TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Italian restaurants on the Dutch side

Hi all. We are coming in July. We are renewing our vows after 25 years. I finally found a place that would coordinate it without taking all my money (i hope).
We will have ceremony on Mullet bay. Now for the restaurant...can i have your suggestions on GREAT Italian restaurants in the area? I know La Rosa is good..lets see what you all think. Thanks

We were first introduced by someone who lives on the island and have had incredibly good meals at Luna Rosa in Simpson Bay (more or less across the street from Toppers...) each time we've eaten there. Another very good option might be Basillico at Starz (formerly Atlantis) Casino. Cugini's was also very good but I believe someone mentioned they are now closed. Many here speak well of Izi next to the movie theater. I have to say, we found it very close, very loud and very average in food and not anywhere I'd really want to celebrate a very special evening, but that's me and I'm sure others will differ from that opinion. And of course, if you don't mind the longer ride, there's always Spiga in Grand Case......pretty hard to do better than that! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Like Pat, I am not a fan of Izi. There is Tutta Pasta in Simpson Bay but they don't take credit cards (important to know). I agree with Pat that Spiga is pretty hard to beat...although if I am going to Grand Case, I'd MUCH rather have French food but to each their own.

I am a fan of IZI and have been there when they have had anniversary and birthday dinners. They do it in style and are very attentive to your needs. However, if I was celebrating such a special occasion, I would have the dinner catered and enjoyed at my condo or villa or choose my menu and have Dreams take care of all the details right on the beach. I realize you are asking for the Dutch side, but Dreams is not that far away and the experience is worth the short drive. We have celebrated anniversaries there in the past and all were wonderful!

I have to agree, Luna Rossa is an excellent choice. We had excellent meals and great service there, last November. Best meals of our two week stay and we went there for our thanksgiving meal because of the quality of the food and service.

Pat, is Luna Rosa in the same place where Meza Luna (at least I think I remember the name) was years ago? Wide low building?

I hate to admit it, but not sure where the restaurant you're referencing was but the building that houses Luna Rosa is a multi-storied building - perhaps 3-4 stories? - almost diagonally across from the entrance to the Royal Palm timeshare property and likewise from Toppers Restaurant on the lagoon side when coming from the Towers. The restaurant itself is easy to miss since the only signage I'm familiar with is on the plate glass windows.

The food is very good and the owner makes her own pasta and focaccia. She also has a gluten free pasta and each of the specials we've tried have been delicious. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Meza Luna is in Nettle Bay. It's still there, but we have not had a good meal there. Luna Rosa, on the other hand, is very good.

It's on the ground floor of the Puerta del SOL Plaza in Simpson Bay on Welfare Rd. The name is Luna Rossa.

For italian on the Dutch side..also love the Italian at Pizza Pasta in Maho, the italian dishes served at Marks Place, and after all talk about Izi, we gave it a second chance last March, and was NOT disappointed at all. Much better than the last time we were there, and will definitely go back again next trip.

Last trip down to the island, we saw a place called Sale&Pepe's. Haven't heard anything about it. Also, there used to be a place on the water near Airport Road owned by two brothers. Excellent Italian food. Their was some�talk of one of the brothers reopening it. Forgot the name, but it is worth investigating. Have to hand it to the members here they are a great source of information.

There was LaGuna - a very special Italian restaurant in the general area you're talking about, but it's been long since closed, much to the dismay of many of us who loved the place. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Cugini's. Regrettably Sam has passed away.

I ate at Sale & Pepe's in March. What I had was good, but I'm not sure that the setting, etc, would be what I personally would want for a 'special' occasion. The same is true for me, personally, for Izi. If you're talking Dutch side only, La Rosa II. To expand the search to the French side, Spiga!

Our favorite on the Dutch side - Tutta Pasta. On the French side (& overall) - Al Dente. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

I remember Laguna. We loved it. Has to be closed over 20 years. We went there on our first SXM visit in 1993. Right in that same area was Le Perroqueet or some such spelling. That was a great one too. Sorry to be OT.

We liked Tutta Pasta but on our last visit we were far from impressed. I am a fan of La Rosa II also.

We are also fans of IZI and enjoy their food and service. Nicely done. But with that being said, keep in mind that IZI has a more modern, sleek appearance, not a quiet, romantic atmosphere. It really depends what you want. If you are looking for a cozy little corner, then IZI is not for you. We have enjoyed each visit there.

How about Mario's Bistrot? It's awesome. It's in Porto Cupecoy. Ambiance is very good. It got great reviews on tripadvisor.
We love Sale e Pepe but no ambiance.
Good Luck!

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> Contessa

Huhm, is Marios Bistrot Italian? I don't think so.

Laguna. That's it.Thanks Pat. Great food. Such a shame it is no longer there. They did have great food and ambience.Thanks Carol and Contessa for the Sale&Pepe review. We are looking forward to checking it out. If the food is good it works for me. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Mario's is more French than Italian.

Cugini's is our first choice for great Italian food. Sam has passed, but Tony is still doing a great job. They are open. Had a terrific dinner there Monday night.

There's a fairly new restaurant behind Cheris called La Bella Orchiden their really good ate there the other night everyone loved it, they make a great Bolognese sauce.There next to La Rosa

Good to know. Thank you for that.

The old waitress from La Rosa right next door is running it.
quite frankly I heard it was great better than La Rosa. Been going to La Rosa for more years than I can remember but was discussing last trip in March after we ate there it was ok but the menu is the same for the last 10 years and getting mundane. Will try this next March for sure so I hope they make it. I did hear from someone I met in March it was outstanding.

Bob.....it's a date!!!

Sounds Good Ed as you know we always walked over to La Rosa our first meal and we met you guys there that one time 2 years ago.

Glad to know La Bella Orchiden is still in business. We ate there last July right after it opened. We knew the former La Rosa waitress that was managing the place and my wife wanted to support her. We were the only ones in the place which felt a little strange but was actually quite romantic. Didn't think there was a chance she could remain open but glad to hear it has survived.