The Solomon Islands is a Pacific archipelago of nearly 1,000 islands offering pristine diving sites, WWII history, traditional Melanesian culture, and untouched natural beauty. From the bustling capital Honiara to remote coral atolls, this destination provides authentic South Pacific experiences far from mass tourism.
Solomon Islands cuisine is built on fresh Pacific seafood, tropical root vegetables, and coconut. The staple carbohydrates are cassava, taro, sweet potato, and yam — prepared boiled, roasted, or fermented into puddings. Fresh reef fish, tuna, and shellfish are the protein foundations, often prepared simply grilled or cooked in rich coconut cream sauces. The influence of Chinese immigration over the past century has shaped urban food culture significantly, and Chinese restaurants are among the most popular and affordable dining options in Honiara. The Japanese presence during WWII left no culinary trace but the Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel's Capitana Restaurant serves exceptional Japanese cuisine using Solomon Islands' own outstanding tuna.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Solomon Islands.
Fresh Tuna Sashimi
Solomon Islands waters produce exceptional yellowfin tuna, and the sashimi at Capitana Restaurant uses fish caught the same morning. Silky, clean, and extraordinary quality that rivals anything served in Japan's top restaurants.
Where to try: Capitana Restaurant, Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel
Price: $18-25 USD
Kokoda (Raw Fish Ceviche)
Fresh white fish marinated in lime juice until lightly cured, then mixed with coconut cream, chilli, onion, and vegetables. The Solomon Islands version of Pacific ceviche is cooling and intensely flavoured — the definitive Pacific islands dish.
Where to try: Local restaurants and villages, Taste & Traditions
Price: $8-15 USD
Coconut Fish Soup
A warming, fragrant broth of fresh reef fish simmered with coconut cream, lemongrass, and local vegetables. This simple, nourishing soup is the daily staple food of many Solomon Islanders and the most authentically local dish a visitor can eat.
Where to try: Central Market food stalls, Pacific Meals, local canteens
Price: $4-8 USD
Grilled Lobster
Freshwater and saltwater crayfish are abundant in Solomon Islands waters. Grilled whole with butter and lemon at the Point Cruz Yacht Club Restaurant or Heritage Park, this is the most indulgent and memorable seafood experience the islands offer.
Where to try: Point Cruz Yacht Club, Heritage Park Hotel restaurants
Price: $25-35 USD
Cassava Pudding
A traditional dessert of grated cassava mixed with coconut cream and sugar, steamed or baked in banana leaves. Dense, slightly sweet, and intensely satisfying — found at market food stalls and village celebrations.
Where to try: Central Market food stalls, local canteens
Price: $1-3 USD
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Capitana Restaurant
Widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in the Solomon Islands, Capitana serves authentic Japanese cuisine with fresh local seafood. The sushi and sashimi are exceptional, using tuna and fish caught in Solomon waters. Located at the Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel with elegant ambiance and attentive service.
Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel, Mendana Avenue, Honiara
Taste & Traditions
Located in the heart of Honiara, this restaurant offers exceptional local cuisine featuring traditional Solomon Islands dishes. The menu includes grilled fish, fresh seafood, traditional stews, and fresh salads prepared with local ingredients. A perfect place to experience authentic island flavors.
Mendana Avenue, Central Honiara
Chung Wah Restaurant
A local favorite serving Chinese food with Solomon Islands influences. Large portions at affordable prices make it popular with both locals and visitors. The casual atmosphere and quick service make it ideal for a no-fuss meal.
Kukum Highway, Honiara
Central Market Food Stalls
The area around Central Market features numerous food stalls selling traditional Solomon Islands food including cassava, taro, grilled fish, and local vegetables. The most authentic and affordable way to experience local cuisine. Best visited during morning market hours.
Central Market, Mendana Avenue, Honiara
Haydn Cafe
A cozy cafe popular for coffee, light meals, and homemade cakes. Air-conditioned interior provides a cool retreat from the tropical heat. Known for good espresso, fresh sandwiches, and friendly service. A favorite spot for breakfast and lunch among expats and visitors.
NPF Plaza, Mendana Avenue, Honiara
Club Havana
An elegant restaurant with a unique French flair offering refined European cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere. The menu features French classics prepared with local ingredients, complemented by an impressive wine selection. Located at the Chinatown Honiara Hotel, it's perfect for special occasions.
Chinatown Hotel, Honiara
Lime Lounge Restaurant & Bar
A trendy spot offering contemporary fusion cuisine blending Asian, Pacific, and Western influences. The restaurant features creative dishes, craft cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere. Popular for both lunch and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating options.
