Must-see restaurants in French Polynesia

  • Les Tipaniers

    Mo'orea

    Part of the eponymous hotel, this elegant roadside restaurant serves up wholesome Italian and French-inspired dishes, including pizzas, pastas, salads,…

  • Chez Marie Claire

    Tahiti

    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…

  • La Saladière

    Pape'ete

    A gay-friendly and generally friendly stop for Tahitian (from 8am), American or Continental breakfasts (from 6am) or a meal-sized salad lunch – there’s…

  • Lollipop

    Mo'orea

    Generous scoops and about 30 flavours are the trademarks of this drool-inducing ice-cream parlour on the eastern outskirts of Maharepa. As if that wasn't…

  • Snack Elda

    Fakarava

    This unfussy little eatery could hardly be better situated: the dining deck is right on the lagoon. The menu concentrates on simply prepared seafood and…

  • Snack Piareare

    French Polynesia

    The decor is nonexistent at this no-frills eatery hidden behind a gate right across from the boat quay in Moerai, but the food is seriously good. The menu…

  • Snack Make Make

    Hiva Oa

    Opposite the post office, this long-standing, very friendly joint serves everything from burgers and chow mein to curried goat and garlic shrimp. Smaller …

  • Pink Coconut

    Around Tahiti Nui

    We love this lively spot located right on Marina Taina with great views of stylish yachts at anchor. Dine on French-inspired fare with a contemporary…

  • Matira Beach Burger

    Bora Bora

    A seductive setting complete with an atmospheric terrace right on Matira Beach is the draw at this well-regarded joint. How about the food? It serves up a…

  • L’O à la Bouche

    Pape'ete

    This handsome French restaurant is a perennial favourite with locals and tourists in the know. French-style dishes take inspiration from the tropics and…

  • Le Sunset

    Mo'orea

    This eatery in the Hotel Hibiscus has a great beachside setting; the terrace offers front-row seats for the sunset. From pizzas and salads to burgers and…

  • Café de la Gare

    Pape'ete

    This place has the feel of a true Parisian bistro – chic and packed. Ultra-tiny, it serves a menu of grilled meats and salads. Later the tables are…

  • Tama’a Maitai

    Bora Bora

    Part of Le Maitai Bora Bora hotel, Tama’a Maitai overlooks the lagoon and catches lots of breeze. All the usual suspects are featured on the menu…

  • Le Mandarin

    Pape'ete

    This well-established restaurant serves an exquisite selection of authentic Chinese dishes – those in the know claim that the Peking roasted duck is among…

  • Pizza Napoli

    Ra'iatea & Taha'a

    In a reed hut decorated with loads of flowers, this congenial pizzeria near the Europcar agency offers a long list of Italian dishes including pasta, wood…

  • Snack Bellevue

    Ra'iatea & Taha'a

    High up on the Faaha crossing road, this rustic but agreeable little eatery has a fantastic view over Faaha Bay. Grab a crêpe, sandwich or homemade cake…

  • Chez Guynette

    Huahine

    Fare’s best coffee plus fresh fruit juices, breakfast dishes and light meals are served on a lively open-air terrace. The tuna steak and the skewered mahi…

  • Snack Ohina

    The Tuamotus

    There aren't too many options at this family-run eatery, but there are always invigorating Tahitian favourites such as grilled mahimahi, tuna carpaccio…

  • Sea Horse

    Ra'iatea & Taha'a

    With a fabulous location looking out on the lagoon from the gare maritime, Sea Horse is more upscale Chinese with plenty of soups and seafood on offer. It…

  • Temetiu Village

    Hiva Oa

    With panoramic views from the open-air dining room, a convivial atmosphere and delectable (and copious) Marquesan specialities, such as seafood or goat,…

  • Café Vaeaki

    Nuku Hiva

    This friendly little godsend for yachties is right on the quay and offers simple but fresh dishes such as sashimi, grilled fish and chow mein alongside…

  • Snack Kori Kori

    Fakarava

    A very pleasant spot for lunch, this family-run affair boasts an ace location right on the edge of the turquoise lagoon and whips up simple yet tasty…

  • La Terrasse Api

    Pape'ete

    You’ll find all the usual Polynesian favourites and a sprinkling of French dishes served in hearty portions in this busy restaurant right in the centre…

  • Hee Tai Restaurant

    Nuku Hiva

    In a lovely setting at the quiet western end of Taiohae Bay, this place takes pride in serving dishes from roast chicken to occasional roast pig feasts…

  • Terre-Mer

    Around Tahiti Nui

    This reputable eatery could hardly be better situated: the dining deck is right on the seashore. At night it’s a romantic spot to enjoy succulent local…

  • Salon de The Chez Eliane & Cyber Cafe

    Hiva Oa

    A cosy little lounge with wi-fi (500 CFP per hour) and a little snack bar serving crêpes (sweet and savory), burgers, coffee and ice-cold coconuts. It's…

  • Pukalani

    Mo'orea

    For basic fare like chow mein, raw fish or sashimi at unbeatable prices, you can’t do better than this family-run snack (snack bar) slightly set back from…

  • Moana Nui

    Nuku Hiva

    Basking in a convivial buzz, the restaurant at this hotel has an eclectic menu, from salads and burgers to fish and meat dishes. Or opt for a pizza cooked…

  • Le Napoli

    Ra'iatea & Taha'a

    In a reed hut decorated with loads of flowers, this congenial pizzeria near the Avis agency offers a long list of Italian dishes including pasta, wood…

  • Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort

    The Tuamotus

    Call for the shuttle times to lunch at this swanky resort. Light meals are available, and you can enjoy the fabulous setting without breaking the bank.

  • Chez Teava

    French Polynesia

    This is Rikitea's best spot for lunch or dinner. Local ingredients and freshly caught seafood are the staples of the simple menu. Voluminous sandwiches …

  • Espace Beach

    Maupiti

    Opening onto the lagoon, this is the best place on Maupiti for a lagoonside lunch or dinner (by reservation only). The emphasis is on simply prepared fish…

  • Snack Perarai – Chez Rowena

    The Tuamotus

    This local-style eatery at the western end of the village serves voluminous portions of good chow mein and steak frites (steak and chips). Burgers are…

  • Hoa Nui

    Hiva Oa

    Hidden amid junglelike foliage, this modest eatery specialises in Marquesan cuisine (think pork, fish, seafood or goat), though the desserts are…

  • Tiare Market

    Bora Bora

    Self-caterers can stock up the kitchenette at this local supermarket. It’s well stocked with all the necessities, from wine and fresh bread to sunscreen…

  • Les Dauphins

    Huahine

    This unassuming place located on the outskirts of Fare serves traditional Polynesian-French food and is popular with locals. There’s a terrace but no…

  • L’Hibiscus

    Ra'iatea & Taha'a

    This hotel restaurant has an ace location right on the water, but the menu is fairly limited and prices are quite steep. It’s a great place for a…

  • Restaurant les Dauphins

    Huahine

    This welcoming place serves traditional Polynesian-French food and is popular with locals. Fishing decor, with lots of nets scattered about, sets the…

  • Pizza Atomic

    French Polynesia

    Serves glowing-hot pizzas to eat in or take away. The Rumarei, with cheese and korori (the adductor muscle of the oyster), is particularly original.

  • Snack Poutoru

    Ra'iatea & Taha'a

    Head here for a simple meal at lunchtime – grilled chicken, beefsteak or raw fish. It’s on the coastal road, about 100m from the Poutoru wharf.

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