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Prime grass-fed steaks - Palapa Grill, Simpson Bay, Saint Martin

Palapa Grill

4.6
4.6
99 Reviews
$31 to $50
French
PALAPA GRILL & LOUNGE
“An Alice down the rabbit hole experience”
Travelers Award 2020, 2021 & 2022 and Worldclass™ Bar

Awaken your senses in this -one of a kind- restaurant. Experience casual fine dining in a unique hidden oasis.

Palapa is an extraordinary experience from the moment you step inside. Famed for its hurricane chic décor with lush vegetation and tropical pools, it is the perfect backdrop to awaken your senses. Chef Shane and his team offer French-Caribbean influenced dishes with mouthwatering prime-cut steaks, fresh local seafood, a great selection of starters and other inspired dishes.

Palapa’s lounge offers signature Worldclass™ Cocktails, delectable tapas and turns into one of the most fashionable and sexy hotspots with a host of international DJ’s on weekends.

Make a reservation

2 people

8:00 PM


Booked 4 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    French, Steakhouse, Seafood

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon, Wed–Sun 6:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (721) 559-1901

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Resort Casual

  • Executive chef

    Shane Huggins

  • Private party facilities

    Perfect Venue for Weddings and Corporate Events.

  • Neighborhood

    Simpson Bay

  • Cross street

    Airport Road

  • Parking details

    Street parking is also available

  • Entertainment

    Live shows on weekends!

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 99 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Sint Maarten

    Best Overall

  • Sint Maarten

    Best Food

  • Sint Maarten

    Best Service

  • Sint Maarten

    Best Ambiance

  • Sint Maarten

    Best Value

  • Sint Maarten

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Sint Maarten

    Good for special occasions

  • Sint Maarten

    Lively

  • Sint Maarten

    Most Booked

Sort by

  1. PattiV

    New York Area

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A fabulous evening ! Food was wonderful, service great. The atmosphere was so exciting… creating a great vibe while they continue to rebuild. Will certainly try to visit again before the vaca is over. And it is definitely on my list of favorite restaurants to visit every time in St Martin!!!
  2. MELINDA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nous avons passé une excellente soirée. Nous avons bien mangé et le vin était parfait. Merci beaucoup pour ce moment.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice hope they can rebuild the palapa
  4. KellyB

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    This was probably the best meal we’ve had in our many years of coming to St Maarten. The presentation was great, the staff were attentive, friendly and efficient, and the food was delicious. The only reason it doesn’t get 5 stars is the space. It’s beautiful and well-decorated but - and I don’t know how else to say this - it’s a bit swampy. The air flow is limited because it’s under a tight canopy, there’s a beautiful water feature, and the combination is humid. The result, sadly, is mosquitoes. The waitress kindly brought us bug spray at the beginning of the meal but I confess by the end of the meal I was happy to get out into the fresher air. I encourage you to go for the food and service, but be prepared.
  5. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience1
    No AC restaurant was very hot. Due to the time of year it isn't as cool in the evenings but I would have appreciated more fans. It was hard to enjoy meals with such a warm temperature
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Recommended by the chef at Emilio’s, and it did not disappoint.
  7. Amor

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 24, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    I booked a seating for a friend and myself at Palapa and the experience was outstanding. It was my friend’s birthday and the staff surprised her with a cake and wished her a happy birthday! We enjoyed our food and service and the ambience was very relaxing. I loved the idea of not having internet at this location as it forced us to not be on our phones but interact face-to-face! Great teaser! Thank you Palapa, it was a nice experience.
  8. Alicia

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was fantastic! The atmosphere was spectacular.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a wonderful experience last night for my bday dinner! The food and service was SPECTACULAR! Highly recommend 😊
  10. ShanaM

    Caribbean

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    It was amazing! The food and the place are stunning. I had a very good time there with my friend for my birthday. Thank you Palapa Grill!
  11. JaniceM

