Vanuatu is a stunning South Pacific archipelago of 83 volcanic islands offering pristine beaches, world-class diving, active volcanoes, and authentic Melanesian culture. From the bustling capital Port Vila to the remote outer islands, Vanuatu combines adventure and relaxation in a tropical paradise.
Vanuatu's cuisine reflects its Melanesian heritage with strong French and British colonial influences. The national dish is lap-lap — a pudding of grated root vegetables (taro, yam, or manioc) mixed with coconut cream, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked in a traditional earth oven. Fresh seafood, including coconut crab, lobster, and locally caught fish like poulet, dominates menus. Santo beef (grass-fed on volcanic pastures) is prized throughout the Pacific, and Tanna coffee beans are internationally acclaimed.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Vanuatu.
Lap-Lap
Vanuatu's national dish — grated root vegetables mixed with coconut cream, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked for hours in a traditional underground oven. The result is a dense, richly flavored pudding that can be made with chicken, pork, fish, or vegetarian.
Where to try: Port Vila Main Market, Ekasup Cultural Village
Price: $3-8
Coconut Crab
The world's largest land arthropod, a rare delicacy only available seasonally. The flavor is extraordinarily rich with distinct coconut sweetness from the crab's coconut-based diet. Try it at L'Houstalet cooked in vanilla sauce.
Where to try: L'Houstalet, Iririki Island; Reefers Restaurant
Price: $60-80
Grilled Poulet Fish
A freshwater fish native to Vanuatu's rivers and unique to the Pacific islands. The name comes from its chicken-like flesh texture when grilled. The Waterfront Bar & Grill does it perfectly with local herbs and lemon.
Where to try: Waterfront Bar & Grill, most seafood restaurants
Price: $25-35
Santo Beef
Grass-fed beef from Espiritu Santo's lush volcanic pastures, renowned throughout the Pacific for exceptional quality and flavor. Best enjoyed as a rib-eye or slow-roasted. Mangoes Restaurant and Waterfront Bar & Grill source it direct from Santo.
Where to try: Waterfront Bar & Grill, Mangoes Resort Restaurant
Price: $32-45
Fresh Tuna Sashimi/Ceviche
Vanuatu's waters produce excellent yellowfin tuna. Local chefs have developed Pacific-style ceviche using coconut cream, lime, and chili that perfectly balances fresh tuna's richness. Reefers' signature ceviche platter is outstanding.
Where to try: Reefers Restaurant, Waterfront Bar & Grill
Price: $22-30
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
L'Houstalet
Vanuatu's most acclaimed restaurant offering exquisite French cuisine with local ingredients. Known for exotic specialties like flying fox, coconut crab, and freshly caught lobster. Elegant atmosphere with harbor views and impeccable service.
Iririki Island Resort, Port Vila Harbour, Shefa Province
Waterfront Bar & Grill
Popular harbourfront restaurant with panoramic views, fresh seafood, premium steaks, and wood-fired pizzas. Relaxed atmosphere perfect for sunset drinks and dinner. Excellent service and consistent quality.
Port Vila Waterfront, Lini Highway, Shefa Province
Au Faré (Pizza Hot)
Casual restaurant offering fusion cuisine where you can pick your lobster from the tank. Famous for fresh seafood, creative pizzas, and using only the freshest local produce. Friendly atmosphere and good value.
Port Vila Town, near Market, Shefa Province
Port Vila Market Food Stalls
Authentic local food stalls at the main market offering traditional dishes like lap-lap, island cabbage, grilled fish, and fresh tropical fruits. The most authentic and budget-friendly way to experience Vanuatu cuisine.
Port Vila Main Market, Lini Highway, Shefa Province
Cafe Vila
French-style bakery and cafe with excellent pastries, fresh bread, sandwiches, and quality coffee. Perfect breakfast spot or afternoon coffee break. Air-conditioned interior and outdoor seating.
