20 Best Restaurants in Vanuatu

Experience the innovative culinary concept at Regenerative Vanua, where two complementary businesses share one powerful philosophy: regenerative local food sourcing.

My Aelan Cuisine serves wholesome breakfast and lunch featuring traditional island foods, whilst Tricolor Bar offers health-focused beverages including speciality wellness tonics and locally roasted coffee.

Set in an open-air yet cool covered garden setting, this collective champions locally-sourced ingredients exclusively from Vanuatu, including everything from root vegetables to free-range chicken. The breakfast menu (7 am to 11 am) features nutritious island staples, whilst lunch offers grilled seafood, meats and traditional sides like kumala mash and steamed taro.

At the bar, try concentrated wellness shots packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Choose from six different tonic varieties, including the "Gintum Tonic" with ginger, turmeric and cayenne pepper, or the vibrant "Butterfly Tonic" featuring butterfly pea flower.

A waterfront gem on the edge of the capital, Jill's Café has been a Port Vila favourite for more than three decades, dishing out hearty American-style comfort food and their famous ice cream sundaes.

This charming café, which has changed locations over the years, is in a comfortable and spacious base on the harbour waterfront, offering a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle while remaining conveniently located in town.

The team make as much as possible from scratch, from rolling their own flour tortillas to baking fresh muffins daily using local organic ingredients. The extensive menu spans hearty American breakfasts, gourmet burgers made with organic local beef, authentic Mexican fare and an impressive array of ice cream creations featuring local Switi ice cream.

The café's unique touches include complimentary WiFi, shower facilities on a funky surfboard, and direct swimming access via steps down to the water.

With dietary options clearly marked (vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free available), plus their famous challenge, "The San Diego Zoo" sundae served in an elephant's trough, there's something to delight every palate.

Find Jill's Cafe open from 7 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Saturday.

For dining out in Luganville on Espiritu Santo, Deco Stop Lodge offers not only some of the most breathtaking views across the Segond Channel to the outer islands, but also one of the best dining options in the main town area.

This poolside restaurant, with ample seating and shabby chic decor, sits just a five-minute walk from Santo's main township, making it an accessible dining destination that welcomes day visitors as well as hotel guests.

The restaurant operates daily from 6:30 pm to 9 pm, featuring a menu that changes daily and is written on boards rather than printed menus. Popular dishes include panfried poulet fish with flaked almonds and couscous, scotch fillet steak with black pepper sauce, and slow-cooked pork belly in honey soya ginger sauce.

Special Friday offerings include tapas and gourmet pizzas, whilst the extensive cocktail menu features mudslides, frozen margaritas, piña coladas and espresso martinis. Happy hour runs from 5 pm to 7 pm with 100 VT off all alcoholic drinks, and local Tusker beers are available for 500 VT.

Discover LaLaLa Restaurant & Bar at Le Petit Village for one of Port Vila's most upscale Mediterranean dining experiences, showcasing the finest local ingredients from Vanuatu's waters and surrounding islands.

The restaurant's signature dish is their fresh coconut crab, sourced seasonally from various islands around Vanuatu, including Efate and northern islands, with deliveries arriving weekly to ensure peak freshness. Beyond the world's largest arthropods, the extensive menu features classic Mediterranean favourites like "Steak Frites", "Osso Bucco" and "Seafood Risotto", alongside premium local catches including fresh marlin, baby octopus and creamy garlic prawns.

The bar serves two signature cocktails that guests can't get enough of: the "LaLaLa Lady" made with rum, Cointreau and a dash of lime, plus the tropical "Rainbow in Paradise".

And with prime waterfront position, guests have the treat of watching boats whiz around in the harbour by day and the twinkling lights of Iririki Island by night.

Find LaLaLa Restaurant & Bar open from 10 am to 9:30 pm Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays (except when cruise ships are in port).

We don't make too much of a habit of recommending resort restaurants but we highly recommend outside diners to experience bold flavours in the intimate setting of the Mangoes Resort restaurant, open from 7 am until 9 pm daily.

Under the culinary direction of a talented African executive chef, Chef Taku, Mangoes serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, complemented by themed special events that showcase international influences and local island ingredients.

The restaurant's signature experience is the acclaimed "Trust the Chef", a pre-bookable four-course culinary journey where the chef crafts a personalised menu based on dietary preferences, paired with wines and sparkling wine. This interactive dining concept exemplifies the venue's philosophy: while the setting may be intimate, the flavours are undeniably big.

