Papeete Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Papeete

September 15, 2017 Matilde Konrad

Papeete is a great base for exploring Tahiti’s lagoons, black- and white-sand beaches and volcanoes. You’ll find a lively nightlife scene centered around the ferry dock. For an authentic island experience, visit Mapuru a Paraita market or Musee de la Perle to find local black pearls.
Things to do in Papeete

1. L'O a La Bouche

Passage Cardella, Papeete 98713, French Polynesia Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol French, European Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$385 - HK$965 +689 40 45 29 76
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 357 reviews

L'O a La Bouche

Reviewed By Quack_quack_quackl - Wairarapa, New Zealand

We were trying to dine at Le Velvet but it's still undergoing some refurbishment, so the concierge at our hotel suggested this place. Certainly the other reviews on Tripadvisor seem positive, and we have no differing opinions to offer.
This review is written from the perspective of a Kiwi on a first-time trip to Tahiti, so if you're interested in info, read on. Otherwise - great restaurant. Go, but book in first.
So, as New Zealanders traveling to Tahiti for the first time, we were shocked at the prices for food in general, especially at our hotel.
L'O a la Bouches' prices are about half of what were charged at the Papeete Intercontinental, despite being better food on the whole.
My husband started with a Pina colada for 1300CFP, as opposed to the eye-watering 2500 - 3000 for a cocktail at the hotel. A glass of good French wine was 1200 as opposed to 2000. (12 USD vs 20 USD).
Our starters were a buffalo mozzarella special (yum, but not a dish for breaking new culinary ground) and goat's cheese rolls. As others reviewers mention, the portion sizes are very generous.
For the main, my hubby had filet mignon. It was not a huge portion and rather rare. It was sliced and served on salad. There were plenty of sides and we struggled to finish it all, because we wanted to have dessert as well.
My main was the Pappio, the one on the standard menu. Apparently it's a deep sea fish, so it's rather firm. It was paired with a lemon, ginger and passionfruit dressing with a buttery base. It was excellent - and inspiring. (I'm imagining that sauce lifting pan-fried warehou.)
For dessert, they had a gorgeous array of sweet treats which were hard to choose from, although it was surprising that they had no cheese option. You know, being French and all.:-)
I had a Mariage Freres tea, which prompted memories of trying and buying the tea brand in Paris.
My hubby had the fruit crumble which was served with ice cream. He found it good but a bit dry with more crumble than fruit.
The damage came to 16 850 CPF, about 168 USD. We'll see what it comes to in NZD, but I'm expecting about $225.
Would I spend that in NZ? Probably not, but it's holiday and I was pleased that it cost less than dining at the hotel.
All in all, was a very nice eating experience. It's clearly favoured by locals for special occasions, as our taxi driver says he goes there for Valentine's Day or birthdays with his girlfriend.
Oh, and you should be aware that the taxi round trip from the Hotel IC was 5000 CPF. 2000 for the way there and 3000 for the way back because it was after 8:00.
Incidentally, a tour guide on Huahine explained why the prices are so high.
It's not just that most everything comes in by boat, it's also that French labour and holiday and minimum wage laws apply.
That means that everything has a very high base cost.
The upside is that, under French administration, the roads and infrastructure are also very good. This means that Tahiti is not as much like a third world country as other island capitals, which makes it a pleasant and liveable place to be.

2. Hotel Royal Tahitien

Rue Temarii | Pirae, Papeete 98713, French Polynesia Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards French, Polynesian Breakfast, Lunch, Drinks +689 40 50 40 40
Excellent
22%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 189 reviews

Hotel Royal Tahitien

Reviewed By William L

Best bargain on the coast to final Mai Tais at only $10.00 US, plus they do not water down their Mai Tais like many other Tahitian establishments do. Go before the sun sets and you will be treated to a delightful, serene view. Also, on Friday evenings they have live music with a band for dancing; everyone shows up from different countries, and many of the dancers know what they are doing (like Dance with the Stars). Main meals are expensive but what you would expect from a first class establishment. However, would not recommend you stay here; their swimming pool is very puny and outdated.

3. Les 3 Brasseurs

Bp 4489, Papeete 98713, French Polynesia Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar French, American, Bar, European, Pub, International, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks HK$196 - HK$785 +689 506025
Excellent
21%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
7%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 744 reviews

Les 3 Brasseurs

Reviewed By Lasa88 - Los Angeles, California

We usually go here once or twice when we are in Tahiti. Usually for lunch, but once after we came off the ferry to Moorea in the late afternoon. The restaurant is right across the street from the ferry terminal and very convenient. We always have fun here, the food is not the best you will ever have but quite solid. We usually have one of the salads (they are huge) and a flatbread of which there are many varieties. This time I tried the "seasonal brew" which was ginger infused beer. It was so good I had 2 of them. Nice outside tables and friendly service. Don't miss it.

