The French Polynesian atoll of Fakarava is a little place. This stunning island is renowned for its stunning scenery, pristine waters, and delectable cuisine. The distinctive and varied local cuisine of Fakarava combines French, Polynesian, and Asian influences.
Le Bambou
At Fakarava, Le Bambou is a must-eat establishment. This restaurant, which can be found in the southern part of the island, provides an exceptional eating experience. With dining spaces covered in thatch and a welcoming staff, the ambiance is warm and rustic. You will be greeted by a delicious aroma of spices and grilled fish as soon as you step inside the restaurant.
A variety of seafood meals, including grilled mahi-mahi, tuna sashimi, and seafood curry, are available on the menu. The dishes are of the finest quality because the seafood is caught fresh every day. Le Bambou offers traditional Polynesian cuisine in addition to seafood, including dishes like Poisson Cru, a raw fish salad with vegetables and coconut milk.
The Tahitian-style grilled lobster is one of Le Bambou’s hallmark dishes. The lobster is expertly prepared and served with a delectable garlic butter sauce that accentuates the meat’s tenderness. Tuna sashimi is another dish that shouldn’t be missed. The accompanying soy sauce and wasabi complement the freshness of the tuna, which practically melts in your mouth.
Le Bambou is the ideal place for a special dinner because it also has a large selection of French and Australian wines. The staff can suggest the ideal wine to combine with your meal because they are knowledgeable about wine.
Kainalu Grill
A beachfront dining establishment with a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean is called Kainalu Grill. Burgers produced using regionally sourced ingredients and served on homemade buns are the restaurant’s specialty. Grilled chicken, ribs, and fish tacos are also available on the menu of the eatery. The “Poisson Burger,” a fish burger created from the day’s fresh catch and garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, and homemade tartar sauce, is one of the restaurant’s most well-known offerings.
The relaxed ambiance of Kainalu Grill is one of the things that make it so well-liked. Families and groups of friends will enjoy the restaurant’s outside sitting area with picnic tables. The atmosphere in the restaurant is laid-back and welcoming, and the staff is helpful and cordial.
In addition to serving delectable meals, Kainalu Grill is renowned for its specialty drink, The Kainalu. This cool beverage, which is blended with vodka, pineapple juice, and coconut cream, is ideal for sipping while admiring the ocean views.
Chez Lili
A modest family-run eatery called Chez Lili offers authentic Polynesian cuisine. The eatery, which is noted for its original cuisine and friendly service, is situated in the northern part of Fakarava. On the menu are items like grilled fish, taro, breadfruit, and poultry that has been cooked in coconut milk. The “Chez Lili Mix,” a platter of grilled fish, chicken, and pig served with a side of rice and veggies, is the restaurant’s signature dish.
The welcoming ambience of Chez Lili is one of the things that makes it so popular. The service at the restaurant is warm and courteous, and it features an outdoor seating area with wooden tables and chairs. Given that there is a children’s play area, the restaurant is also a perfect place for families with young children.
Chez Lili serves wonderful, authentic meals. Fresh ingredients are used to create the dishes, and each dish has a unique flavor profile. The Poisson Cru, a raw fish salad mixed with coconut milk, lime juice, and veggies, is one delicacy that shouldn’t be missed. The salad is flavorful and perfectly reflects the island’s cuisine. It is also light and energizing.
Pension Raimiti
A beautiful inn called Pension Raimiti is situated on a tiny islet close to Fakarava. The hotel also boasts a restaurant where guests may enjoy a distinctive dining experience. With a direct beachfront location, the restaurant provides a breathtaking ocean view. Depending on the products that are available, the menu of Pension Raimiti changes every day. Seafood is the restaurant’s specialty, and only recently caught fish is used in the meals.
An appetizer, a main dish, and a dessert are all included in the set menu at the restaurant of Pension Raimiti. The food is cooked with care and features a blend of French and Polynesian flavors. Octopus on a grill or ceviche may be served as an appetizer, and grilled fish with coconut sauce or pig cooked in banana leaves may be served as the main course. Desserts are also a pleasure, with choices like coconut ice cream or banana flambe.
In addition to its mouthwatering cuisine, Pension Raimiti is renowned for its warm and inviting service. The ambiance in the restaurant is laid-back, and patrons are invited to take their time and soak in the lovely surroundings. Also, a variety of beverages, including local beer and wine, are available at the restaurant.
Le Maitai Rangiroa
The neighbouring island of Rangiroa is home to the hotel Le Maitai Rangiroa, but it’s worth the trip just for the restaurant. The restaurant boasts a cozy setting with a breathtaking view of the ocean. The dishes on the menu combine French and Pacific flavors and are crafted with fresh, regional ingredients.
Seafood is the restaurant’s specialty, and the seafood-based dishes are its standout offerings. Daily seafood catches are carefully cooked into delicacies like seared tuna with soy sauce and ginger, or grilled mahi-mahi with pineapple chutney. A veggie curry and a tofu stir-fry are among the restaurant’s many vegetarian options.
The Tahitian-style steak is one of Le Maitai Rangiroa’s signature meals. The steak is served with a side of taro and a marinade made of soy sauce, and it is grilled to perfection. The meal is a superb illustration of the island’s cuisine’s fusion of French and Pacific ingredients.
Moreover, Le Maitai Rangiroa serves a variety of drinks, including the well-known “Mai Tai.” The cocktail is the ideal beverage to sip while admiring the stunning ocean views; it is mixed with rum, lime juice, and pineapple juice.
In conclusion, Fakarava is a culinary paradise. French, Polynesian, and Asian flavors are combined in the island’s cuisine to create a distinctive and varied dining experience. Le Bambou, Kainalu Grill, Chez Lili, Pension Raimiti, and Le Maitai Rangiroa are the top five eateries in Fakarava and all provide a sample of the outstanding cuisine on the island. Fakarava has a restaurant to fit your tastes, whether you’re searching for a special occasion, a beachside dining experience, or a trip to a nearby island. Hence, if you’re thinking about visiting French Polynesia, don’t forget to include Fakarava on your list of must-see places.
Our Top FAQ's
Fakarava’s cuisine is a mix of French, Polynesian, and Asian flavors, resulting in a unique and diverse dining experience. The island’s specialty is seafood, with dishes made from freshly caught fish.
At Le Bambou, the standout dishes include the coconut curry shrimp and the tuna tartare. Kainalu Grill is known for its mouthwatering burgers and grilled dishes, while Chez Lili is famous for its Polynesian-inspired dishes. Pension Raimiti’s specialty is seafood, and Le Maitai Rangiroa is known for its Tahitian-style steak and seafood dishes.
Yes, several restaurants in Fakarava offer vegetarian options, such as vegetable curries and tofu stir-fries.
Fakarava restaurants range in price, but many offer affordable options. Some restaurants, such as Kainalu Grill, are known for their reasonable prices, while others, such as Le Bambou, are more upscale. Overall, visitors can expect to find a range of options to suit their budget.