The Ultimate Guide to Food in Fiji
Across the 333 islands that make up the Fiji archipelago, a wealth of food experiences await. If you’re seeking true South Pacific cuisine, then you’ll find it here, where the seafood is fresh from the ocean and fruit and vegetables are all grown on the islands.
With a melting pot of cultures, most prominently Fijian and Indo-Fijian, there are different flavours to treat your palette. Not only that but food can be experienced in a number of ways, from cooking classes to kava ceremonies.
This ultimate food guide to Fiji covers just about everything: the best places to eat, food tours and experiences, where to try traditional Fijian food, self-catering and even vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. It’s the only food guide to Fiji you’re ever going to need.
Table of Contents
The 10 Best Places to Eat in Fiji
This food guide to Fiji is pretty damn detailed, so let’s ease into it with a nice simple list of the best places to eat in Fiji, according to our team!
- Bonefish Seafood Restaurant (Denarau)
- Corner Cafe (Behind Jack’s of Fiji Nadi Mall, Nadi)
- Baravi Handicrafts Café (Vatukarasa, Coral Coast)
- Captain’s Table at the Copra Shed (Savusavu, Vanua Levu)
- Nautical at Nawi (Savusavu, Vanua Levu)
- Daikoku (Suva and Nadi)
- Bulaccino Cafe (Nadi)
- The Boatshed at Vuda Marina (Nadi)
- Tramonto Restaurant (Taveuni)
- The Establishment (Pacific Harbour)
Scroll down to “About The Best Places to Eat in Fiji” to learn more about our top picks!
© FijiPocketGuide.comThe Best Islands for Food in Fiji
Where is the best food destination in Fiji? Well, that totally depends on what style of food you’re looking for. The main island, Viti Levu, offers a contemporary dining experience with the most choice of restaurants and more “touristic” food tours.
The further across the outer islands you go, the more emphasis there is on sustainable foodie experiences mixed with traditional cooking.
Food on Viti Levu
Viti Levu is not only the largest island in Fiji, but it is also the most populated island on which you arrive.
Additionally, Viti Levu is a real foodie hub thanks to its array of resorts presenting Fijian foodie experiences and the towns providing a good excuse to immerse in the Indo-Fijian foodie culture.
Nadi, Denarau and the Coral Coast
Close to Fiji’s main international airport, Nadi, Denarau, and the Coral Coast provide an easy foodie getaway without having to spend too much time getting to Fiji’s outer islands or elsewhere in Viti Levu. All trips to Fiji start in Nadi, where there’s no other city in the South Pacific where foodies can try many hands-on foodie experiences!
Find out just exactly what is on the food-related activity menu in The Food Guide to Nadi.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a little luxury, the five-star resort island of Denarau is a foodie’s paradise. The island connected to the mainland is packed with restaurants, as well as hands-on food activities.
Check out the eateries, accommodation and activities that every foodie should try The Food Guide to Denarau Island.
On the Coral Coast of Fiji, food and culture combine to create a wealth of creative restaurants and food-orientated experiences. For instance, many of the Fijian traditions surround food, as well as their livelihoods, which can be experienced through kava ceremonies, “lovo” and produce markets.
Find out more in The Food Guide to the Coral Coast.
Pacific Harbour, Suva and the Suncoast
On the eastern side of Viti Levu, you’ll find Fiji’s capital, Suva, as well as the Pacific Harbour to the southeast of the island and the Suncoast running along the north coast. All of which provide a road-less-travelled foodie experience in Viti Levu.
Located just off the Beqa Lagoon, the Pacific Harbour has the freshest food source right off its shores. Needless to say, this region on the south coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, is one of the best to try fresh seafood in Fiji style!
Find out more in The Food Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa.
One of the largest hubs in the South Pacific Islands, Suva is the perfect place for foodies to learn more about the foods and flavours in this isolated part of the world.
Find out how in The Food Guide to Suva.
And for those who love to experience a culture through its cuisine, then you’re onto a good thing with the Suncoast of Fiji. Fijian cooking lessons, bustling markets, ceremonial experiences involving food and drink, luxurious private dining, catching your own dinner… It’s all possible here, which we explain further in The Food Guide to the Suncoast.
