Island food is just better, right? It’s fresh, it’s beautiful, and it’s pretty much always served with the friendliest smile you’ve ever been given. The food on Mo’orea was consistently delicious, and often included locally-grown vanilla in fun ways! Take a look, and come hungry!

The Green Pearl

This was our choice for lunch on our first day. There was a major storm outside, so we loved that this place had a dry view from indoors! Don’t get us wrong; we love to dine outside, but not during a weather event! This restaurant has walls made of windows and overlooks a golf course, making it the perfect solution to see and admire the lush greenery outside without being in it.

Steve had the Hawaiian-style Ahi Tuna Poke, while I chose the Thai Peanut Shrimp Salad. And for dessert, we split the Fondant (molten) Chocolate Cake with Mo’orean Vanilla ice cream and coconut whipped cream. Surprisingly, the only sweet part of the dish was the ice cream. We’ll call it “European-style” Chocolate Cake!

More here: The Best Desserts in the World

Carameline

So nice we ate here twice! This little outdoor dining spot is very popular with locals and tourists alike! It’s a French-style bakery with pastries to make you swoon, but they also serve excellent breakfast and lunch options. We ate a late breakfast here, and I’d happily go back again. Steve chose the bacon, egg, and cheese bagel, which was excellent, and I ordered the coffee with coconut milk and “Yogi Bowl,” which included yogurt, fruit, granola, and honey. It also happens to be just steps away from a variety of pearl stores and souvenir shops!

Our second morning on the island, we ate here again. Not many restaurants were open on Sunday morning, so we were thankful to know a good one was! Steve got the Yogi Bowl that day, but I chose the French Toast. They serve it as I like–covered in fruit and drenched in honey instead of maple syrup. The fun part came after breakfast, though. We each chose two pastries to enjoy later in the day!

More here: The Most Exotic Foods I Ever Ate

Snack Mahana

I kept reading about this place and knew it had to be on our list of places to eat. But don’t think of it as a “snack” place. This outdoor dining establishment may not look like much from the outside, but they serve American-sized portions of some of the best food on the island! Steve is no foodie (in fact, he doesn’t care about food at all), but he got the Mahi Mahi with fries, which was excellent–and he said so more than once!

I got their signature dish. They’re known for their version of Tahiti’s national dish, Poisson Cru. It’s Tahitian-style raw fish and veggies, marinated in coconut milk, served with rice, and topped with ginger. It was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten–ever, anywhere! If I’d had room for dessert, I would have gotten the banana pie with ice cream. Next time! They also have outdoor seating with a gorgeous, waterfront view. Don’t miss it!

*Note: This restaurant is cash only, so come prepared!

Find more about our Tahitian travels on my French Polynesia Page!

Pure at Sofitel Kia Ora Hotel

To be honest, we don’t normally eat at hotel restaurants, even at the hotels where we stay, because they are generally much more expensive, and the food tends to be “watered down” in its authenticity. But this was a special occasion, and this one has a fantastic view to boot! The food at the Sofitel Kia Ora Mo’orea was delicious, and I loved the vanilla sauce that came with Steve’s fish. I love a savory-sweet combination, but I never would have thought to put those two together!

Also read: What to Know Before You Visit Mo’orea

Moz Cafe

This little cafe came highly recommended, and we were happy to see they were open for breakfast. They had plenty of variety on the menu, but Steve and I both chose omelettes. Don’t be surprised to find baguettes here and at nearly every other restaurant on the island. It’s French Polynesia, after all, so French baguettes are widely available!

More to come: What to Know Before You Visit French Polynesia

Magic Mountain Fruit and Smoothie Bar

This was an unexpected delight! We hiked up Fa’aro’a, or Magic Mountain, and we paid the 200 CFP ($2 USD) to park here and start the hike. This little shop and fruit stand gives free samples of their homemade jams, jellies, and fruit, and of course they have juices and smoothies for sale as well. We needed such nourishment after the steep climb to the top and back down, so we happily indulged!

The question on everyone’s mind these days: Was It Worth It to Plan a Bucket List Trip During the Pandemic?

Mo’orea Beach Cafe

This is the only other place where we ate twice! It has one of the best, most sweeping views of any restaurant on the island, and their pizza is amazing! We picked up a goat cheese and Tahitian honey pizza to take back to the hotel with us, and it was so delicious, we decided to go back for lunch again before we left on our last day. The best part was that it was outdoors, but completely covered overhead. Even when the rain came in early afternoon, we were dry and able to enjoy the sight!

Find more on my French Polynesia Page!

Still hungry? Get more on my dedicated World Foods Page!

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