Where to eat and dine on Martinique:
One of the (main) reasons to go to Martinique is the french cooking. Restaurants in Martinique are on par with the standouts on the French mainland. Of course the seafood is excellent, and the local specialties include fresh water crayfish, conch and the Caribbean lobster.
FATZO (11 rue Felix Eboue, Anse-d'Arlets; 0596/68-62-79), is the most well known restaurant in Martinique and gets rave reviews for the exceptional service, food, hospitality and atmosphere. The presentation is so creative with the international dishes served here.
LA BELLE EPOQUE (97 Rte. de Didier, Didier, Fort-de-France; 0596/64-41-19), is a gourmet establishment housed in a white mansion. The menu changes daily, but always includes a large selection of foie gras. Guests dine among antiques and use delicate crystal goblets and sterling silver.
CHEZ LES PECHEURS (Le Bord de Mer, Carbet; 0696/23-95-59), is the quintessential island restaurant. Fresh fish always grilled to perfection. There is usually a delicious grilled octopus as well as the fisherman's platter, which might be tuna and marlin. The weekends bring live music and a lively atmosphere.
COULEURS LOCALES (Morne-Vert; 0596/55-59-12), is a local spot where Chef René creates delicious dishes like shrimp fritters, smoked chicken with pineapple sauce, duck fillet with passion-fruit sauce, and sautéed pork with dark rum and cinnamon.
HABITATION LAGRANGE RESTAURANT (Habitation Lagrange, Marigot; 0596/53-60-60), is a beautiful plantation dining room where you can sample Millefeuille au foie gras, a house specialty layered with green bananas and flavored with orange-lace rum, or the jumbo crawfish flambéed. It is necessary to make reservations.
LE BÉLEME (Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa, Quartier Cap Est, Le François; 0596/54-80-80), is the outdoor restaurant at the exclusive Cap Est Lagoon Resort. The unique cylindrical wine "cave," is popular with locals and visitors. The contemporary French cuisine includes specials like pastilla of duck with foie gras and truffles, or scallops with coconut sauce and sautéed julienned vegetables.
LE COLIBRI (4 rue des Colibris, Morne-des-Esses, Sainte-Marie; 0596/69-91-95), has a great view of the ocean from its spot on the northeastern shore. A family affair, the brother and sister team serve delightful French and Creole dishes. The wine list is very good too.
LE DÔME (Hôtel Valmeniere, av. des Arawaks, Fort-de-France; 0596/75-75-75), is still a secret spot that many locals know to hit for a delicious meal. Main course specialties include pan-fried sea scallops with lemongrass and carrot pudding and quail with foie gras sauce, sweet potatoes, and mushroom cakes.
LE FROMAGER (Quartier St. James, Saint-Pierre; 0596/78-19-07), is a bit difficult to find, but well worth the effort. Panoramic views of the sea are breathtaking at this open air restaurant. And the food is just as wonderful.
Feature Hotel/Resort of the Month:
Anguilla's Cap Juluca
Cap Juluaca regularly rates in the Top 10 world resorts for both Travel and Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler.
Cap Juluca is situated on the southwest coast of Angulla and overlooks the mountains of St. Marten. Cap Juluca sits on 179 acres of Land and is renouned for its 2.5 miles of white powder beaches and the unequalled privacy and luxury of the accommodations.
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