I have a couple of questions on Mario's Bistro. Does the restaurant take reservations and how long before do you have to make them... Does the restaurant take credit cards? Is Didier still there at the new location?

Yes, they take reservations.
French-side phone number: 0690 77 72 44. (Yes, I know they moved to Porto Cupecoy on the Dutch-side.)

Dutch-side cell number: (721) 523-2760

This time of year, reservations may be necessary.

Raspy, etal.......

For what it's worth, back in December but just ahead of the start of the real season, we tried on two separate evenings for a walk-in table at the new Marios Bistro and were unable to be served either time, or at least not until very late one of those evenings if we wanted to wait or return later.

We did finally make a reservation even though we hate to be committed to almost anything while on vacation. Very happy we did as the food was the same delicious fare and equally well served but in a much nicer and far more convenient location at Porto Cupecoy.

Reservations in high season are absolutely necessary; probably 2 weeks in advance.
They now are accepting credit cards.
Didier is no longer there. (We miss him, but the rest of the staff is pretty much the same).

Had dinner there last night. I made reservations in the morning for six people with no problem except if you want outside seating.I prefer inside,AC and no mosquitoes... Still the same great food.Now home back in NJ.

Are mosquitoes a problem there?

We've had dinners many times under many different restaurant names at that same location and I'm a little confused when people mention eating 'indoors' since I always thought of the entire place as more or less indoors but open-air when the plastic drapes aren't closed.

There is/was an actual indoor apart from the main dining room area where the bar was located in the past - is this the indoor area people are speaking of or are they actually offering outdoor tables before the steps up to the main dining area now?

In any event, we usually try to reserve the front corner table overlooking the sailboats docked below and we have never experienced any mosquito problems. There has usually been a good breeze any time we've eaten there in the evening but I would imagine on a hot and muggy breeze-free evening, those little buggers could be anywhere..... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Pat for the corner table info. That's what I'll ask for next week.

We recently had dinner there at the new location, and I'm usually pretty critical of restaurants....

I'd say it is one of the better restaurants on the island.
Great menu with really good food.
My main course portion may have been just a little on the small side, but maybe that is why in general the french are not as fat as Americans. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

They do take credit cards, but not American Express.

The only thing that annoyed me a little was when I got the check and saw that they automatically added about a 15% "Service Charge" to the total. To me that means I leave either zero or at max a 5% tip.

Menu prices are in "N.A.F." and U.S. Dollars.

Good info Rasputin, thanks .

b-t-w. they spell it with a "t" at the end, as in:

Mario's Bistrot. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

pronounced: Bees trot

RonDon:
It can be spelled with or without the end t. However, in both cases the t is silent.

I've been to Mario's twice already and will be going again before I leave on Monday. Fantastic food, great service and super convenient to get to for me.
Don't order till you hear the specials, and please, please, please - never leave a restaurant in SXM without ordering dessert! I had the molten cake and the banana hazelnut chocolate tart which was to DIE for!

Not always silent.