Manhattan’s Bagatelle landed in Gustavia harbor in 2011 and has since become a mainstay of the St. Barth’s nightlife scene. Surprising critics, the food is downright good, while the crowd is exactly what you’d expect – good looking, fun loving and definitely not price sensitive. There are a few outdoor tables on the small terrace overlooking the harbor, which are ideal for couples in search of a quieter evening. To be a part of the DJ-fueled revelry, however, come with a group and sit indoors. Get friendly enough with your neighbors, and you may even score an invite back to the yacht afterwards. Note: Most diners can be found wearing white.

Locals and regular visitors alike agree that Bonito has become one of the island’s best dinner destinations, so book your reservation in advance. It may be a little hard to find, but the open-air restaurant, tucked into the hillside overlooking the twinkling lights and red rooftops of Gustavia harbor, can’t be beat, and the Peruvian-inspired French food is also excellent. Reserve a table on the balcony and be sure to try the ceviche and tiradito menus—the options for seafood here are extensive. Conveniently, there's also a Lolita Jaca outpost for a quick pre- or post-dinner shopping fix.

There’s no missing the fire engine-red shutters outside this two-story restaurant overlooking the harbor in buzzy Gustavia.

The premiere restaurant at Cheval Blanc, just steps from Flamands Beach, was completely redone in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, with a new look by designer Jacques Grange and a brand-new menu from chef Jean Imbert, who also oversees La Cabane, the more casual option on-property. Nonetheless, it still epitomizes the easy, breezy sexiness and sophistication that St. Barth’s is famous for. The menu highlights fresh fish cooked with regional spices and local produce from nearby islands. Long a favorite island watering hole, the restaurant is always busy at lunch and dinner, so it is best to make reservations in advance.

This popular hot spot on St. Barth’s sits on the harbor in Gustavia next to the history museum. The restaurant/club opened in late 2015 and quickly became one of the hottest places to see and be seen. It is an offshoot of the popular restaurant of the same name on Sainte Marguerite island (near Cannes) and draws a similarly chic crowd for delicious Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood.

La Petite Plage is a popular Gustavia hot spot on the waterfront, with a beach-chic vibe and a menu with fine fresh seafood dishes.

Don’t let the overpriced food deter you. Le Ti has rightfully earned a place in the St. Barth’s legend for its hedonistic nights of cabaret shows, table dancing and champagne spraying. Plan for a late dinner and request a table in the main room, where a Johnny Depp look-a-like (from his younger years) plays host as a gorgeous parade of women sing and dance their way through a cabaret routine. The attention then turns to the diners, so don’t be surprised if your date ends up on stage in a pirate costume as the quiet well-bred socialite from the next table shimmies her way down a makeshift runway with a feather boa. Le Ti has a way of loosening inhibitions and turning even a quiet night in the restaurant into a full-fledged party.

The secluded beach below Le Toiny has been turned into one of the nicest spots on the island for a relaxed lunch—thanks to Mandie and Charles Vere Nicoll who were the founders of Isle de France (a.k.a. Cheval Blanc) and now own Le Toiny. They brought the same elegance and simplicity that made Isle de France famous to this side of the island, so it’s no surprise that reservations are a must.

Visitors can park at the hotel, at which point the careful attendants will shuttle you down the cliffside restaurant by the beach. A sign that says “If you are not barefoot or in flip flops you are too formal,” greets you. Leave your shoes in the bins and pass the sunbathers on loungers to find tables set underneath a grove of palm trees. The chalkboard menu features simple fresh fare. Lunches with rosé last for hours here, but don’t miss the little boutique in the small stone cottage. Le Toiny’s owner has been setting the beach style on St. Barth’s for decades and the tiny shop features a fabulous selection of her finds. Open only for lunch and private events.

Clearly inspired by St.-Tropez’s Club 55, Nikki Beach has become synonymous with daytime beach partying on St. Barth's. The crowd is fun-loving and gregarious, from older couples to the young and beautiful who come to pop Champagne bottles, lounge on the white mattresses and dance on the tables. The food is surprisingly good (especially the local fish sashimi and the offerings from the new sushi menu) and prices unsurprisingly high. Come with a bikini (or buy one at the boutique) for a post-lunch swim in St. Jean bay. Prime people-watching is guaranteed.

The backdrop at chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Sand Bar is hard to beat, but the food and the scene are equally impressive at this St. Barth's restaurant.

Sella is a dinner-only spot in St. Barth's, perfect for watching the sunset over Israeli-inspired shareables.

Located on Gustavia’s famous Shell Beach in the space formerly home to Dō Brazil, Shellona opened in late 2016 and immediately became an island classic. With stunning waterfront views, the restaurant and beach club offers an alfresco dining area with blue cushions and sun umbrellas, as well as white beach chairs for pre- or post-lunch sunbathing. The hot spot eatery has live music and serves sophisticated Mediterranean fare from former La Guérite chef Yiannis Kioroglou. The Greek-inspired cuisine, which includes roasted vegetables with fennel tzatziki and grilled mahi mahi with coconut milk sauce, is some of the best in all of St. Barth’s. It's the perfect place to while away a lazy Sunday afternoon with the locals over a long lunch. All that remains to be seen is when the Hôtel Barrière will re-open Le Carl Gustaf, perched just above the beach.

Tucked into a tropical garden-like setting, with a giant tamarind tree at its center, Tamarin is a great spot for lunch or dinner, not far from Saline Beach. Favorites on the menu include the Thai salad with prawns and lobster hot dog for lunch. Reservations are a must as this is a super popular spot. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays lunch.