Restaurants
Fiji’s restaurants offer an awesome variety of cuisine. Fijian, European, Indian, Korean, Chinese and Japanese are predominant but not exclusive. Suva caters for all tastes and budgets and boasts an impressive number of eateries that would rival other cosmopolitan cities many times its size. This is in part due to the strong Asian, mainly Indian and Chinese influences, the British colonial era, Suva being the hub for regional and international organizations and in relatively recent times, the impact of tourism. Locally grown root crops, yams, breadfruit, and cassava are found in most restaurants assisting in keeping prices down and supporting our local farmers. Restaurants are using a myriad of Fijian produce to create dishes that reflect the local cuisine. Combining these with European ingredients creates a fusion of culinary delights made all the more appealing due to the innovative skills of the chefs. Vegetarian dishes are also a favorite, particularly by the large population of Indians in the city. That being said, seafood and meat dishes are still the mainstay of most, both local and visiting, with those determined to fill their stomach with something other than greens finding a remarkable number of outstanding eateries ready to delight their palate.
Chinese
Suva, as in most Pacific island cities, is home to a great number of Chinese who have made Fiji their home. Traditional and not-so-traditional Chinese restaurants abound. From sidewalk takeaways to elegant fine wine and dining experiences, they offer residents and visitors a huge choice both in quality and price. The Chinese influence in restaurants is now so long entrenched you will find Chinese dishes in almost every restaurant at some level or another. Utilizing a healthy assortment of locally grown vegetables and homegrown and imported meats, Chinese food in Suva is invariably an opportunity to experience this world favorite cuisine at its best.
Capital Palace Restaurant
Locally famous for their “Yum Cha”, seafood delights or Chinese morning tea, the Capital Palace Restaurant is located at 6 Charlton Avenue, along the scenic Nasese sea wall next to the majestic Chinese Embassy. With a view straight out to sea, the Capital Palace has picnic tables on the verandah creating an opportunity to enjoy Suva’s tropical climate as well as an elegant dining room in air conditioned comfort for more formal occasions. A pleasant feature is its relaxed family atmosphere in providing a mini children’s park to entertain the little ones giving parents an opportunity to sit back and relax over yet another dish from the extensive range of Yum Cha dishes. The fenced restaurant park area also provides privacy and security for its patrons.
Their opening hours are:
Lunch: 11AM – 2.30PM
Dinner: 5.30PM-10PM till Closing
Restaurant 88
Located on the second floor of Morris Hedstrom City Centre (MHCC), Restaurant 88 is a popular meeting place in this busy mall. Restaurant 88 has secured an enviable reputation, and in turn, has won a regular clientele of locals, business people and visitors alike. With its extensive range of Singaporean/Chinese dishes and delicacies and an emphasis on quality food at reasonable prices, Restaurant 88 will suit your pocket and your taste buds. Extremely popular with the local Chinese community, the restaurant also caters for larger groups and functions in a separate area which can be hired for events such as wedding parties, birthdays and business occasions. The restaurant operates from 10am to 10pm, Monday to Saturday.
Shanghai Seafood Restaurant
The Shanghai Seafood Restaurant is an intimate establishment specializing in sea foods and associated delicacies together with a comprehensive menu of popular Chinese dishes. Located in Thompson Street, next to MHCC, its central and highly visible location attracts locals and visitors alike creating a busy but fascinating atmosphere.
Open from 11.30am to 2.30pm and from 5.30pm to 10.30pm, Monday to Saturday, the Shanghai is an ideal venue for functions with its own bar and lively Asian ambience. Equally as popular in the evenings it is an ideal place to drop in for a seafood delight or to chat to mien host to organize your next function.
Fijian
Experience the taste and variety of Fijian cuisine. Traditional Fijian food is usually steamed or boiled. A favourite is the ‘Lovo’ whereby root crops such as taro, cassava, sweet potato, chicken, fish, pork, lamb and vegetables are baked underground in extreme heat created by heated rocks. Once the required heat is reached, the food is wrapped in banana leaves, or sometimes foil nowadays, and placed on the rocks. It is then covered again with banana leaves with dirt piled on top to retain the heat. A lovo generally takes around 2-3 hours to cook. After the lovo is opened the food is prepared for serving. Lovos are available in many restaurants but only on set days due to the preparation time involved.
