Tahiti is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, but it’s also a food lover’s paradise. The French Polynesian island has a rich culinary culture that blends traditional Polynesian flavors with French influences. From street food to fine dining, there are plenty of foodie destinations in Tahiti to satisfy any palate. In this article, we’ll explore the best foodie destinations in Tahiti.
The Roulottes of Papeete
The Roulottes of Papeete are a must-visit destination for any food lover in Tahiti. These food trucks, located in the heart of the capital city, offer a variety of delicious street food options. From crepes to seafood, there’s something for everyone.
One of the most popular dishes is poisson cru, a traditional Polynesian dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. The Roulottes of Papeete offer their own unique twist on this classic dish, with each truck putting their own spin on the recipe.
Another must-try dish is the infamous merguez sandwich. This spicy sausage sandwich is a staple at the Roulottes and is often served with a side of French fries.
Le Coco’s Restaurant
Le Coco’s Restaurant, located in the heart of Tahiti’s capital city, is a fine foodie destination in Tahiti that combines traditional Polynesian flavors with French techniques. The restaurant is situated on a hillside overlooking the ocean, offering stunning views and a romantic ambiance.
One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the lobster bisque. This rich and flavorful soup is made with fresh local lobster and served with a side of garlic bread.
Another must-try dish is the poisson cru. Le Coco’s version is made with fresh tuna and served with a side of crispy taro chips.
Snack Mahana
Another foodie destination in Tahiti is Snack Mahana that is located on the island of Moorea. It is a laid-back beachside restaurant that offers delicious local cuisine. The menu is focused on fresh seafood, with dishes like grilled mahi-mahi and shrimp skewers.
One of the most popular dishes is the Mahana Burger. This burger is made with a juicy beef patty, melted cheese, and a slice of grilled pineapple. It’s served with a side of French fries and a cold Hinano beer.
Le Coco Beach Restaurant
Le Coco Beach Restaurant, located on the island of Bora Bora, is a fine dining destination that offers stunning views of the lagoon. The menu is focused on fresh seafood, with dishes like grilled prawns and blackened tuna.
One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the lobster thermidor. This classic French dish is made with fresh local lobster and a creamy white wine sauce. It’s served with a side of roasted vegetables and a glass of chilled champagne.
Another must-try dish is the coconut crusted mahi-mahi. This dish is made with fresh local fish that’s coated in a crispy coconut crust and served with a side of pineapple salsa.
Les Roulottes de Vai’ete
Les Roulottes de Vai’ete, located in Papeete, is a night market that’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The market is filled with food trucks that offer a variety of delicious dishes.
One of the most popular trucks is La Pizza de Papeete. This truck offers wood-fired pizzas that are made with fresh local ingredients. Another popular truck is the one that offers fresh crepes filled with Nutella, banana, and coconut.
Restaurant le Lotus
Restaurant le Lotus, located on the island of Moorea, is a fine dining destination that offers stunning views of the lagoon. The menu is focused on French cuisine with a Polynesian twist.
One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the seared foie gras with mango chutney. This decadent dish is made with fresh foie gras that’s seared to perfection and served with a sweet and tangy mango chutney.
Another must-try dish is the lobster risotto. This rich and creamy dish is made with fresh local lobster and Arborio rice, giving it a luxurious and indulgent flavor.
La Plage de Maui
La Plage de Maui, is a foodie destination in Tahiti that offers a laid-back atmosphere and delicious food. The menu is focused on fresh seafood, with dishes like grilled shrimp and tuna tartare.
One of the most popular dishes is the grilled octopus. This dish is made with tender and flavorful octopus that’s grilled to perfection and served with a side of crispy fried plantains.
Another must-try dish is the coconut crusted shrimp. This dish is made with fresh local shrimp that’s coated in a crispy coconut crust and served with a side of sweet and spicy dipping sauce.
Bloody Mary’s
Bloody Mary’s, located on the island of Bora Bora, is a famous restaurant that has been featured in movies and TV shows. The restaurant is known for its casual atmosphere and delicious seafood.
One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the seafood platter. This platter includes a variety of fresh seafood, including lobster, shrimp, and oysters, all served on a bed of ice.
Another must-try dish is the grilled tuna steak. This dish is made with fresh local tuna that’s grilled to perfection and served with a side of roasted vegetables.
La Villa Mahana
La Villa Mahana, located on the island of Bora Bora, is a fine dining destination that offers an intimate and romantic atmosphere. The menu is focused on French cuisine with a Polynesian twist.
One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the seared foie gras with vanilla sauce. This indulgent dish is made with fresh foie gras that’s seared to perfection and served with a sweet and savory vanilla sauce.
Another must-try dish is the beef tenderloin with truffle sauce. This dish is made with tender and flavorful beef tenderloin that’s cooked to perfection and served with a rich and creamy truffle sauce.
In conclusion, Tahiti is a food lover’s paradise with a rich culinary culture that blends traditional Polynesian flavors with French influences. From street food to fine dining, there are plenty of foodie destinations in Tahiti to satisfy any palate. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, classic French dishes with a Polynesian twist, or indulgent delicacies like seared foie gras and lobster thermidor, Tahiti has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and head to Tahiti for a culinary adventure you won’t forget.
Our Top FAQ's
Traditional Tahitian cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh, local ingredients such as fish, seafood, coconut, taro, and breadfruit. Dishes are often cooked using open flame or hot stones, and the cuisine is known for its bold flavors and unique preparations.
Yes, many of the restaurants listed offer vegetarian options on their menu. While Tahitian cuisine is heavily focused on seafood, most restaurants also offer vegetable-based dishes and salads.
The best time to visit Tahiti for foodies is during the Heiva festival, which takes place in July. This festival celebrates Polynesian culture and features traditional dance and music performances, as well as food and craft vendors.
While some of the fine dining options in Tahiti can be quite expensive, there are also many affordable street food and casual dining options available. Prices will vary depending on the location and type of restaurant, but visitors can generally find a range of options to fit their budget.