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a treat for our stay in St Martin! Honestly- it was one of the best meals I have ever eaten. This chef is exceptional. Excellent quality, preparation. Completely worth the cost. The hostess & server were awesome too. And the actual restaurant is so unique with palms & tent material. Felt like a luxurious safari! With 5 star food! Trying to go back before our trip is over
  12. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was exceptional and the ambience was unique and fun. Drinks and service were equally amazing.
  13. Phyllis

    New York Area

    37 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on March 28, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience2
    Server was very busy and not attentive to our needs. Took a longer than usual time for dinner to arrive. No after dinner rum drink as a thank you for coming. Receptionist was very personable and very nice.
  14. MarcyS

    New York Area

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on March 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    How do you explain the excitement you feel when you find that restaurant with the perfect balance. Beautiful ambience delicious food and attentive Waitstaff Can’t recommend this place enough!
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience! We ended up going twice on our trip. Food, ambience and all of the staff were amazing. This is definitely one of our new favorite places on the island!
  16. Ljhamer

    St. Louis

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very gracious and efficient servers; hostess; and bartender! Great ambiance- including the soft jazz! Food was expertly prepared and served hot! We look forward to future visits! Thank you for the birthday celebration!
  17. AMAZING

    Naples

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience4
    Steaks we’re out of this world delicious! Drinks were great also! BEWARE, their menu posted on Open Table is NOT the menu the have, MUCH more limited than what is shown on Open Table!! Our service was by far the worse we have had on the island, horrible!!
  18. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The place was great, Friday night can’t disappoint there ever. We had great diner , thanks for Demian ( our waiter) .Food was great , the ambiance of the place is amazing. Will be back soon!
  19. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful space and delightful service! Fantastic dinner- thank you!
  20. RomaraD

    Caribbean

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Everything was great 10/10 , The staff members are amazing. The food was wonderful and tasty We really enjoyed the night thank you
  21. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Me and my wife had an excellent time here! The food, the atmosphere, the host, the waiter were all excellent ! Can’t wait to come back here and we also told many of our friends about this place. Beautiful ambiance and the lounge areas were excellent to take pics and have great memories. She enjoyed her birthday and now this restaurant is going to be one of our main places to eat and relax when we are on the island! Thanks so much !
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    6 of us had dinner everyone enjoyed their appetizer and their meals. The octopus was a big hit and the Caesar salad was delicious. We barely had room for desert but muscled through, the lemon ricotta was my favorite.
  23. Kurt

    New England

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What is not to love about this place? We have been twice now, and both times were exceptional. The food was beautifully presented and tasted even better! With the rebuild from the hurricane, the whole place has a charming and eclectic feel to it. Portions, price, ambiance….this place has it all. The staff is not only well trained and professional, but they all have an awesome energy about them that welcomes you to the restaurant and makes you feel at home. Cannot recommend it enough!
  24. KristineK

    New York Area

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our third visit. We brought two separate couples to this restaurant, while we were in Saint Martin for the month of February. Lastly, our girls came and loved it as much as everyone else.
  25. RobinR

    Atlanta Metro

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow… #palapagrillsxm!! Amazing ambiance, absolutely excellent dinner & impeccable service! Thank you for a great dinner tonight in Simpson Bay!! ❤️
  26. Marshycoco1234567890loves

    New York Area

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Palapa grill was our best meal in St Maarten! Loved the food and atmosphere
  27. Themi

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    After being seated we waited for ten minutes and we were not acknowledged until we obtained the host attention to help us. The Bottle of French Rose wine was served warm in a bucket of ice and was not at the appropriate temperature . It took about thirty minutes for the wine to be drinkable. The chicken dish had an initial excellent presentation; however most of the chicken was undercooked . The steak was well seasoned but rare instead of medium and chewy instead of tender. The staff had no real solutions.
  28. JoanneR

    Morelos

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful setting with delicious food. The staff were attentive. One of the best experiences we have had. We will definitely be returning.
  29. BobF

