Penama Province in Vanuatu offers a unique dining experience that blends local flavors with stunning island views. From beachside restaurants to casual eateries, this region is becoming a foodie destination for travelers seeking authentic Melanesian cuisine. Diverse dining options showcase fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional cooking methods that have been passed down through generations.
When visiting Penama Province, restaurants provide more than just a meal—they offer a gateway to understanding the culture and lifestyle of Vanuatu. Local establishments like those found near popular spots such as Champagne Beach serve dishes that reflect the rich culinary heritage of these islands. Many restaurants also feature spectacular ocean views, adding a visual feast to your dining experience.
Jill’s Restaurant
Jill’s Restaurant is a hidden gem in East Ambae, Saratamata. You’ll find this charming eatery tucked away in a scenic spot that offers a taste of authentic Vanuatu cuisine.
When you visit, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff who make you feel like part of the family. The restaurant has a warm atmosphere that invites you to relax and enjoy your meal without rushing.
The menu features fresh local ingredients that showcase the flavors of Penama Province. You can try traditional dishes prepared with care and modern touches that enhance rather than overwhelm the natural tastes.
The outdoor seating area gives you stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It’s perfect for enjoying your meal while taking in the natural beauty that makes this part of Vanuatu so special.
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Location: PX7Q+GW9, East Ambae, Saratamata, Vanuatu
Penama Province
Penama Province is one of the six provinces of Vanuatu, located in the northern part of the country. You’ll find this beautiful province spread across three main islands: Pentecost, Ambae, and Maewo, which give the province its name (PE-NA-MA).
When you visit Penama, you’re greeted by breathtaking landscapes featuring volcanic mountains, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. The spectacular land diving (or Nagol) ceremony on Pentecost Island is a must-see cultural tradition that inspired modern bungee jumping.
The local cuisine in Penama is simple yet delicious. You can enjoy fresh seafood, lap lap (a traditional dish made from grated root vegetables), and tropical fruits. Most food is prepared using traditional cooking methods, often in earth ovens called “umu.”
Life moves at a slower pace here, allowing you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the authentic Melanesian culture. The locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming, always ready to share their customs and traditions with visitors.
Location: Penama Province, Vanuatu
Three Pigs
Three Pigs is a delightful restaurant nestled within the Nasama Resort on Pango Road in Port Vila. When you visit, you’ll immediately notice the welcoming atmosphere that combines casual dining with beautiful ocean views.
The menu offers a variety of fresh, locally-inspired dishes that showcase Vanuatu’s best ingredients. You’ll find both traditional island flavors and international options to satisfy your cravings after a day of exploring.
The bar area is particularly popular, where you can enjoy cold drinks while watching the sunset. Their beer garden provides a relaxed setting where you can unwind with friends or family while enjoying the tropical breeze.
Service at Three Pigs is attentive and friendly, with staff who are happy to recommend dishes based on your preferences. You’ll appreciate the casual yet professional approach that makes dining here such a pleasant experience.
Rating: 4.6 (106 reviews)
Location: Nasama Resort, Pango Rd, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 772 8066
Website: Visit Website
The Stonegrill Restaurant
The Stonegrill Restaurant in Port Vila offers a unique dining experience you won’t want to miss. Your meal is served on a heated volcanic stone that cooks your food right at your table. This innovative cooking method preserves all the natural flavors and nutrients of your food.
You’ll find an impressive menu featuring fresh local seafood, premium cuts of beef, and seasonal vegetables. The restaurant takes pride in sourcing ingredients from local suppliers whenever possible. Many visitors recommend trying their signature seafood platter or the aged ribeye steak.
The restaurant’s atmosphere combines casual elegance with stunning waterfront views. You’ll be greeted by friendly staff who are always happy to explain the stonegrill concept to first-time visitors. The open-air setting allows you to enjoy gentle sea breezes while you dine.
The bar offers an excellent selection of wines and tropical cocktails that pair perfectly with your meal. Don’t miss their happy hour if you’re looking for a relaxed start to your evening. Their dessert menu features both local and international favorites to complete your dining experience.
Rating: 4.7 (338 reviews)
Location: Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 546 4506
The Point Restaurant
The Point Restaurant is a hidden gem nestled on Samoa Point in Havannah Harbour. You’ll find this charming eatery offers breathtaking views of the water while you dine. The open-air setting creates a perfect atmosphere for enjoying a meal in Vanuatu’s tropical climate.
