Must-see restaurants in Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga

  • Coconut Shack

    Aitutaki

    With a circular bar built around a coconut tree, and plenty of absolute beachfront tables and chairs, the Coconut Shack at Paradise Cove fulfills every…

  • Fruits of Rarotonga

    Rarotonga

    Homemade jams and tropical chutneys are divine at this shop opposite Tikioki beach, but it’s good for cakes and fruit juices too. Kayaks are available for…

  • Vili's

    Rarotonga

    Colourful outdoor tables, winning smiles from the kitchen team, and rocking Pacific ukulele beats combine at this humble spot on Muri's main drag. The…

  • Café Tropicana

    Vava'u Group

    Nab a seat in the shady interior or slouch into a deckchair on the terrace at this troppo-bohemian haunt. The menu wafts from burgers to wraps, pies and…

  • Flying Boat Fish & Chips

    Rarotonga

    Tuck into Raro’s best fish and chips at this funky reconfigured fishing boat. The lagoon’s waters are just metres away, and cheap-as-chips drinks are…

  • Tuoro Cafe

    Rarotonga

    Asian-inspired tapas – try the steamed pork dumplings – combine with fish, chicken and steak lunch dishes at this welcoming elevated spot on Raro's…

  • Waterline Bar & Grill

    Rarotonga

    Welcome to the South Pacific restaurant of your dreams with a rustic beachfront pavilion and absolute waterfront tables and chairs. Book in for around 30…

  • Sook’s Sushi Restaurant

    American Samoa

    Little has changed at this tiny seaside nook in the almost-20 years it's been running: that's a good thing. Fresh Japanese and Korean dishes (its beef…

  • Rob's Charcoal Chicken

    Avarua

    Located in a quiet courtyard, Rob's offers expertly barbecued chickens, either served with a plate full of salad and taro chips, or doused with spicy peri…

  • Muri Night Market

    Rarotonga

    Welcome to the biggest game in Muri for four nights a week. There's occasional live music to partner seafood curries, garlic prawns, and tuna with papaya…

  • Giordano’s

    Apia

    Sit in the tropical back courtyard and tuck into exceptional pizzas featuring such exotic (for Samoa) toppings as olives, blue cheese, parmesan, pepperoni…

  • Kikau Hut

    Rarotonga

    Candles and dim lighting make this circular restaurant in ‘Arorangi a great place for an evening meal. The international cuisine is well prepared and the…

  • La Casita

    Rarotonga

    Combining Tex-Mex (burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas) with Italian (pizza and pasta) La Casita is a bustling and colourful spot that's a reliable…

  • Ocean Fresh Seafood

    Avarua

    The best place to buy fresh fish if you're looking to barbecue up a storm or prepare your own sashimi. Fish could include wahoo, mahi mahi, tuna,…

  • Cook Islands Coffee Company

    Avarua

    Kiwi expat Neil Dearlove blends and roasts gourmet coffee at his home in Matavera. Many locals stop in for their fix on the way into work or pick up a few…

  • Sips Tapas & Wine Bar

    Apia

    What this hip and happening spot lacks by way of an extensive menu (the pickin's are tasty, but slim), it more than makes up for with good vibes and top…

  • Café Escape

    Tongatapu

    Slick Café Escape could be anywhere, but provides a refined air-conditioned retreat from the street and infuses the tropics into its mixed menu. Order the…

  • Krush

    Apia

    Apia's only vegan restaurant has a small menu, but it's a tasty one that's sure to make visiting herbivores happy. Inventive salads and risottos are…

  • Cafe Ariki

    Avarua

    Tucked away inland behind Avarua township, this good-value cafe and bar is a big favourite with locals. Sashimi, ika mata and huge burgers and salads for…

  • Deli-licious

    Rarotonga

    Right in the heart of the Muri, Deli-licious serves up cooked breakfasts, and salads and sandwiches for lunch. Excellent coffee is served along with…

  • Bite Time

    Avarua

    Specialising in fresh fish, this Monday-to-Saturday market stall has great ika mata, brilliant tuna carpaccio, and a stonking seafood platter (NZ$18)…

  • Black Rock Cafe

    Aitutaki

    The Pacific Resort's more casual daytime restaurant is a stunner. The lagoon is just a cocktail shake away, towering palms shade the swimming pool, and…

  • Coffee Bean

    Apia

    Along with excellent, strong coffees, the Bean serves big breakfasts like eggs Benedict (ST25) as well as lighter choices; at lunch choose from sandwiches…

  • Rapae Bay Restaurant

    Aitutaki

    The island’s standout resort restaurant is in Pacific Resort. It offers superb Pacific fusion cuisine in a brilliant split-level patio setting. Look…

  • Kai Pizza

    Rarotonga

    Wood-fired pizza is served from a colourful shipping container. Order the Hawaiian one with ham and pineapple, and celebrate all things Polynesian and…

  • Marco's Pizza & Pasta

    Tongatapu

    Explore Nuku'alofa's back streets and you'll find plenty of places to eat: Korean, Singaporean, Indian, and Marco's – an unassuming little pizza and pasta…

  • Paddles

    Apia

    A delightful Italian-Samoan family serves superb home cooking and ready conviviality at this attractive and rightfully popular terrace restaurant across…

  • Apaula Heights

    Apia

    The restaurant of choice for locals with a special occasion to celebrate, high-altitude Apaula Heights’s signature dishes include tuna steaks, garlic…

  • Super Brown

    The Cook Islands

    Drop in for burgers, toasted sandwiches and fish and chips at this friendly spot in Areora village. You can even have a cold beer while you wait. There's…

  • LeSogaimiti Restaurant & Bar

    Savai'i

    At the Savaiian Hotel, this decent, dependable restaurant offers water views and some truly filling meals. A varied menu lists everything from (very good)…

  • Mom’s Place

    American Samoa

    Mom’s rich, diner-style cooking won’t help keep your waistline under control, but to hell with it. Try your luck at getting through a plate of panikeke …

  • Tifaimoana Indian Restaurant

    Apia

    The chef here (from the Punjab region of India) orders ingredients from his homeland and you can taste it. The thali set meals (many vegetarian; prices…

  • Toa Bar & Grill

    American Samoa

    Hungry locals congregate here for huge portions of seafood, steak and Samoan classics, as well as for the popular bar and regular screening of live sports…

  • Wigmore’s Superstore

    Rarotonga

    The south coast’s only proper grocery store is more expensive than Avarua’s supermarkets. It’s the only large supermarket that trades on Sunday though,…

  • CC's Restaurant and Bar

    Savai'i

    Overlooking a lovely lagoon with views to Upolu, this casual place serves super-fresh seafood, traditional Samoan dishes, curries and hearty grilled meats…

  • Hidden Spirit Café & Grill

    Rarotonga

    Set in the verdant surroundings of the Maire Nui Gardens, this cafe offers delicious cakes and desserts – try the lemon meringue pie (NZ$16) – and healthy…

  • Paradise Pizza

    American Samoa

    If you're craving big slices of American-style pizza, this is the place to indulge. They've got all the favourites here, as well as those with interesting…

  • Lunarossa Restaurant

    Tongatapu

    You’ll need a car or taxi to get to the 'Red Moon', but it makes for a reasonably classy experience. The vibe is intimate with authentic Italian cuisine,…

  • Cottage Breeze Restaurant

    Tongatapu

    Earning a glowing reputation, this place on Vuna Rd west of the palace offers cheery service and consistently good food: everything from pork ribs to…

  • Body Fuel

    Avarua

    Some of the healthiest food on the island is at this simple market food caravan that's open throughout the week. Smoothies and tropical juices go well…