St John has great dining options for people on all budgets. If you're self-catering, St John has several grocery stores, though don't be surprised by the prices and the limited supply of perishables. Although most restaurants and bars are located in Cruz Bay (or very close), some are now starting to spring up in Coral Bay.

Asolare Rte 20, Caneel Hill phone 340/779-4747. One of St John's oldest estates and a romantic spot for dinner - come early for drinks and the sunset over Cruz Bay before tucking into the Asian-inspired dishes.

Bamboo Grill Wharfside Village phone 340/774-4112. Quick and cheap Thai, Japanese and Asian food. As there are only two outdoor tables, you might have to sit on the curb.

Café Wahoo Wharfside Village phone 340/776-6600. This second-floor eatery offers both indoor and patio dining for lunch and dinner. The coconut-fried spinach ravioli (US$7.50) is a must. Otherwise, the fare is succulent seafood and steaks ranging from US$16 to US$25. There's a good American wine list to boot.

Dockside Pub Ferry Dock, Cruz Bay (no phone). A great place to grab breakfast sandwiches, freshly made cold-cut subs for the beach or a cold Carib beer to quench your thirst.

J.J.'s Texas Coast On the municipal park, Cruz Bay phone 340/776-6908. Eat great breakfast burritos (US$4.95; weekends only), lunch or dinner outside or at tables around the indoor bar. Always a cheap, reliable option.

The Lime Inn Cruz Bay phone 340/776-6425. A mainstay since 1984, this open-air restaurant with full bar serves good seafood, steaks and an all-you-can-eat shrimp feast on Wednesday night. Owner Rich Meyer's hook hand adds to the seafaring ambience.

The Stone Terrace Cruz Bay phone 340/693-9370. Overlooking the bay, you can feast on interesting light dishes like lobster, garlic and chive wontons (US$9) and a seared tuna spinach salad with ginger potato cakes and cellophane noodles (US$12), or opt for more hearty fare such as the macadamia and tamarind encrusted pork tenderloin (US$25).

Sun Dog Café Cruz Bay phone 340/693-8340. Tucked away on the second floor of Mongoose Junction, this is a great place to take a load off after hours of shopping. The chicken philly steak is a good bet, even at a pricey US$8.25. Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm.

Uncle Joe's BBQ Cruz Bay phone 340/693-8806. Served hot off an outside grill on picnic tables under a tarp stretched between two cars, hands down, this is the best barbecue on the island.

Vie's Snack Shop Hansen Bay phone 340/693-5033. More like a snack shack, there's not much here for your eyes to feast on. But the conch fritters, some swear, are the best in the Caribbean. Other snacks include meat pies and Johnny cakes. For dessert, grab a home-made coconut tart.

ZoZo's Cruz Bay phone 340/693-9200. A favorite among locals who want to splurge on some killer Italian food that never misses. The handmade lobster ravioli is out of this world.

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Morgan's Mango Wharfside Village phone 340/693-8141. Open only for dinner, this Caribbean-inspired eatery offers a cornucopia of flavors to tempt your taste buds. The flash-fried flying fish is tasty, the ceviche is refreshing and the citrus chicken is gorgeous. Veggie dishes also available.