Gluten-Free and Celiac Guide To St Martin and St Maarten (SXM)
Keywords: Dutch Sint Maarten Gluten-Free, French Saint Martin Gluten-Free, St Martin Gluten-Free, St Maarten Gluten-Free, St Martin Celiac, St Maarten Celiac, SXM Gluten-Free, SXM Celiac, SXM Restaurants Guide, SXM Celiac Guide, SXM Food Allergies Guide
Introduction
This Gluten-Free & Celiac Guide to St Martin and St Maarten was created by a Canadian with celiac who lived on the island in 2023!
I found it challenging to find gluten-friendly or celiac-friendly restaurants in both Dutch Sint Maarten and French St Martin!
*Blog Updated April 2024*
Controversial opinion incoming: why are there options for vegans, but not celiacs? One is a disease and the other is a life choice. Many restaurants cater to lifestyles but then fail to tell their customers what allergens are actually in the food! There is nothing more frustrating than walking into a place and not knowing what allergens are in each dish!
Full Disclosure: Of course, you can go to any restaurant and ask for gluten-free options, but they may not be able to accommodate cross-contamination. This is a list of our favourite restaurants that don’t break the bank that we’ve tried on the island and that have gluten-free options with no cross-contamination. Also, when asking for gluten-free accommodations some are bleak and not as exciting as the original menu, these are the best substitutions we have come across or are naturally gluten-free.
Related Blog Posts
Gluten-Free & Celiac Map of St Martin & St Maarten
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What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by ingesting gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with Celiac Disease consume gluten, their immune system responds by attacking the lining of the small intestine, leading to inflammation and damage. As a result, vital nutrients cannot be properly absorbed, leading to various health complications. Celiac Disease is now recognized as one of the most common autoimmune disorders globally.
I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease when I was just 2 years old. It is a constant struggle to find restaurants I can eat at. I’ve found that many restaurants are giving gluten-friendly options but not gluten-free ones. During my travels, I have to research before I eat anywhere. While staying on the island of St. Martin/ Saint Maarten, I found a few celiac-friendly restaurants. Here is a list of my top favourite restaurants on the island based on celiac options and taste!
Gluten-Free Guide Explained - Symbols vs Ask The Waiter
Ask the waiter! Many restaurants on the island don’t have any symbols or gluten-free menus. But you can ask the waiter what can be made gluten-free. In doing this I have had some amazing accommodations.
Gluten-Free Symbols! A few restaurants have the symbol on their menu letting you know they are thinking about everyone’s allergies. Of course, always ask about cross-contamination.
Our favourite tool for finding GF restaurants is Find Me Gluten Free! FMGF is an online community where people looking for amazing gluten-free food can share their experiences. Restaurants are filtered by style of food, certified celiac-friendly, and much more!
We Use Find Me Gluten-Free Premium to create “Collections” or guides to the various cities we have lived abroad in.
Bordersology is a Find Me Gluten-Free Affiliate! >Get $5 off a Find Me Gluten-Free Premium Subscription Using Our Link!<
Best Celiac & Gluten-Free Spots: In no specific order
*Only restaurants we have dined at & can recommend*
Océan 82- Symbols- Best Allergen Friendly Menu On The island
Mahi-Mahi Tartar Trilogy: Peruvian, Tahitian, Creole Style
Ocean 82 has a new menu that labels every allergen in every dish! Put simply, they now set the standard on the island and we hope other restaurants on the island (especially the French side) follow their example!
Ocean 82 is a popular indoor restaurant along Grand Case Beach. Visitors can expect local and international seafood options, an extensive cocktail menu, great service, and views of Grand Case Beach.
Ocean 82 has a large selection of dishes that can be made gluten-free, just ask the waiter! Seafood is their specialty! You know being celiac we love our options!
As their website explains, “Our menu provides a taste sensation of local produce.”
Ocean 82 was featured on an episode of the popular reality TV show Below Deck. Below Deck filmed two seasons in St Martin with the yachts docking in Marigot Harbour to pick up guests and supplies!
Ocean 82 has one of the most picturesque dining rooms on the island, with large glass windows overlooking Grand Case Beach!
Lagoonies Bistro & Bar- Gluten-Free Symbols
Lagoonies is a waterfront restaurant, located in Simpson Bay Lagoon. A sailor’s bar by reputation and history.
The daily and seasonally rotating menu(s) have something for everyone, with allergens and vegan options indicated. The only thing is the last time we dined here there were only 3 things on the menu that were labeled gluten-free. In saying this the dishes were very delightful and interesting substitutions.
Lagoonies is one of the most sustainable restaurants on the island! Lagoonies is transparent with where they source their food, what allergens are in the food, and how they can help to raise public awareness.
Cocktail lovers should try the Mojito Passion, an excellent take on a passion fruit mojito, balancing the sweetness of passion fruit with a minty aftertaste. The Mojito Passion is #9 on our 21 Signature Cocktails You Need To Try In SXM Blog!
Avantika Thai - Gluten-Free Symbols
Our choice for the Best Thai Restaurant In SXM! Also, one of the most gluten-friendly restaurants in SXM!
Avantika has a gluten-friendly menu with each dish labelled as GF or not. This is not a common practice on the island, so we highly recommend anyone with food allergies consider eating at Avantika Thai. The GF egg rolls at Avantika were flavourful and my favourite dish.
Dining-in or takeout, Avantika will not disappoint! For those planning to dine in Avantika restaurant has a fine-dining ambiance with Thai-influenced decor. The food is delicious; you can expect Thai staples with international and Caribbean twists.
3 Amigos - Ask the Waiter
Pork and Chicken Tacos with a side of rice
Recommendation for Best Mexican Restaurant On The Island!
3 AMIGOS IS A MUST-VISIT ON TUESDAYS. $2 GF hard-shelled corn tacos (beef, pork, chicken, vegetable) and drink specials.
Gluten-free corn taco shells! Of the options, we found the pork adobo to be the best! Other tacos on the menu can be made gluten-free.
3 Amigos is located on the Maho Strip, a busy area with a casino, many bars and walking distance from two popular beaches!
SXM Foodie Tours - Put Celiac In Your Booking Request
Lazy Lizard Restaurant & Craft Bar- Ask the Waiter
Caribbean Curry Shrimps with Bean Rice
Lazy Lizard is our recommendation for the most allergen-friendly restaurant in Philipsburg!
When we lived on the island, the menu did not have gluten-free symbols. However, the manager Nick and his kitchen staff are very flexible with creating allergen-free options. Some of the best gluten-free meals we had on the island were at Lazy Lizard!
Lazy Lizard is within walking distance from the cruise ship terminal drop-offs in Philipsburg. There are dozens of restaurants to choose from on the Philipsburg Boardwalk, but somehow we always ended up at Lazy Lizard. What made the difference was the staff! Nick and his staff give each customer excellent, personalized customer service.
Don’t just listen to us, Lazy Lizard is the #2 ranked restaurant in Philipsburg on TripAdvisor with an impressive 4.9/5 rating (1500+ reviews).
Each day there are daily specials that make dining at Lazy Lizard affordable and budget-friendly.
The fryer is cleaned on Wednesdays for celiac-friendly fries!
SAO Asian Factory - Gluten-Free Symbols
SAO Asian Factory in Orient Bay has an excellent Allergen Friendly Menu! Every dish has every allergen labelled.
Gluten Free Asian Fusion and Sushi.
We wish we had the opportunity to try more food here. We will be back!
Rainbow Cafe - French Grand Case
OVERVIEW: Rainbow Cafe in Grand Case wins our recommendation for Best Beachside Restaurant in SXM. Rainbow Cafe makes excellent sushi and their salads are truly exceptional. Rainbow’s newest >2024 Menu< has gluten-free labeling!
We recommend heading to Rainbow Cafe for lunch and then spending the afternoon at Grand Case Beach. If you are looking for beach couches and bottle service on the beach, you can even reserve spots directly in front of the restaurant on the beach.
Cocktail lovers will appreciate the ever-changing cocktail menu that the mixologists at Rainbow are happy to prepare for you!
Try the Pepe Margarita - our choice for Best Margarita in our 21 Signature Cocktails You Must Try In SXM Blog! A margarita with just enough pepper infusion to give your taste buds a lingering spicy sensation between each sip.
Rainbow Cafe also features some of the best entertainment and parties on the island! Eat your lunch while the house DJ plays some tunes or buy tickets to one of their weekly themed parties/events!
ADDRESS: 176 Boulevard de Grande Case - Grand-Case - Saint Martin, 97150
Roma + Mr. Chow - Gluten-Free Symbols
Roma + Mr. Chow Combo is our recommendation for a more expensive night out in Maho. There are gluten-free symbols on the menu for which dishes can and cannot be made GF. We went to this restaurant about 5 times because we loved the menu so much. The multiple choices for gluten-free options were amazing!
Insider Tip: Roma Cucina and Mr Chow Asian Fusion share a restaurant space in Maho. Two different restaurant kitchens, but they share the same bar. If you sit at the bar or the tables near the bar, you can order from each restaurant’s food + drink menu. Access to two restaurants under one roof gives you many dishes to choose from; pasta, risotto, salads, poke bowls, etc!
We recommend the Al Fresco @ Roma, #11 in our 21 Signature Cocktails You Must Try In SXM Blog! If you have never tried a Southern European Al Fresco, it is essentially a gin mojito. The minty flavour combines with the earthy, piney flavour of gin.
Photo 2: Porri & Capesante from Roma Cucina Italiana
Photo 1: Salmon Poke Bowl from Mr. Chow
Le Moulin Fou - Ask the Waiter
Sautéed Frog Legs in a Provençal Way
Fine-dining French cuisine in Maho
Le Moulin Fou is a great choice in Maho for fine dining or a fancy dinner date. You can expect high-quality food and presentation. Amazing plating and presentation on each dish! When your food arrives, it will be hard not to take pictures of Moulin Fou’s food art!
