St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.
Charlotte Amalie, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, might seem like an ideal tropical getaway for U.S. travelers. U.S. tourists can shop duty-free anywhere on the island, and the Royal Dane Mall is a popular shopping destination offering local Caribbean wares. Plenty of restaurants are located at or near the Royal Dane Mall to fuel a day's worth of shopping and sightseeing, most with an emphasis on fresh seafood and authentic Caribbean cuisine.
Gladys' Cafe
Gladys' Cafe is an historical destination located right at the Royal Dane Mall. Housed in an eighteenth-century pump house with its original courtyard and well, it offers charm and local, fresh dishes. Frommer's guide to St. Thomas calls their breakfast "the best value in town," and lunch offerings include fresh swordfish with dumplings, lobster, Caribbean-style saltfish, and conch drizzled in butter sauce.
Cafe Amalia
Cafe Amalia, located just across the way from the Royal Dane Mall, serves up Spanish tapas for a more upscale dining experience featuring island-fresh seafood. The cafe is family-owned. Tapas plates include mussels in brandy sauce, escargots and even octopus or baby eels for the more adventurous diner. Other traditional Spanish offerings include paella, sangria and caramel flan. The cafe is open-air for a laid-back, breezy dining experience, but inside tables are available as well.
Cuzzin's Caribbean Restaurant and Bar
Cuzzin's, a short walk from the Royal Dane Mall, is located in a converted eighteenth-century stable. Its stone-and-brick walls lend an old-fashioned ambience to go with the traditional Virgin Islands fare on the menu. The fish is freshly caught each day and made into native stew and curry dishes. The restaurant's signature dish is the Cuzzin' Nemo, a sizzling plateful of lobster, conch, scallops and shrimp tossed with pasta. Along with almost every dish comes a side of either fried green bananas or fried sweet plantains.
Banana Tree Grille
For travelers looking to spend a little more, or those with a craving for fine cuisine and seafood with a more European flair, try Banana Tree Grille, down the street from the Royal Dane Mall. The menu offers a range of entrees from fettucine Bolognese to duck breast seared in Grand Marnier to grilled lobster tail. The restaurant offers a complimentary bread basket upon request.
Tags: Dane Mall, Royal Dane, Royal Dane Mall, from Royal, from Royal Dane, Virgin Islands