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

February 17, 2018 Leida Jutras

Vanuatu (English: /ˌvɑːnuˈɑːtuː/ ( listen) VAH-noo-AH-too or /vænˈwɑːtuː/ van-WAH-too; Bislama, French IPA: [vanuatu]), officially the Republic of Vanuatu (French: République de Vanuatu, Bislama: Ripablik blong Vanuatu), is a Pacific island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. The archipelago, which is of volcanic origin, is 1,750 kilometres (1,090 mi) east of northern Australia, 540 kilometres (340 mi) northeast of New Caledonia, east of New Guinea, southeast of the Solomon Islands, and west of Fiji.
Things to do in Vanuatu

1. Chill Restaurant

Au Bon Marche Downtown | Lini Highway, Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Pizza, Seafood, Grill, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$63 - HK$243 +678 22578
Excellent
49%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

Chill Restaurant

Reviewed By Australiacatcat

If you need a nice lunch or dinner in aircon with good service go to Chill. Everything is delicious from the fish to the pasta to the lobster to the pizza. The menu has barely changed in years so I know that I will have a consistent delicious meal the same way I had it five years ago. But in saying that some modernisation with some healthy meals wouldn’t go astray. Maybe something with brown rice or quinoa would be nice.
Awesome location and ask for a window seat to watch the fish been fed.

2. Tilly's Restaurant & Bar

Lini Highway | Chantilly's on the Bay Hotel, Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Highchairs Available Seafood, European, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks HK$63 - HK$196 +678 27079
Excellent
53%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 347 reviews

Tilly's Restaurant & Bar

Tilly's restaurant is the main restaurant of Chantilly's on the Bay hotel. It is inside the hotel building - situated out front on the water. With a diverse menu - that fits with the hotels tag line - Port Vila's best little international hotel. We like to think of Tilly's as the best place in town, with great, views, great service, great food and a great wine list. Do try us out.

Reviewed By Nicholas C - Auckland Central, New Zealand

Part of Chantilly's Hotel, this had been recommended to us. The view from the veranda is lovely, and the restaurant itself is very professionally laid out and staffed. The food was good and the cocktails were excellent - the best we had in Vanuatu. Recommended.

3. Mangoes Resort Restaurant & Bar

Rue de Wales, Erakor Lagoon, Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Delivery Seafood, International, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +678 24923
Excellent
53%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 240 reviews

Mangoes Resort Restaurant & Bar

Reviewed By narellew186 - Melbourne, Australia

Great meal in a great location on a hill surrounded by lush tropical Gardens.
A simple meal of chicken and prawn spring rolls followed by crumbed (with parmasian) fish and chips was well cooked and well presented. Great service. Parking is available immediately out front and mangoes is only a 4 minute drive from the CBD - worth the trip!

4. Le Cafe du Village

Lanai Hwy | Beside the Grand Hotel, Port Vila, Efate 0000, Vanuatu Takeout, Highchairs Available, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, Cafe, International, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$24 - HK$188 +678 27789
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 536 reviews

Le Cafe du Village

The Mediterranean design, waterfront location and superb cuisine have earned Cafe du Village iconic status in Vanuatu. Just a few steps down a leafy passegway next to the Grand Hotel you will enter into a small coutyard of serenity with split level coral based terraces, vivid white ballustrates, high ceilings, and white louvre shutters. Our local staff are carefully selected for their friendliness and hospitality from the top resort hotels and international cruise lines. We offer a diverse choice of dishes to suit most palates, from our freshly caught fish and lobster (when available), our excellent local beef, to our popular sausage and mash and steak and kidney pie, but make sure you a leave a little space for one of our amazing desserts. With a perfect location, beautiful views over the harbour, breath taking sunsets and fabulous hospitality there is no better place in Port Vila to relax, enjoy and while away the day.

Reviewed By TheOldiesBrisbane - Brisbane

You would be hard-pressed to find a better-placed or more atmospherically congenial restaurant, looking past a couple of fishing boats, across the still waters of Vila Bay, in the direction of the island of Iririki.
We had arrived early, before sunset.
We have known le Café Du Village almost from its beginnings, in a few previous incarnations: bibulously riotous, … or moribund, … and on one occasion during a violent Vila downpour.
On this Sunday evening, we had no trouble in booking a table, for the three of us -- my wife, our son and I.
Lobster was on the menu, and we decided to share a Seafood Platter. The menu stipulated a ‘platter for two’, but that was stretched without any difficulties, quibbles or hesitation to three.
My wife and I ordered coconut juice. It was on the menu, not in the kitchen, … but that posed no problem, someone climbed a palm and extracted a couple of ultra-fresh coconuts.
Two large lobsters were kept in a cage, hanging from a nearby boat-stern. Two chefs hauled the cage up: it was inhabited by two very large, very fresh lobsters; with some difficulty and danger, one of the chefs extracted a lobster and carried it towards the kitchen.
The background music was by Nina Simone: like the night, it was magic.
The shared dish became a smorgasbord, and the seafood was delicious. The chefs and the waitresses were exceptionally congenial and thoughtful. It was a happy, relaxed and memorable evening.