Port Vila Town, Kumul Highway, Shefa Province
The Havannah Restaurant
Award-winning fine dining at Vanuatu's most luxurious resort. Five-course degustation menus featuring locally sourced seafood, organic vegetables, and premium imported ingredients. Stunning beachfront setting and exceptional wine list.
The Havannah Resort, Havannah Harbour, Efate Island
Mangoes Restaurant
Award-winning restaurant combining international techniques with local ingredients. Beautiful garden setting, attentive service, and innovative menu. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with extensive cocktail list.
Mangoes Resort, Mele Bay, Efate Island
The Terrace Restaurant
Relaxed dining with harbor views offering burgers, steaks, seafood, and Asian options. Great for families with diverse menu appealing to all tastes. Good cocktails and casual vibe.
Port Vila Waterfront, Shefa Province
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Seafood
Reefers Restaurant & Rum Bar
Beachfront dining with spectacular sunset views and stellar menu. Famous for their rum bar with over 100 varieties and outstanding ceviche. Relaxed beach atmosphere with quality food and drinks.
Iririki Island, Port Vila, Shefa Province
BBQ Fish Stands
Evening beachfront BBQ stands grilling fresh catch of the day. Watch your fish being grilled over coconut husks while enjoying ocean views. Ultra-fresh, simple, and delicious.
Various locations along Port Vila waterfront
Waterfront Bar and Grill
The most popular restaurant on the Port Vila waterfront. Known for grilled poulet fish, Santo beef, and fresh lobster. Live music on weekends.
Lini Highway, Port Vila Waterfront
Cafe & Light Meals
The Melanesian Cafe
Cozy cafe with local art on walls, serving coffee, smoothies, healthy bowls, and light meals. Popular with digital nomads for WiFi and workspace. Relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff.
Port Vila Central, Lini Highway, Shefa Province
Nambawan Cafe
Popular local spot for breakfast, coffee, and light lunches. Fresh salads, sandwiches, pastries, and excellent coffee. Friendly service and central location make it perfect for a quick bite.
Central Port Vila, Kumul Highway, Shefa Province
French
Le Cafe du Village
Sophisticated dining with stunning Port Vila harbour views. Ever-changing menu showcasing French-Mediterranean traditions with fresh local produce. Excellent wine selection and beautiful sunset views.
Iririki Island, Port Vila, Shefa Province
Café du Village
A charming French-style café serving fresh croissants, baguettes, and strong espresso. A nod to Vanuatu's Franco-British colonial heritage. Perfect for a morning pastry.
Rue Higginson, Port Vila
Beachside Casual
The Beach Bar & Grill
Laid-back beachfront restaurant with feet-in-sand dining. Fresh seafood, burgers, salads, and tropical cocktails. Perfect for lunch after beach activities or casual dinner by the ocean.
Breakas Beach Resort, Port Vila, Efate Island
Cafe & Breakfast
Jill's Cafe
Long-standing Port Vila institution known for hearty breakfasts, homemade cakes, and friendly service. Simple, honest food in welcoming atmosphere. Local favorite for weekend breakfast.
Port Vila, near Parliament House, Shefa Province
Coffee & Snacks
Tanna Coffee Roasting
Small coffee shop serving Vanuatu's finest locally roasted coffee. Light snacks, pastries, and the chance to buy premium Tanna coffee beans. Support local coffee farmers.
Port Vila Town Center, Shefa Province
Coffee And Light Meals
Tropicana Cafe
A popular meeting spot for expats and travelers, serving excellent espresso, smoothies, and light tropical lunches. Good WiFi and air-conditioned interior.
Lini Highway, Port Vila
Fresh Tropical Snacks
Roadside Coconut Stands, Efate Ring Road
Roadside vendors sell fresh green coconuts for drinking, ripe coconut flesh, tropical fruits, and fresh coconut bread. Essential stops on any island circuit.
Various points, Efate Ring Road
Fusion
Nambawan Cafe
A Port Vila institution beloved for its fresh coconut seafood curries, tropical fruit smoothies, and relaxed island vibe. Excellent value for money with harbor views.
