Big Fish Seafood Grill — Restaurant in Saint Martin

Bad drinks, bad attitude, weird GM. Here’s a recap of my experience:

Julia: [holding menu] Oh wow they have a classic margarita on the menu with just tequila, Cointreau, and lime. I’ll get that! Alex: Nice choice my beautiful wife with impeccable taste! [Julia orders margarita using all of the pleasantries. Server drops off cocktail with ice machine ice in an oversized coup glass. Julia examines the cocktail with pause and takes a sip.] Julia to Alex: This is margarita mix. Awe man, I don’t want this. I’ll just send it back for a glass of sauv blanc. Julia to server: I’m so sorry I don’t really like my cocktail. Can I please have a glass of any white wine instead? A Sauvignon Blanc or something similar? [Server with hesitation takes cocktail back and brings glass of wine. Proceeds to serve meal that is reminiscent of wedding food at an underwhelming banquet hall. Check arrives with charges for margarita and white wine.] Julia to server: Hi, yes, excuse me. We were charged for both the margarita and the wine. Could you remove this from the bill? Server: I told you we wouldn’t remove that from the bill! Julia: But I didn’t drink the cocktail, you took it back? [serves stares at julia] Julia: Can we please talk to the manager? [Donna approaches] Julia to Donna: Hi yes I see on our bill that we were charged for the margarita I sent back. Can you please remove this from the bill? Donna: [in combative tone] No! We will not remove this from the bill. You ordered it! Julia: Well, I ordered the cocktail because the description of the cocktail said classic margarita, ingredients: tequila, Cointreau and lime. I was served a margarita made with Margarita mix and it’s not really what I wanted. Donna: I DO NOT BUY MARGARITA MIX 🤬! Julia: Well that’s what it was. I own a mixology company. [pay check without disputing the bill further. Julia and Alex head to the door. Donna runs to Alex, blocking the exit with menu in hand, pointing to some thing on the menu, presumably, the description of the margarita in question] Alex: No, we’re done here. You had a chance to be nice. [donna turns abruptly to Julia, blocking the exit] Julia: What’s you’re name? Donna: Donna!! Want me to write it down for you?! 🤬🤬🤬 Julia: No, thanks.

[Julia and Alex returned to their hotel, where they look up reviews of this restaurant and proceed to realize that Donna treats everyone who has an issue, question about their bill or the food with disrespect. We should’ve read the reviews and listen to them before we spend our hard earned money at Big Fish Saint Marteen.]

**Alex’s Old Fashion was also absurd but he just drank...

Big Fish, Sint Maarten: A Tale of Two Halves

Walking into Big Fish is like diving into an underwater dream. The decor is stunning, and glittery with an airy, spacious feel. The menu is equally enticing, a modern fusion twist on classic seafood, marrying the carribean flavors with eastern influences promising an exciting culinary adventure. Unfortunately, the reality didn't quite match the fantasy.

Our excitement waned with each passing minute. Drinks arrived, interesting concoctions for sure, but some were mysteriously unavailable, one mojito turned out to be a martini imposter, and the "margaritas" tasted suspiciously like gin and tonics. We started to feel like guppies lost in a coral reef of confusion.

But then, the food arrived. And wow, did it ever make a splash! Each dish was a masterpiece – beautifully presented, bursting with flavor, and showcasing the freshest seafood. From the Bombay begum to Thai flavored curries, Every bite was a testament to the kitchen's talent. The showstoppers were the hurricane and the red snapper golden spice, liked by everyone at the table.

Here's where things got murky again. We waited, and waited, and waited some more. Two hours for our food to arrive. Items were missing, replaced with vague apologies. Meanwhile, parties who strolled in after us were happily feasting. We felt like neglected seaweed swaying in the current, while they were the bright coral getting all the attention.

A cursory apology for the delays did little to soothe our frustration. No complimentary bites, no discounted bill, just an "oops, our bad" and a shrug. It felt like the icing on a sunken cake.

So, Big Fish, here's the deal. You have the potential to be a five-star showstopper. The atmosphere and the food are undeniably brilliant. But the service? That was a shipwreck of epic proportions. Missing items, long waits, and a complete lack of effort to rectify the situation – it took the shine off even the most delicious dish.

I hate giving you less than five stars, because the food truly was exceptional. But in the end, the experience is a whole package, and in this case, the service dragged the whole thing down. Fix the service, Big Fish, and you'll have a loyal school of customers singing your praises. But until then, we'll be looking for other...

Last night, my wife and I had one of the best dinners we’ve ever enjoyed on the island at Big Fish. Despite multiple trips to Sint Maarten, we had never dined on the Dutch side—until now. That changed last night, and after our incredible experience, we plan to return before we leave.

Our greens salad was large enough for two and the dressing was incredibly delicious.

My wife ordered the Mahi-Mahi Cadillac, a dish that truly lived up to its name—though, honestly, it tasted more like it should have been called the Rolls-Royce. The mahi-mahi was perfectly cooked in a rich wine and butter sauce, topped with crabmeat and a luxurious lobster sauce. I had the mahi-mahi with Mediterranean sauce, a dish that was so packed with flavor that I find it hard to describe. The combination of olives, tomatoes, and other ingredients elevated the fish beautifully, and the accompanying garnishes were cooked to perfection.

For dessert, I went with the Coco Cloud, a chocolate lava cake paired with pistachio ice cream and a liqueur chaser—absolute heaven. Meanwhile, my wife sipped on her second Lemon Drop Martini, chilled to perfection.

Portions were generous, the service was exceptional, and we were lucky to meet one of the owners, Donna, who took the time to chat with us. Meanwhile, Leslie was in the back, working his culinary magic in the kitchen.

Our 15-minute drive to Oyster Bay was well worth it, and to anyone who thinks Grand Case or Orient Bay are the only top-tier dining options on the island, I strongly encourage you to experience Big Fish.

Ambience: 10 Personality of staff: 10 Food: An absolutely exceptional experience.

Last note, think about Grand Case parking issues - then think the polar opposite for Big Fish. Parking right at...