10 BEST Restaurants in Apia

1. Paddles Restaurant

Paddles Restaurant is a beloved fusion of Samoan warmth and Italian flavour in Apia, drawing locals and visitors alike. This family-run gem serves up heartfelt hospitality with Mum in the kitchen preparing authentic Samoan favourites, while Dad (still at it in his 80s!) brings a touch of Italy to the menu.

The vibe is welcoming and unpretentious, perfect for a relaxed evening out. Think stylish casual dining with professional yet warm service. There’s a sense of being looked after – like you’re in someone’s home, just with better lighting and a wine list!

Paddles is known for its fusion of Samoan and Italian cuisine, with comfort food made with care and top-quality ingredients. Starters are a strong point, featuring dishes like Salt & Pepper Calamari, oka (fresh tuna in coconut cream), and Mussels au Gratin. The pasta and risotto selection is a real highlight, using La Molisana Italian pasta.

Main courses showcase the Italian-Samoan balance beautifully. The Italian Scaloppine and Grilled Steak are go-tos for meat lovers, while the Pork & Prawns and Salmone con Gamberi deliver bold, satisfying flavours with a tropical twist.

Opening hours: 5 pm to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Location: Beach Road, Matautu-Tai, Apia.

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2. Bella’s Kitchen

Starting their business out of a food truck, Bella’s Kitchen has become so popular and expanded into their very own restaurant on the Apia Harbour.

Sit shoulder-to-shoulder with the Apia regulars in their vibrantly decorated downstairs restaurant or huddle away upstairs in the air-conditioned dining room with spray-painted murals for company.

Although Bella’s does all of the usual deep-fried delights, where they really shine are their noodle boxes, Mexican dishes and thick shakes – all for a very irresistible price that will make you understand why the locals come here again and again.

Check out other affordable dining options in The Top Cheap Eats in Apia.

Opening hours: 8 am to 9 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Location: Beach Road, Mulivai, Apia.

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3. Kokobanana Bar & Grill

Kokobanana Bar & Grill is the place to be for a lively night out in Apia. This casual steakhouse boasts a garden deck atmosphere and an impressive menu that’ll make meat lovers and seafood enthusiasts go koko (bananas)?!

Feast on tender New Zealand steaks, succulent lobster or even a steak and lobster combo if you’re feeling extra indulgent. The menu is a crowd-pleaser, offering everything from sizzling T-bones to seafood pastas and Asian-fusion favourites. Don’t miss their popular “Steak & Lobster” dish featuring a 400g NZ Eye Fillet.

Kokobanana isn’t just about the food; it’s an experience. Enjoy live music and themed nights, with Thursdays featuring a one-man band playing jazz and oldies. With one of Apia’s most extensive drink menus, it’s no wonder you’ll find Kokobanana in our Guide to Apia & Upolu Nightlife.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
Location: Between Ififi Street and Cross Island Road, Malifa, Apia.

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4. Roko’s Restaurant

Roko’s Restaurant is a local favourite that never disappoints when you’re craving something tasty and familiar. Tucked away on Ififi Street, this laid-back eatery offers a menu that sticks to what it does best—hearty Western-style dishes with a Samoan twist.

From crispy chicken and fish with fries to creamy pastas and seafood mix, Roko’s has all the comfort food bases covered. They even throw in some surprises with BBQ, Hawaiian and pepperoni pizzas on offer. Don’t miss their curried prawns or the grilled fish of the day for a fresher, more local taste.

What really sets Roko’s apart, though, are the breathtaking views over the lush forests and rolling hillsides of Apia’s outskirts. It’s the perfect backdrop for a no-fuss dinner that still feels special.

Be sure to try their oka—a popular dish featuring the fresh market fish of the day. It’s one of the chef’s specialities that keeps locals coming back for more.

Opening hours: 8 am to 10 pm, Monday to Sunday
Location: Ififi Street, Malifa, Apia (on the road to the hospital).

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5. 1905 Restaurant

Another worthwhile venture on the Mulinuu Peninsula, 1905 Restaurant delivers a polished mix of international and local flavours in a sleek, modern setting. You’ll love the menu that features familiar favourites with a Samoan touch—think burgers, fries, pasta and seafood—alongside house specials like Thai beef salad, oka and Samoan-style ribs.

Part of the Lava Hotel, this stylish eatery is named after the historic Mt Matavanu eruption. The restaurant erupts with choices, from creative salads to expertly prepared fish and meat dishes. Don’t miss their weekly fiafia night with a BBQ buffet!