Menu highlights include the playful Melanesian Fish Salad "Our Ceviche" served dramatically in half a coconut, Asian-style Grilled Red Snapper with wasabi potato purée, and the tantalising Herbed polenta discs served with smoked paprika aioli and shaved parmesan. The kitchen celebrates both international techniques and local ingredients, from Santo beef tenderloin to fresh Vanuatu red snapper topped with tropical fruit salsa.

Themed dining events add excitement throughout the year, such as the popular African-themed evenings that have drawn capacity crowds of 120 diners over multiple nights. The restaurant maintains a weekly specials program alongside its regular breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, ensuring return visitors always discover something new.

If that wasn't enough, Happy Hour runs from 4 pm to 6 pm, featuring cocktails of the day, house wines and premium Tusker beer. Otherwise, the extensive drinks menu spans tropical cocktails like Island Tropper and Grapefruit Negroni to premium wines from New Zealand, France and Australia, perfectly complementing the playful yet sophisticated dining experience.

Amoremio adds a charming French flair to Vanuatu's café culture, serving up an exceptional menu that far exceeds your standard coffee shop offerings.

This French-owned establishment serves up authentic crêpes, waffles, churros and artisanal ice cream in a family-friendly atmosphere complete with a huge children's playground.

The café's most unique feature is its innovative coffee stencil art experience, where you can upload a photo of your face via QR code to create personalised latte art. Their signature sweet and savoury crêpes range from the popular "Complete" (cheese, egg and ham) to decadent specialty options like "Martiniquaise" (banana with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream).

Beyond the extensive crêpe menu, Amoremio crafts their own kombucha, serves seasonal sorbets made from fresh local fruit, and offers everything from breakfast dishes to cocktails. You'll also find organic paradise spices and apparel for sale.

An unmissable local dining experience with your toes in the sand (yet strangely still in the heart of Luganville), The Sandbar is worth scouting out.

With sand beneath your feet and tables scattered both inside and out, this charming venue creates island vibes despite being next to the wharf in town.

Open daily from 3 pm to 10 pm, the restaurant serves up an impressive menu featuring fresh seafood dishes like grilled lobster with garlic butter sauce and coconut curry prawns. Their wood-fired pizza selection includes everything from pepperoni to Hawaiian, whilst the drink menu boasts tropical fruit juices, smoothies and local wines. As long as you leave plenty of time for your order to arrive, you're in for a treat.

The relaxed outdoor setting and traditional kava bar add to the Ni-Vanuatu experience. On Friday and Saturday nights, The Sandbar transforms into a nightclub operating until 2 am, though these evenings are primarily geared towards locals rather than tourists.

When it comes to distinctive waterfront dining in Port Vila, Banyan Beach Bar is an absolute must!

This characterful beachfront restaurant creates a magical atmosphere with fairy lights twinkling among tropical plants, a beach bar right on the sand, and cosy nooks under trees perfect for drinks and conversation.

The extensive menu showcases Italian-inspired cuisine alongside Pacific flavours, featuring everything from classic pizzas and fresh seafood risotto to hearty burgers and authentic pasta dishes.

Saturday evenings bring a fire show from the acclaimed Vanua Fire to add extra excitement to your dining experience, while the comprehensive wine and cocktail menu perfectly complements the funky beachside destination.

Find Banyan Beach Bar open from 11 am to 11 pm Monday to Friday and 11 am to 10 pm on weekends.

Seasalt Bar + Dining adds a contemporary Asian-fusion flair to Port Vila's culinary landscape, focusing on wood-fired pizzas and an impressive selection of tropical smoothies.

Tucked away in a small mall off the main street of Port Vila, this contemporary restaurant offers everything from Korean fried chicken and beef rendang to creative cocktails like the signature "Pango Sour" and "Black Sands". The extensive menu features Asian-inspired dishes, including bulgogi beef bowls, miso-glazed fish, and Korean BBQ pizzas, alongside classic options like Caesar salad and margherita pizza.

With three attractive seating areas, Seasalt provides a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for everything from late lunches to evening cocktails. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine selection featuring French champagnes and Australian wines, plus a full bar with premium spirits and creative signature cocktails.

Over on Santo, Chez Louis Restaurant delivers a fun and flavourful culinary journey on the sands of Port Olry, where locally sourced ingredients take centre stage.

