Tongatapu
Downstairs at the Waterfront Lodge, soak up the breezy South Seas vibes and chase a few sundowners with some Italian-style pasta, steak, lobster, lamb or…
Must-see restaurants in Rarotonga, Samoa & Tonga
The Cook Islands
Fresh-baked bread is ready for the milling crowd by about 10.30am each day. Saturday is the Seventh-Day Adventist Sabbath and the baking doesn’t begin…
'Upolu
Chef Mika travels the globe for inspiration, serving delicious Italian, French and Samoan dishes and a wonderful Hawaiian ahi poke salad (raw fish with…
Avarua
Secure a table on the breezy deck and tuck into tasty Tahitian- and Asian-style spins on sashimi and ika mata. The concise seafood-only menu also extends…
Apia
This much-beloved, locally owned fast-food chain serves up exceptional fish and chips that – despite hefty portion sizes – are ridiculously moreish. As…
The Cook Islands
Kato’s Store is well stocked and is also the island’s only bakery. Kato’s also hosts a takeaway bar turning out good burgers, fish and chips and…
Apia
If the quality of your morning coffee affects how you cope with your day, head here for a wake-up call. The on-to-it staff serve it up good and strong,…
American Samoa
This clean, central place does Samoan-sized portions of Chinese food; thankfully, its quantity is matched by quality. While it's billed as a seafood…
Tongatapu
Part of the Emerald Hotel, this place gets the nod for top Chinese restaurant in town. Good value, it’s licensed, takeaway is available and (best of all)…
Apia
Locals and travellers converge on this humble waterfront pizzeria to talk, drink jugs of lurid alcoholic mixtures and add their scrawl to the graffiti on…
Avarua
This courtyard cafe in the restored BCA Art Gallery building serves up excellent juices, bagels, toasted sandwiches, and coffee and cake. There’s usually…
The Cook Islands
The lovely Parua Tavioni offers a two-course dinner every night, but you'll need to book by noon, either by popping in to her small shop selling local…
Avarua
Dining out on Raro can be expensive, so head to Prime Foods for barbecue-ready treats like gourmet sausages, and the island's best array of salami and ham…
Aitutaki
Stock up on groceries at this Amuri store with a Heineken sign out the front. Unfortunately it’s not a bar, but it does have a pretty good selection of…
Avarua
Pop in for a fruit smoothie or coffee and croissant, and stock up on artisan breads, deli produce and other picnic-friendly goodies. Brunch and lunch is…
Tonga
This basic bakery has two ovens to keep the island in bread, jam-filled rolls and keki (similar to doughnuts). There’s a mad rush on Sunday afternoon.
Avarua
The best all-round supermarket is in the middle of Avarua’s main shopping strip, with fresh bread, fruit and vegetables, packaged goods and a deli counter.
Rarotonga
Near the airport, Café Jireh does excellent coffee and homestyle baking including creamy custard squares. It’s also a popular spot for a lazy brunch.
Rarotonga
Halfway to the airport from Avarua, the huge CITC Supermarket is great for tinned and packaged produce. There’s also a liquor store attached.
Rarotonga
Super Brown is Raro’s only all-night convenience store and petrol station, with a fair selection of beer, wine, groceries and takeaway food.
Avarua
Life’s pretty simple really. Some days all you need is really good coffee and a freshly made waffle crammed with tropical fruit.
The Cook Islands
Early risers and fans of freshly baked doughnuts and buns should head to Jumbo when the doors open to eager locals at 5.30am.
Apia
Battle local crowds for the best and freshest fish and chips in town in an endearingly gritty, local-style setting.
American Samoa
This well-stocked supermarket is in a convenient location, and is open on Sundays.