4. Les Petits Ventres

129 rue Dumont D'Urville | Bp 4185, Papeete 98713, French Polynesia Reservations 41 92 40
Excellent
63%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 73 reviews

Les Petits Ventres

Reviewed By PierTom - Philadelphia

This little restaurant is a bit tucked away behind the government buildings in Papeete. It's not in the main tourist area. But once you get inside, you feel transported. The service is exceptionally good. The food was prepared in a way that was both beautiful to look at and fantastic to eat. We looked a bit bedraggled (this is not rare in humid, hot Papeete) but we were welcomed like long lost family.

5. Creperie la Boule Rouge

Place Vaiete, Papeete 98714, French Polynesia Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible French Drinks, Dinner, Late Night HK$24 - HK$118 +689 87 71 74 27
Excellent
40%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 165 reviews

Creperie la Boule Rouge

Reviewed By Bill M - Georgia

Very good crepes and milkshakes. Excellent location on the Harbor waterfront where you can people watch (joggers, walkers, cyclists etc.) while you eat. Pleasant staff and a wonderful Papeete experience.

6. Au Piment Rouge

rue du Marechal Foch | Front of Vodafone in center town, Papeete 98713, French Polynesia Reservations, Digital Payments, Waitstaff French Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$11,607 - HK$37,726 +689 40 85 64 64
Excellent
46%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 144 reviews

Au Piment Rouge

In center town, near the Papeete Market Place, the restaurant "Au Piment Rouge" will welcome you in the south west of France and the Bask Country. Our menu is translate in english, italian, and japanese. Local fishes, meats (beef, veal, lamb, chicken) and many other delicious dishes are waiting for you. For our specialities, be confident with our "chipirons" (calamaries), our best...

Reviewed By Jetfiretraveler - Oregon

We had a very relaxing, delicious early lunch here while in Papeete. It's on a busy street, but you feel far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The waiters are friendly and attentive. The food was yummy and in the style of the South of France.

7. La Corbeille d'Eau

Front de Mer, Face Aux Jardins, Papeete 98713, French Polynesia Reservations French Lunch, Dinner HK$235 - HK$353 +689 437714
Excellent
76%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 43 reviews

La Corbeille d'Eau

Reviewed By PiersRC - London, United Kingdom

In a small office block location to the east of Papetee (the number is something like 531-but check) La Corbeille d'eau serves exquisite French food with a Polynesian twist in quantities that are not off putting by their excess. A reasonable enough wine list .
The owner/manager is smiley and helpful and will ensure an uniterrupted and well served dish- as he did for us,

8. Le Grillardin

Rue Paul Gauguin, Papeete 98713, French Polynesia Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol French, European, Gastropub, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$235 - HK$392 +689 40 43 09 90
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 326 reviews

Le Grillardin

Reviewed By Brent M - Orange, California

My wife and I ate here prior to a cruise - and found the staff to be helpful and friendly.
We each ordered the rack of lamb, and were surprised to get like 7 ribs each :)
I wish they had a bit stronger air conditioning - but otherwise no complaints.

9. Restaurant Le Sully

Rue de Gaulle, Papeete 98714, French Polynesia Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol French, European, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner +689 40 83 39 83
Excellent
61%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 122 reviews

Restaurant Le Sully

Reviewed By Paul T - Tauranga, New Zealand

We had lunch here. The menu is largely French influenced but with an injection of pacific ingredients and style. They have some good French wines by the glass. The service was outstanding. We enjoyed our meal - both what we ordered and the amuse bouche and extras from the kitchen! One of the hidden gems in Papeete.

10. O 3 Filous

Centre Ville | Angle Rue Foch, Rue Vienot, Papeete 98714, French Polynesia Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible French, European, Delicatessen Lunch, Dinner +689 40 82 29 88
Excellent
55%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 91 reviews

O 3 Filous

Reviewed By Anna P - Chicago, Illinois

First of all, let me take a moment to clarify the location of this great restaurant, which for some reason doesn't show up at the correct point in the TripAdvisor map. It's just outside the Papeete Municipal Market, at the corner of Rue Charles Vienot and Avenue due Marechal Foch.
We came here for lunch after some morning shopping at the Municipal Market. Armed with the intrepid ignorance that American tourists are known for, we sat down at a restaurant offering only meat and fish and requested a vegetarian lunch for one of our party. Fortunately, the helpful and kind proprietor offered to make an off-menu green salad, which was absolutely delicious. The omnivorous half of our party thought the boeuf bourguignon was superb.
Service was very good, prices were fair, and importantly, the restaurant is air-conditioned. Please do stop by for a great meal.

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