    Cleveland

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was wonderful. The grilled Seabass was delightful as were each of the other meals ordered as well as the appetizer. Everything is served and presented with a wonderful presentation. Damien was our server and he did an excellent job. We will certainly be back.
  30. MAB2123

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been in Sint Maarten a few days into a 2 week stay. We had a few misses with restaurants but hit a home run with Palapa Lounge. Lovely ambiance and superb food, exactly what we had been searching for. My husband, a steak connoisseur, couldn’t stop raving about the rib eye. I had seafood and it was amazing. The waitstaff were wonderful. We wanted to adopt our incredible server, Jeandralica. The owner made us feel like family. Can’t say enough positives about this place. We have already booked another reservation.
  31. Palma

    Caribbean

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Good food, but side dish portions were a touch on the small side for our liking and not very good value for money (I.e sauces for $5 each were tiny little metal pots and the fries were also in a very small ramekin for $8!) The steak itself was a good portion, good quality meat, perfect for sharing and well cooked. The sommelier was lovely and recommended a very nice bottle of wine which went well with the steak Felt a little crowded when we were sat next to a large group celebrating a birthday. We were just a couple and would’ve preferred a quieter spot not in the middle of the restaurant but they seem to set up the larger tables in the quieter corners? Other than those little things we enjoyed our night there and would return, perhaps for special occasions rather than a regular spot. Would recommend the cocktail bar for a quality made cocktail either before or after dinner, it was lovely and the bar staff were very friendly!
  32. KathyW

    Chicago

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service, food and ambiance!
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience4
    I thought the restaurant would be more open air. Our seat and most of the seats were under a tent. Our seat was in a corner, not alot of air flow felt it was hot. If it was open air out of the tent would have been much better. Other people loved their steaks and the sauces. I got the beef carpaccio was good. House music starts at 9 and cute little bar area got packed at like 930. Our reservation was at 8. I think 830 would be perfect if u don't mind a little sound at dinner for a party vibe. Oh the Au gratin potatoes required alot of salt.
  34. MarleneR

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 2, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience4
    Food took over an hour and half to arrive to the table. Host was amazing but all wait staff after that was terrible. Took over 30 mins to get the beer we ordered. Food was salty.
  35. TheaC

    Caribbean

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The steak was amazing and so tasty. Service as superb and quick.
  36. KathyW

    Chicago

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter Damien was wonderful, the service was the best we have had on the island so far. The menus had a lot of great options the Morel Chicken was so juicy, the ribeyes were cooked and seasoned perfect and so tender, the baked clam pasta was loaded with clams. Then we had dessert, talk about heaven!!! They were all so amazing! We will be going back! You will not be disappointed
  37. Mara

    Toronto

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great communication with the restaurant and amazing food. Highly recommend!
  38. Foodie2

    New York Area

    69 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    69 reviews

    Dined on January 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everyone enjoyed dinner.....the restaurant is very charming..... The service was attentive
  39. CarlG

    Richmond

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best meals we have ever had! The service was amazing, the drinks were beyond delicious and our server was knowledgeable, kind and so sweet! Additionally, the food was fantastic!
  40. BobF

    Cleveland

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first visit at Palapa Grill and we were very impressed. Wonderful ambience. It is a nice quiet restaurant with a beautiful setting inside. Our service was wonderful and the meals we had we’re outstanding. We had selected the restaurant because it was my wife’s birthday, and we were looking to try something new. That would make her birthday feel a little more special. This did not disappoint. We had a wonderful evening with delicious food. Great service. Definitely will come again.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Palapa Grill offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (721) 559-1901.

Palapa Grill is rated 4.6 stars by 99 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

8:00 PM


Booked 4 times today
Google Map for Palapa Grill

Airport Road #28, Simpson Bay, Saint Martin 00000

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Airport Road

  • Neighborhood

    Simpson Bay

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon, Wed–Sun 6:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    French, Steakhouse, Seafood

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Resort Casual

  • Parking details

    Street parking is also available

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Shane Huggins

  • Entertainment

    Live shows on weekends!

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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