Food in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands
Combine a getaway to a stunning coral atoll or volcanic island with some foodie experiences in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Located just a couple of hours by ferry from Port Denarau or a short charter flight from Nadi, these islands are where you can find some of Fiji’s most famous island resorts.
However, unlike in Viti Levu, your experiences here are restricted to what your resort, or in the case of some of the Yasawa Islands, your homestay can provide. Luckily, there are always at least a couple of food-related activities on the menu.
Mamanuca Islands
Try some of the freshest seafood and some of the best Pacific Rim cuisine at one of the fabulous foodie resorts of the Mamanuca Islands. With many ways to try authentic island cuisine, as well as treat-yourself experiences prepared by the resorts’ top chefs, the Mamanucas will not leave your palette disappointed.
Check out The Food Guide to the Mamanuca Islands for more advice.
Yasawa Islands
This more remote island group is populated with real island villages, making the Yasawa Islands one of the best places to have an authentic Fijian foodie experience.
We guide you through the resorts, village homestays, foodie activities and dining experiences of the Yasawas in The Food Guide to the Yasawa Islands.
Food in Vanua Levu and Taveuni
In terms of the activities for foodies, there’s nothing too different in the islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni compared with Viti Levu and the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.
However, if you want to get off the beaten track in Fiji and see some of Fiji’s more rugged volcanic islands and lush tropical jungles, as well as top dive sites, then there is certainly reason to consider Vanua Levu and Taveuni.
Vanua Levu
Make your way to the less-visited Fiji’s two largest islands, Vanua Levu, where the culture here has mainly gone unchanged for the local Fijians for hundreds of years. There’s also diversity and a strong Indo-Fijian presence, particularly in the town of Labasa, where trying the flavoursome curries and even learning how to make their dishes yourself are a must.
Learn more about visiting the island in The Food Guide to Vanua Levu.
Taveuni
The fertile lands of Taveuni are so abundant with tropical fruit, medicinal plants and vegetables that it’s dubbed the “Garden Island” making Taveuni the perfect place to discover the organic produce of Fiji.
What’s more, the island is rich in culture with the local Fijians eager to share their passion for food, whether it’s through a traditional “lovo” feast or with a personal cooking class.
Find out more in The Food Guide to Taveuni.
Food in Kadavu, the Lomaiviti and the Lau Islands
Finally, if a foodie getaway means trying the most authentic of cuisine, sharing meals with the locals, and learning how the local people produce food sustainably, then check out Fiji’s hidden gems of Kadavu, the Lomaiviti Islands and the Lau Islands.
Kadavu
It’s all about seasonal and flavoursome produce on the Fiji island of Kadavu, where essentially all resorts and villages on the island sustain themselves. Match that with the traditional Fijian cooking methods or the expertise of internationally renowned chefs, and you’re in for a South Pacific gastronomical experience like no other.
Find out more in The Complete Travel Guide to Kadavu.
Lomaiviti Islands
Sitting down to an authentic Fijian meal with fresh fish that you catch in the morning is all part of everyday life in the Lomaiviti Islands.
Stay in a resort where the food is an event, or save a little by staying in one of the many self-catering accommodations in Fiji and cooking with local produce – either way, we’ll guide you with The Food Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands.
Lau Islands
Not many would choose to visit the hard-to-reach, far-flung islands of the Lau Group to experience its food. However, those who are seriously intrepid will love the adventure the Lau Islands provide.
Find out more in The Complete Guide to the Lau Islands.
© FijiPocketGuide.comThe Best Food Tours in Fiji
As you may have guessed, much of the culture in Fiji revolves around food. With that, there are many ways to enjoy food in Fiji apart from simply eating it. There are hands-on experiences, like cooking classes and fishing, as well as informational talks, medicine walks, and coconut demonstrations.
Fijian Produce Markets
Probably one of the most popular (and affordable) food activities in Fiji for foodies and non-foodies alike is visiting a local produce market. Every town and city has one, where you’ll get to browse and purchase some weird and wonderful tropical fruits and vegetables, as well as mingle with the friendly stallholders.
