Food plays an important part in the Samoan culture, with many festivities based around huge feasts. So it’s no wonder visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining out. Wherever you’re staying, and whether you want to sample seafood, a taste of traditional Samoan foods or a slice of what could be the best pizza in the Pacific, there are plenty of must-visit restaurants.
Eating on Upolu
Cocolini’s by the Sea is an open-air oceanfront restaurant at Cape Fatuosofia, near Faleolo International Airport on the western tip of Upolu. Its delicious South Pacific Mediterranean cuisine includes fresh seafood that reflects the natural diversity, rich ingredients and regional produce of Samoa. Dine at Cocolini’s and you’ll be surrounded by traditional Samoan décor. The adjacent Ugly Mermaidis an inviting setting in which to sip your favourite wine or cocktail by the pool and enjoy light, al fresco meals.
Watch surf breaking on the reef in front of you as you tuck into dishes prepared by award-winning chefs at the architecturally designed Islands Surf Bar and Restaurant. Islands serves a-la-carte cuisine, ranging from locally caught seafood to Western specialties. It can cater to special dietary needs or create something unique for any meaningful occasion – you only need to ask. The customer service is outstanding and every night is a special occasion.
The nearby Cbreeza Pizzeria is also a great choice. It’s hard to go past its signature dish, a wood-fired pizza withfresh local lobster on a thin and crispy base with sweet banana, crispy bacon, mozzarella cheese and chili.
On Savaii
Most of Savaii’s cafes and restaurants are dotted around Salelologa, but the villages have plenty to offer. Aggie Grey’s South Pacific Restaurant is renowned for its tantalising seafood and local produce, and its seaside location means you’ll have stunning views while you dine.
Dine on some of the freshest seafood at Le Lagoto Beach Restaurant, in Fagamalo, be entertained with a cultural show and umu (earth oven meal) featuring taro, breadfruit and other local specialties at Stevenson’s at Manase, or go Italian with mouth-watering pizza at Leilani’s Pizzeria (not far from Le Lagoto resort), also in Fagamalo.
Capital Dining in Apia
Sails Restaurant is, according to its website, the only eatery in Apia that’s right on the water. It’s been open in its current location – at Mulinu’u Point, just past Parliament House in the central city – since late 2007. Steaks and seafood are highlights of the menu here, as are pastas, healthy salads and a wide range of desserts. Sails holds regular specialty nights and an entertaining Polynesian cultural show every Friday night. It’s also open for lunch and snacks, and serves delicious all-day breakfasts. Wifi is available for diners – another good selling point if you need to book onward travel, check emails and so on.
Apia’s colourful Maketi Fou (food market) on Fugalei Street is open daily and gives you the chance to sample local food cooked the traditional way. Taro, breadfruit and oka (raw fish in coconut cream) are specialties, and pork or chicken wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an umu are also on offer. Your Samoan experience won’t be complete without trying this.
Featured image by Dave Lonsdale
