Emilio’s Restaurant | Historic Plantation Dining
Best Dining in St. Maarten 2026 – We Are SXM, Tourist Info Center
“Dine inside a restored 18th-century sugar plantation where the Wilson family’s story still lives on — elegant Caribbean cuisine, generations of St. Maarten hospitality, and a warm Dutch-side welcome.”
Emilio’s carries the name of Emilio Wilson for a reason, and it’s a story worth knowing before you sit down to eat. His mother worked in service on this very plantation, and Emilio grew up on the estate, watching a life that belonged to someone else.
In 1954, everything changed — he bought the land himself, for $8,400, turning the estate he’d once only worked into a legacy he could pass on to Sint Maarten. He became an example to many islanders: living proof that history here isn’t fixed, and that ownership, dignity, and belonging can be earned rather than inherited.
Today, a large part of that same land is Emilio Wilson Park, open to the public and beloved by locals and visitors alike, and another part is home to this restaurant that still carries his name — a living piece of his story.
That same sense of legacy runs through who’s running the kitchen today. Norman and Sue have spent their lives in St. Maarten hospitality, and it shows — the kind of warmth that only comes from decades of genuinely loving what you do. These days, the reins are slowly passing to their son Drew and his wife Marianela, who lead the team with the same instinct for making every guest feel like family, not a reservation number.
Together, they’ve shaped a menu that blends high-end dining with an original, casual, Caribbean-influenced twist — elegant without ever feeling stiff. Executive Chef Sydney transformed the kitchen’s direction with Nouveau International cuisine and vintage bistro-style dishes, mixed with Caribbean ingredients and spices, so the plates feel both worldly and completely at home on this island.
Whatever else you order, save room: Sue’s carrot cake has earned its reputation on Sint Maarten and is not to be missed.
Make a day of it — start at the Rainforest Adventure Park for the 360-degree island views, wander through the on-site museum, then come down to Emilio’s for a meal that feels like the perfect ending to the climb.
Wine Cellar, Cocktails & Hours:
The wine cellar holds over 100 labels from around the world, enough to satisfy any serious wine connoisseur.
If cocktails are more your evening, let Drew’s mixologist instincts guide you — his Caribbean-inspired creations built around local tamarind and other seasonal ingredients are worth the trip on their own, and their twist on the Old Fashioned has its own following.
Emilio’s is open daily for dinner, and Tuesday through Friday for lunch. Worth mentioning: there is ample FREE parking available!
Emilio’s | Cul de Sac, Sint Maarten, easy overview:
Why Visit Emilio's? Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the restaurant called Emilio's?
Emilio's is named after Emilio Wilson, whose mother once worked in service on this same plantation. He bought the estate in 1954 for $8,400, turning it into the legacy that includes both Emilio Wilson Park and this restaurant today.
Who runs Emilio's today?
The restaurant is run by Norman and Sue, with the next generation — their son Drew and his wife Marianela — steadily taking over, alongside a team that treats every guest like family.
What kind of food does Emilio's serve?
Executive Chef Sydney blends Nouveau International cuisine and vintage bistro-style dishes with Caribbean ingredients and spices, for a menu that's elevated but never stiff.
What should I order for dessert at Emilio's?
Don't leave without trying Sue's famous carrot cake — it's a signature for a reason.
What are Emilio's opening hours?
Emilio's is open daily for dinner, and Tuesday through Friday for lunch.
Does Emilio's have a good wine selection?
Yes — the on-site wine cellar holds over 100 labels from around the world, enough to satisfy any serious wine connoisseur.
Can I combine a visit with Rainforest Adventure Park?
Absolutely — many guests spend the day at the Rainforest Adventure Park for the 360-degree views and museum, then come down to Emilio's for dinner. In fact, Emilio's sits inside the same estate as the park.
Is Emilio's wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Emilio's has ramps and a gentle incline from the parking lot to the restaurant and all the way to the restrooms.
What payment methods does Emilio's accept?
Emilio's accepts cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard, and Maestro.
How do I make a reservation at Emilio's?
Book directly through Emilio's online reservation system, or call +1 721-522-1848 — they recommend calling after 4 PM the evening before your visit.
Where exactly is Emilio's located?
Emilio's is located inside the Rainforest Adventure Park at Rockland Estate, Dutch Cul de Sac, Sint Maarten.
Is Emilio's on the Dutch side or the French side of the island?
Emilio's is on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, but it's an easy, popular trip for visitors staying on the French side (Saint-Martin) too — many combine it with a day at the Rainforest Adventure Park. Locals and visitors alike just call the island "SXM."
What is the price range at Emilio's?
Lunch runs roughly $9–$23, appetizers and tapas $9–$18, and dinner mains $15–$39 — prices vary a bit by season and availability.
Is Emilio's good for a romantic dinner or special occasion?
Yes — the candlelit plantation setting, historic grounds, and a 100+ label wine cellar make Emilio's one of the island's top picks for a romantic night out or a special-occasion dinner.
Submit your review | |
Chef LIAM was absolutely amazing. Each plate, from appetizers to salads to main course and finishing with dessert, was an amazing experience. The flavors he marinated together made your mouth water.
His professionalism and friendly one-on-one interaction with me and my husband Alex made our luncheon delightful. We will definitely be coming back next time we are in St Martin.
Thank you, Chef, for an extraordinary culinary experience. Take care, Tere and Alex
I just visited Emilio’s. Delicious food, waiters are very attentive, and super nice atmosphere. Plus it’s all at an affordable price. Can recommend it and will come back again.
Emilio’s restaurant is a great place to visit! One of my old friends insisted me for a meetup and randomly we decided to visit Emilio’s. Lovely atmosphere, good food at an affordable price, and a really appealing presentation. I’ll continue to visit this place!
Visiting friends and I went to Emilio’s for their Sunday brunch.
It is such a beautiful and peaceful location. Food and service was great.
Thank you Norman for letting us visit the cellar and sharing with us your island history.
Will definitely be back!
Amazing place that really brings you back in time, food and service where superb. Thanks Norman and the team for a super dinner!