Best Restaurants in Samoa 2026

Oka

Samoa's signature raw fish dish - fresh tuna marinated in lemon juice then mixed with coconut cream, onion, chili, and cucumber. Similar to ceviche but richer from the coconut cream.

Where to try: Fish Market Grill near the wharf, Sails Restaurant at Taumeasina, Paddles Restaurant

Price: $10-28

Palusami

Young taro leaves baked in coconut cream and wrapped in more taro leaves, slow-cooked in the umu. Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying - the most emblematic Samoan dish.

Where to try: Fugalei Market food stalls, Samoa Tradition Restaurant, village umu feasts

Price: $5-12

Koko Alaisa

Traditional Samoan breakfast of white rice cooked in rich chocolate-brown koko Samoa (roasted cacao) drink. An acquired taste that locals love - earthy, slightly bitter, and comforting.

Where to try: Fugalei Market morning stalls, local market vendors from 6-8 AM

Price: $2-4

Panipopo

Sweet Samoan coconut buns baked in coconut cream syrup - a morning market staple that combines bread-like softness with rich coconut sweetness. Eaten for breakfast or as a snack.

Where to try: Fugalei Market, local bakeries, Milani Cafe

Price: $1-3

Lu Pulu

Canned corned beef mixed with onion and coconut cream, wrapped in taro leaves and slow-cooked in the umu. A humble but beloved dish that represents the blend of imported and traditional Samoan ingredients.

Where to try: Samoa Tradition Restaurant, Bella's Kitchen, village homestays

Price: $8-14

Sapasui (Chop Suey)

Samoan adaptation of Chinese glass noodle stir-fry with pork, vegetables, and soy sauce - now deeply embedded as a Samoan comfort food served at virtually every local restaurant and market.

Where to try: Bella's Kitchen, Fugalei Market food stalls, Roko's Restaurant

Price: $7-18

Koko Samoa

Traditional hot drinking chocolate made from roasted, ground, and pressed cacao beans grown locally. Thick, rich, and earthy with a completely different character from commercial hot chocolate.

Where to try: Fugalei Market stalls ($2-3), Samoa Tradition Restaurant, some cafes

Price: $2-6

Paddles Restaurant

Samoa's most acclaimed fine dining establishment has operated since 2004, offering authentic Italian cuisine with Samoan hospitality. The elegant garden setting and exceptional pasta, seafood, and wine selection make this a special occasion destination.

Vaitele Street, Apia, Upolu

Kokobanana Bar & Grill

Lively casual steakhouse with garden deck atmosphere featuring tender New Zealand steaks, fresh seafood, and tropical cocktails. Popular with both locals and visitors for quality meat and vibrant ambiance.

Vaitele, Upolu

Nourish Cafe

Respite from Upolu's deep-fried cuisine with healthy meals made from local ingredients. Fresh salads, smoothie bowls, wraps, and vegan options in a modern, air-conditioned setting.

Fugalei, Apia, Upolu

Fugalei Fresh Produce Market Food Stalls

Bustling market with numerous food stalls serving traditional Samoan breakfast and lunch. Try palusami, oka, sapasui, and fresh tropical fruits at incredibly affordable prices.

Fugalei Market, Apia, Upolu

RiVaiv Cafe

Creative menu with vegan options and specialty health drinks including turmeric lattes. Modern cafe atmosphere with excellent coffee, fresh juices, and Instagram-worthy dishes.

Matafele, Apia, Upolu

Bistro Tatau

Upscale restaurant offering eclectic international menu with Pacific influences. Sophisticated atmosphere with white tablecloths, extensive wine list, and beautifully plated dishes using fresh local ingredients.

Beach Road, Apia, Upolu

Giordano's Pizzeria

Best pizzas in Apia served in a gorgeous garden patio setting. Authentic wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and Italian classics made with quality ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere.

Matautu, Apia, Upolu

Milani Cafe

Delicious breakfast and lunch with Italian love in comfortable, modern air-conditioned cafe. Great coffee, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and friendly service make this an Apia favorite.

Vaea Street, Apia, Upolu

Roadside BBQ Fish and Chicken

Grilled fresh fish and chicken from roadside BBQ stands operating mainly on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5-9 PM. Look for smoke and lines of locals on Beach Road and main routes.

Find it at: Various roadside stands, Beach Road, main arterial roads of Upolu

Fugalei Market Stall Food

Hot breakfast and lunch dishes served from stalls inside and around Fugalei Market including koko alaisa, panipopo, BBQ chicken and taro, and Samoan-style Chinese food.

Find it at: Fugalei Market, Fugalei Street, Apia (Monday-Saturday 6 AM-3 PM)

Apia Flea Market Vendors

Wharf-area vendors near the Apia Flea Market selling fresh coconuts, tropical fruits, and grilled foods from early morning catering to ferry passengers and market traders.

Find it at: Beach Road near Apia Wharf (from 4-5 AM on weekdays)

Fresh Coconut Vendors

Roadside vendors selling fresh green drinking coconuts machete-opened on the spot for $1-2 WST. Found throughout Apia and along main roads across Upolu.

Find it at: Throughout Apia and main routes across Upolu

Apia Night Market Food Stalls

Weekend evening market vendors selling mixed street food including grilled corn, samoan chop suey, BBQ meats, and local sweets alongside craft stalls on the Apia waterfront.

Find it at: Apia Waterfront, Beach Road (Friday-Saturday 5-9 PM)

Fugalei Market (Maketi Fou)

Apia's main covered produce market selling fresh fish, tropical fruits, vegetables, root crops, and traditional prepared foods from hundreds of vendors. The authentic heartbeat of daily Samoan commerce and food culture.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Apia Flea Market

Market near the Apia waterfront combining craft vendors with food stalls selling fresh produce, tropical fruits, and traditional snacks. More tourist-oriented than Fugalei Market but easily accessible from Beach Road.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Salelologa Market (Savai'i)

Main market on Savai'i Island near the ferry terminal selling fresh local produce, fish, root crops, and village-crafted foods. More authentic and relaxed than Apia markets with minimal tourist presence.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM