The best restaurants, cafes, and grills for cruise passengers to have lunch or a quick bite in St Thomas, Charlotte Amalie, and Heavensight Dock.
Many cruise passengers that spend part of the day shopping in Charlotte Amalie tend to rush back to the ship without realizing that there are some delightful places downtown to have lunch, a quick bite, or just a refreshing drink.
These places are particularly appealing if you spent the day walking and exploring the historical landmarks of the city. Amalia Café, Café Amici, and Gladys' Cafe are amongst the Editor's Favorites.
Charlotte Amalie Top Restaurants
1. Amalia Café
One of the nicest restaurants for a quick bite or a light lunch, the Amalia Café is a wonderful open-air venue in quaint, cobblestone Palm Passage - close to the Waterfront entrance. Serving entrée specials and tapas, these typical small portion treats come in amazing varieties and do very nicely pair with Sangria or a good rioja.
Amalia Café - Palm Passage
Photo © IQCruising.com
Location: | Downtown - west side, between Main Street and Waterfront |
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Prices: | Between $15-$25 per person |
Open: | 10:30 am for lunch and serves dinner till late. |
Address: | 24 Palm Passage |
Phone: | 340 714 7373 |
Website: | www.amaliacafe.com |
Nearby: | The shops at the Palm Passage and all other in the Main Street. |
Credit Cards: | Visa, Master Card and Amex |
NOTES: If the cruise ship passenger only feels like having a bit of a rest and a drink, the bar of Amalia Café at the center of the Palm Passage is ideal.
2. Café Amici
It is impossible to miss this open-air restaurant when entering the A.H.Riise Mall from the Waterfront side. It can be a bit crowded so get there early. It serves fabulous brick oven pizzas, traditional Italian pastas, fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps. This is one of the best places for lunch in downtown Charlotte Amalie when on a shopping excursion.
Café Amici - A.H.Riise Mall
Photo © IQCruising.com
Location: | Downtown - east side, close to the waterfront |
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Prices: | Between $15 and $25 |
Open: | 10:30 am till late. |
Address: | AH Riise Mall |
Phone: | 340-714-7874 |
Website: | Facebook Page |
Nearby: | All shopping in Downtown |
Credit Cards: | Visa and Master Card |
3. Gladys' Cafe
It may not be easy to find as Galdy's in on a narrow passage of the historical Royal Dane Mall. But this is the place to enjoy real Caribbean food. Specialties like conch in butter sauce, jerk pork, pan-fried yellow-tail snapper are served in true traditional ways. The mahogany bar and original stone walls create the perfect Caribbean ambiance. If you enjoy Gladys' special hot sauces, take a bottle home for $5.00.
Glady's Cafe
Photo © IQCruising.com
Location: | Downtown - Royal Dane Mall |
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Prices: | Between $15 and $25 |
Open: | Between: 10:30 am - 3:00pm - NO DINNER |
Address: | 28A Dronningens Gade |
Phone: | 340-774–6604 |
Website: | NA |
Credit Cards: | Only Amex credit cards accepted |
4. Green House
One of the most famous restaurants in Charlotte Amalie, the Greenhouse offers a tropical seafood menu blended with meat, salads and pizza. Peel-and-eat shrimp, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab and certified Angus beef are top servings. If sailing late, Happy Hour with 2 for 1 Drinks starts at 4:30pm.
Green House - Waterfront
Photo © IQCruising.com
Location: | Waterfront Hwy. at Storetvaer Gade, |
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Prices: | Between $15 and $30 |
Open: | Every day of the week - 11:00am to 9:00pm |
Address: | Storetvaer Gade |
Phone: | 340-774–7998 |
Website: | www.thegreenhouserestaurant.com |
Credit Cards: | Master Card, Visa. |
5. Beer Garden
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Photo © IQCruising.com
The entrance is full of signs but none reveal the quaint charm of this small, hidden spot close to the Pissaro's House. The Free Wi-Fi is known by savvy cruisers.
Where: | Main Street in Charlotte Amalie |
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6. Coconuts Bar & Grill
Coconuts
Photo © IQCruising.com
Famous for its Backstreet Bushwhacker this is a grill and bar known by savvy cruise travelers.
Where: | On a side alley off the Main Street in Charlotte Amalie. |
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Website: | coconutsvi.com |
7. Side Street Pub
Side Street Pub
Photo © IQCruising.com
The name of this quaint 'pub' could not be more revealing - a great place for a quick bite or a liquid rest in the shade.
Where: | Creque's Alley, just off the Main Street in Charlotte Amalie |
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Website: | Facebook Page |
8. Amalia Café Bar
Amalia Café Bar
Photo © IQCruising.com
A quaint shaded place to rehydrate, have a rest, a quick bite, finger food or just wait for the ones in your party still on a shopping spree.
Where: | Palm Passage |
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Website: | www.amaliacafe.com |
9. Bumpa's
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Photo © IQCruising.com
Well know by savvy cruisers this is a great deli overlooking the harbor to have a quick bite or even breakfast if you miss it onboard your cruise ship.
Where: | Charlotte Amalie - Waterfront |
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Havensight Dock Restaurants
Although the large majority of cruise ship travelers prefer to have lunch onboard - after all it is paid for on your cruise - there are some very nice places to have lunch, and even breakfast, in or close to the Havensight Mall. The Barefoot Buddha and the Beni Iguana's Sushi Bar are two of the Editor's favorites. For a drink (or two) you will also find a few places - Mojo's, Hooters, the Dog House or the Da Lime in Da Coconut Rum Bar (in the Yacht Haven Grand).
10. Barefoot Buddha
For the cruise ship passenger looking for a light lunch, breakfast, or just a coffee with croissant, the Barefoot Buddha is the place to go. More of a coffee house than a 'restaurant' its serves breakfast all day, fresh baked bread, bagels, Panini, wraps filled with fresh, healthy ingredients, soups and salads. The organic coffee and tea drinks are wonderful as are the fresh juices.
Barefoot Buddha - Havensight
Photo © IQCruising.com
Location: | Just outside the Havensight Mall - on the left, across the main road. |
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Prices: | Between $10 and $20 |
Open: | Monday -Saturday: 7:00am - 3:00pm Sunday 8:00pm - 3:00pm |
Phone: | (340) 777-3668 |
Website: | www.barefootbuddhavi.com |
Credit Cards: | Maste Card and Visa |
Nearby: | Havensight Mall, Paradise Point, Butterfly Farm |
11. Delly Deck
Well known amongst crew members, the Delly Deck is more of a diner than a 'restaurant' serving affordable breakfast and lunch - all sorts of eggs and omelets, waffles and pancakes are in the menu. As well as salads, sandwiches, burgers or fish 'n chips.
NOTES: Breakfast only served until 11:00am
Deli Deck - Havensight Mall
Photo © IQCruising.com
Location: | In the Havensight Mall - on the East, right side, close to the exit. |
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Prices: | Between $10 and $20 |
Open: | Every day - 8:00am - 9:00pm |
Address: | Building III |
Phone: | 340-776-9943 |
Website: | www.dellydeckrestaurant.com |
Credit Cards: | Master Card and Visa |
Nearby: | Havensight Mall, Paradise Point, Butterfly Farm |
12. (Currently Closed) Senor Frogs
For the cruise ship traveler that is looking for a fun, tropical day, hopping between bar, restaurant and pool this is your place. Senor Frog's never disappoints those that enjoy balloons on everyone's heads conga lines, umbrella drinks, beach music and dancing on the bar.
Senor Frogs - Havensight
Photo © IQCruising.com
Location: | On the south side of the Havensight mall - across from the Gate 4 |
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Prices: | Between $25 and $50 |
Open: | Open only when cruise ships are in the Havensight dock. |
Phone: | 340-777-FROG |
Website: | www.senorfrogs.com |
Credit Cards: | Master Card and Visa |
Nearby: | Havensight Mall, Paradise Point, Butterfly Farm |
13. Shipwreck Tavern
This Tavern is well known for its burger menu - all 3/4lb. - served exactly as you wish, with the options of substituting ground beef with Turkey, Chicken or Garden, and a great selection of additional toppings. But the salads, sandwiches and wraps are equally famous. The Caribbean pirates decor extends to the pool bar if you feel like a game.
Shipwreck Tavern - Havensight Dock
Photo © IQCruising.com
Location: | Just outside the Havensight Mall - across the main road right in front of the main exit. |
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Prices: | Between $15 and $25 |
Open: | Sunday to Tuesday: 10:30 am - 10:00pm | Wednesday to Saturday: 10:30 am - 1:00am |
Address: | Al Cohen Mall |
Phone: | 340-777-1293 |
Website: | www.shipwreckstthomas.com |
Credit Cards: | Master Card and Visa |
Nearby: | Havensight Mall, Paradise Point, Butterfly Farm |
14. Beni Iguana's
Passing by this sushi bar-restaurant, the cruise ship traveler will never guess the high-tech atmosphere inside and even less that it displays a 5-foot-tall reef tank. Tuna Carpaccio and steamed mussels with iguana sauce - a creamy dressing - are two of the signature dishes for those that are not into tempura rolls, sashimi or sushi.
