Must-see restaurants in South Pacific

  • Le Faré du Palm Beach

    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…

  • L’Houstalet

    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…

  • Wahoo Bar

    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…

  • Kesorn's Exotic Thai Kitchen

    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…

  • Nambawan Cafe

    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…

  • Jill’s Cafe

    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…

  • L'Annexe

    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…

  • Oyster Island Restaurant

    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…

  • Slipway Sports Bar & Grill

    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…

  • La Chaumière

    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…

  • Au Faré

    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…

  • Le Roof

    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…

  • Le Faré du Quai Ferry

    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…

  • O'kafika

    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…

  • Spice

    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…

  • Chill

    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…

  • Snack Kohu

    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…

  • Le Pandanus

    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…

  • Little Paradise Restaurant

    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…

  • Brewery Bar & Restaurant

    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…

  • Fun Beach Restaurant & Grill

    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…

  • Beach Bar

    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…

  • Francesca'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…

  • Emily's Cafe & Takeaway

    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…

  • Vila Outdoor Market

    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…

  • Chez Toto

    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…

  • Snack Ulysse

    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.

  • Zanzibar

    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.

  • Aux Délices de Noumea

    Noumea

    There’s nowhere to sit, but come here to Quartier Latin for Noumea's best breads, cakes and pastries. Beautiful displays and friendly service.

  • Best Cafe

    Noumea

    Don't be fooled by the look from the outside. Best Cafe is kind of funky and hits all the right spots, no matter the time of day.

  • Sushi Hana

    Noumea

    Cool, quiet and frequently booked out, this restaurant has Japanese food brimming with fresh flavour. The best sushi in Noumea.

  • Sparkling Waters Bar & Restaurant

    Vanuatu

    Enjoy a cold beer on the verandah of this bar at Lavoa Cascades, or find out what's on the menu – seafood is the speciality.

  • Seaview Takeaway

    Port Vila

    A canteen-style place for chicken ’n’ chips or burgers and shakes with tables and chairs set right on the sea wall.