The Virgin Islands are a chain of islands located in the Caribbean, right between Puerto Rico and Anguilla. They are divided into the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.
Since the end of World War II, they have quickly become an extremely popular tourist destination. The year-round warm weather, pristine coral reefs, and laid-back bar atmosphere make it a great spring break option.
The tropical weather means lots of fresh fruit and seafood are served in restaurants, but that's not all that the Virgin Islands cuisine has to offer.
If you get the chance to visit, whether you're staying at a resort or cruising on a sailboat, odds are you're going to explore several islands. All that swimming, and boozing, requires fuel, so here's the best place to chow down on each island.
From swanky beach bars with sandy floors and no shoes required, to higher end restaurants with a laid-back atmosphere and undeniably fresh seafood, these are my personal recommendations.
St. Thomas: Havana Blue
I'm kicking off this list with what you might call a fine dining restaurant. In the Virgin Islands, that translates as an ocean-front location offering experiential dining. Havana Blue frequently wins awards for their food that fuses flavors of Latin American and the Pacific Rim.
Nearly everything on the menu comes from the sea, from caviar, to lobster tostada appetizers and whole snapper. For the biggest bang for your buck, try their seven course tasting menu.
St. Croix: Rum Runners
Rum Runners has been voted the Best of St. Croix for ten years in a row. They've also won awards for best breakfast and brunch.
You can eat off a limited menu on the The Deck Bar and enjoy stunning views of the harbor. I'd recommend stopping by the restaurant proper for a steak and seafood-filled Sunday Brunch or breakfast, lunch, or dinner any other day of the week.
St. John: The Fish Trap
The Fish Trap does double duty for locals and tourists alike by serving as a seafood market during the day and a restaurant and bar in the afternoon and nighttime. They have nightly fish specials being served up by a local chef.
Whenever their award-winning tuna is on the menu, be sure to try a bite. But don't forget to save room for the coconut cake.
Tortola: Myett's Garden and Grill
If you're anywhere near Tortola on your trip to the Virgin Islands, it's definitely worth spending an afternoon in Cane Garden Bay. The beach is beautiful, but you'll have to take a quick break from the view to visit the longest running rum distillery and try four shots for a dollar.
Then, up next is Myett's for lunch. They're been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner to hungry sailors since 1992. Be sure you order some conch appetizers, made with the freshest conch you'll ever eat. Then, try a Roti, which is a curry with chicken and veggies served in a chickpea wrap.
Virgin Gorda: Top of the Baths Restaurant
As the name hints, Top of the Baths is located on the mountain above the famous Baths area on Virgin Gorda. If you hike through the caves of The Baths, it will put you straight on the path up to the restaurant. Once you arrive at the top, you'll find shops, a pool, and lots of delicious food.
There's a ton of seafood and chicken options cooked with a Caribbean flare. Also, if you stop by for lunch any day but Sunday, you can order some sushi.
Anegada: Neptune's Treasure
Anegada is an extremely low-lying, almost tidal, island home to beautiful iguanas and flamingos. But what you're going to get excited about is the Anegada lobster.
Try Neptune's Treasure for a homestyle Caribbean dining experience. You can watch the same people cook the seafood who caught it that very morning, from swordfish to tuna to shark and, of course, fresh lobster.
Jost Van Dyke: Foxy's Taboo
Located on the East End of Jost Van Dyke, away from the beach bar-lined White Bay Beach, Foxy's Taboo is the best lunch destination on the island.
They serve the freshest salads, juicy burgers, and pizzas with the best crust I've ever tasted. Don't forget to order a few Wreck on the Rocks cocktails too.
Little Jost Van Dyke: B-Line Beach Bar
B-Line Beach Bar may win the best place on Little Jost to eat because it is the only place on the island, but that doesn't mean it's not worth the stop. Play games like corn hole and horseshoes on the beach while you wait for your meal, but beware that the kitchen is not always open.
Norman Island: Pirate's Bight Restaurant & Bar
Located on a beautifully secluded beach, Pirate's Bight is the perfect location for lunch before hitting up the famous floating bar, the Willy T. You can get up out of the sun but still enjoy the stunning view from their wooden deck.
There's not much competition, but Pirate's Bight would definitely come out on top with their fresh salads, seafood, and random assortment of Mexican, Thai, and Caribbean flavors. And, as always, every drink off the Cocktail menu is a good option.
Cooper Island: Cooper Island Beach Club
Cooper Island is a family-owned eco resort with tons of accommodations, including a restaurant, coffee shop, rum bar, and their very own brewery.
Grab whatever you're craving, from a light salad to pasta with creamy mushroom sauce, but be sure you save room for the spiced rum pineapple, served with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.
Peter Island: Deadman's Beach Bar and Grill
Peter Island is home to another full-service resort and spa. This one has four options for dining, but I would recommend Deadman's Beach Bar.
You can get delicious food inspired by Caribbean flavors delivered straight to your spot in the sand. Surprisingly, their wood-fired pizzas and ribs are what guests rave the most about.
Island hopping can be tiring work, but with a great restaurant to visit on every Virgin Island, you're going to want to hit as many as possible. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new because you never know when you'll be back to the Virgin Islands.