With its undulating hills covered in dense tropical vegetation, hideaway coves and glorious beaches, St Lucia has always been a popular holiday location. In recent years it has also become one of the premier culinary destinations in the Caribbean.

The Edge
The Edge is the creation of Bobo Bergstrom, who is Scandinavian by birth and St Lucian by adoption. He calls his style of cooking, Eurobbean, combining a true mix of cultures: Swedish, Caribbean and Asian (it has a sushi bar). The decor of the waterside restaurant may initially appear Swedish, but at night it takes on a totally different identity as the flambeaux are lit along the shoreline and it becomes 100% Caribbean. The five-course tasting menu, which changes seasonally, is the best way to sample The Edge’s exquisite cuisine. There’s an excellent wine list to meander through as well.
Harmony Suites, Rodney Bay.  Tel: 758/450 3343  www.edge-restaurant.com   Booking essential. Open from breakfast right through to late evening.

Jambe de Bois
This quirky cafe/restaurant located on the edge of Pigeon Island is rustic but stylish, with a little art gallery next to the kitchen. Nestled in Pigeon Island National Park, you’ll be treated to fabulous views overlooking the Rodney Bay Marina – but check it out first during the day, because once it gets dark, it’s tricky to find. They serve local juices, beer, wine, tea, coffee, light meals (in huge portions) such as fish filet, fried calamari, and one of the best roti on the island. And it’s as cheap as chips. On a Sunday evening it’s the perfect place to chill out with a glass of wine listening to live Jazz or steel pan.
Open daily from 9am-10pm.  Tel: 452-0321.

TAO
Tao is hidden away in the Le Sport Hotel and offers a totally different experience to the hustle and bustle of this all-inclusive resort. The Tao philosophy is that life is about balance, Yin and Yang, and this is reflected in its intriguing menu and cool monochrome decor. The menu offers a kaleidoscope of flavours such as: Tamarind Lamb with Taro Dauphinoise, Tahitian Jumbo Shrimps, Grilled Pineapple, Hot and Sour Reduction, Sashimi and Sushi. Each dish is beautifully executed, and that also applies to the sumptuous desserts. It has a good wine list and excellent service. Hotel guests have priority, so booking is essential as seating is limited.
Tao, The Body Holiday at Le Sport, Cap Estate. Tel: 450 8551 for opening times and reservations.  www.lesport.com   

Ku De Ta
Set back from the road, down an elegant torchlight path, this restaurant offers both air-conditioned and al fresco dining, and is as near to authentic Thai food as you will get on the island. The menu offers the usual suspects such as sugar cane prawn, tom yam goong, sam tam, green and red curry, pad thai and many other mouthwatering dishes. The chilled bar is a great place to hang before or after eating, and their mojitos are legendary. Book well in advance if you want to dine during the weekend.
Off Reduit Beach Avenue, Rodney Bay. Tel: 459 4968 open: 6pm – 10pm daily.

Dasheene
Dasheene offers one of the most spectacular views of the Pitons on the island, and award-winning Chef Orlando Satchell will ensure that this is a dining experience you will never forget, with his clever interpretation of modern Caribbean cuisine. Try the sweet potato and coconut soup, the roast conch served with pickled vegetables or the tender sugarcane steak.  The menu is exciting and a true showcase of the way Caribbean cuisine has evolved. There’s a strict dress code for men at dinner (who should wear long pants and a collared shirt). Dasheene is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a Sunday Brunch offering live entertainment by a St Lucian Shak-Shak band.
Tel: 459 6617.  11.30am-2.30pm and 6.30pm -9.30pm. daily. www.ladera.com

The Coal Pot
This well-established waterfront French restaurant is owned and run by husband and wife team, Michelle (who is an artist and the daughter of the original owner) and Xavier Ribot (the chef). It’s a straightforward formula which works really well – they use fresh Caribbean ingredients to create a simple but excellent French menu. It’s one of the more consistent restaurants in Castries and is known for its local fish and seafood dishes; salads and simple meat dishes, served with a choice of Xavier’s mouthwatering special sauces.  As so many clients have commented on their beautiful serving dishes when they came to dine, the guests can order their “dish to go” literally!  They can choose from the different designs and take home the plate created by Michelle.
Lunch is served Monday to Friday from 12:00 pm. to 2:45 pm. Dinner, 5pm – late, Monday to Friday and Saturday night. Closed on Sunday.  Reservations are essential Vigie Marina, Castries. Tel: 452 5566.  www.coalpotrestaurant.com

Big Chef Steakhouse
This is the kind of restaurant men fantasise about – it serves the best and biggest steaks on the island.  Huge Certified Angus Beef Steaks. The decor as you might expect is very ‘steak house’, with leather chairs, banquets, sturdy wooden tables and floor.  Run by husband-and-wife-team, Rosie and Marc Joinville, the menu is American with a hint of Caribbean style, and they offer interesting fish, chicken and salad dishes as well as their famous steaks. Apparently the desserts are awesome too – that’s if you ever have enough room!
Reduit Beach Avenue, Rodney Bay. Open from 5pm each day Tel: 450 0210. www.bigchefsteakhouse.com