Top Restaurants in Efate
Top 10 restaurants in Efate, Vanuatu
It was the site of three international versions of "Survivor," but time spent on Efate is anything but a struggle. Part of the island nation of Vanuatu, Efate is a tropical former territory of Britain and France, whose influences are still present in the island’s culture and cuisine. The capital city of Port Vila is a mosaic of restaurants, shops and museums, as well as the point of origin for many SCUBA, jet ski and parasailing excursions. Don’t miss the spectacular freshwater falls of Mele Cascades.
Things to do in Efate
1. Chill Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Australiacatcat
If you need a nice lunch or dinner in aircon with good service go to Chill. Everything is delicious from the fish to the pasta to the lobster to the pizza. The menu has barely changed in years so I know that I will have a consistent delicious meal the same way I had it five years ago. But in saying that some modernisation with some healthy meals wouldn’t go astray. Maybe something with brown rice or quinoa would be nice.
Awesome location and ask for a window seat to watch the fish been fed.
2. Tilly's Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 347 reviews
Tilly's restaurant is the main restaurant of Chantilly's on the Bay hotel. It is inside the hotel building - situated out front on the water. With a diverse menu - that fits with the hotels tag line - Port Vila's best little international hotel. We like to think of Tilly's as the best place in town, with great, views, great service, great food and a great wine list. Do try us out.
Reviewed By Nicholas C - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Part of Chantilly's Hotel, this had been recommended to us. The view from the veranda is lovely, and the restaurant itself is very professionally laid out and staffed. The food was good and the cocktails were excellent - the best we had in Vanuatu. Recommended.
3. Mangoes Resort Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
Reviewed By narellew186 - Melbourne, Australia
Great meal in a great location on a hill surrounded by lush tropical Gardens.
A simple meal of chicken and prawn spring rolls followed by crumbed (with parmasian) fish and chips was well cooked and well presented. Great service. Parking is available immediately out front and mangoes is only a 4 minute drive from the CBD - worth the trip!
4. Au Peche Mignon
Overall Ratings
4 based on 647 reviews
Reviewed By Jeisre - Brisbane, Australia
We had lunch here on a cruise port day, and cafe was further walk away - hence less crowded. We ordered coffee, juices, croissants, beef carpaccio and hot dogs for the kids. When taking order the lady at the counter had to repeat each order item twice or trice, obviously we had difficulty with language difference. By the end of the order when money was handed, she counted and said she forgot to charge for a coffee. Ok, we handed in the extra money and sat down. Drinks arrived pretty quick, and the fresh baguette with butter - a lovely touch. However that’s when we got told no juices are available, so we had to order something else. We didn’t want soda, so asked to cancel juices and refund the $$. This took a while, before they brought out the refund. Another 20 mins later the food came, which was overall good, except for carpaccio they’ve used stale coconut oil, not olive oil, so that gave it a bitter, unpleasant taste. At that time the lady, who took the order, came out and told us she forgot to charge us for a croissant, we were confused as she had repeated the order a few times upon payment. We asked for a receipt to see what was ordered, what was refunded as there was too much money back and forth and it was now confusing what was paid for and what was not. They took another 20 mins writing up the bill by hand. It was indeed that the waitress forgot to add the croissant price, but did add it to the order... I guess, it’s the same level of service on island time anywhere you go in Vanuatu and you just have to accept it. But it can be confusing how they take order and forgetting to add charges, keep a record to avid being confused. Just to note that prices are pretty much the same as in Australia, but you get lower standard of service and longer waits. Be patient, keep record - service is generally very slow even if there are not any other customers at the restaurant.
5. Le Cafe du Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 536 reviews
The Mediterranean design, waterfront location and superb cuisine have earned Cafe du Village iconic status in Vanuatu. Just a few steps down a leafy passegway next to the Grand Hotel you will enter into a small coutyard of serenity with split level coral based terraces, vivid white ballustrates, high ceilings, and white louvre shutters. Our local staff are carefully selected for their friendliness and hospitality from the top resort hotels and international cruise lines. We offer a diverse choice of dishes to suit most palates, from our freshly caught fish and lobster (when available), our excellent local beef, to our popular sausage and mash and steak and kidney pie, but make sure you a leave a little space for one of our amazing desserts. With a perfect location, beautiful views over the harbour, breath taking sunsets and fabulous hospitality there is no better place in Port Vila to relax, enjoy and while away the day.
Reviewed By TheOldiesBrisbane - Brisbane
You would be hard-pressed to find a better-placed or more atmospherically congenial restaurant, looking past a couple of fishing boats, across the still waters of Vila Bay, in the direction of the island of Iririki.
We had arrived early, before sunset.
We have known le Café Du Village almost from its beginnings, in a few previous incarnations: bibulously riotous, … or moribund, … and on one occasion during a violent Vila downpour.
On this Sunday evening, we had no trouble in booking a table, for the three of us -- my wife, our son and I.
Lobster was on the menu, and we decided to share a Seafood Platter. The menu stipulated a ‘platter for two’, but that was stretched without any difficulties, quibbles or hesitation to three.
