Restaurants in Martinique

Martinique's visitors can find all sorts of cuisine on the small island that is populated by well over a hundred restaurants. Whether you are looking for international, French, or Creole cuisine, visitors can sample and enjoy a varied fare while relaxing over long lunches and dinners.

It is no surprise that Martinique, being a part of France, bears such a strong French influence in its cuisine; despite the distance from its home nation. The influence shines through in the carefully prepared and presented French foods and refined dining establishments that can be found on the island. Creole, which mixes African, Asian, and European influences with local cooking, is also found in abundance on the island.  There is so much that went into creating the style of fare on Martinique that it simply cannot all be explained here.  Read our article on culinary styles if the topic intrigues you, or if you'd like to learn what types of food the island has in store for you during your vacation.

Lunch on the island is generally served from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., but some restaurants may stay open as late as 3:30 p.m. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. and will run until10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Dress is informal for the most part, although you may want to check concerning jackets or ties if you will be dining in the upscale establishments. Beach attire and shorts are typically not permitted. Men in polo or button down shirts and pants will be fine. Many women wear informal dresses.

Reservations should be made at the nicer and moderately priced restaurants for dinner, especially during the Caribbean high season of December to April. A 15 percent service charge is generally included in your bill. Both lunch and dinner generally take longer than in other countries, and diners should take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the food, drink, and atmosphere. The free local guide Ti Gourmet, can provide vacationers with an extensive overview of restaurants and dining options.  You can find this information right here as well, when you visit our Restaurant Directory.  Through the directory you'll be able to search for restaurants by the type of cuisine that they serve.  Click here if you know the name of the restaurant you'd like to look up.

Restaurants are not the only locales in Martinique where you can expect to find delectable eats.  At the city market in Fort-de-France, vendors serve up full meals that include such Martinique notables as accras, chicken in coconut milk, fricassee of octopus and conch, or your basic grilled whole fish.  Sometimes wine is even included.  Likewise, if you head to the local super market, bakery, or gas station, there are often sandwich and snack bars where you can pick up a light, but still mouthwatering, snack.

One final tip is this: many of the hotel restaurants offer menus in English, but when you are out touring the island, this will not always be the case.  A pocket French to English dictionary can be a life saver in these instances.

The excellent cuisine and captivating atmosphere at restaurants in Martinique should be a highlight for any vacationer to the island.