While this activity is accessible throughout Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, the Lomaiviti Islands and Kadavu, check out the markets in Nadi, Lautoka and Suva for the largest displays.
See the 10 Best Markets in Fiji for recommendations and their locations.
Vavavi: Lovo Experience
Looking for a truly unique and unforgettable culinary and cultural adventure in Fiji? Join Vavavi, a small, locally-owned family business in Nadi, for a day of exploration and enjoyment as they guide you through the preparation of authentic Fijian dishes cooked in a traditional lovo.
Immerse yourself in local cuisine and produce with a visit to the market, gaining insights into where locals purchase their fresh produce daily.
Their passion lies in sharing the vibrant culture and delicious traditional cuisine of Fiji with you. They cater to various dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarians, vegans, halal, gluten-free, etc.), so everyone can enjoy this culinary journey.
For more experiences in Fiji’s most-visited town, check out the 10 Best Foodie Experiences in Nadi.
Bulaccino Farm Tour
Bulaccino offers a delightful farm tour in a Nadi valley that’s well worth considering. You’ll love picking your own fruit, interacting with farm animals, and learning about traditional Fijian cooking. The tour highlights organic farming practices and showcases the connection between the farm’s produce and the café’s menu.
Be sure to join the guided walk along the farm’s organic pathway, where you’ll discover over 120 varieties of trees (talk about biodiversity!). It’s a fantastic way to experience Fiji’s agricultural side and gain insights into sustainable farming practices.
This tour is also accessible from Denarau, so check out more of the 10 Best Foodie Experiences in Denarau nearby.
Bobby’s Farm Tour
Na Bogi Ono Farms, affectionately known as Bobby’s Farm, offers a sensory journey through Fiji’s natural remedies on the island of Taveuni. Join Bobby for an enlightening tour of this conservation farm, teeming with birdlife, medicinal plants, and tropical fruits.
You’ll discover sustainable farming practices and learn about the importance of preserving local flora and fauna. For those seeking a more immersive experience, opt for the three-hour tour that includes a delightful “garden-to-table” vegan lunch. Savour fresh produce straight from the farm as you indulge in this farm-to-fork feast.
Alternatively, the standard 2-hour tour incorporates birdwatching and food tasting. You can visit the farm independently (it’s located south of Waiyevo) or arrange a tour through any of the resorts on Taveuni.
Check out more tours nearby in the 10 Best Foodie Experiences on Taveuni.
KokoMana Chocolate Factory Tour
Delve into a unique farm experience in Savusavu, Vanua Levu, at KokoMana, where you can indulge in a farm tour and chocolate tasting. This two-acre farm is home to 400 cocoa trees producing fine-flavoured chocolate that’ll make your taste buds dance!
As you wander through the grounds, you’ll learn about their sustainable permaculture practices (think organic composting and herbal medicine – it’s pretty impressive stuff). The real treat comes when you discover the chocolate-making process.
Using just two ingredients and no preservatives, Kokomana crafts exclusive chocolates that are only available in Savusavu. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on tasting these delectable treats!
Discover more of Savusavu in the 10 Best Foodie Experiences in Savusavu & Vanua Levu.
Bula Coffee Tour
Get ready for a brew-tiful adventure at Bula Coffee! This immersive coffee tour takes you on a journey from bean to cup, where you’ll discover the fascinating world of coffee production in Fiji.
As you stroll through the lush plantation, you’ll see coffee plants up close and learn about their growth stages and harvesting techniques. But it’s not just about watching; you’ll get hands-on experience too! Try your hand at picking coffee beans and witness the intricate processing methods that give each cup its distinct flavour.
The highlight? A delightful coffee-tasting session where you’ll sample various brews and learn to appreciate the subtle nuances in aroma and taste. Your guide will also regale you with stories about coffee’s role in local life and its impact on the economy.
This tour can be found on the Coral Coast along with the 10 Best Foodie Experiences on the Coral Coast.
