In Tahiti, there are a large number of dining establishments to choose from, independants and resort-based restaurants, though the majority of these are around the north-west coastline, in and around Papeete and the airport.  You are welcome to eat in any of the Resort restaurants other than the one you are staying in (reservations recommended), but if you fancy going somewhere different, here are a few that you can enjoy.  Some restaurants would recommend reservations, at others its not necessary.  The restaurants are very welcoming and are grateful for your patronage, especially the smaller establishments.  Some of the larger establishments take cards and cash, but some of the smaller, locally-run cafes and Roulottes snack trucks will only take cash. Some restaurants may offer a free shuttle or hotel pick up service, so always ask when you call them to make your reservations.

Many of the restaurants will have menus in French only and you may find few staff will speak English, so a little French language practice before you go may be a good idea.

Le Plage's Restaurant, Puna'auia

Le Plage Restaurant, formally Le Coco's, is a beachfront gourmet restaurant, offering 3 original menus, with authentic French, Mediterranean and Asian-Pacific options, of 3, 5, 7 or 9 courses, along with recommended wine pairings or personal selection from a large, varied wine list, by the glass or bottle.  Not somewhere for anyone on a restricted budget, but somewhere special to splash out on and enjoy the experience.  They did a full renovation in early 2019, and increased the beach by reducing the garden landscaping, built a shoreline deck and updated the menu towards more of a bistro style.

Le Grillardin, central Papeete

Le Grillardin is set right in the heart of Papeete town near the market on Rue Paul Gauguin, and just a short stroll from the harbour.  The restaurant, rated No. 1 in Papeete on Tripadvisor, is an epicurean delight, offering French Pacific cuisine, with an extensive wine selection, good sized portions and mouthwatering desserts.  Not a budget dining establishment, but worth the premium price.

L'O a la Bouche, central Papeete

L'O a la Bouche is a very highly rated intimate restaurant set in the middle of Papeete town, just 1 block from the harbour, on Rue Titi'aivai.  Recently refurbished, this recommended dining room is contemporary with an open show kitchen.  The restaurant is not a bduget diner, but does offer 2, 3 and 4 set course French cuisine with exotic influences, for lunch and dinner, with classic coffees and a large accompanying international wine list.  A locals favourite, too

Le Souffle Restaurant, central Papeete

Le Souffle Restaurant is in the centre of Papeete town, near the market, on Rue Paul Gauguin and just a short walk from the harbour front. This highly regarded restaurant offers delicious and imaginatively presented French cuisine and mouthwatering desserts, alongside and extensive quality wine list, in a stylish, intimate setting.  Their freshly cooked sweet and savoury souffles are their signature dishes and they are excellent, as is everything else on the menu.

Restaurant Le Sully, central Papeete

Restaurant Le Sully is a petit French cafe/bistro-style restaurant in central Papeete on Rue du Marechal Foch, the main road through the town, so access is easy.  Le Sully and Le Souffle are (at present) owned by the same chef, and the cuisine is very similar in style and presentation, but Le Sully is much smaller and more intimate, with seating for less than 20 guests.

La Corbeille D'Eau, central Papeete

La Corbeille D'Eau restaurant is a small, intimate dining room with just a handful of tables, on the corner of a very unassuming building overlooking the Paofai Gardens, along the seafront in Papeete town.  The outside appearance belies the interior, which is elegant and stylish, and ideal for a romantic dinner for 2 or a special occasion dinner for 6.  La Corbeille D'eau offers a gourmet French/Polynesian menu and an enticing dessert cabinet displaying the delicious sweet offerings.

Blue Banana, Puna'auia

The Blue Banana is a trendy, hip restaurant set right on the lagoon front in Puna'auia, with an inside and outside seating area, including an open-air overwater pontoon with great views of the sun setting over the island of Moorea.  The extensive menu offer traditional French and Polynesian cuisine, along with European/Mediterranean dishes, lighter bites and delicious desserts.  Get there early to secure a pontoon table and enjoy a drink whilst waiting for the sunset.

The Pink Coconut Restaurant, Taina Marina, Puna'auia

The Pink Coconut, located on the pier in Taina marina, is a popular, casual eatery with a stylish edge, offering white clothed tables, with great water and yacht views.  Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant offer a French/European menu with Polynesian twists, as well as international favourites, and they have menus in English for those guests who don't speak French.  Outside tables offer great views and a sea breeze, whilst the bar offers a wide selection of drinks and on some evenings, there is live music and a party atmosphere.

L'Agora, central Papeete

This restaurant is a small bistro-style restaurant and although it doesn't have amazing sea views or modern designer decor, the food is well prepared and delicious.  Fresh seafood is a speciality alongside other delectable dishes on the French/European/Polynesian menu, and a varied European wine selection.  In a good location in the centre of Papeete near the harbour.

Te Va'a Ter,  Aremiti Ferry Terminal, Papeete Harbour

Located in the main ferry terminal on the first floor, with wonderful views of the port and Moorea in the distance from the outside deck seating, this pleasant restaurant and cafe offers a nice selection of European and International dishes for breakfast lunch and dinner.  One of the few off-resort restaurants that are open on Sunday mornings and bank holidays and their breakfasts are well recommended and at a reasonable price, less than some of the nearby hotels.

Les Roulottes, waterfront & Place Vai'ete, central Papeete

The famous Roulottes (French for Caravan) are a variety of food trucks that arrive late afternoon/early evening and set up for a fun evening serving freshly cooked street food from the vans or little outdoor kitchens they set up.  You can have anything from pizza, steak sandwiches, Chinese dishes and fresh local fish, to delicious French crepes, waffles and ice creams.  They are not licensed so only serve soft drink and juices, but nearby bars will serve your beer and wine choices.  These popular roulottes are cheap and cheerful, with most things costing less than £10, and the live music that is on every night, sometimes until the early hours, and the little bars surrounding the area, mean this is a fun place to spend an evening, eating, drinking and making merry.  Cash only here, no cards accepted.

Cafe Maeva, Papeete Market

Cafe Maeva is a small local cafe and coffee shop on the second floor of the main market building, overlooking the market stalls below.  This popular cafe serves a freshly prepared menu including poisson cru and sahshimi with fresh local fish, salads, baguettes, fresh juices and smoothies, and selection of coffees.  They are also open for hot and cold breakfasts, too.

Taapuna Grill, Puna'auia

The Taapuna Grill is similar to the roulottes in Papeete, but this is a food van in a permanent location on the side of the main coast road, with canvas-covered outdoor seating areas and is close to the Manava Suites Resort.  They offer a lunch menu mainly of salads, panini, hot dogs, burgers and fries, with additions for dinner including steak, chicken and local fish.  Not licensed, so only serve soft drinks and juices, and crepes, desserts and cakes are available for sweet tooth diners.

'Api' Days restaurant, Papeete

There are 2 Api Days restaurants, one on Boulevard Pomare, the main coast road through the town and next to the Paradise nightclub, and the original restaurant on Rue Mgr Tepano Jaussen, near the Cathederale Notre Dame de Papeete.  They both offer a range of freshly made pizzas, calzone, pastas, kebabs, salads, baguettes, paninis and burgers.  Both are popular with locals, especially students, as the prices are very reasonable for Papeete.

Other highly rated Resort and hotel based Restaurants that you can try are:-