10 Best Restaurants on Taveuni

Last Updated: 28 August, 2024

The Best Places to Eat on Taveuni

Taveuni offers a diverse dining scene that is unique to Fiji’s outer islands. You’ll find resort restaurants open to casual diners, independent eateries in Matei and Naqara, and even local takeaways served from home porches! The island’s expat community has brought Western cuisine to the forefront, but authentic Fijian dishes and Asian flavours are still readily available if you know where to look. From casual beachfront cafes to upscale resort dining, Taveuni caters to all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, traditional lovo feasts, or international cuisine, this tropical paradise has something to satisfy every palate. Ready to explore Taveuni’s culinary offerings? Check out our recommendations in this guide to the best restaurants on Taveuni.

While you’re here, don’t miss our The Food Guide to Taveuni for even more delicious insights.

1. Tramonto Restaurant

If you’re spending time in Matei and manage to pull yourself away from your resort, don’t miss one of Taveuni’s most popular restaurants, Tramonto. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the ocean, this family-owned gem offers stunning sunset views that perfectly complement their delicious thin-crust pizzas and fresh local cuisine. Locals and visitors alike rave about Tramonto’s vibe, making it a must-visit spot during your Taveuni adventure. With a history dating back to the 1920s, the Madden family has deep roots in Matei and strong ties to local villages. Their passion for hospitality shines through in every aspect of the restaurant, from the warm welcome to the mouthwatering dishes.

Location: Matei, north coast of Taveuni. Along the coast road.

The Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants in Taveuni

2. Coconut Grove Restaurant

The Coconut Grove Restaurant in Matei offers a delightful dining experience for casual visitors to Taveuni. This beachfront eatery prides itself on serving fresh seafood, organic vegetables from its own garden, and homemade pasta. Their diverse menu features a tantalising blend of Fijian and Asian cuisine alongside mouthwatering homemade pasta dishes. For meat lovers, the restaurant offers organic grass-fed aged Taveuni eye fillets and burgers. You can savour your meal in the restaurant, on your private veranda, or even down on the beach by candlelight for a romantic dinner experience. Reservations are essential for dinner. The restaurant is open daily from 8 am to 9 pm.

Location: Coconut Grove Beachfront Cottages, Matei, north coast of Taveuni. Along the coast road.

3. The Dive Café

Nestled on the beach in Matei, The Dive Café offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can relax with friends, enjoy stunning views, and savour the best island coffee and delicious local cuisine. This charming café caters to various tastes with an extensive menu of drinks and meals. Start your day with a hearty breakfast, including options like veggie omelettes or pancakes, served from 6 am to 10 am. For lunch (11 am to 3 pm), indulge in popular dishes such as fish & chips, stir-fries, or a selection of burgers and tacos. Pizza lovers can choose from Hawaiian, chicken, vegetable, or Margherita options. Opening hours are Sunday to Wednesday from 7 am to 8 pm and Thursday to Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm.

Location: Matei, north coast of Taveuni. Along the coast road.

4. Salty Fox Bar and Grill

When you’re craving American-style cuisine on the west side of Taveuni, pop into the Salty Fox Bar and Grill at Taveuni Dive Resort. This spacious open-air restaurant, popular among holidaymakers, locals, and expats alike, offers a delightful dining experience right next to an incredible infinity pool overlooking the Somosomo Strait. The Salty Fox serves up a diverse menu, including pizzas, wings, burgers, wraps, salads, and fries. Start your day with a full cooked-to-order breakfast, enjoy their all-day bar menu, or savour the nightly local and international specials. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool after a day of diving or celebrating a special occasion, the Salty Fox provides the perfect ambience. Opening hours are from 6 am to 7 pm daily (last orders for the kitchen).

Location: Taveuni Dive Resort, central west coast of Taveuni. Between Wairiki and Qacavuio.

5. Kai Time Restaurant

Indulge in a delightful culinary experience at Kai Time, located at the Aroha Taveuni Beachfront Villas. This charming restaurant welcomes casual diners to savour their wood-fired pizzas and ever-popular fish and chips. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy European favourites crafted with local ingredients, offering a unique blend of flavours that capture the essence of Taveuni. Situated on the shores of Somosomo Strait, Kai Time boasts an extensive all-day blackboard menu and an à la carte evening menu. Opening hours are from 8 am to 8 pm daily

Location: Aroha Taveuni Beachfront Bures, Wairiki, west coast of Taveuni.