Heritage Park Hotel, Mendana Avenue, Honiara
Hot Bread Kitchen
A beloved local bakery and cafe chain serving fresh baked goods, sandwiches, pies, and coffee. Perfect for breakfast, quick lunch, or grabbing snacks. Known for meat pies, sausage rolls, and fresh bread. Multiple locations around Honiara.
Main Market Area, Mendana Avenue, Honiara
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Cafe International
Breakwater Cafe
A breezy waterfront cafe offering casual dining with views across the harbor. The menu features sandwiches, salads, grilled fish, and international comfort food. Great for lunch, coffee, or relaxed dinners in an open-air setting.
Yacht Club Road, Point Cruz, Honiara
Breeze Cafe
A cheerful cafe set in a breezy veranda setting near the Honiara waterfront, Breeze Cafe has quickly become a local favourite for morning coffee and working lunches. The menu features good espresso, acai bowls, fresh juice blends, and simple but well-executed lunch plates. Free WiFi and a relaxed atmosphere attract digital nomads and business lunchers alike.
Hibiscus Avenue, Honiara
Chinese
Dynasty Restaurant
A popular Chinese restaurant serving authentic Cantonese and Sichuan dishes with generous portions. Known for excellent value, fresh ingredients, and consistent quality. The extensive menu includes seafood specialties, noodle dishes, and vegetarian options.
Chinatown, Honiara
Golden Dragon Restaurant
A well-established Chinese restaurant with a spacious dining room popular for family celebrations and group dinners. The extensive menu features over 80 dishes spanning Cantonese classics, dim sum on weekends, and fresh local seafood prepared Chinese-style. Known for reliable quality, generous portions, and efficient service. Particularly busy on Friday evenings.
Chinatown, Honiara
Asian Street Food
Chinatown Night Market
Evening food vendors in the Chinatown area offering grilled meats, noodles, and snacks. The informal atmosphere and budget prices make it popular with locals. Operating mainly on weekend evenings with rotating vendors.
Chinatown Area, Honiara
Barbecue And Grills
Waterfront Grill
A relaxed outdoor grill restaurant on the Honiara waterfront serving freshly grilled fish, chicken, and vegetables at modest prices. Popular with office workers at lunchtime and families on weekends. The open-air setting catches sea breezes making it comfortable even in the heat. Whole grilled red snapper with roasted cassava is the dish to order.
Mendana Avenue Waterfront, Honiara
Cafe
Java Cafe
A modern cafe serving quality coffee, smoothies, and light meals. Popular for its relaxed atmosphere, free WiFi, and comfortable seating. Menu includes salads, wraps, and breakfast options. Good spot for working or casual meetings.
Kukum Highway, Honiara
Cafe Garden
Raintree Cafe
A peaceful garden cafe set in tropical surroundings offering fresh juices, coffee, and light meals. The outdoor seating under shady trees provides a relaxing escape. Known for healthy options including fresh salads and local fruit plates.
Rove Area, Honiara
Food Court
NPF Plaza Food Court
A convenient food court offering multiple stalls with different cuisines including Chinese, local Solomon Islands food, and quick bites. Great for budget meals and trying different options. Air-conditioned seating makes it a comfortable lunch spot.
NPF Plaza, Mendana Avenue, Honiara
Fusion
Island Flavours Bistro
A cheerful bistro near the city centre blending Pacific Island flavours with casual Western-style dining. The menu features coconut milk-based curries, grilled reef fish, tropical fruit salads, and fresh juices. Locally sourced ingredients keep the food tasting genuinely seasonal. Popular for working lunches and relaxed evening dinners.
Mendana Avenue area, central Honiara
International
Coral Sea Restaurant
The restaurant at Coral Sea Resort serves casual international dishes in a pleasant poolside setting. Open to non-guests, it offers a mix of Asian and Western options with friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere.
Coral Sea Resort, Hibiscus Avenue, Honiara
International Contemporary
Heritage Park Garden Restaurant
The flagship outdoor dining venue at Heritage Park Hotel serves elevated international cuisine in a lush tropical garden setting beside the waterfront. The menu changes seasonally, showcasing fresh Solomon Islands seafood with contemporary preparation — think mahi-mahi ceviche, prawn bisque, and grilled reef fish with exotic fruit salsas. The garden setting with fairy lights makes this the most romantic dining spot in Honiara.