The menu features fresh seafood caught daily, along with traditional Vanuatu dishes that showcase local ingredients. You can taste the island’s flavors in every bite. The restaurant prides itself on serving authentic cuisine with a modern twist.
Service at The Point is exceptional, with staff who are attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. You’ll feel welcomed from the moment you arrive. The relaxed pace allows you to truly savor your dining experience while watching boats glide across the harbor.
During your visit, don’t miss trying their signature coconut fish curry or the grilled lobster when in season. Their tropical fruit desserts provide a refreshing end to your meal. Reservations are recommended, especially for sunset dining when the views are most spectacular.
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)
Location: Samoa Point Havannah Harbour, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 26300
Cafe Vila
Cafe Vila is a charming restaurant located at Nasama Resort on Pango Road in Port Vila, Vanuatu. You’ll find this delightful eatery offers a relaxing atmosphere with friendly service that makes you feel welcome from the moment you arrive.
The menu features a nice mix of local and international dishes. Fresh seafood options are particularly popular, and you can enjoy your meal while taking in the beautiful coastal views. The coffee is excellent too – perfect for a morning wake-up or afternoon refreshment.
During your visit, you’ll notice the staff are attentive without being intrusive. They’re happy to recommend dishes based on your preferences. The outdoor seating area is especially pleasant, allowing you to enjoy the tropical breeze while dining.
Prices are reasonable considering the quality of food and the resort setting. You’ll find Cafe Vila to be a good option whether you’re staying at Nasama Resort or just visiting for a meal during your exploration of Port Vila.
Rating: 4.4 (108 reviews)
Location: Nasama Resort, Pango Rd, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 28128
Website: Visit Website
Navara Restaurant
Navara Restaurant is a hidden gem located in Port Vila, Vanuatu. When you visit this charming establishment, you’ll immediately notice the warm atmosphere and friendly staff that make you feel welcome.
The menu features a delightful blend of local Vanuatu cuisine and international dishes. You’ll find fresh seafood caught daily from the surrounding waters, prepared with traditional island spices and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
The outdoor seating area offers you stunning views of the nearby coastline, making it a perfect spot for both lunch and dinner. As you dine, you can enjoy the gentle sea breeze while sipping on one of their tropical fruit cocktails or local beers.
Service at Navara is attentive without being intrusive. You’ll appreciate how the staff takes time to explain menu items and make thoughtful recommendations based on your preferences.
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)
Location: 7849+8M3, Rue Cornwall, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 35444
Website: Visit Website
The Beach Bar
The Beach Bar is a delightful family restaurant nestled on the beautiful shores of Mele Bay. You’ll find it just 15 minutes from Port Vila, with one of the safest and most pristine sandy beaches in the area.
When you visit, you can enjoy their famous wood-fired pizzas and a variety of affordable food options. Their drinks are kept icy cold – perfect for those hot Vanuatu days! The restaurant has stunning views of the calm waters, making it an ideal spot to relax.
If you’re looking for entertainment, you won’t be disappointed. The Beach Bar hosts several weekly events including the popular Friday Night Fire Show, Tuesday Night Movie and Pizza Night, and Sunday Kustom Karnival with live music and the Sunday Sunset Circus.
The location is convenient for exploring other attractions too. You’ll find it close to the Cascade Waterfalls, Hideaway Island, and Jungle Zipline. Whether you want an exciting day out or simply wish to unwind by the beach, this place offers something for everyone.
Rating: 4.5 (441 reviews)
Location: Mele Road, Mele, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 560 1132
Website: Visit Website)
VAN Japanese Restaurant
You’ll find VAN Japanese Restaurant along Wharf Road in Port Vila. This hidden gem offers authentic Japanese cuisine that will transport your taste buds to Tokyo. The restaurant has a warm, welcoming atmosphere with views of the harbor.
The menu features fresh sushi and sashimi that’s beautifully presented. You can watch as skilled chefs prepare your meal with care and precision. The fish is incredibly fresh, and the rice is perfectly seasoned.
Service is friendly and attentive without being intrusive. You’ll appreciate how the staff takes time to explain unfamiliar dishes and make recommendations based on your preferences. The portion sizes are generous, giving you excellent value for your dining experience.
