During our time on St. Eustatius, we visited several restaurants around the island — but Barrel House in Oranjebaai truly stood out and completely blew our minds.
Chef Iwan has created a menu that feels refreshingly different for Statia, combining Asian, South American and French influences into creative, well-balanced dishes made with the freshest ingredients.
Every plate shows real attention to detail and a genuine love for flavour. The experience is made even more special by the incredibly attentive and welcoming team, including Chef Iwan’s sister working alongside him in the kitchen. Add the beautiful ocean view over Oranjebaai, and you have a relaxed yet refined dining experience that feels both personal and memorable.
Barrel House is set in one of the most impressive historic buildings along the bay. The building dates back to the first half of the eighteenth century, when St. Eustatius was an important trading and mercantile hub in the Caribbean. Historical research suggests that part of the building once served as the headquarters of the Dutch West India Company, while other sections were used as warehouses and commercial spaces. To construct the building, high-quality bricks from the Vecht region in the Netherlands were brought to the island as ballast on trading ships.
Today, this remarkable location is home to Chef Iwan’s philosophy of from-scratch cooking, offering authentic international cuisine with a regional touch and a menu designed to reflect the island’s diverse community and visitors. In addition to the regular menu, guests can enjoy daily Chef’s Specials, shared through their social channels.
With its creative cuisine, dedicated and friendly team, breathtaking ocean views and a truly historic setting, Barrel House is without question a must-visit dining destination when you are in Statia.
