Quick answer: for harbor views go to the Christiansted boardwalk (The Mill, Shupe's or Rum Runners). For toes-in-the-sand lunches go to Cane Bay (The Landing or Off The Wall). For sunset, head west to Frederiksted, where Rhythms at Rainbow Beach and the waterfront spots near the pier face the evening sky.
Christiansted: dinner on the harbor
The boardwalk wraps around Christiansted’s harbor, and on a breezy evening it’s the island’s most atmospheric place to eat. All of these are a short walk apart.
- The Mill Boardwalk Bar Brick Oven Pizza. Brick oven pizza and drinks with the boats right in front of you. 4.6★ from 785 Google reviews · $$
- Shupe's on the Boardwalk. A laid-back bar and grill and one of the most reviewed spots on the island. 4.4★ from 1,113 Google reviews · $$
- Rum Runners. A boardwalk classic for a long lunch or dinner by the water. 4.3★ from 612 Google reviews · $$
- Breakers Roar Tiki Bar. Hand-crafted tiki cocktails on King’s Wharf, ideal before dinner. 4.6★ from 82 Google reviews
Cane Bay and the North Shore: beach bars with reef views
- The Landing Beach Bar at Cane Bay. Right on Cane Bay beach, the classic stop after a dive or snorkel on the Cane Bay Wall. 4.6★ from 1,170 Google reviews · $$
- Off The Wall. Casual food and drinks a few steps from the water at Cane Bay. 4.4★ from 542 Google reviews · $$
- Ama at Cane Bay. A seafood-focused dining room overlooking the bay, and a lovely sunset table. 4.5★ from 480 Google reviews
- Spratnet Beach Bar & Grill. A beach bar on the quiet northwest coast near Sprat Hall. 4.4★ from 285 Google reviews · $$
Frederiksted and the West End: sunset side
The West End faces the sunset, which makes Frederiksted the place to be in the early evening.
- Rhythms at Rainbow Beach. Food and drinks right on Rainbow Beach, just north of town. 4.6★ from 1,180 Google reviews · $$
- Polly's at the Pier. Across from the Frederiksted Pier, an easy breakfast or lunch on the waterfront. 4.5★ from 792 Google reviews · $$
- Louie & Nacho's Beach Bar. Casual beach bar food on the Frederiksted side. 4.4★ from 552 Google reviews · $$
- Tap Deck Bistro and Bar. A front deck looking over the Frederiksted waterfront, good for sunset. 4.2★ from 312 Google reviews · $$
- Aquaholic Beach Bar & Grill. A small beach bar with very happy reviewers. 4.8★ from 91 Google reviews · $$
- Beach Side Cafe at Sand Castle on the Beach. Breakfast to dinner at a beachfront hotel south of town. 4.3★ from 168 Google reviews · $$
East End: Teague Bay
- Duggan's Reef. Seafood on the water at Teague Bay, a favorite for a special lunch or dinner. 4.5★ from 798 Google reviews · $$$
Tips for eating on the water
- Time it for sunset. West-facing Frederiksted and Rainbow Beach get the sunset; Christiansted’s harbor glows at dusk.
- Reserve on busy nights. Waterfront tables go first on weekends, holidays and cruise ship days.
- Bring a light layer. The trade winds can make waterfront tables cool after dark.
Ratings are from Google at the time of writing and update nightly on each restaurant’s page. Hours change, especially in the quieter late-summer months, so check before you go.
