Top Restaurants in Tahiti
Tahiti Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Tahiti
The unique and ubiquitous island of Tahiti is world-renowned for its Polynesian charm, colorful culture and romantic ambiance. The grass-skirted hip shaking of Tahitian dance is sure to get your toes tapping and heart thumping—let the celebratory vibe of this magical locale rejuvenate and excite you to the core. Warm-water lagoons and crystalline ocean tides are host to a rainbow’s worth of colorful marine life, and the food, drink, spas and dramatic nightlife provide an experience to stimulate all the senses.
Things to do in Tahiti
1. L'O a La Bouche
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 357 reviews
Reviewed By Quack_quack_quackl - Wairarapa, New Zealand
We were trying to dine at Le Velvet but it's still undergoing some refurbishment, so the concierge at our hotel suggested this place. Certainly the other reviews on Tripadvisor seem positive, and we have no differing opinions to offer.
This review is written from the perspective of a Kiwi on a first-time trip to Tahiti, so if you're interested in info, read on. Otherwise - great restaurant. Go, but book in first.
So, as New Zealanders traveling to Tahiti for the first time, we were shocked at the prices for food in general, especially at our hotel.
L'O a la Bouches' prices are about half of what were charged at the Papeete Intercontinental, despite being better food on the whole.
My husband started with a Pina colada for 1300CFP, as opposed to the eye-watering 2500 - 3000 for a cocktail at the hotel. A glass of good French wine was 1200 as opposed to 2000. (12 USD vs 20 USD).
Our starters were a buffalo mozzarella special (yum, but not a dish for breaking new culinary ground) and goat's cheese rolls. As others reviewers mention, the portion sizes are very generous.
For the main, my hubby had filet mignon. It was not a huge portion and rather rare. It was sliced and served on salad. There were plenty of sides and we struggled to finish it all, because we wanted to have dessert as well.
My main was the Pappio, the one on the standard menu. Apparently it's a deep sea fish, so it's rather firm. It was paired with a lemon, ginger and passionfruit dressing with a buttery base. It was excellent - and inspiring. (I'm imagining that sauce lifting pan-fried warehou.)
For dessert, they had a gorgeous array of sweet treats which were hard to choose from, although it was surprising that they had no cheese option. You know, being French and all.:-)
I had a Mariage Freres tea, which prompted memories of trying and buying the tea brand in Paris.
My hubby had the fruit crumble which was served with ice cream. He found it good but a bit dry with more crumble than fruit.
The damage came to 16 850 CPF, about 168 USD. We'll see what it comes to in NZD, but I'm expecting about $225.
Would I spend that in NZ? Probably not, but it's holiday and I was pleased that it cost less than dining at the hotel.
All in all, was a very nice eating experience. It's clearly favoured by locals for special occasions, as our taxi driver says he goes there for Valentine's Day or birthdays with his girlfriend.
Oh, and you should be aware that the taxi round trip from the Hotel IC was 5000 CPF. 2000 for the way there and 3000 for the way back because it was after 8:00.
Incidentally, a tour guide on Huahine explained why the prices are so high.
It's not just that most everything comes in by boat, it's also that French labour and holiday and minimum wage laws apply.
That means that everything has a very high base cost.
The upside is that, under French administration, the roads and infrastructure are also very good. This means that Tahiti is not as much like a third world country as other island capitals, which makes it a pleasant and liveable place to be.
2. Blue Banana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 443 reviews
Reviewed By redrocker2 - San Francisco
Can’t say enough about Blue Banana - absolutely come eat and drink here, avoid the overpriced sub-par hotel food. We arrived before the kitchen opened before our flight home and they were so flexible. Pizza guy made us three amazing pizzas early, literally rivaled the fancy pizza places at home in San Francisco. Wonderful team helped us, all during a torrential rainstorm :-)
Last, the ambiance and art in the restaurant is impressive.
Visit and enjoy!
3. Le Coco's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 472 reviews
Reviewed By Darcette - Toronto, Canada
Le Coco’s’ reputation for having the best tasting menu on Tahiti is well-deserved. The restaurant itself was mostly el fresco dining and cocktails in the elegant oceanside garden are encouraged beforehand. The 5 course “Carte Blanche” menu with wine pairings was actually 7 dishes if amuse bouche and delicacies are included. Highlights included tuna tartare with wasabi pea sauce and white chocolate “mayonnaise”, shrimp ravioli with foie gras gravy, vanilla sauce over grilled mahi mahi and finally, their signature Black Pearl Dessert with the most unique presentation ever and literally explosive texture.
