The Palms — Restaurant in Île des Terres Basses

Our visit to The Palms in Simpson Bay was hands-down one of the most flavorful and satisfying meals we had in St. Martin. The star of the evening? The legendary Drunken Ribs—and they lived up to every bit of the hype.

These ribs are unlike any we've had before. Marinated for three full days in a mix of whiskey, herbs, and island spices, the flavor is rich, deep, and completely addictive. The meat was incredibly tender, falling right off the bone with zero effort, yet still packed with a bold, smoky sweetness that hits all the right notes. They’re not your average BBQ ribs—these are next-level, slow-cooked perfection with an island twist.

We also tried the pork buns, and they were a close second favorite. The buns were soft and pillowy, and the pork inside was juicy and flavorful. What really brought it all together was the tamarind dipping sauce—tangy, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of zing. It balanced the richness of the pork beautifully and added a fresh, tropical layer to the dish.

The cocktails were just as impressive. They were well-crafted, refreshing, and strong without being overpowering. Whether you’re into classic mojitos or island-inspired mixes, they have something for everyone. Each drink felt intentional and complemented the food perfectly.

The atmosphere at The Palms was relaxed and welcoming—perfect for an easygoing dinner that still feels special. Service was friendly, attentive, and genuinely warm, making us feel like we were right at home.

If you’re in St. Martin and want a meal that’s unforgettable from start to finish, The Palms is a must-visit. The Drunken Ribs alone are worth the trip—but when you add in the pork buns, tamarind sauce, and great cocktails, it’s an experience that’s...

Blissful Food and Gracious Kind-heartedness Abound at the Palms

The heartfelt pride and extraordinary care that goes into every item that we tried are as pure and remarkable as the teal ocean surrounding this friendly Island. From the moment you walk in, Joelle and Greg, genuinely and modestly embrace the opportunity to make the setting and meal spectacular. A treat for all senses, nothing is average here, even the iced tea was the best we have ever had. Joelle made fresh brewed Jasmine green tea served with lemon in an oversized glass with plenty of ice bound to quench any thirst. While I was reading the menu, which is perfection since it offers a variety of choices for every palate, I found myself deciding between 3 amazing entrees. A kind gentleman, Greg, approached and provided guidance by describing each one, and pointed out the fresh herbs growing. It turns out that he is the Chef, who proudly spoke of his mother’s family recipes. We savored every bite of the tender flavorful ribs and the salmon, a special, which was flown in fresh and was divine. In continuing our delight, we ordered liqueur coffee and the brownie sundae for dessert. The melt in your mouth homemade soft chocolate brownie paired with the silky smooth coffee was nirvana. We thank Joelle and Chef Greg for making our night so delightfully special and we cannot wait to return this week to try their other...

My fiancé & I ate at ‘The Palms’ for the very first time and I must say this is by far our favorite meal we’ve had on the island of St.Maarten! I ordered the Drunken Ribs and it was so saucy, tender, fall off the bone! My fiancé got the curry goat with roti and it was super flavorful (the roti tasted excellent). After finishing our meals we were so full with satisfaction. We heard amazing reviews about the carrot cake and had to try it! We took it to go since we were full from dinner but once we reached our airbnb we gave it a try… and ladies & gentleman, DO NOT LEAVE the palms unless you’ve ate the carrot cake or at least take a slice home with you like we did! You will not regret it and you’ll be happy dancing while eating the cake just as we did haha. We definitely will be back!

Also! Everyone in that restaurant had such a warm, loving, positive energy that was so infectious and enjoyable to be around. The vibes were all there!

Thank you...