Heritage Park Hotel, Mendana Avenue, Honiara
Local Solomon Islands
Pacific Meals
A no-frills canteen-style eatery serving genuine Solomon Islands home cooking to local workers and budget travellers. Daily specials are written on a whiteboard and change according to market availability. Expect hearty portions of coconut fish soup, cassava with beef stew, and sweet taro pudding. Cash only, English widely spoken by staff.
Chinatown, Honiara
Local Street Snacks
Mendana Avenue Evening Vendors
As the day cools, informal food vendors set up along sections of Mendana Avenue selling grilled corn, roasted peanuts, fresh coconut, and local biscuits. These vendors are a fixture of Honiara street life and provide cheap snacks for an evening stroll. The coconut water sellers offer refreshing drink straight from the nut, sliced open on the spot.
Mendana Avenue, between Central Market and Point Cruz, Honiara
Pan
Lantern Asian Kitchen
A vibrant mid-range restaurant blending Thai, Vietnamese, and Filipino flavours with fresh local ingredients. Popular with the expat community for its authentic Southeast Asian dishes that are hard to find elsewhere in Honiara. The pho and green papaya salad are standout dishes; the lemongrass coconut curry has earned a local following. Casual ambiance with prompt service.
Kukum Highway, Honiara
Seafood
Tasman Sea Grill
A mid-range seafood-focused restaurant popular with business travellers and expats for its reliable quality and varied menu. Fresh local fish grilled simply or in sauce preparations with rice, chips, or salad. The daily fish special on a chalkboard reflects what came in that morning from local fishermen.
Ranadi, east Honiara
Steakhouse
Point Cruz Yacht Club Restaurant
Home to the best steak dinners in Honiara with a waterfront location offering stunning sunset views over Iron Bottom Sound. The menu focuses on premium grilled meats and fresh seafood, served in a relaxed yacht club atmosphere. Popular with expats and visitors alike.
Mendana Avenue, Point Cruz, Honiara
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Grilled Fish with Cassava
Whole reef fish grilled over charcoal and served with boiled cassava — the quintessential market meal. Simple, incredibly fresh, and affordable at around SBD 20-35. Available from food stalls at the Central Market from early morning.
Find it at: Central Market, Mendana Avenue food stalls
Meat Pie and Sausage Roll
Hot Bread Kitchen's legendary meat pies and sausage rolls are the workday staple of Honiara office workers. Freshly baked, satisfying, and very affordable. Multiple locations around Honiara including the main Mendana Avenue outlet.
Find it at: Hot Bread Kitchen, multiple Honiara locations
Fresh Young Coconut
Roadside vendors sell fresh young coconuts hacked open with a machete for the refreshing coconut water inside. The best hydration in the tropical heat and an authentic Solomon Islands refreshment experience.
Find it at: Roadside vendors along Mendana Avenue, especially from 4-7 PM
Roasted Taro and Sweet Potato
Vendors at the Central Market roast taro and sweet potato over open coals. Simple, filling, and genuinely local. The smoky exterior and soft interior make these the most satisfying market snacks.
Find it at: Central Market morning vendors
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Honiara Central Market
The largest and most vibrant market in the Solomon Islands, covering an entire city block on Mendana Avenue. Women from different island provinces sell fresh produce including tropical fruits, taro, cassava, sweet potato, fresh fish, and handmade foods. The diversity of products from different island regions makes this a fascinating cultural as well as culinary experience.
Hours: Mon-Sat 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Chinatown Night Market
Friday and Saturday evening food vendors in the Chinatown area offer grilled meats, noodles, satay skewers, and spring rolls at very affordable prices. An informal open-air gathering with a lively local atmosphere.
Hours: Fri-Sat 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Make reservations at Capitana Restaurant and Club Havana at least a day ahead — they operate with limited seating and fill quickly
Most local restaurants and market stalls only accept Solomon Islands dollars cash — carry SBD rather than relying on cards
The best fresh fish is served at lunchtime at waterfront restaurants when morning fishing boats have delivered their catch
Avoid ice in drinks unless at top hotels — stick to bottled water throughout your visit
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-12 USD/meal | Central Market food stalls, Hot Bread Kitchen, NPF Plaza Food Court — genuine local food at excellent prices |
| Mid-range | $15-35 USD/meal | Hotel restaurants, Taste & Traditions, Point Cruz Yacht Club — reliable quality and varied menus |
| Upscale | $50-100+ USD/meal | Capitana Restaurant, Club Havana, Heritage Park Garden Restaurant — the best dining experiences in the country |