The Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurants in Moorea French Polynesia 🍴

Discover the Most Delicious Culinary Spots on the Island 🌴

Moorea French Polynesia is a paradise for those who love scrumptious cuisine, and the restaurants on the island offer a plethora of options for food enthusiasts. Whether you are looking for seafront dining, romantic spots, or the best local eateries, Moorea has it all. Here, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best restaurants on the island, along with tips and recommendations to make your dining experience unforgettable. Let’s dive in!

Introduction

Moorea French Polynesia is a small island in the South Pacific, just a short flight from Papeete. The island is known for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters, but it is the culinary scene that truly sets it apart. The local cuisine is a fusion of French, Polynesian, and Asian influences, and the island’s restaurants offer a unique dining experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Whether you are looking for fine dining or casual eats, Moorea has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best restaurants on the island and what makes them special.

1. What are the best restaurants in Moorea?

There are several exceptional restaurants on the island that are worth visiting. Some of the best options include:

La Villa des Sens: This elegant restaurant boasts a beautiful setting overlooking the lagoon and the mountains. The menu features French cuisine with Polynesian influences, and the dishes are prepared using fresh local ingredients.
Le Coco’s Restaurant: This seafront restaurant is located on the beautiful Temae Beach and serves a mix of French and Polynesian cuisine. The menu includes seafood, steaks, and local specialties like poisson cru (raw fish marinated in coconut milk).
Snack Mahana: If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, Snack Mahana is the perfect spot. The restaurant serves sandwiches, burgers, and crepes, as well as local specialties like grilled fish and shrimp.
Te Honu Iti: This cozy restaurant is located in a traditional Polynesian fare (house) and serves a mix of French and Polynesian cuisine. The menu includes dishes like foie gras, grilled fish, and coconut crème brûlée.

2. What is the local cuisine like in Moorea?

The local cuisine in Moorea is a fusion of French, Polynesian, and Asian influences, and the dishes are prepared using fresh local ingredients. Some of the most popular dishes on the island include poisson cru (raw fish marinated in coconut milk), grilled fish, seafood, and tama’ara’a (Polynesian-style ceviche). French pastries and bread are also popular, and you’ll find plenty of bakeries on the island.

3. What is the dress code at the restaurants in Moorea?

The dress code at most restaurants on the island is casual, but some of the finer dining establishments may require more formal attire. It’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant ahead of time to see what their dress code is.

4. What are the prices like at the restaurants in Moorea?

The prices at restaurants in Moorea can vary widely, depending on the establishment. Casual eateries and snack bars tend to be more affordable, while fine dining restaurants can be quite expensive. On average, you can expect to pay around 3,000-5,000 CFP for a main course at a mid-range restaurant.

5. What are the best restaurants for seafood in Moorea?

There are several excellent restaurants on the island that specialize in seafood. Some of the best options include:

Le Coco’s Restaurant: This seafront restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, including fish, shrimp, and lobster.
Allo Pizza: This casual eatery serves a variety of pizzas, as well as seafood dishes like grilled shrimp and mussels.
Snack Mahana: This beachfront restaurant serves a mix of burgers, sandwiches, and seafood dishes like grilled fish and shrimp.

6. What are the best restaurants for a romantic dinner in Moorea?

Moorea is a popular destination for honeymooners and couples, and there are several restaurants on the island that offer a romantic atmosphere. Some of the best options include:

La Villa des Sens: This elegant restaurant boasts a beautiful setting overlooking the lagoon and the mountains, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
Te Honu Iti: This cozy restaurant is located in a traditional Polynesian fare (house) and offers an intimate atmosphere.
Le Coco’s Restaurant: This seafront restaurant offers stunning views of the ocean and the nearby Motu Temae.

7. What are the best restaurants for families in Moorea?

Moorea is a family-friendly destination, and there are several restaurants on the island that cater to families with children. Some of the best options include:

Snack Mahana: This casual beachfront restaurant serves a variety of kid-friendly dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and crepes.
Le Mayflower: This casual eatery serves a mix of French and Polynesian cuisine and offers a kids’ menu.
Le Coco’s Restaurant: This seafront restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and a kids’ menu.

8. What are the best restaurants for vegetarian and vegan options in Moorea?

Vegetarian and vegan options can be limited on the island, but there are a few restaurants that offer meat-free dishes. Some of the best options include:

Snack Mahana: This casual beachfront restaurant serves vegetarian sandwiches and salads.
Le Mayflower: This casual eatery serves a mix of French and Polynesian cuisine and offers vegetarian options.
Te Honu Iti: This cozy restaurant offers a few vegetarian options, including grilled vegetables and salads.

9. What are the best restaurants for a view in Moorea?

Moorea is known for its stunning natural beauty, and there are several restaurants on the island that offer breathtaking views. Some of the best options include:

La Villa des Sens: This elegant restaurant boasts a beautiful setting overlooking the lagoon and the mountains.
Le Coco’s Restaurant: This seafront restaurant offers stunning views of Temae Beach and the nearby Motu Temae.
Ke Pahu: This casual restaurant is located on a hillside and offers panoramic views of the island.

10. What are the best restaurants for French cuisine in Moorea?

French cuisine is heavily influences the culinary scene in Moorea, and there are several restaurants on the island that specialize in French fare. Some of the best options include:

La Villa des Sens: This elegant restaurant serves French cuisine with Polynesian influences.
Te Honu Iti: This cozy restaurant serves a mix of French and Polynesian cuisine.
Le Mayflower: This casual eatery serves a variety of French dishes.

11. What are the best restaurants for Asian cuisine in Moorea?

Asian cuisine is also present on the island, and there are a few restaurants that serve dishes from across Asia. Some of the best options include:

Le Mahogany: This casual restaurant serves a mix of French and Asian cuisine.
Allo Pizza: This casual eatery serves a variety of pizzas, as well as Asian-inspired dishes like sushi and stir-fries.
Te Honu Iti: This cozy restaurant serves a mix of French and Asian-inspired dishes.

12. What are the best restaurants for a special occasion in Moorea?

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion, there are several restaurants on the island that offer a memorable dining experience. Some of the best options include:

La Villa des Sens: This elegant restaurant offers a luxurious setting and fine French cuisine.
Te Honu Iti: This cozy restaurant is located in a traditional Polynesian fare (house) and offers an intimate atmosphere.