La Tapa

4.6

485 Reviews

$50 and over

International

Make a booking

2+ people

26 Nov 2024

19:00

Booked 23 times today

Great for scenic views
Great for fine wines
Romantic

Since 1996 in Cruz Bay, St. John. A Favorite of locals, loyal repeats and new guests. We just moved to our new beach location as La Tapa Plage in March of 2022, still featuring the same interesting ever changing menu including fresh local seafood, organic greens & herbs form Coral Bay, flavors with a touch of Spain & France (Basque Country), Germany and Caribbean. Our goal is to make you feel welcome, cozy and inspired by our great wines, delicious food, good service in a beautiful atmosphere. ---Open for dinner service at 5PM Friday through Wednesday. For parties larger than 6, please call the restauarant at 340-693-7755.---We will be open for Thanksgiving, but closed on Christmas Day.---December 24th through January 1st our menu will be adjusted to a Prix Fixe menu. Price TBD.---**We do not have high chairs or booster seats. If you need either, we do have bench seating in the dining area that work's best for small children. Please request bench seating when making your reservation.**

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
International, Spanish, Caribbean
Hours of Operation
Dinner Mon–Wed, Fri–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(340) 693-7755
Website
http://www.latapastjohn.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Alexandra Ewald,

Location
PO Box 37 St, St. John, VI 00830
Area
St. John
Cross Street
Strand Gade
Parking details
None
Public transit
Close to the Cruz Bay Ferry Terminal in Wharfside
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Vegan

Popular dishes

Gazpacho
Selection of Artisan Cheeses
Organic Greens
fresh herb vinaigrette, w/ cashew breaded goat cheese
Gorgonzola Caesar
romaine, celery, radishes, radicchio, frisée, pecan & apple crouton
Steamed Artichoke
artisan cheese fondue
House Made Mozzarella
baby aubergine, roasted bell peppers, micro arugula
Sopa del Día
Bacalao Croquetas
roasted corn & black bean salsa, jalopeno & cilantro crème fraîche
Salade Niçoise Decomposée
house preserved tuna, organic egg, potato, boquerones
PEI Mussels
leeks, garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, white wine, light cream
Charcuteries
jamon serrano, lomo embuchado, chorizo, paté maison
Lamb Albondigas
spicy sicilian tomato ragout (capers, pine nuts, currants)
Confit de Canard "Dijonaise"
braised red cabbage

Con Pan (with Bread)

Basket of Baguette
with new zealand butter, or la tapa oil, or la tapa three sauces, or marinated olives
Pan Tomaco

Platos Grandes (Large Plates)

Pan Sautéed Local Mahi
green curry & shiitake mushroom coconut milk, baby carrots, lemongrass scented wild rice & corona beans
Piment d'Espelette Dusted Local Yellowfin Tuna
green papaya & citronette citronette, avocado mousse, crispy herb polenta
Gigli Pasta
langostino, shrimp, smoked bacon, snow peas, spinach, light basil & chardonnay crema
Black Angus Rib Eye (12oz)
serrano chimichurri & confit tomatoes, caramelized onions, parslied fingerling potatoes & brussels sprouts
Paella Para Dos
saffron risotto, seafood, shellfish, spicy sausage, chicken

Postres

House Made Sorbets
mango-passion fruit, raspberry-blood orange, thai, dragon fruit
House Made Ice Creams
carajillo, saffron & turrón, lemon lavender
Flourless Chocolate Cake
carajillo ice cream, toasted almonds
Flan Catalan
Dried Fruit & Raspberry Bread Pudding
saffron & turrón ice cream
Citrus Chèvre Cheesecake
passion fruit coulis
Apple Tarte Tatin
lemon lavender ice cream
Oven Roasted Fresh Pineapple
topped with thai sorbet

What 485 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Caribbean
Great for scenic views
Virgin Islands (US)
Best Ambience
Virgin Islands (US)
Good for groups
Virgin Islands (US)
Healthy
Virgin Islands (US)
Hot spot
Virgin Islands (US)
Great for fine wines
Virgin Islands (US)
Romantic
Virgin Islands (US)
Great for scenic views
Virgin Islands (US)
Good for special occasions
Virgin Islands (US)
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

La Tapa boasts a "stunning" new location with breathtaking beach views. Guests rave about its "fresh food" and "kind, attentive staff." Highlights include flaky fish dishes and creative small plates. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity. While some report inconsistencies, many find it "unforgettable" and a must-visit on St. John.