Fijiana Cacao Factory Tour
Discover the sweet side of Fiji with the Fijiana Cacao factory tour. This fascinating experience takes you on a journey through the transformation of locally grown cacao beans into delectable chocolate. You’ll witness the three-day fermentation process and learn how the beans are dried for up to a week before roasting.
The highlight of the tour is the hands-on chocolate-making session in the Chocolate Lab. Here, you can unleash your inner chocolatier and create your own sweet treats.
Be sure to take the opportunity to taste their unique offerings, including vanilla chocolates, chocolate-covered almonds, and cacao tea made from the husks. This affordable tour is a must for food lovers and curious travellers alike.
More Food Tours in Fiji
And that’s not all the food scene of Fiji has to offer. Check out alternative food tours, such as:
- Enjoy a Fijian cultural dinner show at Fiji Culture Village and Mamacita Mexican Restaurant
- Indulge in a private island picnic from just about any resort
- Watch a coconut demonstration
- Learn about medicinal plants on a herbal walk
- Take part in a kava ceremony
- Catch dinner on a fishing trip
- Take part in a cultural village stay…
.. And much more! Learn more about each of these activities in detail in our 15 Best Foodie Experiences in Fiji.
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore About the Best Places to Eat in Fiji
Going out and trying either Fijian meals or international dishes with a local twist is all part of a Fiji getaway. While the islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni have a range of independent restaurants to get a taste of “what the locals eat”, the other island groups have resorts with their own restaurants.
Independent restaurants can be extremely affordable, especially curry houses and Chinese restaurants, while resorts are where you’ll be paying a premium for your meals.
The Best Restaurants in Fiji
Check out some of our top picks for the best restaurants in Fiji.
Corner Cafe (Nadi)
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience at Corner Cafe (Behind Jack’s of Fiji Nadi Mall), a popular eatery in Nadi. This cosy cafe offers a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, from hearty breakfasts to wholesome lunches and exquisite dinners.
Start your day with their artisanal breakfast dishes and freshly brewed coffee, or pop in for a quick bite from their grab-and-go section featuring handcrafted sandwiches and sweet treats. For dinner, savour a mix of local Fijian cuisine and international favourites in their bright and inviting decor. Be sure to try their high tea option for a special treat!
Corner Café also boasts chef-led catering services and complimentary use of event spaces when catering is booked. The spacious, air-conditioned function room behind the main café is a hidden gem perfect for special occasions.
Bonefish Seafood Restaurant (Denarau)
Dive into a seafood lover’s paradise at Bonefish (Port Denarau), where the ocean’s bounty takes centre stage. Open from 11 am to 10 pm; this restaurant is renowned for its generous seafood platters featuring local delights like kokoda and Ika Vakalolo (grilled wall), which is considered the star of the menu and a mix of grilled and fried fish.
Be sure to try their signature “Shark Attack” drink, where you can play mixologist with shooters. For a unique experience, peruse their “Long Journey” cocktail card, featuring creative concoctions with ingredients like maple syrup and bitters.
Bonefish is also an ideal functions venue, especially for cocktails at sunset.
Baravi Handicrafts Café (Coral Coast)
For a laid-back dining experience, choose the Baravi Handicrafts Café (Vatukarasa), perfectly positioned along Queens Road, just moments away from the stunning Baravi Beach and next door to Jack’s of Fiji (where you can pick up some awesome souvenirs).
The relaxed atmosphere is ideal for both tourists and locals looking to refuel after a day of road-tripping or beach adventures. Their menu is a real treat, offering everything from fresh seafood and juicy burgers to aromatic curries and quick snacks.
Daikoku (Suva and Nadi)
Experience the excitement of traditional Japanese dining at Daikoku Suva (40 Gorrie Street) and Daikoku Nadi (Matintar). This popular restaurant is renowned for its teppanyaki, where skilled chefs prepare your meal right before your eyes on a sizzling grill.
The menu features a delightful array of appetisers, including fresh sashimi and sushi, followed by main courses like grilled steak, seafood, and chicken. All dishes are cooked with precision and served alongside crisp vegetables and fluffy rice.
