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10 BEST Cafes in Samoa ☕ [2023]
10 BEST Cafes in Samoa ☕ [2023]

10 BEST Cafes in Samoa ☕ [2024]

© SamoaPocketGuide.com

Where to Stop for Coffee, Breakfast or Lunch in Samoa

Most picture themselves lazying on the beach or swimming under a waterfall in Samoa but, believe us, you’re going to want to fuel these activities one way or the other; the other being coffee, cake, breakfast, brunch or lunch at one of the islands’ delightful cafes! Now, Samoa isn’t exactly brimming with cafes unless you’re standing in the heart of its cosmopolitan capital, Apia, and we have a whole list just for that in the 10 Best Cafes in Apia & Upolu. Otherwise, there are a few hidden gems sparsely scattered across Savai’i and Upolu, which we also make sure you’re well aware of in this list of the best cafes in Samoa. You’re welcome.

1. RiVaiv Cafe (Upolu)

Famous across Samoa for its turmeric juice that Samoans swear by to provide all sorts of health benefits, RiVaiv Cafe with two locations in Apia also happens to be a darn good place to stop for breakfast or lunch. Try their turmeric concoction in a latte or lemonade if you’re intrigued. Otherwise, the cafe with an attractive clothes boutique and garden setting (in Tanugamanono) is best known for its fresh poke, teriyaki and steak bowls, as well as pad Thai, seafood sushi tacos and vegan tempura sushi tacos. You might also like their pesto panini or burgers. We can certainly vouch for their koko Samoa milkshake, made with Samoa’s very own cocoa beans, if you crave something sweet – certainly one of the 10 Drinks in Samoa You Have to Try. Note that RiVaiv has two cafes in Apia; one in Tanugamanono and one in Vaitele.

Opening hours: Rivaiv Tanugamanono – 11 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday. Rivaiv Vaitele – 8 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Saturday.
Location: Cross Island Road, Tanugamanono and Moso’oi Street, Vaitele, Apia.

10 BEST Cafes in Samoa ☕ [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

2. Adria’s Cafe (Savai’i)

One of the rare Western-style eateries on the otherwise proudly Samoan island of Savai’i, Adria’s Cafe delights with coffee, cake and meat-lover meals to see you through your morning or afternoon. Cosy up in a booth or out in the open-plan dining area with industrial-style decor. Either way, you’ll have the opportunity to tuck into eggs or pancakes for breakfast – just about your only vegetarian offerings – or opt for a hearty beef and eggplant lasagne or teriyaki bowl for lunch. Plus, try their custard tarts! With reasonable prices, Adria’s also appears in The Top Cheap Eats on Savai’i.

Opening hours: 7:30 am to 2:30 pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Location: Lalomalava village, signposted on the main road on the east coast of Savai’i.

10 BEST Cafes in Samoa ☕ [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

3. Nourish Cafe (Upolu)

Offering respite from Samoa’s fascination for deep-fried food, Nourish Cafe is aptly named and will likely give you the health boost you need to see you through your day – even if you’re vegetarian, dairy- or gluten-free. That’s not to say that there’s nothing naughty on the menu; we’re looking at you, “raspberry cheesecake waffles”, should you want to indulge in your holiday time. Either way, the creative menu of international favourites uses mostly local ingredients and puts a pleasingly Samoan spin on some of your faves – go on, have a side of plantain with your “Nourish Supo” instead of rice. Barista coffee, herbal teas, slushies, juices and smoothies are all good too. Enjoy either the air-conditioned indoor setting or sit among the plants in the shaded patio area. The establishment is also wheelchair friendly.

Opening hours: 7:30 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday.
Location: Convent Street, behind the Australian High Commission and Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Apia.

10 BEST Cafes in Samoa ☕ [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

4. Coffee Roaster (Upolu)

Anyone who’s anyone knows to meet up at Apia‘s trendiest cafe, simply called Coffee Roaster. Get out of the sun at this indoor establishment but still revel in the natural materials of exposed timber intertwined with faux vines and coffee cups dangling from every wall space available. Needless to say, the in-house roasted coffee is a big deal here. But if you want to take a seat and sit shoulder-to-shoulder with the Apia locals and expats, there are breakfast meals and sandwiches to order. For more cafes with great coffee, check out the 10 Best Cafes in Apia & Upolu.

Opening hours: 7 am to 1:30 pm Monday to Sunday.
Location: Corner of Togafu’afu’a Road and Atanae Street, Apia.

10 BEST Cafes in Samoa ☕ [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

5. Milani Caffe & Cakes (Upolu)

A popular spot right in the heart of Apia town, Milani Caffe & Cakes is an Italian-inspired cafe, of course, with a Samoan twist. Sip on Italian coffee and revel in an ungodly choice of cakes, loaves, biscuits and pastries. You can also stop by for lunch in their large air-conditioned cafe where the menu lurches from tuna sushi burritos to pork belly boa buns to plant-based bowls and then spaghetti meatballs with Napoli sauce and parmesan…

Opening hours: 7:30 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday and 7:30 am to 1 pm Saturday.
Location: Corner of Convent Street and the Mall, Apia.

