Palau is a pristine Pacific paradise featuring the legendary Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 200 limestone and coral islands covered in lush greenery. This small nation offers world-class diving, the famous Jellyfish Lake where you can swim among millions of harmless jellyfish, and some of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth.
Palauan cuisine is shaped by the ocean, with fresh fish, shellfish, and seafood central to every meal. Traditional dishes feature taro, coconut milk, cassava, and tropical fruits alongside grilled and smoked fish preparations. The large Filipino and Japanese expat communities have deeply influenced Koror's food scene, and American-style diners are common. Palau lacks its own wine or beer production so all alcohol is imported.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Palau.
Coconut Crab (Birgus latro)
The world's largest land crab and a Palauan delicacy, prepared grilled or steamed and valued for its rich, sweet meat. Extremely expensive and increasingly rare due to conservation concerns - consider whether to eat it.
Where to try: Select local restaurants and by request from fishing families
Price: $40-80/crab
Taro with Coconut Milk (Dkiis)
A traditional Palauan staple of taro corms simmered in fresh coconut milk until tender and creamy. The dish represents the foundation of Palauan home cooking and is served at every traditional gathering.
Where to try: Koror Public Market, home-cooking restaurants
Price: $4-8
Mangrove Clam Pasta
Elilai's signature dish featuring locally harvested mangrove clams from Koror's lagoon tossed with pasta and butter sauce. The clams are sweet, briny, and unlike any other shellfish in the Pacific.
Where to try: Elilai Seaside Dining, Malakal Road
Price: $28-35
Fresh Tuna Sashimi
Palau's waters produce some of the Pacific's finest yellowfin tuna, served at Japanese-style restaurants as ultra-fresh sashimi that melts on the tongue. Best eaten the same day the fish is caught.
Where to try: Palau Umi Korean and Japanese Cuisine
Price: $25-35
Cassava with Coconut Milk
Boiled cassava served warm with sweetened coconut milk is a beloved Palauan breakfast and snack. Simple, satisfying, and distinctly Palauan - found at morning market stalls.
Where to try: Koror Public Market breakfast stalls
Price: $3-5
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Elilai Seaside Dining
Upscale waterfront restaurant offering stunning sunset views and an impressive menu of fresh seafood, premium steaks, and creative pasta dishes. Signature items include sesame seared tuna, Koror mangrove clams, and Nashville hot chicken appetizers. The elegant atmosphere and exceptional service make it Palau's premier fine dining destination.
Malakal Road, Koror, Palau 96940
Palau Umi Korean and Japanese Cuisine
Popular restaurant in Koror Centre serving fresh Japanese sushi and Korean favorites. Locals and tourists rave about the incredibly fresh tuna, creative sushi rolls, and authentic Korean BBQ. Modern casual atmosphere with friendly service and reasonable prices.
Koror Centre, Main Street, Koror 96940
Bem Ermii Burger
Popular local burger joint serving excellent burgers, sandwiches, and local plate lunches at budget-friendly prices. Known for generous portions and quick service. Perfect for grabbing a quick, satisfying meal between activities.
Main Street, Koror, Palau 96940
Koror Market Food Stalls
Collection of food stalls at Koror's main market offering authentic local breakfast and lunch options. Try traditional Palauan dishes, fresh tropical fruits, and local snacks at bargain prices. Best visited in the morning for widest selection.
Koror Public Market, Main Street, Koror 96940
Carp Island Cafe
Cozy cafe serving excellent coffee, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and light meals. Popular spot for breakfast and lunch with air conditioning and WiFi. The bakery section offers fresh bread and sweet treats.
Main Street, Koror, Palau 96940
Dropz Bar & Grill
Palau's most popular casual spot, perched over the water with beautiful harbor views. Serves American classics alongside Palauan dishes, creative burgers, and fresh fish tacos. Lively atmosphere with sports TV and pool table.
Malakal Road, Koror, Palau 96940
Carp Island Cafe
Top breakfast destination in Koror, baking fresh pastries, bagels, and bread every morning. The eggs benedict and avocado toast are Instagram favorites, while cold brew coffee keeps divers energized before early boat departures.