Captain’s Table at the Copra Shed (Savusavu)
Nestled in the heart of Savusavu, Captain’s Table (Lesiaceva Road) offers a delightful dining experience that captures the essence of Fijian coastal cuisine.
This charming restaurant prides itself on its fresh seafood offerings, with locally sourced yellowfin and Spanish mackerel taking centre stage. The diverse menu caters to various tastes and dietary needs, ranging from mouthwatering pizzas to gluten-free chop suey.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and scenic views that make Captain’s Table a popular spot.
Nautical at Nawi (Savusavu)
Indulge in a culinary adventure at Nautical at Nawi (Nawi Island Marina), a standout dining venue that’s quickly become a highlight of Fiji’s Savusavu waterfront. Nestled in the stunning Nawi Island Marina, this restaurant combines tropical marina ambience with both local and international flavours.
Foodies and yachties alike will relish the fresh seafood and signature Fijian small plates like Masala Fish, kokoda, and calamari, now joined by Italian comfort touches such as wood-fired pizzas, all enjoyed after a short boat ride from Waitui Marina that adds a touch of adventure to the dining experience.
While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the marina’s bathroom facilities (I know that sounds weird, but trust us!)
The Establishment (Pacific Harbour)
The Establishment (Hibiscus Drive) is a vibrant eatery nestled in the Pacific Harbour. With its attractive beer garden setting next to the river, this hotspot caters to everyone from 7 am to 9/10 pm.
The venue’s diverse menu features local favourites like grilled fish with coconut milk and cassava, alongside international dishes. Indulge in their exquisite Sunday lunch buffet and seafood BBQ for an unforgettable taste of Fiji that you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re craving a hearty burger, wood-fired pizza, or a refreshing cocktail, The Establishment promises a delightful culinary adventure.
Tramonto Restaurant (Taveuni)
If you manage to pull yourself away from your resort, don’t miss one of Taveuni’s most popular restaurants, Tramonto (Matei). 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. Their passion for hospitality shines through in every aspect of the restaurant, from the warm welcome to the mouthwatering dishes.
Bulaccino Café (Nadi)
Indulge in a delightful blend of coffee, fresh food, and a welcoming atmosphere at Bulaccino Café (Nadi Plaza, Queens Road).
This well-regarded café offers a diverse menu featuring breakfast favourites like eggs benedict and coconut pancakes, as well as delicious lunch options, including sandwiches, salads, and wraps made from fresh, organic ingredients, as well as vegan meals, as featured in our guide to Fiji for Vegans & Vegetarians.
What sets Bulaccino apart is its farm-to-table concept, sourcing much of its produce from the nearby Bulaccino Garden Farm (see the 15 Best Foodie Experiences in Fiji to learn more about their tours).
The Boatshed at Vuda Marina (Nadi)
Savour delectable dishes while enjoying stunning marina views at The Boatshed Restaurant (Vuda Marina). This popular dining venue offers a diverse menu to satisfy various palates, from fresh salads and sandwiches to hearty pasta dishes and burgers.
Make sure to check out their daily lunch specials, such as fish lolo on Mondays and chicken curry on Tuesdays. The restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere makes it a favourite among locals and visitors alike, especially yachties.
With live music events on Fridays and Sundays featuring local bands like Love 33, The Boatshed Restaurant is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy good food and entertainment.
© FijiPocketGuide.comMore Restaurant Recommendations
For those of you who want to get out and try different restaurants around Fiji, check out the recommendations in the articles linked below:
- Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants in Nadi
- Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants in Denarau
- Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants on the Coral Coast
- Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants on the Pacific Harbour & Beqa
- Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants in Suva
- Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants on the Suncoast
- Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants on Vanua Levu
- Guide to the Best Eats & Restaurants on Taveuni
The Top Cheap Eats
For street food experiences and affordable meals across Viti Levu, check out the cheap eats in the following articles:
- Top Cheap Eats in Nadi
- Top Cheap Eats in Denarau
- Top Cheap Eats on the Coral Coast
- Top Cheap Eats on the Pacific Harbour
- Top Cheap Eats in Suva
- Top Cheap Eats on the Suncoast
The Top Vegan and Vegetarian Meals in Restaurants
For those staying in a resort in Fiji, it’s best to let your resort know in advance if you have any dietary requirements. Almost all of the time, resorts can cater to dietary needs. Otherwise, vegans and vegetarians can find a range of restaurants to suit their needs in the following locations:
- 5 Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Nadi
- 10 Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Denarau
- 10 Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Suva
- 5 Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in the Mamanuca Islands
Finally, see your options for everything in between in our complete guide: Fiji for Vegans & Vegetarians + 25 Best Restaurants & Resorts. For gluten-free diets, check out The Gluten-Free Guide to Fiji + 15 Best Restaurants & Resorts.
