Port Vila, the charming capital of Vanuatu, offers a tempting array of dining options for hungry travelers. From beachside cafes to upscale restaurants with white tablecloths, this Pacific paradise has something to satisfy every taste and budget. You’ll find some of the best restaurants in Port Vila at places like Cafe Vila Restaurant & Bar, Paradise Cove Restaurant, and Stonegrill Restaurant.
The city’s food scene showcases both local and international flavors. Many restaurants feature fresh seafood caught daily, including the famous coconut crab. Whether you’re looking for Chinese food at Harbor View, tacos at Ta’tacos, or a cocktail with a view at Waterfront Bar & Grill, Port Vila’s restaurants will make your visit to Vanuatu even more memorable.
The Stonegrill Restaurant
The Stonegrill Restaurant is one of Port Vila’s most beloved dining spots. You’ll find this gem right in Vanuatu’s vibrant capital, where the unique cooking concept makes for an unforgettable meal. Your food arrives on a heated volcanic stone, allowing you to cook each bite to perfection at your table.
Fresh local seafood steals the show here, with options like Pacific lobster and mahi-mahi delighting visitors. You can also enjoy premium cuts of beef and lamb if seafood isn’t your preference. The open-air setting enhances your dining experience, letting you enjoy ocean breezes while savoring your meal.
The attentive staff adds to the warm atmosphere, making you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. Many travelers recommend timing your visit to catch the sunset views, which create a magical backdrop for dinner. You’ll find the prices reasonable considering the quality and experience you receive.
Make sure to save room for dessert as their tropical offerings provide a sweet finish to your meal. The Stonegrill stands out as a must-visit destination during your Port Vila stay, combining excellent food with the fun interactive cooking experience.
Rating: 4.7 (338 reviews)
Location: Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 546 4506
Three Pigs
If you’re looking for a delightful dining experience in Port Vila, Three Pigs is a must-visit spot. Located at Nasama Resort on Pango Road, this charming restaurant offers more than just great food.
The restaurant has earned an impressive reputation among locals and tourists alike. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly captures the island vibe of Vanuatu. As both a restaurant and bar, Three Pigs gives you options for casual dining or just enjoying drinks with friends.
Their beer garden provides a wonderful outdoor setting to enjoy your meal. You can soak in the tropical surroundings while sampling their menu offerings. The friendly staff adds to the welcoming environment that keeps visitors coming back.
When planning your culinary adventures in Port Vila, make sure to add Three Pigs to your list. You’ll appreciate the casual yet quality dining experience that showcases what makes eating out in Vanuatu so special.
Rating: 4.6 (106 reviews)
Location: Nasama Resort, Pango Rd, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 772 8066
Website: Visit Website
Waterfront Bar and Grill
Nestled along Port Vila’s harbor since 1980, the Waterfront Bar and Grill offers you an authentic South Pacific dining experience. You’ll be enchanted by the panoramic views of the bay while dining under a traditional Natangura thatched roof.
The restaurant prides itself on serving fresh, local ingredients. You can indulge in Vanuatu’s exceptional beef, freshly caught tuna, or poulet fish. Their Tahitian Fish Salad is a signature dish worth trying, and their desserts are described as “sumptuous and legendary.”
Visit for lunch or dinner any day of the week. The restaurant can accommodate intimate dinners, family gatherings, or larger celebrations. You’ll enjoy the relaxed open-air dining while local musicians provide melodious entertainment.
The menu offers something for everyone, from Cremed Prawn Cutlets to Moroccan Chicken. Complement your meal with selections from their extensive wine list featuring Australian, New Zealand, and French wines, or try one of their specialty cocktails like the Waterfront Splice.
Rating: 4.2 (264 reviews)
Location: Kumul Hwy, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 23490
Website: Visit Website
L’Houstalet Restaurant
L’Houstalet is a long-standing restaurant in Port Vila that offers a unique dining experience. You’ll find it nestled on Captain Cook Avenue, where it has been serving both locals and tourists for many years.
The menu features a blend of French cuisine with Pacific influences, creating dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in Vanuatu. Their signature dishes include specialties that showcase local ingredients prepared with European cooking techniques.
The restaurant has a charming atmosphere with traditional decor that gives you a sense of Vanuatu’s colonial past. You’ll appreciate the attentive service that makes dining here a memorable experience during your visit to Port Vila.
When planning your culinary adventures in Vanuatu, L’Houstalet should definitely be on your list as one of the established eateries in the capital city.