Main Street, Koror, Palau 96940
Kramer's Cafe
Elegant waterfront restaurant featuring a beautiful balcony overlooking the harbor and extremely fresh local fish. The menu changes daily with chef specials showcasing the day's catch. Known for impeccable service, romantic ambiance, and creative preparations of local seafood.
Lebuu Street, Koror, Palau 96940
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Seafood
Lebuu's Beach Hut
Casual beachside eatery serving fresh grilled fish, local dishes, and cold drinks. Simple preparation lets the fresh ingredients shine. Laid-back atmosphere perfect for lunch after snorkeling or a casual dinner.
Lebuu Beach, Koror 96940
Carp Restaurant
Waterfront restaurant known for fresh local fish, international dishes, and beautiful harbor views. The diverse menu caters to various tastes with well-prepared seafood, steaks, and vegetarian options. Relaxed atmosphere perfect for casual dinners after diving.
Lebuu Street, Koror, Palau 96940
Elilai Casual Terrace
The casual waterfront terrace adjoining Elilai's main restaurant, offering a lighter menu of fresh fish, salads, and cocktails at lower prices. Stunning sunset views and a relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for a mid-range seafood dinner.
Malakal Road, Koror, Palau 96940
Koror Seafood House
No-frills seafood restaurant focused on fresh daily catches prepared simply: grilled, steamed, or fried. Locals eat here for the honest preparation and fair prices. The market-style ordering lets you pick your fish from the counter and choose preparation method.
Near Koror Fish Market, Koror 96940
American
Rock Island Cafe
Beloved local spot serving hearty American-style breakfasts, burgers, and comfort food with Palauan influences. Famous for the best hamburgers in Koror, generous portions, and friendly service. Popular with both tourists and locals for reliable, satisfying meals.
Main Street, Koror, Palau 96940
Drops Bar & Grill
Casual waterfront bar and grill with sunset views, cold drinks, and solid American and local food. Known for fish tacos, burgers, and generous pupus (appetizers). Popular spot for post-dive meals and watching the sunset with a beer.
Malakal Island, Koror 96940
Coffee Shop
Penthouse Coffee
Modern coffee shop with excellent espresso drinks, smoothies, and light snacks. Air-conditioned space with comfortable seating and good WiFi makes it popular with digital nomads and locals alike. Rooftop seating available.
Lebuu Street, Koror, Palau 96940
Penthouse Coffee Breakfast
Modern coffee shop offering early-morning espresso drinks and a breakfast menu of toasts, acai bowls, and granola parfaits. Rooftop seating with cool morning breezes makes it a pleasant start before heading to the Rock Islands.
Lebuu Street, Koror, Palau 96940
Bbq & Grilled
Yano's BBQ
Casual outdoor BBQ spot serving grilled meats, fish, and local specialties at very reasonable prices. Popular with locals for weekend gatherings. Authentic local atmosphere and flavors.
Ngerbeched, Koror 96940
Filipino & Asian
Surrangel and Sons Restaurant
Local favorite serving Filipino comfort food and Asian dishes in a casual setting. Generous portions, affordable prices, and authentic flavors make it popular with workers and families. Good option for trying Filipino cuisine and local favorites.
Downtown Koror, Palau 96940
Filipino & Local
Abby's Restaurant
Popular casual spot serving hearty Filipino dishes alongside Palauan staples at very reasonable prices. Frequented by the large Filipino community and budget-conscious locals. The menu features adobo, sinigang, and fresh grilled fish.
Downtown Koror, Palau 96940
Fusion
Mangrove Bay Restaurant
Mid-range restaurant offering a creative Asian fusion menu blending Japanese, Filipino, and Palauan flavors. Known for generous portions, excellent fresh fish, and reliable service. Popular with hotel guests and returning divers.
Koror City, Palau 96940
Indian
The Taj
Upscale Indian restaurant serving authentic recipes passed down through generations in an aristocratic 1900s-themed setting. The extensive menu features northern and southern Indian specialties prepared with traditional spices and techniques. Lively atmosphere with attentive service and consistently excellent food.