My wife and I ordered coconut juice. It was on the menu, not in the kitchen, … but that posed no problem, someone climbed a palm and extracted a couple of ultra-fresh coconuts.
Two large lobsters were kept in a cage, hanging from a nearby boat-stern. Two chefs hauled the cage up: it was inhabited by two very large, very fresh lobsters; with some difficulty and danger, one of the chefs extracted a lobster and carried it towards the kitchen.
The background music was by Nina Simone: like the night, it was magic.
The shared dish became a smorgasbord, and the seafood was delicious. The chefs and the waitresses were exceptionally congenial and thoughtful. It was a happy, relaxed and memorable evening.
6. Bungalow: Ate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Enjoy our open air dining surrounded by stylish Melanesian decor and cool breezes from the lagoon. Whether it is a romantic night out, a special occasion or a group of friends, we can ensure you have a wonderful and fun night with fantastic dining. Suspended over the water's edge, Sunset Bungalows Bungalow:Ate Restaurant offers breath taking views of the lagoon and the tropical fish that linger around the deck. These fish are particularly plentiful in the evenings as they are drawn in by the atmospheric flood lights that wash over the surface of the water.
Reviewed By JDobson01 - Brisbane, Australia
We recently stayed at Sunset Bungalows and enjoyed our meals at the restaurant - the staff were wonderful and the food was great. Gilbert the chef also show us some of their own traditional foods and shared with us. Would recommend even if you were not staying in the resort well worth the trip if you are in Port Villa. Lobster Mornay was delicious too.
7. Tamanu on the Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
With our truly breathtaking absolute beach front location , our fine dining, yet casually relaxed restaurant, is considered to be the best in Vanuatu and is renowned for its pavilion styled, open-air al fresco dining. We also offer our chapel for larger groups. Tamanu on the Beach's restaurant has earned a highly respected international reputation for delivering the most distinctive dining experience, featuring local organic meat, indigenous produce and the freshest of seafood. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner for guests and visitors, our restaurant offers quality dining at affordable prices. Bookings are recommended.
Reviewed By Monique456 - Bowral, Australia
A gorgeous location and stunning all white island style venue with beautiful food and well worth the drive. We loved it.Hi Monique, Thank you for your lovely comment, we like to think of ourselves as the pot of gold at the end of the pot hole road! We do hope you visit us again in the future. Tank yu tumas KeKe
8. The Beach Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
A great place to hang out for the day. The Beach Bar is famous for its wood fire pizzas, but offers a large choice of alternatives as well. The kids just love playing on the beach with all the free water toys while Mum & Dad relax in the beer garden. Sit back and enjoy the stunning sunsets over Mele Bay whilst enjoying a cold beer or glass of wine. Keep an eye out for the special "Friday Night Fire Dancing" evenings, Tuesday Movie nights on Port Vila's biggest screen, right on the beach and our Sunday Sessions starting with live music from 1pm followed by our great new show "Sunday Kustam Karnival" where Bank's Snake Dancers meet our talented Circus Performers". Something for everyone at The Beach Bar!
Reviewed By Roger B
Great pizzas, a good bar and a fascinating fire dance show performed by enthusiastic, accomplished island youngsters. Such an enjoyable evening!
9. Paradise Cove Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
"The resort and restaurant will be closed for our annual seasonal closure from 15th January to 22nd March 2018. Reopening on 23rd March 2018."<br><br>Under an iconic traditional roof celebrating the Melanesian architecture, the restaurant serves the best fresh local ingredients prepared with a Mediterranean touch. Please note that the access by boat is strictly limited.
Reviewed By CoolGreenDays - Perth, Australia
This restaurant, part of the Paradise Cove villa residences, is a lovely open 'hut' structure with both dining tables and lounge chairs and coffee tables, so you can eat formally or casually.
The friendly staff were our favorite part - they remembered us from a previous visit, and couldn't have been more helpful or attentive - but not too attentive.
The location is gorgeous during the day, and very romantic at night.
The food, like most places in Vanuatu, was expensive for what you get, but it was hot and tasty - salad seem to be served undressed though throughout the island not sure why - not my preference.
All in all, a much better meal than most, and as previously said, staff & location wonderful.
10. Kesorn's Exotic Thai Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
K & A Exotic Thai at the Horizon View is the well known and appreciated Thai cuisine of Kesorn and has stunning views over the Port Vila Bay. The Exotic Thai Restaurant is open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, and on Sunday for dinner only. Every Thursday night there is a cury buffet (all you can eat) for VT2400. Lunch Special on Monday to Saturday for VT1100 ($12) only.
Reviewed By MROG123
We hadn't been to Kesorn's wonderful restaurant since NY's Eve 2016, so decided to return as we had run out of the fabulous chilli sauce she sell's, so what better excuse than arrive on a stunning, warm still evening for dinner.
The food was wonderful, however, not as hot as we have had there before. But we cured that by requesting 2 wee plates of Prik Nam Pla. Where there's a will, there's a way.