485 Reviews

E
Emily
New Orleans
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
La Tapa was amazing, it truly exceeded our expectations. The food was sublime and the flavors were authentic. The staff were very accommodating to people with allergies also. We had two guests in our group, one with a shellfish allergy and one with a gluten intolerance, but they had many options for both of them that were delicious. Also - the wine pairings!! Trust the staff. La Tapa has prime hospitality and a fun, cultural fusion that is perfect for an evening in St. John!
Is this helpful?
D
Dick
St. Louis
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 2
Restaurant was very nice and food was excellent. Right on the water and there was a couple of boats that were blaring rap music. Restaurant said the could not do anything about it, because it was a public beach. Really hampered the atmosphere.
La TapaResponded today
We definitely understand the music having that affect on your experience here at La Tapa Plage. That is not a dinner we want you to suffer through. If they were on the beach, that is property of Wharfside and we could and would put a stop to it, and our chef/ owner was able to speak to them and they kindly did turn the music off. We do not always have that luck, and fortunately it does not happen that often. I do apologize that it lasted as long as it did during your dining experience, and I am happy you enjoyed the food. We hope to see you soon in a much quieter, intimate setting.
Is this helpful?
B
Bill
Austin
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on 18 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and service with a tremendous view of the water.
Is this helpful?
J
Jane
Los Angeles
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on 12 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was amazing! We had the special, Mahi Mahi, and it was delicious. We also ordered the yellowfin tuna, and it was so fresh, delicious taste, no wasabi needed. The hostess was super friendly and our waitress super nice. 5 stars all around!
Is this helpful?
E
Elizabeth
New York City
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on 11 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food, professional knowledgeable service in a beautiful setting by the bay. Very good wine selection too! Entire meal was fabulous!
Is this helpful?
p
peter
Greater Boston
31 reviews
2.0
31 reviews
Dined on 11 November 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Started with some steal bread and three dips thrown on one small plate leaking into each other. Lousy. Mahi mahi was fresh but small, rice with it was only a few fork fulls, more of an appetizer. Tuna was a good dish with nice sides. Desserts were very disappointing. All ice creams made with a shot of alcohol. Ruined the taste. Been coming here and the old spot for many years. Here last June also and lousy. Won’t return.
Is this helpful?
A
Addie
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 11 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an incredible experience! We requested a table with a view of the water and they accommodated that for us! So memorable!
Is this helpful?
B
Bonnie
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 10 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a fabulous restaurant experience, get the artichoke heart
Is this helpful?
J
John
Greater Boston
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on 10 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was amazing. View of Cruz Bay just beautiful. Staff was great.
Is this helpful?
A
ALAN
Philadelphia
241 reviews
5.0
241 reviews
Dined on 9 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic dinner. Delicious food, great service and beautiful water views across the bay. Tuna and eggplant/mozzarella appys great. Mahi and snapper entrees excellent as were drinks. No negatives...all great
Is this helpful?

FAQs

La Tapa is rated 4.6 stars by 485 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2+ people

26 Nov 2024

19:00

Booked 23 times today

PO Box 37 St, St. John, VI 00830

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Strand Gade
Area
St. John
Hours of Operation
Dinner Mon–Wed, Fri–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
International, Spanish, Caribbean
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
None
Public transit
Close to the Cruz Bay Ferry Terminal in Wharfside
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Alexandra Ewald,
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Vegan

Website
http://www.latapastjohn.com/
Phone number
(340) 693-7755

La Tapa

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information

PEI Mussels

Paella Para Dos

Gazpacho

Platos Pequenos (Small Plates)

Gazpacho

Selection of Artisan Cheeses

Organic Greens

Gorgonzola Caesar

Steamed Artichoke

House Made Mozzarella

Sopa del Día

Bacalao Croquetas

Salade Niçoise Decomposée

PEI Mussels

Charcuteries

Lamb Albondigas

Confit de Canard "Dijonaise"

Con Pan (with Bread)

Basket of Baguette

Pan Tomaco

Platos Grandes (Large Plates)

Pan Sautéed Local Mahi

Piment d'Espelette Dusted Local Yellowfin Tuna

Gigli Pasta

Black Angus Rib Eye (12oz)

Paella Para Dos

Postres

House Made Sorbets

House Made Ice Creams

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Flan Catalan

Dried Fruit & Raspberry Bread Pudding

Citrus Chèvre Cheesecake

Apple Tarte Tatin

Oven Roasted Fresh Pineapple

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

How is La Tapa restaurant rated?

Is La Tapa currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information