Despite being the least touristic of the US Virign Islands, St Croix has not only a wide selection of cuisine at all price levels, but some of the best high-end dining spots in the Caribbean. While there are a few great places to eat in Frederiksted, Christiansted is the culinary capital of St Croix and it's a mostly casual experience with no need to dress up.

Bachus 52 Queen Cross St Phone 340/692-9922. Expensive, but without a doubt one of the best dining experiences you'll have in the Virgin Islands. Request a table overlooking the street and choose something special from the largest wine list on the island. Open Tues-Sun 6-10pm. Recommended.

Boz's Cane Bay Beach Bar Rte 80 phone 340/778-5669. Burgers and beer on the beach at Cane Bay, west of town. Cash only.

Cheeseburgers in Paradise East End Road phone 340/773-1119. Though lacking any sort of ambience, some argue this place serves the best cheeseburger-and-beer combo on the island. Daily 11am-10.30pm.

Company Street Bar and Grill 2110 Company St phone 340/773-6880. Cheap sandwiches and salads served daily 11.30am-4am (closed for lunch during summer).

Fort. Christian Brew Pub 55 King's Alley phone 340/713-9820. Hot sandwiches, pastas, jambalayas and other Cajun favorites. While the food is always a safe bet, the local-brewed beer is a must-try. On Monday night, if you order a steak, all the beer you can drink is free. Located on the boardwalk overlooking the water.

Great House at Villa Madeleine South Side Road phone 340/778-7377. Situated east of Christiansted, this historic West Indian plantation, with great views of Teague Bay to the north and Grapetree Bay to the south, has decent French-accented adventurous food. Dinner Mon-Sat 6-10pm. Recommended.

Harvey's 11B Company St phone 340/773-3433. Reasonably priced fare, specializing in Creole dishes and barbecue. Generally open Friday and Saturday nights only, but call ahead as days and hours vary.

Indies 55-66 Company St phone 340/692-9440. Upscale fish and meat dishes served with a Caribbean flair for US$15-30 served in a rustic eighteenth-century courtyard. Open for lunch and dinner.

Kim's 45 King St (phone 340/773-3377). Dine among locals at this cheap West Indian eatery. The conch in butter sauce melts in your mouth. Daily 11am-9pm.

Luncheria 6 Company St phone 340/773-4247. Cheap and savory Tex-Mex food with killer margaritas for just a buck. Open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm.

Marina Bar King's Landing Yacht Club phone 340/773-0103. Have a Bloody Mary and a hearty egg breakfast while watching seaplanes land on the water. Or chomp on a veggie burger at lunch. All meals US$5-12. Daily 7am-9pm.

Morning Glory Coffee and Tea Off East End Road phone 340/773-6620. Owner and third-generation coffee roaster Margo Loe ensures you get a top-notch cup of joe at this Gallows Bay café. She also has a full breakfast menu and wraps and salads for lunch. Mon-Sat 7am-3pm.

U.S. Virgin Islands
   guide

Caribbean guide

Savant Hospital Street phone 340/713-8666. Upscale restaurant that serves a fusion of Thai, Mexican and Caribbean cuisine in a stylish atmosphere on the eastern edge of town. Mon-Sat 5.30-10pm.

Shenanigan's 1102 Strand St/Pan Am Pavilion phone 340/713-8110. Fast and friendly Southern cooking for travelers on a budget. A great bet for breakfast and lunch.

Tuto Bene 2 Company Street phone 340/773-5229. A small favorite since 1991, serving northern Italian fare with a Caribbean twist, with prices ranging between US$16 and US$29 per entree. No reservations accepted, but there's a small bar where you can wait. Daily 5-10pm.

Zeny's Bar and Restaurant 39-40 King Cross St phone 340/773-4393. Cheap and authentic Puerto Rican fare located next to Market Square. Go for simple fried pork chops and curried stews or try local favorites such as salt fish and dumplings or sautéed pig feet. Daily 8am-11pm.