Fiji sits at the crossroads of Melanesian, Indian and Pacific cultures – and the food has absorbed all of it. The archipelago has quietly produced one of the South Pacific‘s most interesting dining scenes, where a teppanyaki hut on a private island sits an hour’s boat ride from a smokehouse feeding construction workers and Survivor film crews alike.
Add an abundance of day-fresh seafood, resorts with serious culinary ambitions, and a handful of independent restaurants punching well above their weight, and there’s a strong case that you should be planning your Fiji trip around the food.
Fine dining & resort restaurants in Fiji
Wicked Walu
Set on its own manmade island adjoining the five-star Warwick Fiji, this highly-rated restaurant feels like a dining experience straight out of Castaway. With swaying palms and thatched roofs above, feel the sand between your toes as you dine, and explore a menu that features refined seafood dishes like crispy shrimp cocktails, tempura oysters, and a stacked surf ‘n’ turf. It will all be served in generous Kanavata (shareable) portions.
Byblos ‘A Taste of Lebanon’
Fiji and Lebanon may be worlds apart, but their love for the grill brings them together at Byblos, Fiji’s original Lebanese restaurant. Dine under the sails with the sea breeze in your hair as you savor kebab wraps, charred meat platters, and classic mezze, all within the five-star surrounds of Radisson Blu Resort, Fiji Denarau Island.
Ocean Terrace
At Bedarra Beach Inn’s Ocean Terrace, freshly caught seafood is flipped and fried into thin coconut pancakes, brandy-laced bisques and Indo-Fijian soups. From the land, try the signature chicken curry, with fresh roti and Indian chutneys – peppered mild, medium or hot to your liking.
Waitui Bar and Grill
It’s easy to see why Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa’s adults-only oceanfront grill is TripAdvisor’s top-rated restaurant on Denarau Island. The restaurant’s live music, impeccable service, and stunning views of the Mamanuca Islands make it the perfect date spot, but the menu is equally impressive – think fresh beef tataki, succulent green-tailed lobster, and a decadent French cheese platters.
Indigo Indian Asian Restaurant and Bar
Indigo Indian Asian Restaurant and Bar is a must-visit if you’re looking to explore the archipelago’s rich Indo-Fijian cuisine. This laidback waterfront diner in Denarau is known for its fragrant butter chicken, but if you’re in the mood for seafood, the coconut prawn curry is a standout, blending local Fijian flavours with a touch of India’s trademark spice. Also available are crispy samosas, fragrant biryanis, and zingy Indo-Chinese stir-fries.
Navo
If you’re looking for a formal affair with freshly caught seafood plucked from across the Fijian archipelago, then look no further than Navo. Located within the glamorous InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, this restaurant overlooks a sparkling lagoon on Navo island; dress to impress and savour Yasawa Island rock lobsters and Koro Sea catch of the day, all filleted and grilled behind the restaurant’s glass-walled show kitchen.
Goji Kitchen & Bar
With an unrivalled position atop a serene lagoon overlooking the thatched villas of Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, this Asian-fusion restaurant is one of Nadi’s best spots to catch the sunset. Guests can enjoy all-day dining with live cooking stations, themed dinners and entertainment, and hearty curries with plenty of roti.
Tokoriki Oishii Teppanyaki
Ocean-fresh sashimi and masterful teppanyaki await those who dine at this intimate 8-seater, located in the gardens of the blissful Tokoriki Island Resort. Best for a group dinner to kick off (or send off) your holiday, the restaurant’s three-course experience highlights include flame-grilled beef with wasabi-ginger compound butter and sashimi of the day, followed by a martini from their long list of house riffs.
Donu
This elegant omakase – located within the idyllic Paradise Cove Resort – makes use of Fiji’s abundance of fresh produce by spinning local favourites into classic Japanese dishes. The tasting menu is served tapas-style with 12-14 small plates showcasing the season’s best catches, and special menu items include A5 wagyu and uni (sea urchin) caviar. The drinks list includes premium sake, Japanese beers and a curated selection of Japanese-style cocktails. Snag a seat outside for the best view of their bespoke open-air kitchen.
Casual & local dining in Fiji
Nadina Authentic Fijian Restaurant
If you’ve ventured into the shopping strip of Port Denarau and are craving an authentic Fijian meal, you will be well cared for at Nadina. You’ll find lots of Fijian specialities like cassava and dalo chips, rourou (taro and coconut leaf stew) and dishes made with traditional cooking methods like kovu walu – meat marinated in turmeric, coconut cream and spices, steamed in banana leaves.
Vasaqa Fiji
From humble beginnings in Nadi’s Namaka Market to catering for large-scale productions like Survivor: Fiji, you couldn’t find a more widely adored smokehouse on Denarau Island than Vasaqa. You can expect 8- to 10-hour roasts with your choice of root veg, alongside Fijian fusion like palusami pasta (taro leaves with coconut milk) and sizzling pork gyozas.
The Crab Shack
There are times when you just need the whole crab, and for that you should head to The Crab Shack. Known for its mouth-watering crabs and prawns, this local favorite has a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere where the focus is all about great food and good times. Pull-up a seat on a picnic table and walk away a happy clam.
Unique dining experiences in Fiji
Tiko’s Floating Restaurant
If you find yourself back on the mainland, then this unique floating restaurant in Suva should be on the top of your list. The boat steals the show with sublime sunset views and twinkling fairy lights, but the menu holds its own with a long list of Fijian favourites from fish to farm.
Cloud 9
Elevate your average lunch with a dreamy day out on Cloud 9. This is Fiji’s only two-level floating restaurant and bar, located in the picturesque Malolo Barrier Reef. Boat transfers leave from Port Denarau and select resorts to its spot on the atolls, and when you’re not sipping cocktails, you can swim in the crystal-clear waters, snorkel or simply lay up on a sunbed enjoying the tunes.
Malamala Beach Club
Malamala Beach Club is a dreamy day trip with gourmet bites to match. The world’s first private island beach club, this slice of paradise serves up fantastic finger food like steamy bao buns and cured wahoo kokoda (a traditional Fijian dish of raw, marinated fish and coconut), perfectly matched with tropical cocktail paddles.
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Featured image: Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa.