Beni Iguana's - Havensight Mall
Photo © IQCruising.com
Location: | Building IX on north side |
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Prices: | Between $15 and $25 per person |
Open: | Monday to Saturday: 10:30 am - 9:00pm | Sunday: 11:00am - 9:00pm |
Phone: | 340-777–8744 |
Website: | beniiguanassushibar.com |
Credit Cards: | Master Card and Visa |
Nearby: | Havensight Mall, Paradise Point and the Butterfly Farm. |
15. Mojos
Mojos
Photo © IQCruising.com
This topical tiki bar is a very cool place for a quick bite and bit of shade.
Where: | On the main street next to the exit of the Havensight Mall. |
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Website: | Facebook Page |
16. Dog House
Dog House
Photo © IQCruising.com
A small place for a great, quick bite with genuine local flavors and ambiance.
Where: | On the street right in front of the Havensight Mall exit. |
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Website: | Facebook Page |
17. (Currently Closed) Hooters
Hooters
Photo © IQCruising.com
The nearly famous delightfully tacky, yet unrefined restaurant has its presence in St Thomas.
Where: | On the street just outside the Havensight Mall, to the left. |
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Yacht Haven Restaurants
18. Grande Cru
Although it only serves lunch on Thursdays and Fridays, one of the best gourmet cutting edge restaurants in St. Thomas is just a stone away from the Havensight Cruise Dock. All is food is house-made (including stocks, breads, pastas and desserts). If your ship sails late, don't miss the Happy Hour (5:00pm - 7:00pm) and enjoy specialty crafted Martinis for $5.00 or one of the superb 25 wines by the glass.
Grande Cru - Yacht Haven
Photo © IQCruising.com
Location: | Yacht Haven Grand - overlooking the marina |
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Prices: | Between $26 and $50 per person |
Open: | Lunch - Thursday and Friday only - 12:00pm - 3:00pm Dinner - 5:30pm - 10:00pm |
Phone: | 340 -774-7263 |
Website: | Official Website |
Credit Cards: | Master Card and Visa |
Nearby: | Shopping in the Yacht Haven, Havensight Mall, Paradise Point, Butterfly Farm |
19. Fat Turtle
A lovely open-air bar with spacious outside sitting area, the Fat Turtle is quite place to have a drink, or a light fare or a full lunch. Overlooking the Marina, the lunch menu offers a good selection of starters (crab cakes, peel shrimps or tuna tempura are the Editor's favorites), Salads, Sandwiches and Pizzas.
Fat Turtle - Yacht Haven
Photo © IQCruising.com
Location: | Yacht Haven Grand - overlooking the marina |
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Prices: | Between $15 and $25 |
Open: | Every day for lunch and dinner until 12:00pm |
Phone: | 340-714-3566 |
Website: | www.fatturtle.com |
Credit Cards: | Master Card and Visa |
Nearby: | Shopping in the Yacht Haven, Havensight Mall, Paradise Point, Butterfly Farm |
20. Rum Bar
Rum Bar - Yacht Haven
Photo © IQCruising.com
Da Lime in Da Coconut is one of the first kiosks close to the entrance of the Yacht Haven Grande when walking from the Havensight Dock. A wonderful place to enjoy a refreshing drink in the shade.
21. Bad Ass Coffee
Bad Ass Coffee - Yacht Haven
Photo © IQCruising.com
If you are a Coffee Addict, this is the best place to go in St Thomas offering gourmet grains from Hawaii, blends from Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the famous 100% Kona coffee.
Will the cruise ship passenger have time for lunch in St. Thomas? Most cruise ship tours only allow a few hours free time during your exploration of St. Thomas, which isn't enough for lunch. But if going on a shopping and sightseeing tour, the cruise ship passenger will end the excursion in Charlotte Amalie and should try one of the places on this page. Naturally, if exploring St. Thomas on your own, you will have enough time for a nice lunch.
How FREE is Tax FREE?
St. Thomas is a duty-free port that offers tax breaks to both retailers and also consumers. Hence the lower prices offered by shops in the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, the cruise ship traveler should be aware that there are limitations to the amount of goods that can be taken home. U.S. residents are allowed: $1,600 per person; 5 liters of liquor (residents over 21 years); 5 cartons of cigarettes and 100 cigars (but not from Cuba); all island made items and loose gemstones are exempt.