Island food can be unforgettable, but so can the price tag. If you’re hoping to figure out a way to feed your group while on vacation without the financial heartburn, you’re in the right place. At BlueSalt Properties, we know how to help guests experience the best of St. Thomas, no matter the budget. In this guide, we’ll show you where to grocery shop smart, how to dine out without overspending, and ways to plan your meals so you can save money on food in St. Thomas without sacrificing flavor or fun.

Why Food is So Expensive Here:

St. Thomas is an island. That means nearly everything you see on grocery shelves or restaurant menus has to be shipped here. Add in high utility costs, elevated rents, and limited space for large-scale farming, and it’s no wonder prices are higher than what you’re used to stateside. Most visitors also end up shopping at the grocery stores closest to their rentals, which tend to mark up prices for the convenience of their location. With a little strategy and some local know-how, you can eat well and keep your wallet happy and save money on food in St. Thomas.

1. Stock Up Smart: Start at Cost U Less

This is your first stop. Think of it as St. Thomas’ answer to Costco, no membership required. It’s ideal for grabbing:

• Bulk items like snacks, cereal, or other dry goods.
• Alcohol, water, juice, any beverages
• Proteins, produce and veggies

Pick up everything your group needs at Cost U Less first. They are going to have the best pricing, other than PriceSmart which requires a membership. Don’t need two 32-oz bulk-sized ketchups? Read on to find out your next stop. And yes, to really save money on food in St. Thomas, you might need to make two stops.

2. Fill In the Gaps at The Market

The Market is about a 5 minute drive from Cost U Less and has the next best pricing on regular sized grocery items. It’s also a good spot to pick up specialty items like gluten free or vegan items. They also have a large ethnic ingredient section. They will be slightly more expensive than Cost U Less but significantly less expensive than the grocery stores closest to your rental.

• Specialty dietary ingredients or ethnic ingredients
• Brand- name items
• A larger variety to choose from

Swing by after your main grocery run to pick up the extras you couldn’t find at Cost U Less or didn’t want to buy in bulk. These smart shopping tips help you save money on food in St. Thomas while still getting everything you need.

3. When You Dine Out, Eat Like a Local

Dining out doesn’t have to derail your budget, you just need to know where to go. Just as another reminder, these places are budget friendly considering other dining options on island. Everything will always be cheaper stateside. Our favorite wallet-friendly spots include:

• Tap & Still: Burgers, beer, and good vibes. There are two locations on St. Thomas (Red Hook & Havensite) and one location on St. John (Cruz Bay).
• Brook’s Bar near Magen’s Bay: Generous portions, comfort food, and delicious local food, Brook’s Bar is a local’s favorite for good reason. Most of their dishes can be turned into two meals, they’re so large. The stew chicken and stew pork are always flavorful and a great price. The conch in butter sauce and oxtail showcase the island’s flavors. And they have the best price for a steak dinner that we’ve found on St. Thomas. Brook’s Bar is cash only, no-frills, and very casual. So come hungry, and bring plenty of cash.
• Northside Grind: This is one of our favorite places for breakfast and lunch. They close at 3pm so make sure to go before then. Their sandwiches are filling and delicious. They also do smoothies and sell grab and go items in their cooler. It’s a favorite stop on the way to Magens Bay. 
• Bernies in Red Hook: This is another casual dining location that is budget friendly. They serve breakfast and lunch/dinner. You can find items like burgers, salads, and sandwiches on their menu.
• Senior Pizza or Pizza Amore: These places serve exactly what you think based on their names, pizza. Senior Pizza is in Red Hook and Pizza Amore is in Havensite. Both locations also sell salads and sandwiches!
• Great Wall in Havensite: We love this spot for a quick, easy, delicious dinner. Our go-to favorites are the sesame chicken, beef and broccoli, Peking Duck, fried tofu, and the of course the fried rice and lo mein. 
• Agave in Red Hook and Havensite: This is probably at the higher end of what most people consider budget friendly but the food is delicious and they do have some food items on happy hour. We love the flautas, the nachos, fish tacos, and the burrito bowls. We’ve had almost everything on the menu and it’s all been delicious.

Pro Tip: Check menus online before you go. You’ll save time, skip sticker shock, and know exactly what you’re walking into.

4. Plan Ahead to Save Big

The easiest way to avoid overspending? Plan out what meals you will be eating out and what you will be cooking. Plan to cook breakfast and lunch at home a few days, then save your dining-out dollars for those must-try restaurants or beachfront dinners. Most of our villas and condos have full kitchens. If you’re spending all day at the beach, pack sandwiches to eat instead of filling up on greasy fries and chicken strips that cost $18. When you plan out your meals, you’ll avoid the sticker shock and regret that comes from overspending on vacation. This is one of the best ways to save money on food in St. Thomas while still enjoying your favorite meals.

5. Spend Smart So You Can Splurge Where It Counts

Being strategic about your food budget leaves more room for the really memorable stuff—like:

• A last-minute boat trip to St. John
• Delivered snorkel gear so you can explore on your time
• Sunset cocktails that turn into spontaneous nights out

Final Thought:

You don’t have to sacrifice flavor (or fun) to save money on food in St. Thomas. All it takes is a little planning, a few smart choices, and knowing where to shop and dine like a local. And if you want help setting up a grocery delivery or booking a dinner reservation? Just say the word. We’ve got you covered—from your first meal to your final sunset.