Lini Highway, Port Vila
Italian
Rossi Restaurant
Authentic Italian cuisine with homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and Italian wine selection. Cozy atmosphere with genuine Italian hospitality. Popular with locals and tourists alike.
Port Vila Town, Lini Highway, Shefa Province
Local Melanesian And Breakfast
Jill's Cafe
A no-frills local favourite serving generous portions of traditional Vanuatu food: lap-lap, fresh fish, taro, and island cabbage. Packed with locals at lunch. Best value meal in Port Vila.
Kumul Highway, Port Vila
Local Street Food
Port Vila Night Market
Every Friday and Saturday evening, dozens of stalls fire up grills offering fresh BBQ fish, coconut crab, BBQ chicken, and cold Tusker beer. The authentic social heart of Port Vila.
Car Park behind main market, Port Vila
Pub Grub And Pacific Grill
The Anchor Inn
The heart of Luganville's social scene — a classic South Pacific pub with cold Tusker beer, hearty meals, and a mix of expats, divers, and locals. Live music on Friday nights.
Luganville, Espiritu Santo
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Lap-Lap from Market Stalls
Banana-leaf-wrapped portions of the national dish sold fresh from morning market stalls. Different vendors specialize in chicken, fish, or vegetarian versions. Eaten as a filling breakfast or lunch by locals.
Find it at: Port Vila Main Market, 6 AM - 2 PM
BBQ Fish from Night Stands
Fresh whole fish and prawns grilled over coconut husks at evening waterfront stands and the Friday/Saturday night market. The smoke and freshness create an extraordinary simple meal — typically served with rice or cassava.
Find it at: Port Vila waterfront BBQ stands, 5-9 PM daily; Friday/Saturday night market
Fresh Coconut
Young green coconuts cut open by roadside vendors throughout Efate. Drink the sweet water through a straw, then scrape out the tender flesh. The perfect rehydration drink in tropical heat for just $1-2.
Find it at: Roadside stands throughout Efate, Efate Ring Road
Nangai Nuts
Small edible nuts from the Canarium indicum tree that are a uniquely Melanesian snack. Roasted and sold in small bags at the market. Rich, oily flavor somewhere between macadamia and brazil nut.
Find it at: Port Vila Main Market, roadside vendors
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Port Vila Main Market
The largest and most vibrant market in Vanuatu, operating every weekday with Saturday as the peak day when vendors arrive from outer villages. Fresh produce, cooked food stalls, kava root, and flowers all available under one roof.
Hours: 5:30 AM - 5:00 PM Monday-Saturday
Port Vila Friday/Saturday Night Market
A beloved weekly outdoor food market behind the main market with dozens of BBQ stalls, cold beer vendors, and freshly cooked seafood. The social heart of Port Vila and the best value food experience in the city.
Hours: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Fridays and Saturdays
Luganville Market
Espiritu Santo's main market serving the island's communities. Less tourist-oriented than Port Vila with authentic local atmosphere, excellent fresh produce, kava root, and cooked food stalls.
Hours: 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM Monday-Saturday
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Most fine dining restaurants require reservations — L'Houstalet especially fills quickly and accepts bookings 2-3 days ahead
Lunch is generally the best value meal at restaurants — many offer the same quality food as dinner at lower prices
Port Vila's finest restaurants are on Iririki Island (ferry access) — factor in the last ferry time (11 PM) when planning evening dining
Market food at the Port Vila Main Market is the most authentic and cheapest way to eat local — lap-lap and grilled fish for $5-8
Many restaurants close on Sundays or have reduced hours — plan ahead if visiting on a Sunday
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-12/meal | Market stalls, lap-lap, BBQ fish stands |
| Mid-range | $20-40/meal | Waterfront restaurants, resort dining |
| Upscale | $70-150+/meal | L'Houstalet, Havannah Restaurant, fine dining |