With generous portions, stylish presentation, and a relaxed ambience, 1905 is perfect for both casual dinners and more dressed-up affairs. Oh, and here’s a bonus: it’s one of the rare 10 Places with Free WiFi in Samoa.

Opening hours: 7 am to 9 pm daily.
Location: Mulinuu Road, Mulinuu Peninsula, Apia.

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6. Giordano’s Pizzeria

Be transported to the Mediterranean and among the attractive patio gardens of Giordano’s Pizzeria. The closest European-style pizzas we’ve found in Apia, and Samoa for that matter, Giordano’s combines Italian cuisine with a gorgeous balmy setting and ambient lighting.

While pizzas are the obvious go-tos here, with popular options being the Mediterranean lamb, salmon and tapenade (chef-made) pizzas, the smoked salmon pasta, lasagne (with a gluten-free option) and tropical salad are all worth venturing off the pizza train.

Be sure to have an extra look at the back of the restaurant to find the hidden alcoves in the gardens, but you might want to take insect repellent wherever you sit.

Opening hours: 2 pm to 9:30 pm, Wednesday to Saturday and 4 pm to 9:30 pm, Sunday.
Location: Falealili Street, Moto’otua, Apia.

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7. Sails Restaurant

Sails Restaurant offers a breezy waterfront dining experience right on the deck by the harbour at Mulinu’u. This Apia classic blends stunning views with a menu that swings from casual bites to beautifully plated mains.

The food has a fresh, global feel—think poke bowls, seafood pastas and steak platters. Health-conscious diners will love the “Simply Healthy” catch poached in citrus. Don’t miss the house favourite Sails Sunset cocktail, a vibrant concoction layered with Midori, pineapple juice, and grenadine.

For a lively atmosphere, pop in on Thursdays for their fiafia nights. With generous portions and a location that’s hard to beat, Sails is a standout in Apia’s dining scene.

Opening hours: From 11 am until late Monday to Saturday (lunch, dinner and snacks available all day).
Location: Mulinuu Road, Mulinu’u, Apia.

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8. Bistro Tatau Restaurant

For fine dining in Apia, Bistro Tatau Restaurant is a good go-to to impress with its speciality Asian cuisine, as well as European, Mediterranean and Australasia influences.

Start with the likes of steamed dumplings or a tropical oka for an injection of local, then move on to pan-fried swordfish, crisp pork belly salad or rib-eye steak.

According to Bistro Tatau’s owner, Bill, the sticky toffee pudding has been a favourite and a constant on the menu since the restaurant’s inception.

The restaurant offers a relaxed yet sophisticated environment of slick tiled walls and tones inspired by Samoan skin tones and tatau (tattoo) ink.

Discover more of Samoa’s fine dining establishments in the 5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Samoa.

Opening hours: 12 pm to 2 pm and 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm Monday to Friday and 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm Saturday.
Location: Corner Beach Road and Fugalei Street, Apia.

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9. Scalini’s Restaurant

Scalini’s is Apia’s go-to spot for a solid Italian meal with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where pasta and wine flow freely, with a menu stacked with crowd-pleasers like creamy Carbonara, Fish of the Day, NZ Ribeye Steak and Moroccan Chicken.

Don’t miss their standout Salmon with Prawn Twister, which impresses with both flavour and presentation. Scalini’s is also a favourite for picking up sandwiches and snacks from the deli before venturing on the Cross Island Road.

Whether you’re after a leisurely dinner or a quick bite, Scalini’s has you covered. (You’ll find it’s a welcome respite from Apia’s deep-fried food scene).

Opening hours: from 7:30 am to 4 pm Monday to Tuesday, and from 7:30 am to 10 pm Wednesday to Friday
Location: Falealili Street, Malifa, Apia.

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10. Amanaki Restaurant

Choose your poison: fish, chicken, beef, pork or vegetarian; either way, you’ll have plenty of options and, anyhow, you should choose fish if the locals have anything to say about it!

Your main at the Amanaki Restaurant of the Amanaki Hotel will be topped with an appetising complementary sauce (not the same creamy mushroom sauce that other restaurants in Samoa tend to throw on everything – did we say too much?), whether it’s the poached swordfish served with citric and basil sauce or pork with spicy cajun and pimento sauce.

Their vegetarian options are also enticing (when available), such as stuffed eggplants. For more about where to eat as a vege, check out our guide, Samoa for Vegans & Vegetarians + 10 Best Restaurants.

Opening hours: 7:30 am to 9:30 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Location: Mulinuu Road, Mulinuu Peninsula, Apia.

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