10 BEST Cafes in Samoa ☕ [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

6. Harbourside Cafe & Pizza Bar (Savai’i)

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even for partying on Friday and Saturday nights, Harbourside Cafe & Pizza Bar is a reliable yet reasonably priced dining option in Salelologa on Savai’i. With a couple of industrial-style partitions, you can easily find your own cosy corner of this attractive establishment. Treat yourself to a cooked breakfast or stop by for lunch or dinner with the likes of chicken salad, chicken kebabs, sausage/chicken/fish and chips, sashimi, poke, an indulgent seafood platter or steak. Pizza is obviously a big deal here, so if you’re a fan you might as well… Discover more dining options on the island in The Best Places to Eat on Savai’i: 10 Best Restaurants on Savai’i.

Opening hours: 7 am to 10 pm Monday to Saturday and 4 pm to 10 pm Sunday.
Location: Salelologa, within walking distance of Salelologa Wharf heading north (and opposite the Savai’i Tourist Information Centre), Savai’i.

10 BEST Cafes in Samoa ☕ [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

7. All Things Sweet Cafe (Upolu)

Renowned across Samoa for its cakes, All Things Sweet Cafe is also worth popping in for breakfast or lunch for freshly prepared tuna sashimi, vegetarian frittatas, paninis, wraps and sandwiches. Of course, a coffee or smoothie combined with one of the many tempting treats is mainly what this cafe stands for. They also sell a range of local jams, chutneys and pickles should you want to take some of the flavours of Samoa home with you.

Opening hours: 7 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday and 7 am to 1 pm Saturday.
Location: Fugalei Road, Savalalo, Apia.

10 BEST Cafes in Samoa ☕ [2023]© Samoa Tourism Authority

8. Taefu T. Matafeo Store / Netta’s Cake Shop (Savai’i)

At the northern end of Asaga village on Savai’i is the Taefu T. Matafeo Store, also known as Netta’s Cake Shop. Needless to say, the cafe is famous for its cakes and cupcakes which pair perfectly with an espresso, latte, mocha or iced coffee. Either dine indoors on the vibrant sofas or chairs or enjoy the garden table set up outside. They claim vegan and vegetarian snacks are available, while many can vouch for the affordable hot meal, which is usually a set special each day. What’s more, it’s the only cafe with free internet on Savai’i! Get more of your food fix in Savai’i with The Food Guide to Savai’i: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Opening hours: 7 am to 5 pm Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and 7 am to 7 pm Wednesday and Thursday.
Location: Asaga village, along the main road on the east coast of Savai’i.

10 BEST Cafes in Samoa ☕ [2023]© Samoa Tourism Authority

9. Pacific Jewell Gift Shop & Garden Cafe (Upolu)

Once you’re done perusing the intriguing array of handcrafted clothes, carvings, jewellery and homeware, sit down in the lush setting of Pacific Jewell’s Garden Cafe. With tables scattered in their own private nook of the garden and patio, the place never feels too crowded. Delight in a choice of light bagels, tempting crepes or one of the more hearty all-day breakfasts. As for drinks, choose from coffee, fresh herbal teas, frappes, smoothies and iced drinks. Learn more about shopping here in The Best Places to Buy Souvenirs in Samoa.

Opening hours: 9 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday and 7:30 am to 2 pm  Saturday.
Location: Levili Boulevard, Apia.

10 BEST Cafes in Samoa ☕ [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

10. Forest Cafe (Upolu)

The wildest cafe in Samoa, literally, Forest Cafe can only be accessed down a steep 4WD road on the highlands off the Cross Island Road on Upolu. What you could get for breakfast or dinner can be pretty wild too, as the chef herself “doesn’t taste her own food”. But with toasted sandwiches and paninis dominating the menu, you have plenty of safe options, or you could opt for a more substantial lasagna, Samoan souvlaki, curry or pancakes. Enjoy all the usual hot beverages, as well as a small selection of smoothies, juices and drinks from the cooler. The setting, nevertheless, is unbeatable; high in the forest with the sound of a nearby stream as your soundtrack. Ask about the walk to the secret waterfalls.

Opening hours: 8 am to 2 pm Wednesday to Friday and 8 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Location: Cross Island Road, signposted opposite the Baha’i Temple, approximately 9 km (5.6 mi) south of Apia. 4WD access only.

10 BEST Cafes in Samoa ☕ [2023]© SamoaPocketGuide.com

More of Samoa’s Best Cafes

That’s it for the best cafes in Samoa, but there are a lot more lunch stops around the islands, so check them out in the following guides:

Finally, don’t forget to peruse the entire bible on food in Samoa in The Food Guide to Samoa: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Samoa and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Samoa Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Samoa. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Upolu and Savai’i’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page

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