While visiting Port Vila, this restaurant provides a nice change from the typical island fare. You’ll find both traditional Japanese dishes and creative fusion options that incorporate local ingredients.
Rating: 4.7 (58 reviews)
Location: Wharf Rd, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 22941
Website: Visit Website
Ristorante Casa Mia
Nestled in Port Vila, Ristorante Casa Mia offers a delightful Italian dining experience. As the signature restaurant of The Melanesian Hotel, it combines rustic Italian cuisine with a warm, inviting atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
When you visit, you’ll find a diverse menu starting with tempting antipasto, fresh seafood options, and crisp salads. Their pizzas and pasta dishes are considered some of the best in Vanuatu, with authentic flavors that transport you straight to Italy.
The restaurant operates daily from 7am to 10pm, making it perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You’ll appreciate the friendly staff and the unique ambiance that pairs wonderfully with their fabulous Italian dishes.
To complement your meal, Casa Mia offers an extensive wine and cocktail list. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a casual meal, the restaurant’s generous beverage options will enhance your dining experience.
Rating: 4.3 (48 reviews)
Location: 25 Rue Picarde, Kumul Hwy, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 22150
Website: Visit Website
Culinary Traditions of Penama Province
The islands of Penama Province offer unique food experiences that blend ancient cooking methods with locally sourced ingredients. The traditional “kworo” plays an important role in celebrations throughout the region, similar to how cakes function in modern events but with deeper cultural significance.
Local Ingredients and Flavors
The cuisine of Penama Province showcases the abundant natural resources found across Pentecost, Ambae, and Maewo islands. Fresh seafood is a staple, with fish, shellfish, and crustaceans frequently appearing in local dishes. You’ll find these often prepared simply to highlight their natural flavors.
Root vegetables like taro, yam, and manioc form the foundation of many meals. These starchy staples are typically grown in small garden plots by families throughout the province.
Tropical fruits add sweetness to the local diet. Papayas, bananas, coconuts, and mangoes are harvested when ripe and enjoyed fresh or incorporated into various dishes.
Herbs and spices native to the islands provide distinctive flavors unique to Vanuatu cuisine. Many dishes feature coconut milk for richness and creaminess.
Traditional Cooking Methods
Earth ovens, locally known as “umu,” remain one of the most important cooking methods in Penama Province. You’ll see hot stones placed in a pit, covered with leaves and food, then buried to create a natural pressure cooker.
This slow-cooking technique produces tender, flavorful dishes while preserving nutrients. Special celebrations often feature food prepared this way, with communities gathering to help with preparation.
Smoking and drying methods help preserve foods, especially fish and meats. These techniques developed out of necessity in a tropical climate without modern refrigeration.
Open-fire cooking is common for daily meals. Simple grills made from local materials allow for direct cooking over flames, adding a distinctive smoky flavor to many dishes.
Cultural Dining Experiences
Dining in Penama Province offers a unique blend of traditional Vanuatu customs and international influences. These experiences connect you with local people and their way of life.
Customs and Etiquette
When dining in Penama Province, you’ll notice meals are often social events shared with family and community. Always accept food offered to you as refusing can be considered impolite. Using your right hand for eating is customary in traditional settings.
Before meals begin, locals might say a blessing or short prayer. Wait for this to finish before starting to eat. If invited to a home, bringing a small gift like fruit is appreciated but not required.
Many restaurants in Saratamata serve food in traditional ways. You might sit on woven mats rather than chairs in some authentic venues. Don’t be surprised if locals eat with their hands – this is normal for many traditional dishes.
Festivals and Food
Food plays a central role in Penama Province’s cultural celebrations. The annual Yam Festival celebrates harvest time with special dishes featuring this important crop. You can taste yams prepared in various traditional methods during this festival.
Tanna Coffee Restaurant hosts special events during local celebrations, offering traditional dishes like lap lap (root vegetables and meat baked in banana leaves). These festivals provide perfect opportunities to try authentic cuisine.
During Independence Day celebrations (July 30), local restaurants create special menus featuring national dishes. Many venues organize cultural shows with dancing while you dine during major holidays.
Look for special food markets that appear during festivals where you can sample local delicacies and watch cooking demonstrations. These markets showcase traditional cooking methods using earth ovens called “nakamals.”
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