Must-see nightlife in Mauritius, Réunion & Seychelles

  • The Boardwalk

    Mahé

    As good for a morning coffee as a late-night cocktail, this slice of sophistication could be the coolest place on the island. With wicker sofas on a…

  • Enso

    Mauritius

    La Gaulette's coolest place to drink, this upstairs lounge bar has a 5pm to 6pm Happy Hour, as well as a long cocktail list. There's often live music on…

  • Le Passage du Chat Blanc

    Réunion

    A trendy crowd flocks to this popular bar with two entrances (one on Rue Jean Chatel, the other on Ruelle Edouard). Besides featuring a wide choice of…

  • Les Enfants Terribles

    Grand Baie

    The top pick for a night out on the town, the 'little terrors' has a roaring dance floor, a chilled-out lounge and a special VIP section that overflows…

  • Flying Dodo Brewing Company

    Mauritius

    Come for a meal, sure, but the main reason to visit is to sample one of Mauritius' best brews. The Flying Dodo, the country's first craft brewery,…

  • KenziBar

    Flic en Flac

    KenziBar, a block or two back from the waterfront, is your best bet for nightlife in Flic en Flac, and one of few places where it's about more than just…

  • Beach House

    Grand Baie

    Owned until recently by Kabous van der Westhuisen, a South African former rugby player, this lively joint bustles with about as much energy as a sports…

  • Shotz

    Flic en Flac

    Both lounge bar and nightclub, Shotz is about as glamorous as things get beyond the high walls of the upmarket resorts. Drink early with happy hour before…

  • Chatterbox Cafe

    Mahé

    The pick of Eden Island's cafes, Chatterbox does excellent coffee and always has a buzz about it – locals come out to the island just for a coffee here…

  • Twin's Garden

    Flic en Flac

    A sprawling collection of agreeable outdoor tables just across the road from the beach, Twin's has a decent restaurant but we like it more as a lounge bar…

  • Le Dix-Neuf

    Mauritius

    Hidden behind the walls of Tamarina's exclusive golfing grounds, this classy lodge-like venue, situated at the clubhouse, is a great place for a sundown…

  • Long Board Café

    Réunion

    Spiffing setting in a Creole house with a terrace opening onto the seafront – this a great place for quaffing a sunset beverage (cocktails from €9)…

  • Le Five

    Réunion

    One of the hottest spots in St-Pierre when we dropped by. If you're after salsa, kizomba, séga or some sexy tropical sounds, look no further than Le Five…

  • Zanzibar Café

    Réunion

    Part bar, part restaurant, this 'tropical bistro' is the hang-out of well-connected locals and serves devilishly good tropical potions. Feeling peckish?…

  • Rouge

    Réunion

    Although it also doubles as a restaurant, it's the bar that we recommend. With its potent cocktails (from €8) served in a tastefully restored Creole house…

  • L'Etiquette

    Réunion

    L'Etiquette is part restaurant, part bar, but it's the bar section that grabbed our attention (and our euros), not least for its incredibly potent…

  • Les Sal' Gosses

    Réunion

    This cool den on the seafront hosts gigs from local bands – usually on Wednesday or Thursday. Good blend of jazz, soul and funk. Also has a wide-ranging…

  • Level Three Bar

    Victoria

    Despite the odd location in a nondescript building near the harbour, Level Three Bar is worth considering for its affordable cocktails (Rs 150) and its…

  • O'Bar

    Réunion

    A funky drinking spot right in the centre. The streetside terrace allows for a dash of people-watching. Food is only so-so (and expensive for what you get…

  • Tequila Boom

    Mahé

    The pick of the predominantly local nightclubs, this place along the main road in Bel Ombre, close to Beau Vallon, plays local music that'll have you up…

  • Kazye Cafe

    La Digue

    This coffee bar serves some of the island's best espresso. Find it at the jetty, next to the ticket booth for the ferry.

  • La Villa Club

    Réunion

    L'Hermitage's top nightspot positively sizzles on a Friday and Saturday night when the dance floors are packed. Tropical, electro and dance music dominate…

  • Café Edouard

    Réunion

    The place to hang out, this buzzy bar with outdoor tables has a great selection of beers and spirits. There's also well-priced bar food for lunch and…

  • Le Zinc

    Réunion

    Le Zinc is St-Leu's liveliest spot. Come for the good fun, great mix of people, wicked cocktails and great music, with DJs or live bands every evening.

  • Katiolo

    Mahé

    The east coast is home to one of Mahé's most popular nightclubs. Despite outward appearances, it's a fairly hip venue, so dress up rather than down.

  • Big Willy's

    Mauritius

    Perennially popular with the expat crowd, Big Willy's is the it spot for DJ-ed dance beats and rugby on TV. It's all good, clean fun.

  • Beach Club

    Réunion

    The Beach Club draws good-looking and well-dressed hordes looking to get down to salsa, Latin rock music and electro (among others).

  • B52

    Grand Baie

    This large, popular spot serves up great cocktails all day long in its open-air setting in the heart of town.

  • Esko Bar

    Réunion

    This chic venue has excellent cocktails, good tapas (from €6) and themed nights – check the website.

  • Pinkananas

    Réunion

    Kick off the night with a few shots at this atmospheric venue that draws the crowds on weekends.

  • Le Loft

    Réunion

    A pulsating club playing a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Also has karaoke.

  • Moulin du Tango

    Réunion

    Bump your hips with a mature crowd in this dance club famous for its themed nights.

  • 1770 Brewery Beer Bar

    Mahé

    We're not sure why, but beer just tastes better if you drink it at the source. We liked the lager, while the dark beer is an acquired taste – although…

  • Banana Bar

    Grand Baie

    In a petrol-station car park, this is one of the best spots for a drink and a chat. There's live music most nights and a generous 4pm to 7pm happy hour to…