Dock and Dine at Bonito St Barths

There’s no doubt that St. Barths is one of the most-sought-after islands in the Caribbean, and one of the island’s hottest dining spots is the lovely bonito

From the impressive nightlife to the beautiful beaches to the French-inspired flair, St. Barths has je ne sais quoi in spades. One of the most beautiful places to enjoy it all is Bonito St. Barths. Perfectly perched above the renowned Gustavia Harbor, this delightful “beach house restaurant” cooks up Latin-French fusion and other global cuisines.

The brainchild of Juan Carlos Perez Febres and Jonas and Alexandra Milan, this intimate hideaway is home to innovative gastronomy and stunning views.

Daniel Boulud protégé Laurent Cantineaux takes the lead in the kitchen at Bonito St. Barths. Here he creates traditional Latin American dishes utilizing classic French techniques. From fresh ceviche — including a ceviche tasting, a fall truffle ceviche and even a vegetarian option — to delectable seafood dishes — try the Spiny Lobster Risotto with yellow chili cream, edamame and asparagus in a light bisque consommé with extra virgin olive oil or the sautéed mahi-mahi with “salsa cruda,” plantain “tostones” and coconut jasmine rice — to heartier fare, like the milk-fed pork with crispy skin, oriental sauerkraut and shitake sweet and sour sauce, there is something on the menu for every palate. Be sure to save room for desserts like the baked Alaska with black currant sorbet, mango-passion sorbet and rum, the mango-pineapple filo tart with white chocolate mousse and rum raisins or the Bonito shot with chilled tropical blood orange and warm coconut espuma.

The cocktail menu at Bonito is second to none on the island. Mixologist Jerome Hurtado de Mendoza has divided the menu into three categories — Bubble Troubles, which includes the Bubbling Bonito Champagne with fresh cucumber, basil leaves, lemon juice and a watermelon stick; Caribbean Cocktails — order the L’Exotiki with aged dark rum, white rum, mango and passion juice, vanilla syrup and Flamin’ cinnamon bitters; and Vodka, which offers five specialties for vodka lovers to enjoy. Mendoza will shake or stir up your spirit(s) to perfection.

Jonas and Alexandra Milan designed the restaurant to evoke the atmosphere of a chic, intimate beach house. White-washed with blue hues, the cool, contemporary style immediately induces relaxation. Settle into the lounge-like living room space, which is home to the ceviche bar, open kitchen and cocktail bar, or enjoy the beautiful breezes of the terrace of Bonito as you taste a unique meal, sip creative cocktails and watch the sparkling harbor, chock a block with yachts during the winter season. Thanks to its proximity to Gustavia Harbor, Bonito is easily accessible by foot or by tender. Bonito is open from 6 to 11:30 p.m. daily; reservations are available.