Rating: 3.9 (175 reviews)
Location: Captain Cook Ave, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 552 2303
Website: Visit Website
Cafe Vila
Looking for a delightful dining experience in Port Vila? Cafe Vila at Nasama Resort is a spot you won’t want to miss during your Vanuatu adventure. This charming restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
The restaurant has earned a strong reputation among both locals and tourists. You’ll find a menu featuring fresh, flavorful dishes that showcase local ingredients alongside international favorites. The beachside setting adds to the appeal, making it perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner.
When visiting Cafe Vila, you might want to time your meal with the sunset for a truly memorable experience. The friendly staff will make you feel welcome, whether you’re staying at the resort or just dropping by for a meal. It’s an excellent choice when you want quality food in a laid-back setting.
You can easily reach this restaurant along Pango Road, just a short drive from the center of Port Vila. Make sure to add it to your list of dining spots to try during your Vanuatu vacation!
Rating: 4.4 (108 reviews)
Location: Nasama Resort, Pango Rd, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 28128
Website: Visit Website
The Beach Bar
The Beach Bar sits on beautiful Mele Bay, just 15 minutes from Port Vila. You’ll find this gem along a sandy swimming beach that’s among the safest in the area.
The bar serves ice-cold drinks and affordable food options. Their wood-fired pizzas are especially famous among visitors and locals alike. You can enjoy your meal while taking in stunning views of the calm waters.
Entertainment is a big draw here. Friday Night Fire Shows light up the evening, while Tuesday features Movie and Pizza Night. Don’t miss the Sunday Kustom Karnival with live music and the Sunset Circus performance.
The location is perfect for a day of adventure or relaxation. You can use it as a base to explore nearby attractions like the Cascade Waterfalls, Hideaway Island, and Jungle Zipline. Or simply spend the day relaxing on the beach with a cold drink in hand.
Rating: 4.5 (441 reviews)
Location: Mele Road, Mele, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 560 1132
Website: Visit Website
Vila Chaumières Restaurant & Resort
Nestled along the Teouma route in Port Vila, Vila Chaumières offers you a delightful escape from the ordinary. This adults-only resort combines comfortable accommodations with excellent dining in a peaceful setting away from the busy city center.
The restaurant serves up tasty dishes in an airy, relaxed atmosphere. You’ll enjoy your meal while taking in views of the beautiful lagoon. The menu features a mix of local Vanuatu flavors and international cuisine that will please your palate.
When you’re not dining, you can cool off in the resort’s swimming pool or explore the lagoon. The unfussy rooms and bungalows provide a comfortable place to rest after a day of activities. The whole property has a laid-back vibe that helps you unwind and enjoy your vacation.
At Vila Chaumières, you get the best of both worlds – a restaurant worth visiting and a peaceful resort where you can stay. It’s a perfect spot for couples looking for a quiet getaway with good food and simple pleasures.
Rating: 4.2 (67 reviews)
Location: Route De Teouma, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 22866
Jungle Cafe
Located in the heart of Port Vila, Jungle Cafe offers you a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. This popular spot serves up delicious meals and beverages in a relaxed atmosphere that both locals and tourists enjoy.
When you visit, you’ll find a menu that blends local Vanuatu flavors with international cuisine. The cafe is known for its freshly brewed coffee and fruit smoothies that perfectly complement their breakfast and lunch options.
The friendly staff at Jungle Cafe will make you feel welcome as soon as you walk through the door. You’ll appreciate their attentive service and willingness to recommend popular dishes or explain local specialties.
The cafe’s central location makes it an ideal spot to rest and recharge during your exploration of Port Vila. You can easily fit a visit here into your day of shopping or sightseeing around the capital city.
Rating: 4 (113 reviews)
Location: 7877+37Q, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 22428
Kesorn’s Exotic Thai Restaurant
Looking for a taste of Thailand with a South Pacific twist in Port Vila? Kesorn’s Exotic Thai Restaurant offers exactly that! You can enjoy freshly cooked Thai meals while taking in stunning harbor views during lunch or dining under the stars in the evening.
The restaurant features special events that give you great value. Every Thursday, you can indulge in their all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for just 1750 vatu per person. On the third Saturday of each month, you can treat yourself to a beef and seafood buffet dinner for 2900 vatu.
Happy Hour at their Horizon View Bar runs on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. It’s the perfect time to unwind after a busy day exploring Port Vila. Daily lunch specials are also available, starting from 1400 vatu.