6. Paradise Oceanview Restaurant & Bar

Experience culinary delights at the Paradise Oceanview Restaurant & Bar, located on-site at Paradise Taveuni Resort. Indulge in a diverse menu featuring Fijian delicacies, local organic produce, and international favourites. The resort’s owner, Allan, an internationally trained chef, oversees the kitchen and ensures top-quality meals using fresh ingredients from their Paradise Farm. Special dietary requirements are easily accommodated, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, salt-free, and sugar-free options. Just let the staff know in advance, and they’ll cater to your needs. Daily changing menus offer a variety of dishes, from burgers and pizzas to curries and stir-fries. Don’t miss their signature Tropical Fish – a grilled catch of the day served on cassava chips with roasted eggplant and drizzled with fresh coconut milk. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Paradise Taveuni Resort welcomes everyone to dine in paradise.

Location: Paradise Taveuni Resort, Vuna. Southwest coast of Taveuni.

7. Paradise Bakery

For a delightful treat during your stay on Taveuni, don’t miss the Paradise Bakery. Located at the top of the Paradise Taveuni Resort property, this charming bakery is open seven days a week from 6:30 am until late. Indulge in a variety of sweet and savoury delights, including cakes, pies, ice cream, cold drinks, and candy. It’s the perfect spot for a mid-morning snack or an afternoon pick-me-up. The bakery has become a popular hangout for both Paradise staff and locals alike. Visitors are welcome to join in and mingle over a cold beer after work, offering a unique opportunity to experience the local vibe.

Location: Paradise Taveuni Resort, Vuna. Southwest coast of Taveuni. The bakery is along the main road at the entrance to the resort.

8. Ria Poni Wine & Dine (Ria’s Chillout Restaurant)

Indulge in a unique culinary experience at Ria’s Chillout Restaurant, located in Naqara. This charming eatery is renowned for its innovative Chinese-Fijian-Indian fusion cuisine. Using local Fijian produce combined with Indian spices and Chinese sauces, Ria creates a delightful blend of flavours that pays homage to Fijian traditions while incorporating international influences. The result? Succulent, flavourful dishes that are freshly prepared for every meal. Perched on the first level of the yellow building near the top of town, Ria’s welcomes both locals and international visitors. While the dishes are best enjoyed fresh and hot, takeaway options are available for those on the go. The menu caters to various tastes with cold drinks, snacks, sweet treats, and vegetarian options. Families are warmly welcomed, making it a perfect spot for a delicious meal in a relaxed atmosphere. Opening hours are from 7:45 am to 7 pm daily

Location: Naqara, west coast of Taveuni. The first level of the yellow building near the top of town.

9. Garden Island Resort Restaurant

Indulge in a delightful dining experience at the Garden Island Resort Restaurant, where culinary delights await both resort guests and outside visitors. Pizza lovers can drop by anytime to savour their mouthwatering pizza menu. For those craving a more diverse selection, you can book ahead before 5 pm to enjoy their tempting blackboard menu for dinner. If you’re part of a group, don’t miss the chance to experience a traditional Fijian lovo feast (advanced booking required). Dine in comfort at the poolside undercover seating area, or embrace the tropical ambience with outdoor seating options. As you savour your meal, watch the colony of flying foxes that hang in the resort’s trees!

Location: Garden Island Resort, Waiyevo, west coast of Taveuni.

10. Viani Bay Restaurant

Indulge in a culinary adventure at Viani Bay Restaurant, where contemporary Fijian cuisine meets the freshest local ingredients. Their chefs craft authentic Fijian menus with a modern twist, offering a delightful alternative to the usual pizza, pasta, and burger fare. From garden to table and ocean to plate, every dish is freshly prepared from scratch, seasoned with handcrafted Fiji Sea Salt. Catering to all dietary needs, they offer vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free options. Start your day with homemade sourdough bread, coconut buns, and eggs cooked to your liking. For mains, savour fresh fish in coconut milk, kovu (beef, pork, or lamb) wrapped in banana leaves, flavourful curries with homemade chutneys, and succulent crabs and prawns. Their fresh salads with secret dressings and seasonal vegetable dishes provide the perfect accompaniment. Finally, don’t miss their homemade coconut milk-based ice creams and seasonal fruit cakes for a sweet finish! Opening hours are from 8 am to 9 pm daily. Secure your table with a minimum 24-hour pre-booking. BBQ and lovo available upon request.

Location: Viani Bay Resort, Viani Bay, Vanua Levu. Accessible by private boat transfers organised through the resort, 15 minutes across from Wairiki/Taveuni.

More About the Best Restaurants in Taveuni

That’s it for our guide to the best restaurants in Taveuni; for more information about dining and drinking in Fiji, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Information, Shops & Services on Taveuni guide

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Taveuni Tourism Association (Regional tourism website)

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin (Ruveni) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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