Restaurants in Tahiti & French Polynesia
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Bora Bora Yacht Club
The Yacht Club delivers all the stereotypes expected for its location and name: a terrace overlooking the lagoon and fairly expensive fare in elegant (but not snooty) surrounds. The menu features all the usual suspects, with an emphasis on fish dishes. North of Vaitape.
reviewed
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Aito Restaurant
Run by Corsican Jean-Baptiste, who’s a real character, and his wife Vanina, this newly expanded lagoonside restaurant is one of the musts on Mo’orea. The food is French, Corsican and Tahitian, and the ambience is lively, breezy and boozy. Live music is on Friday nights.
reviewed
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Western Grill
Tired of raw fish? Tie your pony up at this saloon, complete with a Native American statue by the door and Western kitsch a go-go, for a good ol’ American steak or burger and a beer. There are also creative but delicious interpretations of Mexican food available.
reviewed
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Restaurant Taumatai
Grab a terrace table at this delightful little place right across the street from Loula and Remy, serving the town’s best French and Tahitian food in an elegant garden setting. The restaurant is hidden behind a stone wall so it’s a little hard to find.
reviewed
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Chez Marie Claire
It’s amazing that a place this big out in the middle of nowhere can fill up nightly but Chez Marie Claire does. It’s a basic open restaurant with red plastic chairs, an extensive and very good Chinese-Tahitian menu and lots of local atmosphere.
reviewed
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La Plantation
Lots of Cajun specialities as well as some of Mo’orea’s best vegetarian dishes are available at this classy, white-clad, jazz- infused restaurant. There’s often live music on Saturdays and the wine list and service are just as good as the food.
reviewed
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Hoa Nui
Hidden amid a jungle-like foliage, this modest eatery specialises in Marquesan cuisine (think pork, fish, seafood or goat), though the desserts are disappointing. Chinese specialities are sometimes offered too, but are much more ordinary.
reviewed
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Chez Luciano
Catering to hungry French Polynesian families, this place serves giant pizzas (plenty of toppings) for five people for very reasonable prices. There’s a cat-theme decor and the chef lets out an occasional meow as he spices his creations.
reviewed
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Pizza Daniel
Locals swear this little shack serves the best pizza on Mo’orea and we have to agree. Pull up a stool, order the thin-crust tuna pizza (with fresh tuna – delicious!), chat with the owner, then check out the eels in the adjacent stream.
reviewed
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Le Kai Kai Restaurant
French garden restaurant, with simple lunch and more elaborate dinner menus including a set option (there’s a set menu for children). Evening cocktails are available and transfers from your Avatoru pension or hotel are free.
reviewed
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Vaimario
Feast on anything from pizza to grilled fish. Try the specialities of giant clams in coconut milk (2300 CFP) or trevally with ginger and lychee (2100 CFP). Free transfers are offered and there’s a decent wine list and spirits.
reviewed
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Rangiroa Lagoon Grill
A new, highly recommended option right on the water that serves a more classic version of French food including lots of grilled meat dishes (as well as fish) and even a real French cheese platter. Offers pick-up service.
reviewed
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Chez Obelix
Although there’s nothing out of the ordinary on the menu and the roadside setting isn’t spectacular, travellers and locals rave about the excellent food here. A big portrait of Obelix inspires you to stuff your belly.
reviewed
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Bamboo House
Is it a lounge-bar? A restaurant? A disco? It doesn’t matter – take a seat and sample honestly prepared dishes, or just grab a glass of something and nibble on tapas in exotic surrounds. No credit cards are accepted.
reviewed
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Restaurant Tumoana
The decor is basic but the over-the-water location and local vibe more than make up for it. Expect simple yet yummy Tahitian-French grub and don’t miss Friday and Sunday nights when there’s live music and dancing.
reviewed
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Snack-Restaurant Moi Here
It’s the location that’s the pull here, rather than the food. Burgers, salads, beef sirloin and fish dishes won’t knock your socks off but you’re right on the beach, with dizzying views of the turquoise lagoon.
reviewed
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A L’Heure du Sud
A great variety of well-stuffed sandwiches (think steak and barbecue sauce stuffed in a baguette) are served at this roulotte (mobile food van) in front of Le Petit Village shopping centre. Cash only.
reviewed
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Snack Make Make
You wouldn’t guess it from the unprepossessing surrounds, but this place boasts an eclectic menu, from Chinese specialities and fish dishes to goat and mussels. Gourmet it’s not; tasty and inexpensive it is.
reviewed
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Ben’s
Greasy burgers, inoffensive sandwiches, acceptable steaks, average quesadillas and bearable garlic bread: no wonder this well-positioned venture gets a loyal following of unfussy, penny-counting travellers.
reviewed
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Alfredo’s
A lively little Italian restaurant that has forever been popular with travellers, but don’t expect particularly authentic Italian fare. The good news is that there’s often live music, even during the week.
reviewed
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Caraméline
Get all-day American-, French- or Tahitian-style breakfasts, burgers, pizzas, salads, ice-cream treats and more at this affordable and popular cafe. Don’t miss the French-style coffee, pastries and crêpes.
reviewed
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Snack Chez Cindy
This is the only snack bar in town, serves massive portions of good poisson cru (raw fish), steak frites (steak and chips), chow mein and more. To eat lighter order a 500 CFP burger.
reviewed
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Snack Chez Paulette
Regular snack fare is offered plus a few extras like stuffed peppers and chocolate crêpes. This place has no sign and is hidden behind a gate right across from the boat quay in Moerai.
reviewed
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Pizzeria Filipo
This is a great little place right near Rangiroa Lodge. The food is delicious (try the daily specials for around 1200 CFP); the pizzas are huge, and the whole place is as clean as a whistle.
reviewed
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Snack Tarona
Just north of the village, this place comes recommended for its hearty portions of traditional French Polynesian dishes such as raw fish, tuna sashimi, braised beef, and pork with taro.
reviewed