© FijiPocketGuide.comLocal Food in Fiji
There are two main cultures represented in Fiji: Fijians and Indo-Fijians. Both have their own distinct food specialities, as well as a few fusion dishes. Be sure to try some of the local staples when you see them on the menu.
Fijian Food
The Fijian diet traditionally centres around a few ingredients: rice, sweet potato, taro, cassava, breadfruit, coconut, fish and tropical fruits. See the 10 Exotic Fruits in Fiji You Have to Try for inspiration.
With these ingredients, there are a few Fijian meals that serve as a national dish. Kokoda is raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut cream. Palusami is a curry made with taro leaves topped with coconut cream. And babakau is Fijian fried bread.
Ika vakalolo is a delicious Fijian dish that combines two essential elements: “ika,” meaning fish, and “vakalolo,” referring to cooking in coconut cream. This mouthwatering recipe typically features white fish like snapper or cod as its star ingredient.
Finally, usually saved for special occasions but now becoming increasingly popular in resorts, is the Fijian “lovo”. A lovo is an underground oven where food is wrapped in banana leaves to slow cook for several hours. The result is an earthy-tasting feast with melt-in-your-mouth textures.
See more dishes in the 20 Unique Foods in Fiji You Have to Try.
Fijian Drink
The national drink of Fiji is kava, otherwise known as “yaqona”. This narcotic drink made with ground-up pepper plant roots is used during welcoming ceremonies known as kava ceremonies. Kava ceremonies can be experienced at resorts and are also mandatory when visiting a Fijian village for the first time.
Learn more about the customs surrounding kava in Fiji Village Etiquette: What to Do When Visiting a Fijian Village.
Immerse yourself in authentic Fijian flavours with two locally cherished teas. Lemon leaf tea, known as drau ni moli, offers a delightful fragrance and subtle citrus notes from lemon tree leaves. For a different twist, try lemongrass tea, called co boi in Fijian, made from aromatic lemongrass stalks.
Fiji is also home to two homegrown beers: Fiji Gold and Fiji Bitter. Fiji Gold is a light golden lager that can be super refreshing in the hot Fiji sun. Fiji Bitter served in a stubbie bottle is a bit more grainy to please the more serious beer drinkers.
Fiji is also a producer of their own coffee, beer and rum. Find out more in the 10 Drinks in Fiji You Have to Try.
Indo-Fijian Food
Curry houses are abundant around the islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu where food is flavourful, affordable and authentic. There are a few Indian and Fijian dishes worth trying, including baigan valo, which are eggplants stuffed with fish, spicy sauce and topped with coconut cream.
Additionally, an Indo-Fijian favourite is roti, an Indian flatbread that is used as a curry side or a wrap. For something sweet, a highlight is browsing the mithai stalls at any of Fiji’s markets, awash in colourful candies and Indian sweets that will transport you to the sub-continent.
© FijiPocketGuide.comSelf-Catering in Fiji
So, what about if you want to cater for yourself? Perhaps you have food allergies that you’d like to keep in check (if it’s a gluten allergy, then check out The Gluten-Free Guide to Fiji). Or maybe you just want to save some money.
Whatever the reason, self-catering is totally viable on the islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Ovalau and Taveuni, self-catering is definitely an option. Some resorts and apartments on these islands have self-catering facilities, so travellers can make use of the local produce sold in supermarkets, convenience stores and produce markets.
