20 BEST Restaurants in Samoa 2026 (We've Tried Them All!)

Last Updated: 11 September, 2025

Where to Eat in Samoa

No Algorithms, Just Authentic Recommendations

No island getaway is complete without treating the tastebuds. Admittedly, in Samoa, dining is a mixed bag, with restaurants being incredibly hard to find outside of its cosmopolitan capital, Apia.

What’s more, the majority of eateries in this South Pacific paradise, no matter which island you choose, tend to primarily serve deep-fried food – great for a naughty treat; relentless for a 7- to 14-day holiday. But that’s not to say that charming cafes and reputable restaurants don’t exist in the islands of Samoa. You just need to know where to look.

Luckily, you’re in the right place with this list of the best restaurants and places to eat in Samoa!

Before we get the list underway, delight your foodie side with The Food Guide to Samoa: Places to Eat & Food Tours, providing you with more gastronomical experiences beyond the restaurant.

Side note: Our dining recommendations come from on-the-ground research in Samoa – no AI-generated fluff here! Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn more about us.

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

1. Paddles Restaurant (Upolu)

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.

See how this establishment compares to the 10 Best Restaurants in Apia.

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

The BEST Places to Eat in Samoa: 20 Best Restaurants 🍽️ [2025]

2. RiVaiv Cafe (Upolu)

Famous across Samoa for its turmeric juice, which Samoans swear by to provide all sorts of health benefits, RiVaiv Cafe also happens to be a darn good place to stop for breakfast or lunch.

Try a turmeric kick in a latte or lemonade if you’re intrigued. Otherwise, the two cafes in the chain with an attractive clothes boutique (Tanugamanono only) and garden setting are best known for their 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 – learn more about koko Samoa in the 10 Drinks in Samoa You Have to Try.

Opening hours: Rivaiv Tanugamanono – 8 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday. Rivaiv Vaitele – 8 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday. 8 am to 2 pm, Saturday.
Location: Cross Island Road, Tanugamanono and Moso’oi Street, Vaitele, Apia.

The BEST Places to Eat in Samoa: 20 Best Restaurants in Samoa ????️ [2023]

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 3 pm Saturday.
Location: Convent Street, behind the Australian High Commission and Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Apia.

4. Waterfront Restaurant and Bar – Seabreeze Resort (Upolu)

Even if you’re not staying at the adults-only Seabreeze Resort, you’ll want to experience the elegant Waterfront Restaurant and Bar nestled into coastal cliffs. This stunning spot is open to the public for lunch (11 am to 3 pm) and transforms into an adults-only haven from 6 pm onwards.

The evening menu is a culinary delight with seared fish, Thai beef salad, and creamy pastas. But the real treat? Their Sunday-only wood-fired pizzas. You’ll find unique options like “Samoan Sting”, “Island BBQ Toast”, and “Sweet Buzi” that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Don’t forget to nab a table just before dusk – the breathtaking sunset view is the perfect backdrop for a special occasion (or just because you deserve it, trust us).

Opening hours: 11 am to 3 pm for lunch (children must be supervised), 6 pm onwards for dinner (18+ only).
Location: Signposted along Main South Coast Road, Aufaga on the south coast of Upolu.

5. Ava I Toga Restaurant – Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa (Upolu)

Perched above a natural freshwater spring in the lagoon at Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa, Ava I Toga Restaurant offers one of Samoa’s most enchanting dining experiences. As you stroll down the lantern-lit pathway, you’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere special.

With waves lapping beneath and panoramic South Pacific views, the atmosphere alone is worth the visit. But it’s the menu—a thoughtful blend of fresh island ingredients and refined technique—that truly completes the experience.

The food is vibrant and elegant, centred around local seafood and tropical flavours. Signature starters like Sinalei’s Fresh Oka (tuna in coconut cream) set the tone for a flavour-forward meal. For mains, the Catch of the Day, usually line-caught by local fishers, is a highlight.

While the focus is on refined dining, the vibe remains relaxed—barefoot luxury at its best. Ideal for romantic evenings or simply soaking in the view with a glass of wine, Ava I Toga blends atmosphere, local produce, and culinary care into one of Samoa’s most memorable meals.

Opening hours: 12 pm to 3 pm and 6 pm to 9:30 pm, Monday to Sunday.
Location: Signposted off Main South Coast Road between Mulivai and Si’umu on the south coast of Upolu.

6. Adria’s Cafe (Savai’i)

A quaint Western-style cafe in the village of Lalomalava on 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 in Samoa, as well as the 10 Best Restaurants 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.

7. Cocolini’s by the Sea – Le Vasa Resort (Upolu)

Easily one of the best places to stop for lunch or dinner outside of Apia on Upolu, Cocolini’s by the Sea proves that not all resort restaurants are just an afterthought.

The restaurant of Le Vasa Resort notably puts more effort into its ingredients and presentation compared to many other resorts our team have visited, whether it’s an exotic “puttanesca pasta” or a classic burger.

The oceanfront setting is noteworthy too with its traditional Samoan interiors of exposed beams, thatched roof and hand-carved poles.

All in all, it provides a memorable setting for South Pacific and Mediterranean fusion cuisine. That’s why you’ll also find this listing in the 10 Best Restaurants on Upolu.

Opening hours: 8 am to 9:30 pm, Monday to Sunday.
Location: Main West Coast Road, Cape Fatuosofia, Apolima-utu on the northwest coast.