You’ll find Kesorn’s in a convenient location opposite the Lookout and next to Ocean View Apartments. Whether you’re in the mood for dining in or taking your food away, their friendly staff will ensure you have a memorable Thai dining experience in Vanuatu.
Rating: 4.4 (98 reviews)
Location: 7896+XWM, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 29994
Website: Visit Website
Nambawan Café (Number One Cafe)
Located on the picturesque seafront of Port Vila, Nambawan Café lives up to its name as “Number One” in the local Bislama language. You’ll find this charming spot right on the waterfront, offering stunning harbor views as you enjoy your meal.
The café serves a delightful mix of Western and local cuisine. Their breakfast options are particularly popular, with fresh tropical fruits, hearty omelets, and excellent coffee to start your day right. For lunch, you can try their sandwiches, burgers, or fresh seafood dishes.
Nambawan Café is also a great place to relax with a cold drink after exploring Port Vila. The open-air seating area lets you enjoy the tropical breeze while watching boats come and go in the harbor. It’s the perfect spot to experience the laid-back island atmosphere that makes Vanuatu special.
You’ll appreciate the friendly service and relaxed vibe that keeps both tourists and locals coming back. The café occasionally features live music in the evenings, adding to the pleasant atmosphere of this waterfront gem.
Rating: 4.1 (330 reviews)
Location: Seafront, Port, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Contact: +678 25246
Culinary Diversity in Port Vila
Port Vila’s food scene blends Pacific Island traditions with global influences, creating a unique dining experience you won’t find anywhere else. The capital city offers everything from beachfront cafes to upscale restaurants.
Fusion of Local and International Flavors
Au Fare stands out as a must-visit restaurant that perfectly demonstrates Port Vila’s fusion cuisine. This waterfront gem serves excellent steaks, fresh fish, and even fantastic pizza in a beautiful setting right on the water.
Stonegrill Restaurant ranks as one of the city’s top dining spots, known for its barbecue and steakhouse offerings. For something different, try Cafe Vila Restaurant & Bar, where fusion dishes combine local ingredients with international techniques.
The city’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse. You’ll find French-influenced establishments like L’Houstalet Restaurant alongside casual beachfront cafes serving fresh seafood caught that morning.
Budget-friendly options exist alongside upscale restaurants, making Port Vila’s food scene accessible to all travelers.
Traditional Ni-Vanuatu Cuisine
For authentic local flavors, head to Port Vila Main Market. Here you can sample traditional Ni-Vanuatu dishes made with fresh local ingredients. The market buzzes with activity as vendors sell tropical fruits, vegetables, and freshly prepared meals.
Traditional cuisine often features lap lap (a pudding made from grated root vegetables and coconut cream) and tuluk (a dish of grated manioc wrapped in island cabbage). These dishes showcase the agricultural bounty of the islands.
Seafood plays a starring role in local cooking. Fresh fish, lobster, and coconut crab appear on menus throughout the city, often prepared using traditional cooking methods.
Look for restaurants offering kava, a traditional drink made from the root of the kava plant. It’s an important part of Vanuatu’s cultural heritage and social gatherings.
Dining Ambiance and Settings
Port Vila offers magical dining settings that enhance your meal with stunning views and relaxed tropical vibes. From waterfront restaurants to urban spots with local character, you’ll find places that feed both your appetite and your senses.
Beachside Dining Experiences
At Vila Chaumieres Restaurant, you can enjoy great lunches with amazing ambience right by the water. The peaceful setting creates a perfect backdrop for fresh seafood and island specialties while gentle waves lap nearby.
Nambawan Café offers a colorful atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the seafront. The vibrant environment makes your dining experience feel lively and authentically tropical.
Au Fare stands out as a favorite waterfront option where you can savor fantastic steak, fish, or even pizza. The restaurant’s position right on the water creates an unforgettable setting as you dine with ocean views stretching before you.
Urban Eateries with a Local Twist
Three Pigs Restaurant & Bar brings a unique atmosphere to Port Vila’s dining scene. The urban setting doesn’t mean sacrificing island charm – you’ll find both here along with creative cuisine.
Café Vila Restaurant & Bar offers a fusion experience that blends international techniques with local ingredients. The café atmosphere keeps things casual yet sophisticated, perfect for when you want a break from beachside dining.
Stonegrill Restaurant creates a memorable experience through both ambiance and interactive dining. Your meal arrives on volcanic stones, letting you cook each bite to perfection while enjoying the restaurant’s warm, inviting atmosphere.
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