , grilled pork chops, pigtail bouillon, and pumpkin soup, all served with a healthy dose of side dishes, including rice and plantains. Fresh juices are available daily, as are desserts. The atmosphere is friendlyandlively, and you'll likely be so full you'll need a nap afterward."

"After its previous Vigie location was destroyed by fire, Jacques rose from theashesat astrikingwaterfrontperch at the entrance of Rodney Bay Marina, a bit removed from the bustle of the other restaurants and bars. As popular as before, the upscale but unpretentious establishment serves Mediterranean and French disheswith a distinctive Caribbean influence to the likes of the prime minister and other high-ranking officials.Chef Jacques offers specialties likepan-seared scallops and red snapper. The veranda setting is particularly romantic at night."

"Around for over 10 years, this small "ital" (vegetarian) and vegan spot dishes out flavorful, affordable, and creative lunches in theone-table interior of a green house in Soufrière's downtown. Favorites include the house pizza, a pie with whole-wheat crusttopped with lentils, cabbage, pumpkin, and cheese. Other options include salads, veggie burgers, empanadas, smoothies, fresh juices, and a special cocoa tea. The atmosphere is about as casualas it gets, with a TV loudly blasting aslocals stop by for a bite and to hang out."

"Jambe de Bois is an unpretentious food escape setidyllically in Pigeon Island National Park. Thecafé—madeof stone, driftwood, and thatch—serves up a beach view, an island atmosphere, and a simple menu that will keep youhappy for hours. Sit on the deck at one of the picnic tables, and snack on sandwiches, salads, or local disheslike rotis, curries, or fish fillet with rice and peas at lunch and dinner. Come for happy houror join the locals forlive jazzonweekend evenings. The local art on displayinside is for sale."

"Mama Tilly’s has a way with grilled food, a knack that has made it a longtime favorite in Laborie. (Thislittlefishing village hasretained its charmdespite widespread tourism in the region.) The main courses—like grilled chicken, pork, mahi-mahi, lobster, conch(a local specialty),or other fresh catch of the day—are complemented byplentiful sides of plantains, rice, or potato salad. Wash it all down with the potent house rum punch. Everything'sserved family style on wooden tables underthe zinc-roofed porch or indoors. The atmosphere is chatty and friendlyas folks come in and out to pick up their orders."

"Locally owned and operated, Martha's offerstasty, home-cooked food fromthepleasant covered porch of a private home, in a roadside location handy toSugar Beach and numerous attractions. Martha's draws resort guests out of their comfortable rooms and creates a deliciousdetour for thoseon their wayto visitnearby Sulphur Springs. Plates—heaped with breadfruit balls, fish cakes, panfried chicken or pork, or creole shrimp, and accompanied byat least three to four sides—are served at picnic tables. The prices are quitereasonable."

"As the appeal of the fishing village of Laborie grows among the island's visitors, new food options have appeared. In a beachfront locationjust steps from the main village dock, newcomer Salt Rush Cafe is a welcome addition to the area's bohemian, laid-back atmosphere. Thelime-green buildingwith a couple of wooden picnic tables set directly on the sand in front isa welcome sight after a walk on the beach. Expect beachy food (the fish tacos are popular) and local options ranging from coconut rice to ribs. Sunsets are gorgeous here, too, and made even more perfect with a smoothie or rum cocktail."

"This local joint lives up to its playful name: multicolored stools, round picnic tables, an open-air setting covered by a leafy roof, and its lively bar patrons and pool-playing crowd. Achalkboard menu lists the daily specials, which include creole dishes, grilledpork, and barbecue chicken as well as local vegetables like callaloo. Arrive on the earlier side of noon—sometimes the food runs out, and sometimes there'sa long wait. The cold beer makes this a popular place with the locals, and it can help soothe impatience while you wait."

"Builton a deck overlooking the Vigie marina, The Coal Pot is a local favorite that makes a breezy, delightful spot for a lunch or dinner with a view. Named after the traditional methods of island cooking, the restaurant specializes in some of the best seafood on the island, including St. Lucian crab back and traditional saltfish with green fig (banana), as well as steaks, poultry, salads, and soups. Weekday lunches have a fixed three-course option. Reserve ahead for a bayside table: At night, the setting couldn't be more romantic."

"Pink has never lookedas good as it does onthis former colonial mansion turned restaurant perched above Castries. Sit out on the veranda, and take in glorious tropical garden views stretching all the way to the sea. The Caribbean menu is just as special: Dishes include christophene au gratin, grilled fish of the day, fish cakes, lamb curry, and more, all servedon the owner's handmade ceramic plates. Desserts don'tdisappoint, either—think guava cheesecake and coconut ice cream. For a sunlit pink treat, head here for Sunday brunch."