Food and ingredients are available to buy at supermarkets, produce markets, roadside market stalls and grocery stores across selected islands, typically stocked with New Zealand, Australian and Chinese imports with the occasional local baked goods and local produce.
As self-catering is such a big topic to cover, we have a separate guide in The Guide to Food Shopping in Fiji. You also might like to know about bringing food to Fiji, which you can read up on in our guide, Taking Food to Fiji: What You Need to Know.
© FijiPocketGuide.comFood Health and Safety in Fiji
While eating food from restaurants and resorts is generally safe in Fiji, you will want to be more cautious of street food and eating in villages. Here are some health and safety tips for eating food in Fiji…
Food Safety Tips for Fiji
If you’re in an area that may have unsafe water, such as remote outer islands, avoid eating salads or uncooked food that might have been washed with contaminated water. Try to eat food that has been cooked in front of you. Vegetarian food is usually a safer option than eating meat or fish.
Avoid gastro bugs by using hand disinfectant and only eating cooked food. If you get diarrhoea, drink water regularly and alternate between electrolytes and water. See a doctor if other symptoms occur.
A more common type of food poisoning in Fiji is ciguatera caused by eating reef fish that has eaten toxic algae. Locals know what reef fish to avoid eating, so only eat what the locals eat or simply avoid eating reef fish altogether.
Finally, do not eating runny eggs or undercooked meat to avoid salmonella. For more on the subject, jump over to our complete guide on How to Stay Safe in Fiji.
Can You Drink the Water in Fiji?
Tap water in urban areas is generally safe to drink in Fiji, as well as in resorts that often have their own water filtration system. In villages and remote areas, the water may not be safe to drink. Even if the locals are drinking it – they are usually used to it.
To avoid water-borne diseases, such as traveller’s diarrhoea, boil water for about 10 minutes before drinking it or use a Lifestraw bottle. See Can You Drink the Water in Fiji? for more tips.
Accommodation in Fiji for Foodies
Make your accommodation part of your foodie experience in Fiji with these recommendations.
Viti Levu
- Nanuku Resort
- Fiji Marriott Hotel Momi Bay
- Fiji DoubleTree Resort by Hilton – Sonaisali Island
- Tanoa International Restaurant
- Club Fiji Resort
- Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
- Sheraton Fiji Resort
- The Warwick Fiji
- Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort
- InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
- Gecko’s Resort
- Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa
- Bedarra Beach Inn
- Robinson Crusoe Likuri Island Resort
- Beqa Lagoon Resort
- Grand Pacific Hotel
- Tanoa Plaza Hotel
- Rainforest Eco Lodge
- Volivoli Beach Resort
Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands
- Six Senses Fiji
- Tokoriki Island Resort
- Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina
- Lomani Island Resort
- Plantation Island Resort
- VOMO Island Resort
- Malolo Island Resort
- Nanuya Island Resort
- Navutu Stars Fiji
- Paradise Cove Resort
- Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
- Naqalia Lodge
- Barefoot Manta Island Resort
- Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
- Homestays in the Yasawas
Vanua Levu and Taveuni
- Savasi Island Resort
- Nukubati Great Sea Reef
- The Remote Resort
- Koro Sun Resort
- Naveria Heights Lodge
- Emaho Sekawa Resort
- Matangi Private Island Resort
- Qamea Resort & Spa
- Paradise Taveuni
- Taveuni Palms Resort
- Coconut Grove Beachfront Cottages
- Taveuni Dive Resort
Kadavu, Lomaiviti and Lau Islands
- Matava Eco Adventure Resort
- Kokomo Private Island
- Oneta Resort
- Toberua Island Resort
For more about our top picks, see the 10 Best Accommodations in Fiji for Foodies.
More About Food in Fiji
That’s it for our guide to food in Fiji; for more information about Fijian cuisine, check out the following articles:
- Traditional Fijian Food: 20 Foods to Try in Fiji
- The Ultimate Guide to the Fiji Nightlife + Happy Hour List
- 10 Exotic Fruits in Fiji You Have to Try
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our 101 Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List.
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])
Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author
Laura (Lora) S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.











