A Culinary Journey through Tahiti

Looking for the best food in Tahiti and wondering where to go first ?

Start with a sunset cocktail high above the lagoon, then try one of the roulottes, our food trucks in Papeete or Pirae, or for something closer to the hotel slide down the coast in Punaauia. On a 2^nd night out you’ll want to try out a bistro style restaurant where local chefs showcase their talents.

Seats disappear quickly on weekends, so pick up a local SIM card as soon as you land at Faaa airport to call each food truck or restaurant
to secure your spot. Most restaurants and snack stalls post their menus and phone numbers on Facebook, which also lets you check for
last minute closures or chef specials. With your reservation confirmed and your appetite open, you are ready to taste poisson cru,
hearty chao men noodles, and perfectly seared chaud froid tuna like a local

BLOGS, Family, Resort, Things to do, Within the Resort

July 24, 2025

– Vaipopo, Punauuia ©Grégoire Le Bacon

The Soul of Tahiti: Roulottes (Food Trucks)

Your authentic culinary adventure begins with Tahiti’s most beloved institution: the roulottes. These aren’t just food trucks—they’re cultural experiences on wheels, where the steples of local cuisine is served outdoors, perched on plastic stools.
Streetfood vibes meet Polynesian warmth and generous portions (come hungry, or share a dish with 2 sides and a dessert !)

Rubbing shoulders with locals, a quick glance at the surrounding tables will tell you what’s popular on the menu: “Poisson cru au lait de coco” (Tahitian ceviche with lime and coconut milk puahsohn-crew-oh-ley-duh-coco), “Chao Men” (our version of lo mein noodles), “Steak frites” (self explanatory, pronounced Stekfreet).

And with that , you already get a hint of our fusion of culinary influences between Tahitian, Chinese and French influences.

– Roulotte Chez Romy ©Tahiti Tourisme Brand Center

Punaauia – Generous Portions & Sunset Vibes

Craving comfort food without going too far from the hotel ?

Temaiti West Side is famous for quick service and generous portions.
Come hungry for their grilled steak or fish served with a mountain of fries—this is comfort food at its most satisfying.

– 3 Pontons, Punauuia ©Alikaphoto

Chez Anita combines the best of both worlds: a cute sunset spot with a large selection spanning Chinese and Tahitian fare. Come early enough for the seaside view and don’t leave without trying their local fruit pies for dessert

– Roulotte Anita ©Annuaire Polynésie

Ready to explore beyond Punaauia ?

Chez Mamy offers good value Cantonese cuisine in downtown Papeete.
Picture all the classics of an old-school Chinese restaurant—spinning platters on round tables, the theatrical sound of fired-up woks, efficient recommendations and order taking— without any formality.
This is the perfect spot for a shared dinner with family and friends.

Pirae – Roulotte hotspot

Pirae offers some of the island’s best outdoor roulotte dining experiences. Chez Jaco, don’t miss their signature chaud froid fish—featuring raw ahi tuna drizzled with hot olive oil for that perfectly semi-seared taste. Save room for their crêpes for dessert.

– Chez Jaco ©Tahiti Pratique

Pizza Cipriani satisfies those Western cravings without compromise. Their healthy pizza options prove that comfort food can be both indulgent and mindful, perfect when you’re missing some familiar flavors.

– ©Cipriani’s Pizza

Elevated Dining: Papeete’s Bistronomie

Papeete’s tables

Le Raina has perfected the art of poisson cru with multiple delicious variations that celebrate this iconic dish. Their Asian menu also has a bit of everything, well executed and the location is pleasant with options to dine on the al fresco deck or in the air conditioned section. Pro tip: don’t forget to order your fresh coconut to sip with a straw—surprisingly, this island staple isn’t always easy to find at local restaurants.

– ©Le Raina

Marumaru represents the pinnacle of bistronomie, offering incredible interpretations that values noble produce from both the fertile land and the pristine lagoon and ocean. Every dish here tells the story of Tahitian terroir in quite a friendly and intimate setting. Leave room for dessert !

– ©Maru Maru

Taravao, at the other end of the island

Le Manoa requires strategic timing—if you’re making your way to Taravao on your round-the-island tour, plan to arrive for an early lunch between 11:30 AM and noon. On weekends, this quickly fills up as locals travel from as far as Papeete to sample their copious surf and turf signature dishes.

– ©Le Manoa

Bars & Live music: From Sunset to Sunrise

Tahiti’s bar scene captures the island’s perfect balance of sophistication and laid-back island vibes, where every drink comes with a view and a story.

Rooftop Excellence

Baroof is where weekend evenings inevitably lead,
especially when there’s a DJ spinning.

The energy is electric, the views over the wharf are interesting, and the crowd is a perfect mix of locals and visitors dancing under the stars.

Kon Tiki – Reeftop offers a more chilled vibe where conversation flows
as easily as the cocktails.

Both venues require timing—book your table just in time for sunset
around 5:30 PM to witness the sky transform into a masterpiece of colors.

Oceanfront Serenity

Huriama Garden Lounge right here in the hotel gardens and Meherio in Papeete, next to Paofai park boast incredible oceanfront views and vibes that embody the essence of island living, with a touch of elegance.

Live Music & Polynesian Spirit

Tiki Bar our historical bar, a local rendez vous since 1974 and Le Moana a quaint bar on stilts also adjoining Paofai park are where you want to experience the latest local bands and the authentic Polynesian festive spirit of bringue. The live music scene here pulses with energy on weekends.

– Tiki Bar

The island’s cuisine is a celebration of what happens when pristine ingredients meet passionate chefs who understand that food is culture, community, and pure joy served on a plate.