Asolare

I've probably said this many times before, but my favorites fitting your bill are Asolare overlooking Pillsbury Sound and St. Thomas, and the absolute Caribbean magic of Miss Lucy's out in Friis Bay (Coral Bay) which is on the water and has a very relaxed yet romantic atmosphere with pretty darn good to excellent food. Even though it's in the evening, if you go a bit early to either place, you will be treated to a lovely sunset. If there's any moon, that's nice too.

Aside from fantastic food and a killer view, Asolare is home to an impressive selection of rums from all over the Caribbean. If you’re new to the spirit and want a primer, start with Asolare’s rum tasting that comes with bits of dark chocolate and two distinct rums: Plantation Gran Reserve from Barbados and Brugal XV from the Dominican Republic. Then, depending on what you like, the knowledgeable waitstaff and bartenders will be able to recommend more good options.

I've read good, but somewhat mixed, reviews on Asolare, Chateauz Bordeaux and Pardisio.Are there any lesser known gems?. We love seafood - especially light, healthy, non-cream based dishes.Any guidance you can povide is much appreciated!.

We ended most beach days sipping Presidente beers and Margaritas as we watched the ferry from St. Thomas come and go from the porch at Spyglass restaurant; dinners – local mahi at Fish Trap, Asian-inflected dishes with a postcard-worthy at Asolare and Thai at Rhumb Lines – were fresh, delicious and casual. We weren’t sure about getting carry out ribs from Candi’s BBQ and Grill – the not-mobile food truck is located next to a gas station near the car ferry – until we spotted Candi in the back chopping cabbage for cole slaw. “I make everything here, including the come-back sauce for the ribs,” she said.

We spent some time off resort and visited Asolare Restaurant, which had insane views and even better food, Skinny Legs burger joint, Woody’s Seafood Saloon (which was owned by a recent college grad who came to visit St. John and just up and bought a bar and never left….I can’t even tell you how jealous we were of that guy), and Island Blues Seaside Bar. We enjoyed Cinnamon Bay beach and Maho Bay beach. We loved just walking around Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay, an area full of dining, galleries, shopping and more.

The name of this elegant, open-air St. John restaurant means "a leisurely passing of time without purpose." Diners are encouraged to start with drinks as they soak in the beautiful sunset vistas over Cruz Bay. When it's time to order, start with the excellent pork spring roll appetizer or silky prawn and coconut milk soup. For dinner, sample the sashimi tuna served on a hot plate with plum sake vinaigrette, or chicken in yellow curry sauce.

Asolare – Asolare is a far more intimate restaurant than Zozo’s with a view that is different but equally stunning. Instead of a sunset over Caneel Bay’s impeccably manicured golf course and beach, Asolare boasts incredible views of both Cruz Bay and St. Thomas. We chose a later seating (8 pm) and were seated outside to soak in the breathtaking view.

Hop on the ferry and head over to St. John where you’ll find Asolare. This restaurant and bar has a fantastic rum tasting where you can get a crash course on the art of sipping rum. Yes, certain rum can and should be enjoyed like fine whiskey and the experts at Asolare are just the folks to teach you everything you need to know about rum.

Despite its singular bay and sea views and quietly elegant spaces (think stone archways and terraces), Asolare doesn’t try to get by on its looks. The food, which is generally of the Asian Fusion variety, is just as big a draw. Crowd pleasers include curry coconut shrimp and the sashimi tuna with plum-passion fruit sake vinaigrette.

In my opinion, I would either spend the extra couple bucks per person and go to a fine dining place like tage or stone terrace or maybe one of the four(asolare, chateaux bordeaux, chloes, or paradiso) or hire a prive chef to cater at a nice sized villa(if thats available). Just a few thoughts.

* Asolare, called by Fodor's "The most beautiful and elegant restaurant" on the island is operating under an experienced hand. Winston Bennett,* who launched the operation located above Cruz Bay harbor, is again calling the shots. Initial reviews are positive.

Asolare, $$$$$, 340-779-4747, Euro/Asian Cuisine, Romantic open air dining overlooking Cruz Bay, St John to St Thomas. Dinner Daily (call for hours and reservations). Pork tenderloin, duck, steak, lobster, salmon specialty dishes.

Asolare - A unique Asian-Fusion restaurant on the island of St. John featuring mouth-watering menu selections like sweet and sour duck breast, sesame-encrusted pan seared tuna, and pan-seared crab cakes.

Located at the beginning of Route 20, the North Shore Road, at the top of the hill, leaving Cruz Bay. Cuisine is French/Asian. Food and ambiance are well worth at least one visit.

Best for St. John's Best Restaurants, Best Restaurants Because: If the food doesn't knock you out, the cocktails, sunsets and warm service at Asolare will.

Asolare: Up the hill above Cruz Bay, this high-end place offers amazing views over town and out to St Thomas.