Réunion is a French overseas region and department in the Indian Ocean, 700 km east of Madagascar and 200 km south-west of Mauritius. This volcanic island of extraordinary drama packs an active volcano, three steep-walled cirques, a UNESCO World Heritage mountain core, dense rainforest, and a warm lagoon into 2,512 km². It is simultaneously French enough to accept euros and credit cards everywhere, and exotic enough to feel like another world entirely.
Réunion's cuisine is one of the Indian Ocean's most distinctive — a living fusion of African, Malagasy, Indian, Chinese, and French culinary traditions shaped by four centuries of migration. The centrepiece is the cari (Creole curry): meat, chicken, fish, or lentils slow-cooked with onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and tomato, served with white rice, rougail (tomato and ginger relish), achards (pickled vegetables), and grains (lentils or haricot beans). Rougail saucisses — smoked sausages in a rougail sauce — is the unofficial national dish. The Chinese community contributes dim sum (locally called 'bouchons'), chow mein, and rice-based dishes. The Malabar (Tamil) community brings biryani, samoussas (samosas), and bonbon piment (chili fritters). French-style boulangeries and pâtisseries are on every street. Cilaos valley produces a unique rosé wine made from Isabelle grape. Rum arrangements (rhum arrangé) — rum infused with tropical fruits, vanilla, or spices — are a Réunion institution.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Creole
Saveur du Temps (Hell-Bourg)
Known for: Cari porc from locally raised pigs; chouchou (chayote) and Salazie valley vegetables
Rue Georges Thirel, 97433 Hell-Bourg
Restaurant du Volcan (Bourg-Murat)
Known for: Early breakfast for volcano hikers; hearty cari at lunch
Route Nationale 3, 97418 Bourg-Murat
Tam-Tam Restaurant (Saint-Leu)
Known for: Surfer-friendly casual dining after morning sessions at Saint-Leu reef break
Rue du Commerce, 97436 Saint-Leu
French
Le Waterfront (Hermitage)
Known for: Beach setting with lagoon views; grilled catch of the day
Plage de l'Hermitage, Rue du Lagon, 97434 Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
Seafood
Restaurant du Port (Le Port)
Known for: No-frills authentic lunch for dock workers; the real Réunion
Zone Portuaire, Rue de la Mer, 97420 Le Port
Les Filaos (Saint-Gilles)
Known for: Wood-grilled fish and seafood with lagoon views
Plage de Boucan Canot, Route du Littoral, 97460 Saint-Paul
Chinese
East Réunion Creole
Indian
L'Oiseau de Paradis (Sainte-Suzanne)
Known for: Indian Ocean fusion — Madagascan zebu, Rodrigues octopus, and Réunion vanilla in creative preparations
12 Rue de la Vanille, 97441 Sainte-Suzanne
International
Food tours & tastings in Réunion
Eat your way through Réunion with a guide.
Browse food experiences in RéunionWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
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Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |