Located at the Havensight Dock in St. Thomas, The Smoking Rooster is the perfect first stop for cruise visitors. Load up on pulled pork, tender brisket, and juicy chicken smoked over American oak. They even have smoked tofu for the vegetarian crowd. Order a refreshing “Clucktail” (aka cocktail) from their menu of island rum drinks and enjoy the views of Long Bay. 

You’ll know you’ve found Uncle Joe’s Cafe in Cruz Bay by the mouthwatering smell. This little shack serves big portions of fall-off-the-bone pork ribs and juicy barbecue chicken. Get a combo plate and sample them both, plus sides like rice and beans, macaroni salad, and creamy-yet-light coleslaw. Grab a seat on the little open patio, or take your feast to go. 

Celebrate a special occasion at Pesce iTALiAN at the American Yacht Harbour. This fine dining destination elevates Italian classics with handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and local ingredients. Try the fresh Shrimp Scampi or Cacio e Pepe with perfectly al dente bucatini. Cocktails highlight fresh and herbal flavors, and it all comes together in a warm, romantic dining room. 

When the pizza craving hits, head to laid-back Napoleon’s Pizza in Christiansted. You can get big foldable slices or whole pies in this unfussy pizza parlor. The Seafood Pizza and the Chicken & Broccoli are particularly popular with the locals. Save room for a fresh-baked brownie…they’re gooey on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside. 

Casual Café Roma in Cruz Bay feels a bit beach house, a bit trattoria. This friendly spot dishes up heaping plates of penne and fettuccine with house-made marinara and alfredo. Locals swear by the Ragin Cajun—penne topped with sauteed chicken, spicy Italian sausage, and creamy Cajun sauce. Tip: Look for the red brick staircase to find this 2nd-floor restaurant.

Between Large Pond and Great Cruz Bay, Amore Arowako Vegan Club is one of the island’s best-kept secrets. This walk-up food stand is family-owned and operated, serving a small yet delicious menu Monday through Friday. Check their Facebook page for the daily theme menu, such as BBQ Tofu on “Tofu Tuesday.”

Come for the upbeat energy at Sib’s on the Mountain. Stay for the comfort food, great drinks, and slot machines! Share a plate of Ahi Tuna Nachos with sweet chili aioli. Then chow down on chicken fried chicken with house gravy or a ½ pound burger with all the fixings. A perfect stop before or after a visit to Phantasea Botanical Gardens!

An import from the mainland, The Goat Soup & Whiskey boasts soups and steaks alike. Start with one of their daily soups like red curry chicken or green curry goat. Then savor a tender filet mignon or New York Strip, cooked just how you like it. The dining room is a beautiful covered patio with clear ocean views toward Buck Island. 

Sam & Jack’s Deli is a go-to for beach eats. Pick up oversized sandwiches from this deli on the third floor of The Marketplace for your day in the sun. Look for specialty sandwiches like The Wolf with fried shrimp, Cajun remoulade, and arugula on a sub roll. And this is USVI, so you can get boozy frozen drinks, too. 

Casual eatery Saki House Thai and Sushi Restaurant is packed with Japanese, Thai, and Chinese favorites. Flavorful Thai curries, fresh nigiri and sushi rolls, and soft lo mein noodles keep the locals coming back again and again. Choose a sake from their extensive list to put the finishing touch on your meal. 

Family-friendly Agave Tequila Bar & Mexican Kitchen blends island casual with elevated bistro style in American Yacht Harbor. Try battered mahi mahi tacos topped with chimichurri aioli or sizzling carne asada fajitas. Or get a burrito smothered in enchilada sauce and cheese. Share a pitcher of their signature Agaveritas with the table in your choice of six flavors. 

At Luncheria Mexican Food in Christiansted, Mexican food comes with an island vibe. Order at the bar and take your plate to a picnic table under palm and mahogany trees. (You’ll share the open-air seating with some free-roving chickens.) Luncheria serves heaping plates of beef enchiladas, bean and cheese burritos, and chiles rellenos. Chat with owner Lenny while you’re there—he’s part of the experience. 

Colorful Día de los Muertos murals cover the walls at Greengos Caribbean Cantina in Mongoose Junction. And the shelves of tequila stretch so high they’re only reachable by ladder. Crunch into crispy taquitos or share a big platter of Nachos Grande with your friends. If you like things spicy, ask for a side of Shark Face Salsa made with habanero, chipotle, and ghost peppers.