8. Bella’s Kitchen (Upolu)

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 & Upolu.

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

9. 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…

Compare this cafe to the rest of Savai’i’s eateries using the 10 Best Restaurants in Savai’i.

Opening hours: 8 am to 10 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Location: Salelologa, within walking distance of Salelologa Wharf heading north (and opposite the Savai’i Tourist Information Centre), Savai’i.

10. Cafe Cornwall

There’s space for everyone at this rooftop cafe and bar in Apia. Boasting a large indoor space and a slightly smaller outdoor deck where you can watch the Apia traffic below, the Cafe Cornwall is a good go-to for meetings or relaxing with friends and family.

Drinks are done superbly here between the barista coffee and refreshingly creative fruit smoothies, all made with coconut cream instead of dairy milk for a true taste of the islands – we recommend the “Tropical Tornado”.

All the usual breakfast and lunch suspects are here, between pancakes, omelettes, fish of the day, chicken salad and popcorn chicken.

What’s more, it’s just about the only cafe in Apia with free WiFi! See the rest of them in the 10 Places with Free WiFi in Samoa.

Opening hours: 7:30 am to 2 pm, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 1 pm, Saturday. 8 am to 1 pm, Sunday.
Location: Corner of Vaea Street and Atenae Street, Apia.

11. 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-to’s 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.

12. Milani Café

Milani Café dishes up comforting classics with a modern, café-style twist right in the heart of Apia town. Their menu is a crowd-pleaser, covering everything from fluffy pancakes and eggs on toast to stacked burgers, creamy pasta bowls and chicken curry.

There’s a definite nod to Western favourites here—think schnitzel wraps, bolognese, and loaded fries—all served in generous portions. It’s casual, satisfying fare perfect for breakfast, brunch or a hearty lunch.

Don’t miss their selection of cakes, loaves, biscuits and pastries (we personally love their Italian-inspired treats). Wash it all down with a cup of their aromatic Italian coffee for the full Milani experience.

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

13. 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.

The BEST Places to Eat in Samoa: 20 Best Restaurants in Samoa 🍽️ [2025]

14. Pacific Jewell Gift Shop & Garden Cafe

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 nooks 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: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. 7.30 am to 2 pm, Saturday.
Location: Levili Boulevard, Apia.

15. 1905 Restaurant (Upolu)

Nestled in the heart of Apia, 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.

16. Amoa Restaurant – Amoa Resort (Savai’i)

Indulge in a culinary journey at the Amoa Restaurant, nestled in the airy dining fale of the Amoa Resort. This gastronomic gem showcases fresh, local flavours with a gourmet twist that’s sure to tantalise your taste buds.

The menu is a delightful fusion of Samoan ingredients and international flair. Savour standout dishes like succulent pork and prawns, perfectly grilled steak, or dive into their seafood pasta. For a taste of Italy in the South Pacific, try their mouthwatering scaloppine or the exquisite salmone con gamberi.

Vegetarians, rejoice! The restaurant boasts a solid lineup of meat-free options to cater to all palates. Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their refreshing cocktails during happy hour (5-7 pm daily).

Opening hours: 11 am to 8:30 pm daily.
Location: Faga village on the east coast of Savai’i.

17. Coffee Roaster

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 locals and expats, there are breakfast meals and sandwiches to order.

And now, Coffee Roaster has expanded with a new branch called CR2, offering a similar but more intimate experience.

Opening hours: 7 am to 1.30 pm, Monday to Sunday.
Location: Coffee Roaster – Corner of Togafu’afu’a Road and Atanae Street, Apia. CR2 – PAM Building, Shop 2, Falealili Street, Tamaligi, Apia.

18. Amanaki Restaurant (Upolu)

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.

19. 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: 8 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Saturday.
Location: Asaga village, along the main road on the east coast of Savai’i.

20. Forest Café (Upolu)

Nestled high in the lush highlands of Upolu, the Forest Café offers a truly wild dining experience. This hidden gem is tucked away down a steep 4WD road off the Cross Island Road, making it an adventure just to reach!

While the menu might be as unpredictable as the surrounding wilderness (the owner admits, “I don’t taste my own food”), you’ll find plenty of safe bets. Toasted sandwiches and paninis dominate, but you can also indulge in heartier options like lasagna, Samoan souvlaki, curry, or pancakes.

The café’s unbeatable forest setting, complete with the soothing soundtrack of a nearby stream, makes it the perfect spot for a leisurely Sunday breakfast before exploring the rest of the island. Don’t forget to ask about the secret waterfall walk!

Opening hours: 8:30 am to 2 pm, Wednesday to Friday. 8:30 am to 4 pm, Saturday. 12 pm to 4 pm, Sunday.
Location: Cross Island Road, signposted opposite the Baha’i Temple, approximately 9 km (5.6 mi) south of Apia. 4WD access only.

More Places to Eat and the Best Restaurants in Samoa

That’s it for our top recommendations for the best restaurants in Samoa. For more places to eat in Samoa, check out our other food guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it 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:

Samoa Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Samoa Tourism Authority Corporate (Tourism news - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Samoa Hotels Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
Samoa Meteorological Division (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Customs & Revenue (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Samoa Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Land Transport Authority (Tourist driver’s license info - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2025])

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

About The Author

Laura (Lora) 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.

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