The restaurant's signature dish is their perfectly marinated fried fish, seasoned with aromatic local peppers that pack a delightful spicy punch.

Beyond the exceptional cuisine, Chez Louis doubles as an activity hub with kayak rentals available, volleyball facilities and snorkelling gear. The restaurant sources all ingredients from Santo itself, featuring locally grown produce and proteins with an emphasis on organic farming practices.

Their diverse menu spans from fresh lobster and coconut crab to hearty Santo beef steaks and burgers, all served with potato chips and fresh salad. The beachfront location provides the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch followed by water activities, with plans for massage services to complete the relaxation experience.

Opening hours are from approximately 9 am to 10 pm daily, though allow plenty of time for your order to arrive.

Coco & Co offers a charming modern café experience that blends contemporary comfort with tropical flair.

The cosy, air-conditioned interior features intimate seating and an integrated gift store, whilst the charming garden courtyard provides an outdoor dining option for those who prefer the heat.

The main focus is its impressive array of fresh seafood dishes, including ultra-fresh tuna prepared three ways in the popular "Tuna Trio": sashimi, tataki and tartare. Poke bowls feature prominently with tuna or teriyaki chicken options, whilst health-conscious diners will appreciate the nutritious "Buddha Bowl" with turmeric quinoa and seasonal greens.

The café's quality extends to their coffee program, offering everything from classic espressos to trendy matcha lattes and superfood protein smoothies. Breakfast options range from simple toasts to indulgent "Eggs Benedict", whilst lunch features everything from gourmet sandwiches to hearty surf and turf combinations.

What's more, the dedicated kids' menu includes child-friendly favourites like mini burgers, fish and chips, and pancakes, ensuring even the pickiest eaters are satisfied.

Perfectly positioned along the Port Vila Harbour, Waterfront Bar & Grill is a beloved Port Vila restaurant that has been serving exceptional seafood to both marina guests and local diners for years.

The star of the show is undoubtedly their famous seafood chowder, a longtime speciality that locals have cherished since childhood and continues to draw visitors from across the island.

The extensive menu features fresh daily catches, local organic beef steaks and their impressive "Seafood Platter for Two" with lobster. From salt and pepper calamari starters to Asian stir fry mains, there's something for every palate, including dedicated children's options and wood-fired pizzas.

Open seven days a week, the restaurant serves lunch from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and dinner from 5:30 pm to 9 pm. The bar remains open between services, perfect for enjoying local Tanna coffee or cocktails whilst watching the harbour activity.

Eat Street delivers the vibrant atmosphere of container food parks to Port Vila, offering an exciting collection of international cuisines all in one convenient location.

This innovative dining destination features multiple shipping containers transformed into food outlets, each serving something special from different corners of the world.

From wood-fired pizzas at Pizza 83 to authentic Korean fare at Yumi K-food, the variety is impressive. The pizza selection includes popular local favourites like "BBQ Chicken" and "Hawaiian" (available with either ham or chicken), while the Korean container serves everything from traditional bibimbap to Korean fried chicken. Masala Magik brings Indian and Pacific fusion to the mix with curries, naan bread and local specialties like rourou.

What sets Eat Street apart is its community atmosphere, featuring live music and kava sessions every Sunday from 4 pm. The social dining experience, where visitors can sample multiple cuisines, gives plenty of reason to make more than one visit during your time in the capital.

Mali Beach Club delivers a tranquil, Bali-inspired oceanfront dining experience that beautifully embodies Vanuatu's easygoing island atmosphere.

This family-friendly venue features an extensive menu of wood-fired pizzas, from classic "Hawaiian" and "Pepperoni" to unique local creations like "Three Cheese & Kumala Dream" and "Spicy Island Chicken", alongside hearty mains including tender eye fillet steak.

The club boasts an impressive drinks selection with premium wines, local Tusker beers and expertly crafted cocktails, all enhanced by their popular happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm daily, featuring buy-one-get-one cocktails.

With live music every Sunday, games areas, free WiFi throughout, it's designed as a place where everyone can unwind from 11 am to 10 pm daily.

Tucked away between swaying palms along the Luganville shoreline, Smugglers Seafood Restaurant & Bar offers both indoor and outdoor dining with a laid-back, locally owned charm.

The extensive menu showcases the best of the Pacific with specialties ranging from grilled lobster with lemon butter to their popular "Seafood Lovers" platter for six people featuring prawns, lobster, sea red crab, squid and fresh fish.