5. Bungalow: Ate

Tequma Rd | Second Lagoon Sunset Bungalows, Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu Wheelchair Accessible, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol Seafood, International, Australian, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner HK$94 - HK$181 +678 29968
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 117 reviews

Bungalow: Ate

Enjoy our open air dining surrounded by stylish Melanesian decor and cool breezes from the lagoon. Whether it is a romantic night out, a special occasion or a group of friends, we can ensure you have a wonderful and fun night with fantastic dining. Suspended over the water's edge, Sunset Bungalows Bungalow:Ate Restaurant offers breath taking views of the lagoon and the tropical fish that linger around the deck. These fish are particularly plentiful in the evenings as they are drawn in by the atmospheric flood lights that wash over the surface of the water.

Reviewed By JDobson01 - Brisbane, Australia

We recently stayed at Sunset Bungalows and enjoyed our meals at the restaurant - the staff were wonderful and the food was great. Gilbert the chef also show us some of their own traditional foods and shared with us. Would recommend even if you were not staying in the resort well worth the trip if you are in Port Villa. Lobster Mornay was delicious too.

6. Tamanu on the Beach

Whitesands Road, Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar International, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$78 - HK$228 +678 27279
Excellent
73%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 215 reviews

Tamanu on the Beach

With our truly breathtaking absolute beach front location , our fine dining, yet casually relaxed restaurant, is considered to be the best in Vanuatu and is renowned for its pavilion styled, open-air al fresco dining. We also offer our chapel for larger groups. Tamanu on the Beach's restaurant has earned a highly respected international reputation for delivering the most distinctive dining experience, featuring local organic meat, indigenous produce and the freshest of seafood. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner for guests and visitors, our restaurant offers quality dining at affordable prices. Bookings are recommended.

Reviewed By Monique456 - Bowral, Australia

A gorgeous location and stunning all white island style venue with beautiful food and well worth the drive. We loved it.Hi Monique, Thank you for your lovely comment, we like to think of ourselves as the pot of gold at the end of the pot hole road! We do hope you visit us again in the future. Tank yu tumas KeKe

7. The Beach Bar

Mele Road | Mele Bay, Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu Takeout, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer Bar, Pizza, Australian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks HK$39 - HK$196 +678 560 1132
Excellent
58%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

The Beach Bar

A great place to hang out for the day. The Beach Bar is famous for its wood fire pizzas, but offers a large choice of alternatives as well. The kids just love playing on the beach with all the free water toys while Mum & Dad relax in the beer garden. Sit back and enjoy the stunning sunsets over Mele Bay whilst enjoying a cold beer or glass of wine. Keep an eye out for the special "Friday Night Fire Dancing" evenings, Tuesday Movie nights on Port Vila's biggest screen, right on the beach and our Sunday Sessions starting with live music from 1pm followed by our great new show "Sunday Kustam Karnival" where Bank's Snake Dancers meet our talented Circus Performers". Something for everyone at The Beach Bar!

Reviewed By Roger B

Great pizzas, a good bar and a fascinating fire dance show performed by enthusiastic, accomplished island youngsters. Such an enjoyable evening!

8. Paradise Cove Restaurant

Paradise Cove | Pango, Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi, Reservations Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner +678 777 3397
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 313 reviews

Paradise Cove Restaurant

"The resort and restaurant will be closed for our annual seasonal closure from 15th January to 22nd March 2018. Reopening on 23rd March 2018."<br><br>Under an iconic traditional roof celebrating the Melanesian architecture, the restaurant serves the best fresh local ingredients prepared with a Mediterranean touch. Please note that the access by boat is strictly limited.

Reviewed By CoolGreenDays - Perth, Australia

This restaurant, part of the Paradise Cove villa residences, is a lovely open 'hut' structure with both dining tables and lounge chairs and coffee tables, so you can eat formally or casually.
The friendly staff were our favorite part - they remembered us from a previous visit, and couldn't have been more helpful or attentive - but not too attentive.
The location is gorgeous during the day, and very romantic at night.
The food, like most places in Vanuatu, was expensive for what you get, but it was hot and tasty - salad seem to be served undressed though throughout the island not sure why - not my preference.
All in all, a much better meal than most, and as previously said, staff & location wonderful.

9. Natangora Cafe

Main Street | Vanuatu, Luganville, Espiritu Santo 0291, Vanuatu Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Japanese, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +678 36811
Excellent
55%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 140 reviews

Natangora Cafe

Listed on Lonely Planet.Also see it on the listings here:http://www.espiritusantotourism.com/dining.html

Reviewed By john b - South Australia, Australia

We had lunch on our first day on Santo at Natangora Café and were pleasantly surprised.There is a good selection of Good Honest Food which is well cooked and presented.Salad was of a generous size and fresh and tasty.Good value for money and by far the best restaurant meal we had on Santo.

10. Kesorn's Exotic Thai Restaurant

next to Ocean View Apartment, Port Vila, Efate 1111, Vanuatu Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$78 - HK$235 +678 773 1751
Excellent
56%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 179 reviews

Kesorn's Exotic Thai Restaurant

K & A Exotic Thai at the Horizon View is the well known and appreciated Thai cuisine of Kesorn and has stunning views over the Port Vila Bay. The Exotic Thai Restaurant is open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, and on Sunday for dinner only. Every Thursday night there is a cury buffet (all you can eat) for VT2400. Lunch Special on Monday to Saturday for VT1100 ($12) only.

Reviewed By MROG123

We hadn't been to Kesorn's wonderful restaurant since NY's Eve 2016, so decided to return as we had run out of the fabulous chilli sauce she sell's, so what better excuse than arrive on a stunning, warm still evening for dinner.
The food was wonderful, however, not as hot as we have had there before. But we cured that by requesting 2 wee plates of Prik Nam Pla. Where there's a will, there's a way.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.