Goat Fish Restaurant — Restaurant in Île des Terres Basses

We ate here twice during our 4 days on Sint Maarten. Incredible food, and just the most delightful, friendly staff. The owners were the only ones working the first day, and they were so lovely and humorous and laid-back and welcoming. Charlie came out from the back and made sure we liked everything. We talked story for a bit, and learned more about why this place is also known as Charlie's Bistro (spoiler: the actual brick-and-mortar location is called "Goat Fish Restaurant" despite who is currently located there, but their business is called "Charlie's Bistro")

When we came back two days later, there was another server, but Charlie and his partner (I didn't learn her name) came out and recognized us. We talked more, and learned about Charlie's preferred diving places around the area, among other things.

The first time, I had the oxtail soup, which was to die for. The second visit, I had a whole grilled snapper, also perfection. And you can really ask them to cook just about anything in any way. No need to have any concerns about food sensitivities or restrictions: just communicate what you want and it's a breeze!

It's abundantly obvious that the owners make most everything from scratch and really pour themselves into their craft. They really were such a bright spot in an already bright vacation. We'll be coming back here any...

The food is amazing and the service is very attentive. I had the Caribbean snapper (pictured here), which was delicious and super fresh. Instead of bread, they served us scrumptious fried dough - such a nice touch!

The only issue was that there was a bad smell wafting from the harbor (it smelled like raw sewage), which couldn't be avoided at any of the tables. This is a pity given how good the restaurant is and how pretty the view of the harbor is. I don't know if this only happened the day we were there, but you may...

Our best and most authentic meal on the island! Absolutely delicious and that creole sauce was out of this world!! Even if you are not a spicy lover this creole sauce is not, you add your own spice to it. Snapper, mahi mahi and oxtail were enjoyed by all. Don't even bother with the tourist menu, stick with what the locals eat! I didn't get her name, my the lady that took our order and served us was wonderful. I will definitely come back next time...