Fresh seafood takes centre stage with dishes like creamy lemon garlic prawns pasta, seafood chowder soup and Tahitian fish salad, while meat lovers can enjoy options like chicken carbonara and sizzling beef.

The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of fresh mocktails, including passion fruit juice, mango smoothies and chocolate milkshakes, perfect for cooling down in the tropical heat.

With prices ranging from budget-friendly soups to "treat yourself" sharing platters, there's something for every appetite and wallet (just remember to bring mosquito repellent for the outdoor seating!).

Smugglers Seafood Restaurant & Bar is open from 11 am to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday.

If you're craving something different from local fare, Port Vila Burger Co. serves up gourmet burgers that have become a guilty pleasure for locals and tourists alike since 1981.

This beloved food truck burger joint stands out with their signature "Vanuatu Burger" featuring pickled susut and homemade island sauce, alongside creative options like the tropical pulled pork special with local ingredients including pawpaw, mango, coconut and peanuts.

The menu caters to all tastes with beef, chicken and veggie options, plus indulgent double burgers for hearty appetites. What's more, many burgers feature homemade sauces and, when in season, fresh tomatoes and other local produce.

They offer convenient combo meals pairing burgers with chips and drinks, and they're one of the few restaurants in Port Vila that provide delivery service.

Find Port Vila Burger Co. open from Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm.

Step away from the busy heart of Luganville and discover this charming garden café oasis that brings a unique combination of Japanese and Pacific island flavours.

Natangora Café offers an attractive outdoor setting surrounded by tropical trees, creating a tranquil contrast to the urban surroundings. The extensive menu showcases everything from traditional Japanese dishes like authentic ramen, teriyaki bowls and Japanese curry to hearty Western breakfasts and gourmet burgers.

Highlights include the signature "MEGA Burger" (claiming to be the biggest in Santo town!), fresh local Santo eye-fillet steaks and the popular "Japanese SUMO Morning Plate" featuring grilled poulet fish.

Fresh fruit juices are made exclusively from local Santo fruits without artificial flavours, whilst the café also serves organic Tanna coffee and homemade cakes.

Be adventurous or stick to French comfort food: the choice is yours at L'Houstalet!

This historic establishment is more than just a restaurant; it's a living monument to the nation's independence, where politicians, church representatives and chiefs celebrated the drafting of Vanuatu's constitution in 1979.

The restaurant features multiple dining areas, including a casual pub section with a pool table, a charming garden area and an elegant dining room adorned with striking local artwork.

Under the passionate ownership of Clément Martinez, the menu combines French culinary traditions with Pacific flavours, showcasing specialities like the famous civet de roussette (flying fox marinated in red wine) and fresh coconut crab dishes alongside classic French comfort food.

L'Houstalet is open daily from 4 pm to 9/10 pm.

You didn't think all of Efate's dining options were in Port Vila, did you? If you're road tripping around the island or happen to be staying in Havannah, don't miss Wahoo Seafood & Grill!

The restaurant's standout dish is their whole coral trout, expertly deep-fried with herbs and spices to create a perfectly crunchy exterior whilst keeping the fish tender and flavourful inside, available in portions for one or two people.

The menu features an impressive selection of fresh seafood, including the popular "Seafood Delight" combining crumbed fish, calamari, scallops and prawns, alongside wood-fired pizzas made with their secret in-house base recipe.

The establishment operates with flexible hours from 11 am until the last guest leaves, creating a welcoming environment for expats, tourists and locals alike.

What sets Wahoo Seafood & Grill apart is its convenient jetty access, allowing visitors from all around the Havannah Harbour to arrive directly by boat for their dining experience.

Ending on an iconic café, Nambawan Café is ironically nambatwentee on our list.

The extensive menu showcases fresh local ingredients whenever possible, from coconut water served straight from the shell to tropical smoothies blending real pawpaw, mango and passionfruit. We're particularly drawn to their support of local producers, featuring Tanna Coffee and house-made ice creams and sorbets. The establishment also runs entirely on solar power and operates electric vehicles, making it a more sustainable choice.

Beyond beverages, the café offers comprehensive dining options from hearty breakfast dishes like the "Bacon & Egg Burrito" to gourmet pizzas on homemade thin-crust bases. The children's menu caters thoughtfully to families, whilst the wine selection and happy hour specials make Nambawan a worthwhile spot for sundowners.

Find this popular cafe open daily from 6 am to 7:30/8 pm.