Virgin Islands Restaurants

Tavern on the Waterfront (St. Thomas; tel. 340/776-4328)
Every celebrity who visits the U.S.V.I. seems to turn up here. Opening onto harbor views at Charlotte Amalie, this restaurant serves some of the island's finest French and Caribbean cuisine. Imaginative dishes include such treats as espresso-and-cinnamon-encrusted pork medallions with passion fruit demi-glace.

Hervé Restaurant & Wine Bar (St. Thomas; tel. 340/777-9703)
This establishment, next to the landmark Hotel 1829, has captured loads of attention. The panoramic view is great, but it's the cuisine that is the draw: a truly sublime repertoire of American and Caribbean cuisines. Nothing beats the black sesame-crusted tuna with a ginger-and-raspberry sauce.

Virgilio's (St. Thomas; tel. 340/776-4920)
This cheerful, elegant spot boasts the best Italian food on the island. Virgilio's lovingly prepares all your favorite Italian classics (try the osso buco or chicken Parmigiana), in addition to more than 20 different homemade pasta dishes, and a few surprises, like cioppino (a kettle of savory seafood stew). Savvy diners always save room for one of the flambé desserts.

Asolare (St. John; tel. 340/779-4747)
The most beautiful and elegant restaurant on St. John also features some of the island's best food. The chef produces a fusion of French and Asian cuisine that relies on the island's freshest seafood and produce. Try the prawn-and-coconut milk soup, or the spicy tuna tartare wrapped in noodles. The staff is the hippest and most attractive on the island.

Le Château de Bordeaux (St. John; tel. 340/776-6611)
Both the view and the exquisite combination of Continental and Caribbean cuisine are winners. Wild game, and rack of lamb perfumed with rosemary and surrounded by a honey-Dijon nut crust, appear often on the ever-changing menu. The West Indian seafood chowder is a perfect blend of fish and spices.

The Terrace (St. Croix; tel. 340/712-2100)
Housed in the Buccaneer, the most prestigious resort on St. Croix, this is the best hotel restaurant on the island. The first-class cuisine is prepared with quality ingredients. Wait until you try the grilled lobster cakes.

Kendrick's (St. Croix; tel. 340/773-9199)
The married owners at Kendrick's bring a light Continental touch to richly flavored dishes. You might begin with baked brie smothered in perfectly seasoned wild mushrooms, then move on to coconut shrimp in a chive-studded, peppery aïoli. Some of this culinary couple's recipes have been featured in Bon Appétit magazine.