Downtown Koror, Palau 96940
International & Local
Sam's Tours Restaurant
Open-air restaurant at Sam's Tours dive resort offering fresh fish, sandwiches, and pasta in a relaxed beachside setting. Excellent for a long lunch after a morning dive with waterfront tables and cool sea breeze.
Malakal Island, Koror, Palau 96940
Juice Bar & Cafe
Java Juice Cafe
Health-focused cafe serving fresh fruit smoothies, acai bowls, salads, and healthy breakfast options. Perfect for a refreshing drink and light meal after activities. All-natural ingredients and generous portions.
Downtown Koror, Palau 96940
Local Palauan
Koror Market Breakfast
The authentic local breakfast experience at Koror's public market. Vendors serve traditional Palauan morning foods including taro porridge, boiled cassava with coconut milk, freshly squeezed tropical juices, and strong local tea at the lowest prices in Palau.
Koror Public Market, Main Street, Koror 96940
Various
Malakal Island Food Trucks
Rotating selection of food trucks near the dive shops serving quick lunches and snacks. Options include Filipino food, burgers, and local specialties. Perfect for grabbing lunch between dives.
Malakal Island, near dive shops, Koror 96940
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Fried Banana (Saba)
Deep-fried plantain bananas dusted with sugar, a popular snack sold hot from market stalls throughout the morning. Crispy outside, soft and sweet inside.
Find it at: Koror Public Market, 6 AM to noon
Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers marinated in Filipino-style garlic and soy sauce, sold from food trucks near the Malakal dive district. Quick protein for divers heading out.
Find it at: Malakal Island food trucks, 11 AM to 3 PM
Fresh Coconut
Young green coconuts macheted open on the spot, served with a straw for refreshing coconut water followed by the soft jelly meat. Essential hydration in Palau's tropical heat.
Find it at: Koror Public Market and roadside vendors throughout Koror
Fried Rice Plate
Filipino-style garlic fried rice with egg and choice of meat, sold from market stalls and small restaurants at very budget-friendly prices. The most filling cheap lunch in Palau.
Find it at: Koror Public Market, Filipino restaurants in downtown Koror
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Koror Public Market
The main daily market where local vendors sell fresh fish, tropical produce, taro, cassava, coconuts, and traditional Palauan food preparations. The morning hours before noon are when selection and freshness are best.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Sunday 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
WCTC Supermarket
The largest grocery supermarket in Palau stocking fresh produce, imported goods, dairy, meats, and a fresh deli section. Air-conditioned and well-organized with consistent stock of both local and international products.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Reservations are essential at Elilai and Kramer's Cafe for dinner - both fill quickly and walk-ins are often turned away
Monday morning is the best time to buy fresh fish at Koror Market when weekend fishing boats return with their catches
Many restaurants close on Sundays - check opening days carefully before planning Sunday evening meals
Cash is preferred at most smaller restaurants and all market stalls; major hotels and larger restaurants accept credit cards
Filipino cuisine is consistently the best value in Palau - Abby's and Surrangel's restaurant serve generous authentic portions at $8-14
- Vegetarian
- Limited options outside The Taj Indian restaurant; most Palauan and Filipino cuisine is meat and seafood centered
- Vegan
- Very challenging in Palau - communicate needs clearly and rely on fresh produce from the market for self-catering options
- Gluten free
- Some options available at seafood restaurants; ask specifically as cross-contamination is common in smaller kitchens
- Halal
- Very limited; some basic options available but Palau is not set up for halal dining requirements
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $15-30/day (market breakfast, food truck lunch, local restaurant dinner) | Market taro breakfast $4, food truck lunch $8, Abby's dinner $14 |
| Mid-range | $50-80/day (cafe breakfast, casual restaurant lunch, mid-range dinner) | Carp Island Cafe breakfast $12, Rock Island Cafe lunch $20, Dropz dinner $30 |
| Upscale | $120-250/day (resort breakfast, seafood lunch, fine dining dinner) | Hotel breakfast $20, Carp Restaurant lunch $35, Elilai fine dining $80+ |