It was a pleasure speaking with the delightful co-owner and patisserie chef, Benedicte about the history of the restaurant and her journey toward culinary recognition. After 2 weeks travelling throughout French Polynesia and the Cook Islands, we definitely saved the best for last!
4. The Lotus Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 652 reviews
Discover our Gourmet Restaurant overlooking the lagoon, near the sand-bottomed pool and submerged bar. Light lunch menu served everyday from 12 noon to 2p.m. with the best view of Moorea Island. Gourmet dinner every night from 6.30 to 9.30 P.M. Enjoy a creative and fine dinner in a pleasing and romantic atmosphere.
Reviewed By Prufreck - Hadlow, United Kingdom
The location is excellent and you should try to reserve a table directly over the water, so you can watch the fish swimming around if your waiter forgets to offer you bread or your waitress forgets your drink order.
Service was a little sloppy for a restaurant that's ranked No 1 on Tripadvisor. The food was tasty and interesting but for around AUD 50 for a main course I expected more of a WOW factor. The scallops were a little overcooked and the fish was a little dry, but the flavours were very good and very well balanced.
Having only just arrived in Tahiti, I am not quite sure what to expect in regard to wine prices, but with most of the reasonable wines (French Sauvignon Blanc, French St Emilion) coming in at around AUD 25-30 a glass we were not tempted to purchase a bottle, which was a shame. In fact our wine list didn't even offer any of them by the bottle, which is quite telling in itself.
5. Les Petits Ventres
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By PierTom - Philadelphia
This little restaurant is a bit tucked away behind the government buildings in Papeete. It's not in the main tourist area. But once you get inside, you feel transported. The service is exceptionally good. The food was prepared in a way that was both beautiful to look at and fantastic to eat. We looked a bit bedraggled (this is not rare in humid, hot Papeete) but we were welcomed like long lost family.
6. Te Tiare
Overall Ratings
4 based on 382 reviews
The Tiare is the heart of the hotel's, looking out over Moorea's spectacular silhouette and Mountains. The menu ranges from light snacks and healthy salads to fresh fish specialities and specially selected meats from New Zealand. The hotel's main restaurant is open every day with continuous service of all meals. For an authentic taste of French Polynesia, discover our program of dinner shows featuring exciting Performances of the unique Polynesian dances. Wednesday: "Marquesas Night" Discover the legends of the Marquesas Islands dances with the impressive Toa Huhina group of warriors. Buffet features Polynesian and Marquesas specialties Friday: "Soirée Merveilleurse" The most popular dining event in Tahiti with its sumptuous buffet of Polynesian specialties. Featuring the internationally renowned "Hei Tahiti" who dance to the joy of living, under Tahiti most famous melodies in a very colorful show. Sunday: enjoy our Tahitian brunch which features typical Polynesian specialties.
Reviewed By M H - Northern Virginia, Virginia
We ate a light lunch here (fish on a stick for $10) and Sunday brunch (included with room rate). What's best about Te Tiare is not the food, but the wonderful view from the restaurant, the live entertainment from local musicians, and the friendly service. The Sunday brunch is fairly extensive with many choices of breakfast fare as well as lunch type offerings. I stuck with breakfast items and have to admit whenever there's a real French croissant presented to me, or any real French pastry, I'm not going to pass it up. French made breads and pastries far surpass anything Americans try to copy, so I savored that part of the buffet. Yogurt and fruit was about as fresh as it could be. Who could ask for more than that?!
7. Creperie la Boule Rouge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 165 reviews
8. Chez Remy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Traditional french cuisine
Reviewed By Michaelbirmingham4 - Birmingham, Michigan
Post cruise we stayed at the .Meriden and wanted to leave the hotel for dinner. They suggested Chez Remy. We were the only table at the restaurant. I typically look for a busy restaurant, but decided to stay. We were pleasantly surprised with great service and good food. The place is very small but cute. We started with the escargot. Excellent. Swimming in garlic and butter. I had the sole and my wife had the fish of the day. Both were excellent. We recommend Chez Remy if you are in the area.
9. Le Grillardin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
Reviewed By Brent M - Orange, California
My wife and I ate here prior to a cruise - and found the staff to be helpful and friendly.
We each ordered the rack of lamb, and were surprised to get like 7 ribs each :)
I wish they had a bit stronger air conditioning - but otherwise no complaints.
10. Restaurant Le Sully
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By Paul T - Tauranga, New Zealand
We had lunch here. The menu is largely French influenced but with an injection of pacific ingredients and style. They have some good French wines by the glass. The service was outstanding. We enjoyed our meal - both what we ordered and the amuse bouche and extras from the kitchen! One of the hidden gems in Papeete.
