Must-see restaurants in Réunion

  • Chez Doudou et Alexandra

    Réunion

    With its barnlike surrounds, Chez Doudou has a kind of ramshackle charm but has no views to speak of. The focus is on earthy regional food, so roll up for…

  • Le Grand Baie

    Réunion

    You’re sure to find something to fill a gap at this haven of peace next to the Cimetière Marin, where the menu covers lots of salads as well as métro …

  • Chez Loulou

    Réunion

    The most iconic Creole case (house) for kilometres around, with a distinctive turquoise facade on the main drag. It's famous for its belt-bustingly good…

  • La Kaz

    Les Hautes Plaines & the Volcano

    Don't expect new-fangled concoctions in this reputable eatery, just the usual Creole classics and a few metro dishes, all flawlessly prepared. The…

  • L'Auberge Créole

    The East

    At this respected venue, the menu roves from Creole dishes and métro classics to pizzas (evenings only) and Chinese specialities at prices that are more…

  • Le Copacabana

    Réunion

    This trendy bar-restaurant has a peerless position right on the beach. Enjoy well-prepared fish and meat dishes as well as excellent homemade desserts. Le…

  • Le Jardin

    Réunion

    This surprisingly atmospheric restaurant at the northern end of town features an open-air dining room, a lounge area and a swimming pool, which will help…

  • Snack Chez Herbert

    Réunion

    This popular joint is worth visiting for its cheap and wholesome Creole staples. Snacks, salads, sandwiches and other nibbles are also available. Take…

  • Il Etait Une Fois

    Réunion

    Tucked away on a side street running perpendicular to the main road, 'Once Upon a Time' offers something different. There's no menu, just a selection of…

  • La Perle du Lac

    Réunion

    Bring an empty tum: there's no à la carte dining here, but a mean buffet featuring all the Creole classics as well as salads. It's more honest than…

  • L'Atelier de Ben

    Réunion

    A true alchemist, the French chef Benoît Vantaux has got the magic formula right, fusing French with Creole and Asian to create stunning cuisine,…

  • Le Nature

    Réunion

    Nature serves up a brilliant-value lunch buffet, consisting of about eight Creole dishes prepared from fresh simple ingredients. The setting is inviting,…

  • Est Bento

    Réunion

    Satisfy those pangs for bento and other Asian treats at this popular restaurant. Here you can tuck into specialities that are hard to find elsewhere – a…

  • Chez Malet

    Réunion

    One of a number of popular eateries along the river, this ramshackle venture has a good terrace for a sandwich, a takeaway curry (from €6) or a beer. It's…

  • Chez Nous

    Réunion

    This bold bistro is beloved by all who come here. The blackboard menu features flavourful meat and fish dishes, some with an exotic twist, as well as…

  • Le Glacier de Marie B

    Réunion

    You'll lose all self-control at this drool-inducing ice-cream parlour. Amid a mind-boggling array of flavours, the sweet potato with honey screams 'try me…

  • Les 5 Orangers

    The East

    You'll find solid Chinese and Creole fare and heaping portions at this welcoming no-frills joint on the main road in Les Orangers, between Ste-Anne and…

  • Le Gadjak

    Réunion

    Gadjak, smack dab in the centre, is a popular hangout serving Creole dishes as well as a few appetising French specialities (namely duck and andouillette …

  • Restaurant des Cascades

    The East

    A local and tourist favourite, this beach restaurant in a lovely coconut grove bursts to the seams on weekends. It has a concise menu featuring Creole and…

  • Le DCP

    Réunion

    Fish lovers will find nirvana here: this known-far-and-wide restaurant has a broad assortment of fish delivered daily from the harbour. Order it grilled,…

  • Le P'tit Koin Kréol

    Réunion

    This well-regarded eatery in a cute Creole house off the main drag is a good place to sample authentic Réunionnais fare prepared mama-style. Tour your…

  • Mafate Café

    Réunion

    This sweet spot hidden on a tranquil street north of the centre is perfect for a light lunch prepared with local, high-quality ingredients. It also serves…

  • La Bonne Marmite

    Réunion

    Pounce on The Good Cooking Pot's excellent-value dinner buffet, which features 12 wholesome carris (curries) as well as grilled meat. You'll leave…

  • Snack Galam Massala

    Réunion

    You wouldn't guess it from the humble surrounds, but this family-run place is praised for its lip-smacking biryanis and other tasty Indian staples,…

  • Chez Bobonne

    Réunion

    Indulge in delicious French-inspired dishes at this fine-dining restaurant with contemporary decor and mood lighting. The small menu is chalked on the…

  • Snack Chez Racine Jessica

    Réunion

    Tasty, filling, cheap Creole food and voluminous sandwiches. No surprise that it's popular. For a true local (if lowbrow) experience, try this modest…

  • Le Zat

    Réunion

    Near the harbour and a Frisbee's throw from the beach, this unpretentious open-air joint majors in fish dishes as well as salads. Good homemade desserts,…

  • Boulangerie Dambreville

    Réunion

    Ask a local where they go for the best macatias (buns) and croissants and they point to this delectable little bakery. It has a wide variety of cavity…

  • Snack Chez Louiso

    The East

    Chez Louiso is a modest open-air eatery overlooking the harbour. The menu is limited to sandwiches and a couple of daily specials, but they're well…

  • Le DCP

    Réunion

    This immutable seafood favourite on the seafront gets the thumbs up for its choice of tartares and carpaccios as well as fish dishes (usually tuna,…

  • Castel Glacier

    Réunion

    Generous scoops and about 40 flavours are the trademarks of this drool-inducing ice-cream parlour opposite the mosque. Also serves up snacks, well…

  • Le Joséphin

    Réunion

    If you’re planning a picnic, stop at this mouthwatering bakery, which sells tarts, pastries, breads and other treats. You'll also find sandwiches and…

  • Le Pinpin

    Réunion

    There's sure to be a dish on the extensive menu that suits your palate. Very popular with weekending families. It's known for its palmiste (palm hearts)…

  • Le Petit Randonneur

    Réunion

    A favourite haunt of hungry walkers, this family-run restaurant serves up hearty local dishes such as smoked sausages and curries, as well as moderately…

  • Samoussa L'Îlet

    Réunion

    Service is casse-pas-la-tête (unfussy) and the decor is unpretentious at this friendly fast food joint on the main drag. Fuel up with wholesome daily…

  • Le Métis

    The East

    If you're looking for a quick food fix, check out the options at this family-run eatery opposite Notre Dame des Laves church. It specialises in tasty,…

  • Snack Bar Le Marla

    Réunion

    Coming from La Nouvelle, this cool venture appears like a mirage at the entrance of Marla. Bliss! It serves sandwiches, carris (at lunchtime) and drinks…

  • Kaz Nature

    Réunion

    This slick modern eatery does a brisk business with office workers – always a sign that you've found a good bargain. It speedily serves tasty wraps,…

  • Le Ti Vacoa

    Réunion

    This unfussy little kiosk could hardly be better situated: it overlooks the saltwater pool at Puits des Anglais. The menu concentrates on composed salads…

  • Snack-Bar Elisabeth Family

    Réunion

    This well-run option in an appealing Creole house concentrates on a plain and simple menu – tacos, burgers, sandwiches and salads – but does it really…