Le Paille en Queue (Sainte-Anne)

Le Paille en Queue is a seafood and Creole restaurant on Rue du Littoral in Sainte-Anne, on the wetter east coast of Réunion between Saint-Benoît and Saint-André. It takes its name from the paille-en-queue, the white-tailed tropicbird that is an emblem of the island. The kitchen relies on catch from fishermen at the Sainte-Anne landing, and the menu reflects the east coast's seafood and Creole tradition. Mains cost about €15–€30. Signature dishes include a cari requin, shark curry, which is described as a traditional preparation using locally caught fish rather than an endangered species; grilled tuna with achards; and a cari ourite, octopus curry. Caris are slow-simmered with turmeric, thyme, ginger and tomato, and are served with rice, grains and pimento sauce, in line with island custom. The dining room is relaxed and local in character, away from the resort strips of the west coast, with a clientele of regional families and workers and relatively few tourists, so noise levels are moderate. Dress is casual. The restaurant opens Monday to Saturday for lunch (12:00–14:30) and dinner (19:00–21:30) and is closed on Sundays. Reservations are recommended on weekends and can be made by telephone. The east coast has heavier rainfall than the west, so visitors planning an outdoor-oriented day around Sainte-Anne, including its seafront church and nearby waterfalls, often fit lunch here before or after sightseeing. Drinks include local Dodo beer, wines and rum-based drinks such as rhum arrangé. It is an option for those exploring the east, where visitor dining choices are fewer than in Saint-Gilles or Saint-Denis.