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La Tapa, St. John, VI

La Tapa

4.8
4.8
272 Reviews
$50 and over
International
Top Tags:
Since 1996 in Cruz Bay, St. John. A Favorite of locals, loyal repeats and new guests. We just moved to our new beach location as La Tapa Plage in March of 2022, still featuring the same interesting ever changing menu including fresh local seafood, organic greens & herbs form Coral Bay, flavors with a touch of Spain & France (Basque Country), Germany and Caribbean. Our goal is to make you feel welcome, cozy and inspired by our great wines, delicious food, good service in a beautiful atmosphere.

Open for dinner service at 5PM Friday through Tuesday.

We will be open for Thanksgiving this year, but closed on Christmas Day.

December 24th through January 1st our menu will be adjusted to a Prix Fixe menu. Price TBD.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 30 times today
Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    International, Spanish, Caribbean
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (340) 693-7755
  • Website
    http://www.latapastjohn.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Alexandra Ewald,
  • Location
    PO Box 37 St, St. John, VI 00830
  • Neighborhood
    St. John
  • Cross street
    Strand Gade
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Wine

Experiences

  • Robert Foley Wine Dinner

    $150.00 per person

    Dec 4, 2023 only
    Special Dinner featuring Robert Foley Wines paired with La Tapa Plage's delicious food. Price and Menu TBD
    Robert Foley Wine Dinner Photo

What 272 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Caribbean

    International

  • Virgin Islands (US)

    Best Overall

  • Virgin Islands (US)

    Best Food

  • Virgin Islands (US)

    Best Service

  • Virgin Islands (US)

    Best Ambiance

  • Virgin Islands (US)

    Best Value

  • Virgin Islands (US)

    Innovative

  • Virgin Islands (US)

    Healthy

  • Virgin Islands (US)

    Hot spot

  • Virgin Islands (US)

    Neighborhood gem

  • Virgin Islands (US)

    Great for fine wines

  • Virgin Islands (US)

    Great for scenic views

  • Virgin Islands (US)

    Good for special occasions

  • Virgin Islands (US)

    Lively

  • Virgin Islands (US)

    Most Booked

272 Reviews

  1. Minnesota

    Charleston

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The menu and name suggest tapas. While much of the menu is small dishes there are also large dishes for those who want them. We chose to sample 3 small dishes and a desert along with a cocktail. All the dishes were outstanding. Presentation, flavors and overall effect were excellent. The service was friendly and helpful. The ambiance on the beach with sunset could not be beaten.

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    The food was ok. Overall entree prices were expensive and one dish came out cold. They also charge you an additional 3% to use a credit card to pay on top of already expensive food costs which is a bit ridiculous. No other restaurants on the island do this and typically cost would be inclusive in the entree costs. The ambience and waitstaff were great.

    Is this helpful?

  3. RachelJ

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    Love the atmosphere and location. Service was ok, food was ok, cockatils were good! Menu options were nice. I had the paella and it was mediocre, more like just a yellow rice with seafood than real paella.

    Is this helpful?

  4. seafood

    Columbus

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We loved La Tapa at their old location, but loved it raven more at their new location!

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite restaurant in St. John. Great food, excellent wait staff, great ambiance, beautiful restaurant and wonderful breeze off the water from Cruz Bay.

    Is this helpful?

  6. BrianCu

    Fort Lauderdale

    39 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    La Tapa was absolutely fabulous! We loved this visit so much we went twice in one week. One of our favorite restaurants anywhere…

    Is this helpful?

  7. KWfoodie

    Key West

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great location by the water in Cruz Bay. Food was very good, but also very expensive. It seems all of St John has jumped up in the cost bracket. Everything on the full menu was $48. Our waiter seemed over whelmed, and seemed to forget about us on occasions. Granted, it was very busy. Reservations are a must. We understood that you would even need one to sit at the bar. Drinks were very good and bartender was very nice. All in all, close to perfect.

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  8. Jenn

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Compared to the old place,this updated version of La Tapa almost felt like it was trying too hard to be fancy instead of just delivering the surprisingly delicious foods we became familiar with. The wait staff is very nice but is lacking in this souped up level of dining. For example- the waitress never once refilled our wine glasses from the bottle and didn’t provide serving utensils for shared dishes Overall,it was very pretty but slightly disappointing in comparison to what it was

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food and atmosphere! We thoroughly enjoyed our first night in St. John and will definitely be going back to La Tapa.

    Is this helpful?

  10. ALANT

    Philadelphia

    220 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    220 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Food and drinks excellent. Ambiance of new location great. Some service issues need working out but I am sure it will happen. Even more a go to restaurant than before.

    Is this helpful?

  11. NoJoe

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Incredible experience and we love, love the new location!!

    Is this helpful?

  12. VictorR

    Indiana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The tuna dish is spectacular and the raspberry bread pudding was one of the finest desserts we have ever had. Great restaurant

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  13. masterpiece

    Atlantic City

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    La Tapa was excellent. The restaurant decor is beautiful and has a wonderful ambiance. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Drinks were poured perfectly and the food was outstanding. Highly recommended

    Is this helpful?

