Noumea
In a great garden setting streetside at the Palm Beach shopping centre, Anse Vata's version of Le Faré (the sister cafe is in town at the cruise ship quay…
Must-see restaurants in Vanuatu & New Caledonia
Luganville
The best budget dining in Santo. Choose one of the bright little tables next to the orange booths and a cheery woman will appear at the window with a…
Port Vila
Still going strong after more than 40 years, L’Houstalet is famous for its offbeat French creations including stuffed flying fox, wild pigeon and garlic…
Efate
This laid-back bar and restaurant with a deck overlooking Havannah Harbour is a fine spot to stop for fresh fish or a cold beer. The fisherman's basket is…
Port Vila
Spicy aromas waft from the kitchen onto the breezy elevated deck at this authentic Thai place. Alongside the fragrant curries (red curry duck, Penang…
Port Vila
A great place to hang out by the harbour, this popular cafe has free wi-fi, snacks, tapas, pizzas, all-day breakfast and a full bar. The cafe is usually…
Luganville
This breezy open-air cafe (with a distant view of the water) specialises in breakfast, house-roasted coffee, hamburgers, juices and salads, but also does…
Port Vila
This bustling American-style diner is always buzzing with expats, tourists and locals, seeking out waffles, burgers, burritos and chilli cheese fries. Try…
Noumea
A great cafe right on Place des Cocotiers that is perfect for a late breakfast, lunch or coffee break. Sit back and watch the world pass by with whatever…
Espiritu Santo
Much of the produce used in the restaurant is sourced locally on the island - including the oysters. Call to order at least a few hours in advance for…
Velit Bay Plantation & 15° South
Espiritu Santo
The winding 2km drive down the rocky road to spectacular Velit Bay is a visual sensation, while the small open-sided 15° South does much to tempt the…
Luganville
It's worth a trip up to the hilltop for the view alone, out to Segond Channel and Aore island. Dining is beside the pool with white wicker chairs on the…
Espiritu Santo
The timber deck and floor to ceiling glass windows at this restaurant-bar at Lope Lope are spectacular in scale in design. The food, from organic Santo…
Noumea
The atmosphere is warm and uncluttered in this old colonial building where fabulous fine dining makes it very popular. French favourites like fish soup or…
Port Vila
A little bit French, a little bit Pacific, Au Faré is a breezy waterfront restaurant under an open-sided thatched 'nakamal' with central bar. Sample fresh…
Noumea
It would be hard to miss Le Roof in Anse Vata. Out on the pier, spacious and open, Le Roof offers elegant fine dining with amazing sunsets, a cool terrace…
Noumea
This little oasis with free wi-fi sits down at the cruise ship terminal on the waterfront. Chic tables and chairs spill outside under bright sun umbrellas…
Loyalty Islands
In the village of Hanawa and right next to the road and beach, O'kafika serves everything from sandwiches to tasty seafood meals on an outside terrace…
Luganville
At the Espiritu hotel, this elegant street-front restaurant serves a well-prepared local and global range of dishes from Santo scotch fillet to Thai green…
Port Vila
Spice serves authentic and reasonably priced Indian food in cosy surrounds. It's mostly north Indian fare with chicken tikka masala, rogan josh and…
Port Vila
Chill enjoys a good waterfront location, next to the market and looking through large windows out to Iririki. It’s a family friendly place specialising in…
Île des Pins
This is a pleasant place for lunch, just out of Vao on the road north towards the airport. There are tables under thatched shelters and everyone is very…
Noumea
With takeout bakery products such as sandwiches, cakes and tarts out front and a full sit-down restaurant out the back, Le Pandanus is a haven for weary…
Port Vila
The street-front deck at the Brewery usually attracts a crowd. Try a pint of the local Nambawan draught and peek into the open kitchen to see what's…
Espiritu Santo
The original shack restaurant in Port Olry (also called Harbour Beach Restaurant). You might find local lobster and coconut crab on the menu or ask about…
Luganville
Regarded by some as Luganville's best restaurant, 1606 is worth a trip for its interesting selection of tapas (700VT to 1300VT), and mains such as seafood…
Tanna
At Tanna Evergreen Restaurant, the deck offers sweeping ocean views, free wifi and reliable meals from pasta to local lobster. Seafood is a speciality:…
Noumea
Out on the peninsula between Baie des Citrons and Anse Vata, Fun Beach serves up salads, pasta, steak and seafood on a deck and surprisingly large indoor…
Tanna
This cute spot in Ireupuow village serves simple but delicious meals – chicken or fish with rice and vegetables or pancake fritters, and local Tanna…
Port Vila
Facing across to Hideaway Island, Beach Bar is a fun place with Tuesday movie nights (the screen is set up on the beach), a free (very popular) Friday…
Lakatoro Community Cooperative
Malekula
Lakatoro's best-stocked store by light years (though a new shopping centre was under construction directly opposite). Has limited cold beer and wine. It's…
Efate
Romantic waterfront dining at Havannah Harbour is the draw here and the food is upmarket Italian with a range of pizza, pasta and risotto dishes backed by…
Grande Terre
This bright and friendly spot on RT1 in the middle of La Foa specialises in Asian cuisine and Brittany-style crepes. The food is good and there's free wi…
Tanna
The blackboard menu changes daily at West Tanna's fanciest restaurants, with local seafood and beef steak the highlights. The timber deck overlooks the…
Port Vila
Emily's offers some of the best-value meals around. The 1000VT lunch specials – fish and chips, rump steak or chicken – are a steal and there are some…
Tanna
Chef Lea serves a range of chicken and vegetable dishes using a huge array of local produce, fresh herbs and flair. Book a day in advance (ask someone to…
Port Vila
Join the locals on the communal benches to the side of the main market, where chicken, beef and fish meals piled with rice and vegetables are cooked to…
Noumea
Head to this buzzing little restaurant for terrific French meals; it is truly so Frenchy, so classically chic, and, not surprisingly, often full to the…
Noumea
A popular snack that serves generously filled hot or cold sandwiches, burgers, chips and curry dishes. A good budget option. Eat in or take away.
Noumea
It’s all atmospheric timber and cloth, with a tiny upstairs verandah and a range of dishes like duck with lavender. It’s famous for its desserts.
