Astra — Restaurant in Saint Martin

We visited Astra’s sister restaurant Amore and it was incredible so we decided to try Astra. Unfortunately, it was a terrible experience!

It started out when we ordered a lobster and our server, Octavia went searching in their lobster pool which is the experience people visit for. She said they were all pregnant so we couldn’t get one but then her colleague found one for the people at her table.

We then ordered drinks in which two of us got tequila sours. The drinks were not good at all. The tequila sours tasted weird and we asked if it was correct and she said it was.

For appetizers, we went with the coconut shrimp and mini beef wellingtons. The shrimp were decent but the beef Wellingtons were inedible.

For entrees, we ordered seafood linguine, seafood risotto, shrimp linguine, steak, and beef short rib. We ordered mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach for side dishes. After waiting for an hour and 20 minutes, we finally got our meals.

EVERYTHING was gross and the short rib was cold. We told Octavia and she offered to heat it up. I informed her that I absolutely do not want her to heat up the same piece of meat. I said no thanks I don’t want anything and she told me I had to have something so she would have them cook another one. I was adamant that I didn’t want anything but she told me I had to. The risotto was dry and bland and both linguines which has marinara sauce were bland.

We asked for the check an hour server asks how our experience was. We told her we’ve had better to which she asked what could be better? Umm, everything! We told her she wasn’t attentive and didn’t offer solutions to the poor food options. Also, the other table got a lobster after she told us they were out to which she said their server must have found one. So why couldn’t you?!

Octavia said she was packaging my short rib up to take it to go. I said no thanks. She said “you have to take it. If you don’t want it, feed it to the dogs.”

Upon receiving the check, we see two sour apple martinis on the check and we said this isn’t correct as we ordered tequila sours. She said yes, it’s the same that’s how it comes up on the bill to which we said that can’t be correct and she said I’ll get the menu and show you. She comes back and says you’re right, that’s different. So I said this means you placed the incorrect drink order for us and we tried to tell you so please take them off the bill. She said no, we’ll give you some shots. We refused the shots so she said well okay and proceeded to charge us for drinks we did not order.

The only good things about this restaurant were the live band who was only there for half of our meal and the restaurant ambiance. They could also use a few ceiling fans as it gets really hot.

This is our third day here and we have loved every meal we’ve had as well as the service but today was absolutely terrible. Please do not eat at...

A wonderful place to dine if you are in St Maarten. Highly recommend a visit if you are in the area. The atmosphere and ambiance are really nice. The restaurant has more space than its local neighbors. yes, the food is a little pricier, but the restaurant is a little nicer as well; so, you have to take it in context. Also, they are known for their lobster and lobster isn't cheap so let's get real. Don't come expecting to eat some of the largest and best lobsters for the price of a chain restaurant hamburger!

Let's get into it. The PRO's and CON's. Let's start with the CON's first because there weren't that many. But how can you have that many when you are on a Caribbean Island with wonderful weather and beautiful locals.

CON's As mentioned earlier, the price can be a shocker if you're not being realistic; so not really a CON. Only a con if you are "conning" yourself - lobster cost more than burgers, :-) Though still a nice view, you're facing the bay versus out into the ocean.

PRO's Wonderful restaurant with well laid out floor plan and ambiance. Meeting area for social group get-togethers in the back along the bay. Incredible wait and service staff; say hello to Claudia for us if you go. She was so welcoming and provided outstanding service. The chef had a great menu with many options: mussels, octopus, calamari, great salads, etc. Always open at the right times. Easily within walking distance from any of the local lodging locations. A must-see open water lobster tank. Pick your own lobster from the tank! If you have the appetite, they have some of the biggest lobsters I have ever seen. Lobsters tasted incredible. I had mine grilled and seasoned. OK, my mouth is salivating thinking about it now.

I encourage a visit and have a lobster if you're in the area. One of my best meals while in St Maarten.

PHOTOS Claudia was our waitress. She was incredible and friendly. very attentive and made the meal so much more enjoyable.

I selected a lobster ~4 lbs. Look how big it was on my plate! And that's one of their...

I checked out this location for dinner. From the beginning the service was terrible. We arrived at the hostess desk and was told to go to the bar so they could see if a table was available. We weren’t told that a table was being prepared and had to ask who we thought was the hostess but it was the manager. Our server barely came back to our table and we later found out from the “manager for the moment” (his words) that our server was actually the hostess because the regular server was overwhelmed. Every other table was offered bread and bottled water, but we never received that option. They also gave us a bucket of ice for the water with nothing to scoop the ice with. We had to ask and was told they no longer had the regular bread. We asked for sauces and it took forever to receive. After explaining to the manager the situation, he sent the bartender to speak to us and he was very rude. Unsure of why he would send the bartender. While the food was okay, the service we received was terrible. I would not recommend this location. There are other better places in this area with better service.

My response to the lies of the owner

First of all, nobody wanted FREE stuff. We just wanted better service. We never asked for anything free. Nobody was intoxicated. That was a complete lie. Why would you offer us a drink if we were so intoxicated? We didn’t demand a table. We asked if we could be seated and we were told by YOUR MANAGER that he would let us know if he had seats. He NEVER TOLD us if a table was being prepared. The waitress never asked us what type of water. Again another lie by owner. We were told she wasn’t even a Waitress by the MANAGER. We didn’t ask for tap water. Nobody told us the bread were paid items. Nobody said they didn’t wanted Tabasco . We requested Tabasco and it took 15 mins to receive. Meanwhile the “waitress” was up front playing on her phone. If the “waitress” was so intimidated why would she have a full conversation with us before we left? The owner is full of lies. No wonder your staff provides bad service. It starts...