Tahiti, the vibrant heart of French Polynesia, pulsates with a culinary energy as diverse as its breathtaking landscapes. From elegant restaurants echoing Parisian sophistication to humble yet abundant food trucks, the island offers a dining experience for every palate and budget. While the turquoise waters surrounding Tahiti provide a constant supply of fresh seafood, menus often feature an array of international flavors and local delicacies, ensuring a delightful gastronomic journey for all.
Navigating the Tahitian dining scene requires a touch of local savvy. While many establishments boast websites, Facebook often serves as the most up-to-date source for daily specials, impromptu menu changes, and alterations to opening hours. Embracing this social media landscape allows diners to stay informed and connect directly with restaurant owners. Though online inquiries are possible, reservations are typically preferred via telephone, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.
Embark on a culinary adventure and discover the 10 Best Restaurants in Tahiti, each offering a unique glimpse into the island’s rich gastronomic tapestry.
1. Best Overall: Blue Banana
Nestled in the tranquil locale of Puna’auia, Blue Banana presents a harmonious blend of ambiance, cuisine, and value. This popular establishment offers diners a choice between indoor seating and an enchanting overwater pontoon, providing stunning views of the neighboring island of Moorea. The regular menu features a tempting selection of well-priced steaks, fresh seafood, and handcrafted pizzas. The daily specials board, often as expansive as the regular menu, showcases the chef’s creativity and the freshest catches of the day, alongside choice cuts of imported meats.
Popular dishes include delicately seared tuna, served as a flavorful entrée or atop a vibrant salad, and pizzas adorned with creamy raclette cheese. For a sweet ending, the guava tart is a local favorite, bursting with tropical flavors. Blue Banana embodies the essence of Tahitian dining, making it worthy of one of The 10 Best Restaurants in Tahiti.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. To secure a coveted spot on the overwater pontoon, booking in advance is essential, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience amidst the beauty of French Polynesia.
- Address: face au Magasin PAS CHER, PK 11,200 côté mer, Punaauia, French Polynesia
- Phone: +689 40 41 22 24
2. Best Fine Dining: Le Lotus Restaurant
Perched gracefully on the grounds of the InterContinental Resort Tahiti, Le Lotus is an enchanting cluster of circular overwater huts, offering an unparalleled dining experience. This romantic setting provides breathtaking views of Moorea, while the illuminated floor offers glimpses into the vibrant sea life below.
The menu at Le Lotus is a testament to culinary innovation, changing frequently to showcase the chef’s newest creations. Diners can expect an exquisite selection of fresh seafood and premium meats, prepared with inventive sauces and presented with artistic flair. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list and a creative cocktail menu, perfect for complementing the exquisite cuisine.
Le Lotus is open for both lunch and dinner, and reservations are essential to secure a place in this coveted dining destination. It truly is a shining example of The 10 Best Restaurants in Tahiti.
- Address: PK7, Fa’a’ā 98702, French Polynesia
- Phone: +689 40 86 51 10
3. Best Mediterranean: La Casa Bianca
Located next to the Marina in Puna’auia, La Casa Bianca is a beloved local establishment known for its generous portions of classic Mediterranean fare. The menu features a tempting array of pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads, prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining areas, providing a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. "La Casa Bianca," meaning "The White House" in Italian, is also popular for its brisk takeout business and its well-stocked bar, offering a selection of beers and wines.
Booking ahead is recommended, particularly on weekends, to ensure a table at this popular Mediterranean haven.
- Address: Puna’auia, French Polynesia
- Phone: +689 40 43 91 35
4. Best Steak: L’annexe
Tucked away in an air-conditioned corner of the Pacific Place shopping center in Faa’a, L’annexe is a cozy restaurant renowned for its high-quality steaks. Grilled in a style that leans more towards American than traditional French, the steaks are cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.
However, L’annexe is more than just a steakhouse. The daily specials board features a diverse selection of fresh seafood and imported meats, catering to a variety of tastes. Be sure to save room for one of their inventive desserts, such as the peanut butter cup rendition of the classic profiterole.
