Where to get the Best Dish on Moorea!
On the picturesque island of Moorea, an abundance of dining options awaits, offering a diverse culinary experience. Many of these establishments exude a charming old-school ambiance, characterized by a lack of digital reservations on platforms like Resy or OpenTable. To secure a table for dinner, the preferred methods are either making a direct call for a reservation or opting for a spontaneous walk-in.
Our impromptu vacation left us navigating the dining scene on the fly, foregoing reservations. Instead, we strategically chose to arrive slightly early for dinner, successfully securing open tables before the rush ensued—a tactic that proved effective at every place we explored.
Moorea caters not only to locals but also to tourists and cruise ships, with some establishments exclusively open for lunch. Armed with this knowledge, we strategically planned our dining excursions to maximize our culinary exploration.
Given the island’s proximity to the ocean and its abundance of fresh fish, our culinary mission focused on savoring as many seafood dishes as possible, prepared in diverse ways.
Below, I’ve meticulously detailed our experiences at various eateries, providing reviews and accompanying pictures. Additionally, I’ll include mentions of other places on our wishlist that, unfortunately, time constraints prevented us from trying. This compilation aims to spare you the hassle of scouring multiple blogs for insights, streamlining your quest for the perfect dining experience on Moorea.
Nestled in the perfect location, Moorea Beach Cafe offers a captivating setting for those
seeking an idyllic spot to witness a breathtaking sunset—weather permitting, of course. The panoramic views are nothing short of spectacular, creating a picturesque backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. However, be wary of the occasional cloud cover that may slightly obscure the otherwise awe-inspiring sunset.
Our dining experience at Moorea Beach Cafe was generally positive, though not without a minor hiccup. The standout issue was the overcooked fish, which regrettably detracted from an otherwise promising meal. Despite this setback, the redeeming factor was the delectable sauce accompanying the fish. The flavors were rich, nuanced, and managed to salvage the dish to some extent.
The menu, beyond the fish misstep, showcases a variety of enticing options that cater
to diverse palates. The atmosphere is laid-back, fostering a relaxed and enjoyable ambiance. It’s an ideal spot to unwind, savor a drink, and partake in a meal while soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
The staff at Moorea Beach Cafe contributes to the overall positive experience, providing attentive and friendly service. The ambiance, combined with the strategic location, makes it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
In order for us to get a table we arrived slightly after they opened for dinner service. This afforded us really the option for any table. Which we used to our advantage to get a nice spot right next to the water to also enjoy the sunset.
In conclusion, despite the minor setback with the overcooked fish, Moorea Beach Cafe remains a commendable destination for those seeking a well-rounded experience of good food, refreshing drinks, and a front-row seat to Moorea’s enchanting sunsets.
Having stumbled upon Rudy’s Steak and Seafood based on positive reviews and a quest for the island’s finest fish, our culinary exploration proved to be a rewarding experience. The anticipation was met with delight as every aspect of the meal exceeded expectations.
The preparation of the dishes showcased a level of culinary finesse that left a lasting impression. The fish, undoubtedly the star of the show, was impeccably cooked, showcasing Rudy’s commitment to quality and precision in their culinary endeavors. What truly elevated the dining experience were the exceptional sauces accompanying the fish—a delightful symphony of flavors that complemented and enhanced the freshness of the seafood.
Rudy’s Steak and Seafood effortlessly stands out
as a premier destination for seafood enthusiasts, offering a delectable journey through the ocean’s treasures. The menu, curated with care, provides a variety of options to cater to different tastes, ensuring a satisfying experience for all patrons.
Our decision to visit around 5 pm without a reservation proved fortuitous, allowing us to secure a table early and relish the tranquil ambiance before the dinner rush. By 5:30 pm, the restaurant began to fill up, courtesy of the hotels’ runner service, bringing in a stream of eager guests. This popularity speaks volumes about Rudy’s reputation as a go-to spot for those seeking not only exceptional seafood but also a vibrant and bustling dining atmosphere.
The attentive service further enhanced our dining pleasure, with the staff demonstrating a genuine commitment to ensuring a memorable experience. The early evening setting, combined with the gradual buzz of guests, created an inviting ambiance that added to the overall allure of Rudy’s.
