Where to Eat in Moorea: 11 Must-Try Restaurants on the Island

Moorea has always been a crowd-favourite island among travellers heading to Tahiti for a tropical holiday. But this stunning island is more than just a beach paradise. Over the years, it’s evolved into a culinary destination, thanks to its abundance of Moorea food tours, immersive cooking classes and the popularity of Moorea food markets.

So, if you’re craving fresh seafood on the beach or want a romantic dinner on a motu, there are plenty of dining options on this gorgeous island. Want to know where to eat in Moorea for the most sumptuous French and Polynesian food? Here are the 11 best restaurants in Moorea, depending on your budget and vibe.

Fine Dining in Moorea

Do you have a penchant for luxury and want to eat at a refined and indulgent restaurant? Here are some dining options for lavish celebrations and special, romantic dinners in Moorea.

K Restaurant

Inside the opulent Sofitel Kia Ora Beach Resort sits K Restaurant, one of the most renowned French restaurants in Moorea. They have a seven-course tasting menu that tells the story of French Polynesian cuisine through a combination of light and unexpected flavours.

Everything about this fine dining restaurant screams luxury, from its cathedral ceiling to how every meal is paired with the finest, most robust French wines. It’s also one of the most romantic restaurants in Moorea, in case you’re celebrating an anniversary or proposing to your significant other.

Arii Vahine Restaurant

For something a little more refreshing, head out to Arii Vahine Restaurant in the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa. This open-air restaurant boasts breathtaking, panoramic views of the ocean. If you go at dinner time, you’ll be treated to gourmet meals featuring a mix of Polynesian and French dishes.

One of our biggest tips for dining in Tahiti is to maximise buffet breakfasts—and this restaurant has it! Whether you’re a Hilton guest or walking in for an indulgent morning meal, enjoy the spread here.

Hearty Dinner Ideas in Moorea

Of course, you don’t have to burn a hole in your pocket to have a delicious dinner on the island. There are plenty of Moorea restaurants that are perfect for hearty, sumptuous dinners outside of five-star resorts. Check out these options for a delectable dinner.

Rudy’s

Along the coastal road sits Rudy’s, a must-try when dining in Moorea. This dinner spot is well-loved for a reason. It’s so homey and quaint that the owner greets you as you enter the restaurant doors. And, of course, there’s the food.

They serve mouthwatering, delectable French and Polynesian dishes, from tenderloin with blue cheese sauce to grilled lobster. But they’re most well-known for being one of the best seafood restaurants in Moorea, with specialties like shrimps and scallops. Don’t forget to try their signature fish—the crab-stuffed parrotfish.

Ke’iki

Ke’iki has some of the most glowing restaurant reviews in Moorea, and for good reason. They have fresh, succulent seafood dishes served in large portions, ensuring every guest walks out with a full and happy stomach. Their desserts are scrumptious, too—try the panna cotta and chocolate cake!

This cosy, family-owned restaurant gets so packed, so make sure to get a reservation before heading there for the night.

Fare La Canadienne

Looking for Canadian and American comfort food after days of having seafood? Go to Fare La Canadienne, a restaurant that serves all your North American favourites, from cheeseburgers to maple syrup-infused beers. It’s a must for those craving food from across the world.

Tiki Village Cultural Center

At night, the island’s cultural center transforms into a magical tama’ara’a, or a traditional Polynesian feast. Grilled pork, fresh fish and all kinds of fruits and vegetables are laid out on leaves and served to large groups, creating a sort of authentic Tahitian banquet. It’s perfect if you’re looking for traditional Tahitian food in Moorea.

If you want to experience the most vibrant tama’ara’a Moorea has to offer, the Tiki Village Cultural Center is your best bet. Seeing locals perform Polynesian songs and spectacular fire dances is just the cherry on top!

Casual Eats by the Beach

Want to make the most out of every minute you have in paradise? Have your meals by the beach! Here are local favourites and cheap eats in Moorea right by the azure waters the island is known for.

Cocobeach Moorea

Ever dreamed of having a delicious seafood lunch on an island? Cocobeach Moorea would be the perfect place to try! This fan-favourite restaurant sits on a separate motu, so you need to go there by boat. Once you arrive, you can have the best seafood of your life, from fresh fish to grilled octopus.

There are also tons of activities you can do by the beach, from snorkelling to sunbathing. That makes it perfect for family-friendly dining in Moorea.

Snack Mahana

Snack Mahana is one of those beachfront local eateries in Moorea that are only open for a couple of hours a day, around lunchtime. So, if you want good seats overlooking the water, go as early as you can. If you’re lucky, you can enjoy fresh seafood and more Moorea cuisine while watching stingrays and sharks swim near you. From grilled mahi to ice cream infused with local flowers, this chill Moorea restaurant highlights the best things about Polynesian food.

Don’t forget to try Moorea poisson cru (raw fish in coconut milk and lime) at this eatery. This dish is one of the most well-loved culinary delights of Tahiti, and Snack Mahan makes a mean one. We bet it’s going to be one of your best local food experiences in Moorea!