No logos on the menu, but ask your waiter about their great gluten-free dishes and substitutions! The waiters here are astounding in the fact they discuss different kinds of substitutions that can be available, not just one!
Seafood lovers will appreciate Le Moulin Fou’s catch-of-the-day options and live lobster tank.
Le Moulin Fou also has one of the island’s most extensive wine lists and an in-house sommelier.
Dutch Blonde - Ask the Waiter
Craft brewery in Philipsburg with pub food and a beautiful view over the beach. A few gluten-free options for pub food. No GF symbols on the menu, ask the waiter.
Dutch Blonde’s gluten-free tacos were very tasty and had so much flavour!
The Dutch Blonde is hard to miss when walking along the Philipsburg Boardwalk, just look for the windmill!
Market Cupecoy - Grocery Store
Market Cupecoy is ideally located on the main road to Cupecoy, right across from Rainbow Beach Club. If you're looking to cook at home we recommend going here for your allergies. We all know gluten-free shopping isn’t cheap but this store has the most options available.
The most celiac-friendly grocery store on the island! All kinds of GF breads, buns, pre-prepared meals, frozen meals, etc.
Market Cupecoy also has a smoothie bar, and alcohol bar with daily happy hour specials.
La Patrona - Ask the Waiter
La Patrona in Simpson Bay Resort has a good selection of gluten-free brunch and dinner options!
We went to a epic Mexican-themed all-you-can-eat event with a taco bar, dessert table, all-you-can-drink margaritas, etc! Everyone was eating gluten-free tacos/quesadillas at this event and I bet they didn’t even notice!
Nearby attractions include Simpson Bay Fish Market, a casino, and two large beaches.
Mr. Papaya’s Coffee & Juice Bar - Ask the Waiter
Savoury Buckwheat Spinach and Goat Cheese Crepe
The only location on the island to get gluten-free crepes. They also serve a variety of brunch dishes and smoothies!
Mr. Papaya was our guilty pleasure when we lived on the island! They can make all of their sweet or savoury crepes with buckwheat flour, making them gluten-free! An addictive breakfast you must try!
Never tried a crepe? We highly recommend Mr. Papaya! All of their options are also uniquely named after different islands, countries, etc.
SXM Foodie Tours - Put Celiac In Your Booking Request
Freedom Fighters Ital Shack - Ask the Waiter
Boiled Papayas with Black Bean Rice, Garden Salad
Our recommendation for Best Farm To Table Restaurant and Best Vegan Restaurant on the island!
Freedom Fighters is a ITAL kitchen that tries to source as much as it can directly from local gardens.
The menu is entirely vegan and many daily dishes are made completely gluten-free.
A fresh and local taste of the island.
Balls & Wine - Gluten-Free Symbols
Pork Balls
Balls & Wine is a great Dutch fusion restaurant in Simpson Bay, serving meatballs, seafood, salads, great cocktails, etc.
Balls & Wine have gluten-free symbols for what can and cannot be made gluten-free, making your dining experience easy!
Balls & Wine is a yummy, affordable restaurant for trying new things.
La Chingona Taqueria - Ask The Waiter
La Chingona Taqueria in Cupecoy hand-makes their taco shells from corn flour.
We recommend you go on Tuesdays for $2 Gluten-Free Taco Tuesday deals!
The tacos are very small, but packed full of interesting flavours! Try them all, as they are only $2 each on Tuesdays!
Mezza Luna - Ask The Waiter
Fish of the Day- Snapper
Mezza Luna is an Italian restaurant you will not find in many other blogs on the internet. However, we highly recommend this lesser-known gem after living in Nettle Bay! We walked to this restaurant on multiple occasions and each time Mezza Luna impressed us with their ambiance, service, appetizers, cocktails, and Italian cuisine.
The menu does not have gluten-free symbols but ask the waiter. This was my favourite place to eat! Even though they didn’t have the symbols they had the most enjoyable food, and their sauces are to die for. The catch of the day was the dish for me!
If you go to Mezza Luna on a clear evening you can expect to see the stars and moon from their beach-front tables overlooking the Marigot harbour.
We recommend watching the sunset on the lagoon side of Nettle Bay and then walking across the street to Mezza Luna for dinner.
Spaghetti House - Ask The Waiter
Spaghetti House in Cupecoy has gluten-free pasta options, just ask the waiter.
We tried the gluten-free pasta at Spaghetti House for lunch and it was decent GF pasta, with flavourful sauces!
What Did We Miss?
This gluten-free and celiac guide is meant to be helpful and informative! If you think we left out a restaurant that deserves a shout-out PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!
Your comments with help other people find a restaurant that meets their dietary needs! Of course, be kind and informative so we can make this experience exciting for everyone.
Thank you!
SXM Foodie Tours - Put Celiac In Your Booking Request
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