- Address: Fa’a’ā, French Polynesia
- Phone: +689 40 42 32 32
5. Best Value: Place Vaiete Roulottes
For a truly authentic and budget-friendly Tahitian dining experience, head to Place Vaiete in Papeete. This bustling waterfront area is home to a vibrant collection of "roulottes," or food trucks, offering a diverse range of cuisines.
From fresh raw fish dishes and Asian stir-fries to juicy burgers, crispy fries, and succulent barbecue, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Steak frites and decadent desserts are also readily available.
The portions at the roulottes are famously generous, justifying the prices that may initially seem a bit high. Be sure to bring cash, as most of the roulottes do not accept credit cards.
- Address: 369 Bd de la Reine Pomare IV, Papeete 98714, French Polynesia
6. Best French: Le Sully
Step into Le Sully, an intimate dining room in Papeete, and be transported to a classic Parisian brasserie. This charming restaurant specializes in market cuisine, meaning the menu is primarily composed of nightly specials based on the chef’s daily selections from the local market.
Expect to find French favorites such as beef tournedos, often topped with a slice of tangy French cheese, rustic country terrines, flavorful pork rillette, and of course, Tahiti’s freshest seafood.
Le Sully regularly posts daily updates on its Facebook page, keeping diners informed of the latest culinary offerings. Reservations are strongly suggested to secure a table at this popular French gem.
- Address: Papeete 98714, French Polynesia
- Phone: +689 40 83 39 83
7. Best View: O Belvédère
Perched high on a mountain overlooking Papeete, O Belvédère lives up to its name, offering breathtaking panoramic views. After a long, steep drive up the mountain ridge, diners are rewarded with sweeping vistas of the Tahitian coastline, the city of Papeete, and the island of Moorea across the channel.
O Belvédère typically offers a significant selection of nightly specials, showcasing the chef’s creativity and the freshest seasonal ingredients. The menu also features a number of fondues and raclettes, perfect for sharing, as well as a substantial burger with bacon and onion confit.
- Address: Pā’ea, French Polynesia
- Phone: +689 89 40 34 03
8. Best for Lunch: Le Soufflé
Located on Rue de Paul Gauguin, across from the Hotel de Ville (City Hall) of Papeete, Le Soufflé is a popular power lunch spot. As the name suggests, the star of the menu is the eponymous soufflé, served as both a savory main dish and a sweet dessert.
The restaurant also offers a notable selection of wryly named cocktails, refreshing salads (a favorite is topped with sautéed shrimp), and market cuisine based on the freshest ingredients available at the nearby public market. Reservations are essential for lunch at Le Soufflé, solidifying it as one of The 10 Best Restaurants in Tahiti.
- Address: Papeete 98714, French Polynesia
- Phone: +689 40 57 00 17
9. Best Seafood: L’Instant Présent
L’Instant Présent ("The Present Time" in French) offers a diverse range of dining experiences under one roof. Diners can enjoy the bistro menu, featuring a variety of tapas and tartars made from local seafood or meat, in the oceanfront dining room with a terrace.
The restaurant also serves sushi and other Japanese dishes, while the teppanyaki table is available by reservation or walk-in (though reservations are suggested). No matter what diners choose, the sunset views of Moorea are spectacular.
- Address: C98M+986, Puna’auia, French Polynesia
- Phone: +689 40 57 00 08
10. Best Patisserie: Bogato
For the ultimate indulgence in decadent and eye-catching pastries, Bogato is the place to be in Tahiti. With a Paris-trained pastry chef at the helm, Bogato creates masterpieces that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
While there are satellite locations in Papara and Taravao, the original patisserie in downtown Papeete is perfect for sipping coffee and indulging in a sweet treat on a leisurely afternoon. Alternatively, swing by and pick up a box to-go for a special occasion or, in true Tahitian style, an oceanfront picnic. Arrive early in the day for the best selection. Bogato is a must-visit spot and one of The 10 Best Restaurants in Tahiti.
- Address: Ave du Prince Hinoi, Papeete 98714, French Polynesia
- Phone: +689 40 42 85 00
These 10 Best Restaurants in Tahiti offer a taste of the island’s diverse culinary landscape, from elegant fine dining to casual food truck fare. Each establishment provides a unique experience, reflecting the vibrant culture and natural beauty of French Polynesia. Bon appétit!
