Few people know that aside from stunning overwater bungalows, gorgeous emerald green mountain peaks, and pristine blue lagoons, French Polynesia offers some truly delicious food. Follow these tips for dining in French Polynesia, and you’ll be well on your way to gastronomical heaven!
1. Take advantage of the fresh fish!
One of the perks of island living is being able to enjoy delicious and incredibly fresh fish! Throughout the island of Tahiti, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh wahoo, mahi mahi, and lagoon fish. We also recommend the poisson cru, a raw tuna salad often made with cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes. Each restaurant offers their own spin on this traditional Polynesian delight, so be sure to try it at least once! We especially enjoyed the poisson cru served at the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort’s restaurant.
2. Explore the many excellent local restaurants on the islands!
There are some truly delicious restaurants outside of resorts’ walls. For a great change of scenery, we really recommend enjoying a romantic dinner at La Villa Mahana in Bora Bora. This intimate restaurant only contains seven tables, and only offers one seating per night. It’s the ultimate romantic dining experience! *Due to the restaurant’s limited seating, we recommend you make reservations as far in advance as possible.*
Click here to see other amazing restaurants on Bora Bora!
Staying on Moorea? We really recommend the Moorea Beach Cafe. The restaurant’s owner, Bruno, is super friendly and you really feel at home while dining here. The food at Moorea Beach Cafe is absolutely delicious, and offers more reasonable prices than some of the resorts. Not sure how to get there? Not to worry! The restaurant will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, free of charge!
Click here to see other amazing restaurants on Moorea!
3. Always leave room for dessert!
French Polynesia naturally enjoys some delicious fresh fruit, and some of the world’s best vanilla, which is probably why the dessert throughout the Tahitian islands is top notch. From delicious creme brulees to refreshing fruit sorbets to decadent molten chocolate cakes that are complete with Tahitian vanilla ice cream, the desserts throughout French Polynesia never disappoint. The vanilla creme brulee in Taha’a is especially scrumptious, and the molten chocolate cake at the St. Regis Bora Bora is perfect for chocolate lovers.
4. Enjoy a romantic breakfast brought to you by canoe!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not take advantage of a fun new way to enjoy it? Many overwater bungalows in Tahiti offer guests the opportunity to have their breakfast delivered to their bungalow by a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe. You can dine at the table on your bungalow’s deck while enjoying an amazing lagoonside breakfast you’ll never forget.
5. Wear long pants!
During Tahiti’s Fall/Winter, which runs from June – October, evenings can be chilly or breezy throughout French Polynesia. Since many restaurants include outdoor seating, it’s a good idea to wear pants to dinner in order to keep warm and avoid an undesirable encounter with a mosquito.
Happy dining!