City: French Polynesia
Top Restaurants in French Polynesia
Top 10 restaurants in French Polynesia
Tahiti and Bora Bora are the most well known French Polynesian islands, thanks to their picture-perfect beaches and romantic ambiance. Indeed, these islands are ideal for handholding, with their lush landscapes and mood-setting features like lagoons and grottos. The heart-shaped island of Mo’orea makes a wonderful base for divers and snorkelers eager to explore its surrounding barrier reef system. Feeding the massive, sacred eels of Huahine is a one-in-a-lifetime way to experience an important local ritual.
Things to do in French Polynesia
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. Rudy's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Darcy E
We had dinner here, and were treated unbelievably well. Our daughter was extremely tired so they expedited her food. The parrot fish is ecceptional, a must try when you go. And the papaya pineapple upside down tart? Heaven on earth. We will return before we head back home. Thank you Rudy's!!
3. Lagoon Restaurant by Jean-Georges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 445 reviews
Experience The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort's exclusive signature restaurant LAGOON by Jean Georges where you will find an unparalled French and Asian-infused menu hand crafted by the celebrated Jean-Georges Vongerichten. LAGOON, which just won the 2014 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, offers the freshest fish and ingredients indegenous to the Islands while presenting the most eloquent backdrop of the mythic Mount Otemanu and crystal clear waters. Embrace this ultimate culinary dinner opportunity along with a full-service bar that opens at 5:00 p.M. With a modified snack menu
Reviewed By Alison B - Cwmbran, United Kingdom
The position of this restaurant is as the name suggests, right on the lagoon. The glass floor allows you to see the sharks below. The staff were impeccable, both in their quality of service and their knowledge. We always like to try food we may not have had before, so the papio and urevena fish were a must and were delicious. The starter of raw tuna and octopus, all sourced locally were stunning. It really was a great evening and we felt well taken care of.
4. Pizza Daniel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By 40Kiwiclaire - Wellington, New Zealand
Just off the roadside, south of Haapiti, is this little pizza shack which cooks up brilliant thin-crust pizza. A great selection of toppings, including fresh tuna, which comes in generous chunks.
Good prices, especially compared to extortionate resort fare. A tasty treat for lunch. The pizzas are generous and very well covered, so you'll be mega hungry to manage one each -probably best for sharing.
A nice area with stools and a bench to sit at while waiting for your pizza. You can eat here and watch the fish in the stream behind the bench.
They also do takeaways.
Bravo Daniel's Pizza.
5. St James Bora Bora
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 887 reviews
It's a waterside restaurant with a spectacular view of sunset,you can enjoy our creations of coktails and our menu with new flavours .we have 4 differents atmospheres including a VIP table for enjoying a tasting menu created by chef Temauri Foster.The St James team will welcome you to make an unforgetable memorie.come, taste, and enjoy
Reviewed By Kevin P - Vienna, Virginia
We grabbed dinner at this beautiful island staple and it was such an amazing experience. Our romantic tour included a romantic boat ride and dinner at St. James. Our preset menu consisted of an appetizer:[mahi tuna or shrimp prons salad], dinner:[steak filet or mahi tuna], and dessert: [caramelized latin dessert or cheesecake]. The french wine selection was very robust and the views were spectacular. You can also take a taxi if your located on the Mainland.
6. Toatea Creperie & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 921 reviews
Built over a natural aquarium, the Toatea Restaurant & Bar appears to float on water and offers sweeping views over the lagoon and Moorea's majestic peaks. The Toatea features a la carte menu of Brittany Crepes. The only overwater Restaurant & Bar in French Polynesia. Open every evenings.
Reviewed By Lorraine K - Perth, Australia
This creperie is advertised as wonderful inside The Hilton Moorea. So we went for dinner, it is not open for any other meal! We shared a nuttella & banana sweet crepe, in a tropical paradise where people sell bananas on the roadside. Looks like Hilton did not buy any. In a full size crepe we both only found one slice of banana each. Why not just tell us it is off the menu tonight. The creperie advertises meet our sharks every night, this was the best part of Toatea. Disappointed.
7. Snack Mahana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The locals told us about this place, and the food was excellent, and a great value, considering the prices at the regular restaurants.
Reviewed By Sunrize12 - Benton, Louisiana
What a piece of Polynesian heaven this lovely little place is! Amazing poisson cru and breaded mahi mahi in coconut milk. Charming setting surrounded by local flavor. We had a fabulous time in a gorgeous setting watching stingrays and sharks while eating amazing food! A must do in Moorea!!!!!
8. Lilikoi Garden Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
Welcome to our polynesian "roulotte"! In the shade of our coconut grove you will find home made delicacies to enjoy in our garden or to take away to the beach. Open Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 3pm . You will also discover a tiny shop in a gypsy caravan My Little Coconut Shop with local art craft. Come and ENJOY my cuisine, I use fresh local produce and make fresh ice cream and cake everyday. My receipes are a mix of french, japanese and american influences. See you soon at Lilikoi!!!
Reviewed By Leah C
I went here today and was closed. According to Hilton, the cafe closed for about a month but when I went there, two lovely dogs came out to say hello but that was it. So disappointing!
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. Fare La Canadienne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 336 reviews
Reviewed By skiNebraska - Kearney, Nebraska
We saw from trip advisor that either the mussels/frites or burgers were the things to get here for lunch and looked for a time they were open. We tried the phone number listed in Trip Advisor and there was no answer, but in driving by, we discovered they were open and ordered a burger and fries to share. Good idea! Unless you have a tremendous appetite, 1/2 is good. Nice service, inside was too hot for us, no ice for drinks, beer was cold, life is good!