In summary, Rudy’s Steak and Seafood surpassed our expectations, delivering a culinary journey that celebrated the essence of fresh, well-prepared fish. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or simply seeking an exceptional dining experience, Rudy’s is undeniably a top-tier choice on the island of Moorea.
Coco Beach Cafe in Moorea left us utterly impressed, exceeding any expectations we had.
Initially approaching the experience with a touch of skepticism, given the emphasis on ambiance in reviews, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the culinary offerings matched the hype.
Our gastronomic journey commenced with the octopus, a dish executed with finesse and precision, setting the tone for an extraordinary meal. The Carpaccio and Tahitian raw fish that followed were nothing short of amazing, demonstrating a commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. Even the seemingly simple sweet potato fries on the side managed to transcend expectations, adding a delightful twist to the overall culinary experience.
Our reservation, set for 12:30 pm in conjunction with a boat excursion, turned into an extended affair as we found ourselves engrossed in the delightful atmosphere until around 3 pm. The ambiance, coupled with the prime location, offered a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence.
While our experience was nearly flawless, the lone hiccup emerged with the Pina Colada we ordered. Anticipating a blended delight, we received a version on the rocks, deviating from our expectations. Despite this minor misstep, the homemade iced teas managed to redeem the beverage situation, showcasing the versatility of the drink menu.
Coco Beach Cafe emerges as a culinary gem, not just for its delectable offerings but also for its prime location, providing an ideal backdrop for a memorable meal. The overall experience, coupled with the extended stay, made it evident that this establishment stands out not only for 
its gastronomic delights but also for its immersive atmosphere.
In conclusion, Coco Beach Cafe proved to be a standout dining destination, offering a harmonious blend of exceptional cuisine and an idyllic setting. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or someone seeking a memorable location to savor exquisite dishes, this place undeniably delivers on both fronts.
Follow this link to the page to book your reservation and boat ride. Without the boat tour you will need to swim, paddle or have another form of sea transportation to get to the restaurant.
Our visit to Snack Mahana left us with a sense of disappointment, a stark contrast to the high expectations fueled by glowing reviews. Despite the anticipation, our culinary adventure fell short, leaving us questioning the accolades that had drawn us to the establishment.
Opting for the Carpaccio, a dish that piqued our interest, we were taken aback when asked about adding Parmesan. Expecting a unique house specialty, we agreed, only to be presented with powdered Parmesan from a can—a detail that didn’t align with the elevated dining experience we had envisioned. While the fish itself was enjoyable, it failed to live up to the lofty praises that had lured us in.
The disappointment lingered as we navigated the waiting time for the bathrooms and stole glances into the kitchen. 
These observations triggered a collective second-guessing of our decision to dine at Snack Mahana, raising concerns about the overall quality and authenticity of the experience.
Despite our less-than-stellar encounter, it’s essential to acknowledge that every dining experience can be subjective, and our visit may not have aligned with the experiences of others. Perhaps our expectations were set too high, or we caught the establishment on an off day.
It’s crucial to note that the allure of Snack Mahana may lie more in its casual setting and local charm than in fine dining expectations. While our particular visit may not have lived up to the hype, others might find the simplicity and unpretentious nature of the establishment appealing.
In the vast landscape of culinary exploration, individual tastes and preferences play a significant role, and what may disappoint one might delight another. Our experience at Snack Mahana serves as a reminder that culinary adventures are often subjective, and personal expectations can influence the overall perception of a dining establishment.
Overall Feelings
As you may have noticed we breakfast everyday was at our amazing VRBO as you really just cant beat that view. There is a great grocery store 2 min from the Ferry Terminal so once we arrived we stocked up on eggs, fresh French bread, some amazing salami and other cured meats, along with cheeses for breakfast. Another thing that is always great on these tropical Islands is the juices so we had to try as many different ones as we could and it is just amazingly hard to pick the best ones. Also driving around the island there are small fruit stands so you can grab fresh fruit right there, and be sure to try their pineapples as they are only grown on the island.
The fish is fantastic and I wouldn’t suggest anything other than fish in any form. All of the places we visited had fresh fish and we couldn’t complain there. Listed below are all the rest of the places that were on our list as must stops. We wish we had more time but we know we will be back. As we go back I will also updated reviews and post things about new places we have tried.