On the road to Saline, a few minutes from the beach, Le Tamarin is one of the oldest restaurants in Saint-Barthélemy. Set beneath a century-old tamarind tree, in the middle of a tropical garden filled with banana trees, ylang-ylang and lily ponds, it is now run by Julie and Paco, with chef Jérôme Lebeau in the kitchen. BARNES Saint-Barthélemy takes you inside an address where dinner is served on the grass, between a Creole garden and refined cuisine.
Le Tamarin has been around since the late 1980s. Originally, it was the great tree that gave the place its name. The tamarind, planted over a century ago, still stands at the centre of the garden and shelters part of the terrace. Around it, a lush garden has grown over the decades: palm trees, banana trees, frangipanis, ponds home to freshwater turtles and koi carp. Architect Johannes Zingerle and decorator Karine Bruneel redesigned the spaces during the latest renovation, with landscapers Denys Ridrimont and Kevin Ouvre handling the grounds.
The restaurant has changed hands several times over the years, but the setting has stayed the same: a colonial house, lanterns hanging from the trees, ethnic cushions, and a parrot named Cooky who greets guests from his perch. Le Tamarin is a place that long-time visitors to Saint-Barth have known for years, and that newcomers often discover through word of mouth.
Jérôme Lebeau travelled widely before settling in Saint-Barth. From the Arctic to the Amazon, by way of the Panama Canal, these experiences shaped a cuisine that blends French techniques with Caribbean influences. His signature is citrus and bright, acidulated notes, which he uses to lift seasonal produce and local fish. The menu changes regularly depending on what comes in.
Among the recurring dishes: local fish tiradito with citrus, scallop carpaccio, smoked veal chop in a morel crust, mi-cuit foie gras, grilled lobster and slow-cooked octopus. Sommelier Frédéric Lebeau puts together a wine list designed to complement this precise, fragrant cooking. Pastry chef Maeva Gourmelen is in charge of desserts.
Front of house is led by Emmanuel Audin, known as Manu, the restaurant's director. Relaxed but attentive, the atmosphere unfolds outdoors, under the trees, lit by lanterns and candles. Tables are spread across the garden, some beneath the tamarind tree, others in more private alcoves called ajoupas.
Every evening, Le Tamarin opens at 6:30 pm with the Garden Hour. Before dinner, guests settle into the garden for a cocktail, the Tamarini being the house specialty. Tapas are served alongside: prawn tempura, tuna-avocado crackers, mini truffle croque-monsieurs, accras, and cheese and charcuterie boards. Backgammon sets are available, and cigars are welcome.
Later in the evening, after dinner, the mood shifts as a foosball table and a ping-pong table come out, and the garden takes on a more convivial feel. Le Tamarin is first and foremost a restaurant, but it is also a place where you can spend an entire evening without noticing the hours go by.
The restaurant is open every evening during the season, from 6:30 pm. Reservations are recommended, especially between December and April.
Le Tamarin sits on the road to Saline, between Lorient and Grande Saline beach. For those looking to stay nearby, our agency offers a selection of seasonal rentals in Saint-Barthélemy, including several in the Saline, Lorient and Colombier areas, just a few minutes' drive from the restaurant.
Our concierge services in St Barth can book your table at Le Tamarin, plan your evening or arrange a driver for the way back. Those who decide to settle in this part of the island, between the hills of Saline and the coves of Gouverneur, will also find on our website a selection of exceptional properties for sale in Saint-Barthélemy.
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