My fiancée and I had the absolute pleasure of dining at L’Auberge Gourmande during our recent trip to St. Maarten, and I can confidently say it was one of the most memorable dining experiences we've ever had—anywhere in the world.
From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with a warmth and genuine hospitality that is incredibly rare. The staff and management were beyond exceptional—so attentive, welcoming, and kind that we truly felt like family by the end of the evening. We’ve never encountered such sincere friendliness from servers or restaurant managers in all our travels.
As for the food—this is sensational French cuisine , rivaling (and in some cases surpassing) Michelin-starred restaurants we've dined at. Every dish was expertly prepared and beautifully presented, reflecting a mastery of both technique and flavor.
The quail special topped with foie gras was a standout—rich, tender, and bursting with luxurious flavor. My fiancée ordered the veal chop, and we both agreed it was the best meal either of us had on the island. The depth of flavor and perfect execution of both dishes left us speechless.
We started with a trio of appetizers that set the bar high: the French onion soup was deeply savory and comforting, the escargots were buttery and perfectly cooked, and the mussels—plump, fresh, and bathed in a heavenly sauce—were irresistible.
Their wine selection is impressive and expertly curated. We were guided to the perfect pairing for our meal, elevating the entire experience. And then there was dessert—the chocolate ganache was sheer decadence, the perfect sweet finish to a flawless dinner.
The experience was so outstanding, in fact, that we cancelled a reservation at another top-rated restaurant on the island to return to L’Auberge Gourmande.
A special highlight at the end of the evening was the house-made rum digestif—smooth, aromatic, and utterly unique. It was so good we couldn’t leave without purchasing a bottle to bring home as a delicious reminder of our visit.
In every possible way, L’Auberge Gourmande exceeded our expectations. The food, the service, the ambiance—everything was world-class. If you’re in St. Maarten and you appreciate exceptional French cuisine and warm, unforgettable hospitality, this is the place to be. We can’t...
Read moreAuberge Gourmande – A Hidden Gem of French Gastronomy in Saint Martin
Tucked away in the heart of Grand Case, Auberge Gourmande is more than just a restaurant—it’s a sanctuary of French culinary excellence, where every dish is a love letter to tradition, flavor, and artistry.
From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were warmly welcomed by Chantal, whose gracious hospitality set the tone for an unforgettable evening. Our waitress, Karyn, made the experience spectacular. Her deep knowledge of the menu, charisma, and effortless charm turned each course into a celebration of taste, passion, and storytelling.
Chef Alex, the genius behind the stove and Chantal’s husband, crafts dishes that feel like they belong in a Paradise.
We began with the Duck Foie Gras Raviolis, delicately nestled in a rich truffle sauce—a silken, decadent introduction to the meal. But the true showstopper may have been the French pie with lobster meat, chopped in white wine and layered on a bed of Florentine spinach, all crowned with a lobster cream sauce that melted on the tongue. It was pure indulgence, yet somehow still elegant.
The Duck “Wellington” confit with foie gras and wild mushrooms, encased in golden pastry, was a masterpiece. Served with truffle and mushroom sauce and crushed potatoes, every element was cooked to perfection—flaky, savory, and deeply satisfying.
To end, the mango and strawberry puff pastry was a dream. Light, crisp, and filled with vibrant fruit, it was served with homemade whipped cream and a housemade fruit sauce that brought brightness and balance to the dessert.
Dining at Auberge Gourmande is more than just a meal—it’s a true gastronomic journey, lovingly curated by people who care deeply about the guest experience. With Karyn’s extraordinary service, Chantal’s warmth, and Chef Alex’s brilliance in the kitchen, this was one of the finest meals we’ve ever had—not just in Saint Martin,...
Read more✨ A Hidden Gem That Feels Like Southern France 🇫🇷 – 5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dining at Restaurant L’Auberge Gourmande is like stepping straight into the heart of Southern France, right in the middle of St. Martin. 🇫🇷 From the first warm greeting to the final bite of dessert, this place delivers a world-class experience with heart, soul, and a touch of European charm.
Chantal, the owner, is the soul of the restaurant—charming, intelligent, funny, and incredibly welcoming. She has a true gift for helping you navigate the menu with spot-on recommendations that suit both your taste and mood.
Karine, our main server, was an absolute delight. Down-to-earth and full of personality, she made us feel at home instantly. She rocked a tongue ring and taught us a few French phrases along the way—open to language exchange and full of good vibes. She’s the kind of server that turns a great meal into a memorable experience.
Lelande, who introduces each course with grace and polish, treated every detail—especially the silverware—with thoughtful professionalism. So kind and considerate, his presence adds a touch of class and ceremony to every course.
Carlos is the wine expert every restaurant dreams of. He listened to our preferences, worked within our budget, and paired our wines perfectly. His knowledge and enthusiasm elevated the whole dining experience.
And though we didn’t see much of him, Alexandre, the chef and Chantal’s husband, is clearly a culinary wizard. Every dish that came from the kitchen was a masterpiece—refined, flavorful, and artfully presented.
Whether you’re a foodie, a romantic, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, L’Auberge Gourmande is a must. It’s not just dinner—it’s an evening in La Sud de la France 🇫🇷, without ever...
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