  14. TomL

    Philadelphia

    58 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    58 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Food was absolutely delicious, it always is. Had a great time with a party of six. Veal was great, fish special was a delightful surprise, and the appetizers were great.

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We got the tuna tartare and paella & both were delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  16. DalynC

    Kansas City

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was outstanding. Probably the best we’ve had on St.John!

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  17. RussellB

    West Palm Beach

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    Croquettes were too breaded and dry , Gorgonzola Caesar salad was small and had very little Gorgonzola, steamed artichokes were good but extremely small portion. Tuna and wahoo Tatar was the highlight. Too many other good options on island to put this one on your list.

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  18. LPKH

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    We were expecting more from this restaurant but it never delivered. The environment is lovely. Our server was ok. The food was average at best. Kind of bland-not much flavor.

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  19. JaneR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent in every way as usual. Alex maintained the high quality after expanding to the seaside location. Nice size portion too on my favorite mussels. I have been a big fan since the day she opened!

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  20. GrayFal

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service by Kayla made for an enjoyable evening. Food very good especially mussels and lobster croquettes Will return again

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  21. DeanR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My first time eating there, and I certainly will go back this week again. The ambience was very nice the bartender was super friendly and the food was amazing

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful service and delicious food and cocktails with a perfect view!

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  23. Jilly

    Denver

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went for the fixed price menu on La Mer night. Everything was delicious and the service was exceptional. The standouts were the mussels appetizer, the ahi tuna main course and you can’t go wrong with the flourless chocolate cake or passion fruit cheesecake. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal there.

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  24. Anne

    New York Area

    43 reviews

    4.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We enjoyed our night at LaTapa. Food and service was good. Definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding. One of the best vegetarian meals we’ve eaten. We appreciated that there was also a vegan option.

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  26. JohnR

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The seating area of the restaurant is small and all have great views of the water

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  27. TrespassersWill

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server, Ava, was vey attentive and, when it came to recommending wine pairing, excellent. The food was spectacular, as always. We had the Wahoo/Tuna Tartar as a starter. which was very good - a number of herbs and spices made it sing. For entrees we had the Wahoo and the Fusillo pasta with shrimp/langoustine/smoked salmon, an unusual and delicious dish. We highly recommend La Tapa.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Terrific food, wide range of choices. Great service, very nice wine list. The setting is superb. Music could be a bit quieter.

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  29. Amylou

    Austin

    64 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Delicious cuisine and very good service at this island gem!

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  30. AnneD

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    It was a birthday celebration which we had referenced but they did not acknowledge. Service was slow but eventually we were served and they were polite. Appetisers were great; entrées fair. It was their last evening open until October and they were out of many wine selections.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing meal! Rachel was awesome! We loved the artichoke and the duck. The cheesecake was incredible!

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  32. HolleyT

    Caribbean

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    LaTapa was fantastic - great food and wonderful service. Loved the atmosphere sitting right on Cruz Bay watching the sunset 👍

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  33. CDB13

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a very nice anniversary dinner at La Tapa. Our server recommended the Ahi tuna, and it was amazing. I would definitely recommend a visit to La Tapa!

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  34. TammyO

    Kansas City

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Margo (sp?) was our server. She did a fantastic job and was very, very attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  35. BillE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food! Great atmosphere! I try not to miss this jem whenever I'm on St. John.

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  36. KathleenP

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Music was too loud for us. Restaurant was too loud for the setting. Food was fabulous with a wide variety of fresh vegetables and unique offerings. Our specialty prix fix was a very good value.

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  37. LarryW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Never disappoints. Extraordinary cuisine, while not inexpensive, moderate pricing for fine dining. Every course provides diverse selections, and accommodations for any dietary restrictions. While the "old" La Tapa had a quaint cellar feel, La Tapa Plage offers dramatic sunset views on the Cruz Bay waterfront. Talented bar service for wide ranging cocktails and extensive wine list featuring products from many worldwide districts. Menu is always fresh, with old favorites and many new features. Alex Ewald operates one of the VI's best restaurants, not to be missed when visiting St. John, and a short walk from the St. Thomas Ferry. Bon Appetit.

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  38. MonicaD

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Showed up a little early but they were incredibly accommodating! Host was efficient and had a good sense of humor. Greg our server was great! Support staff was equally doing a wonderful job.

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  39. KevinM

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Go early to enjoy the sunset. Can’t beat the location right on the water in Cruz Bay. Service was great and food delicious.

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  40. barbaran

    New York Area

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice dinner. Extraordinary sunset and great ambiance. Service was very good. Small plates were adequate for us and quite yummy. A bit pricey; the only downside.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

La Tapa is rated 4.8 stars by 272 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 30 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for La Tapa

PO Box 37 St, St. John, VI 00830

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Strand Gade
  • Neighborhood
    St. John
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    International, Spanish, Caribbean
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Alexandra Ewald,
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Wine
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