Then there is ‘lolo’ derived from the coconut. The coconut is scraped with a coconut scraper with the flesh then mixed with water, placed in a cloth and squeezed to extract the coconut milk leaving the coconut scrapings. The range of food that can be cooked in lolo is endless however the most popular being any type of seafood. Lolo is also used to create a very popular Fijian dish called ‘Miti’ consisting of coconut milk mixed with onions, chili and lemon juice. This is used as a condiment to enhance the taste of seafood dishes.
And what about the universal BBQ stands located at almost every corner (not quite so Fijian). These bbq outlets are the result of Fijian entrepreneurs seeing a gap in the market and filling it. Late in the evenings, when club patrons start to spill onto the footpaths, their priorities turn to food. At this late hour most restaurants are closed hence the bbq stands giving bar patrons the opportunity to earn extra cash to assist with their daily living expenses. Priced around F$5 a serve they do a roaring trade with the menu consisting of lamb chops, sausage, cassava or dalo, onions and a smattering of coleslaw.
Guava
Nestled in a quiet street on the fringe of the Suva Central Business District, Guava is a charming and sophisticated Bistro that specialises in a delectable range of food including a Tapa menu. Here you can try homemade mousse and pates, sweet and savoury pastries and quiches made fresh daily, local fish such as deep sea snapper and salmon cod with signature fruit salsas, seafood, sensational salads, fresh tropical fruit drinks and a range of original relishes and chutneys.
Guava seats sixty comfortably and is housed in a delightfully converted colonial-era bungalow over 100 years old. It is also a permanent art gallery with its walls adorned with fascinating and unique pieces of contemporary art by top local artists, available for your viewing pleasure and also for purchase. The style of food is reflected in the attitude of the Chef, i.e. bold, creative, fresh and as visually stunning as the art on the walls. Oh… and it’s bring your own alcohol (BYO). Corkage applies.
Guava is fiercely pro fresh local produce and offers a blackboard menu inspired by daily trips to the food markets and the creative brilliance of owner and Chef, Janey King-Lilo.
Open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for Dinner on Thursday & Friday from 6 – 10 p.m. Buy Your Own alcohol. Corkage applies.
Call: 3100251 / 7612842 or email: guava@connect.com.fj for enquiries & bookings.
European
Fiji prides itself on adapting to and working with the influences that other cultures bring to her shores and in terms of food this is reflected in the fabulous range of cuisine on offer. None more so than the European influence. Fiji and Fijians have become accustomed to supplying food to please the European palate of not only the local European populace but also providing a taste of home to the thousands of European visitors.
The various establishments that cater for European taste are many and varied. Italian, Spanish, Mexican, Greek, Mediterranean and German offer a fabulous range of traditional dishes. Many of Suva’s Chefs are world class with skills and experience gleaned from working in 5-star establishments worldwide. For those who seek cuisine par excellence, Suva offers you a range of restaurants and European menus that will satisfy the most discerning palate.
DeVo’s on the Park
DeVo’s on the Park, formally known as JJ’s on the Park, has a lively bistro with a Southwestern adobe ambience. The menu is European based with a regional influence. DeVo’s serve everything from fish and chips, burgers and salads to steaks, roasts and fresh fish.
Situated next to Suva’s ever popular Sukuna Park and directly opposite the seawall, its strategic location offers great views of the busy harbor in daylight and creating a magical atmosphere at night. The sunsets are awesome.
DeVo’s is frequented by business people and visitors who enjoy a fine dining experience. The bar is a very popular meeting place with a Happy Hour that is generous in its opening hours and the size of its wine glasses. DeVo’s is also well known for its up-market accommodation options and excellent function facilities. Reservations are recommended for dinner
Opening hours are Monday to Wednesday 7am – 10pm and Thursday to Saturday 7am – 11pm.
Chez Botts
Between the Defence Club and the Southern Cross Hotel, on Gordon Street, is a somewhat nondescript doorway. Upon entering the restaurant proper you could be forgiven for thinking you were in European city such as Venice. You will be welcomed by a maître’d complete with starched shirt and bow tie. On entering you experience the amazing assault on the senses that is Chez Botts.
A fine dining establishment, with an excellent wine cellar, Chez Botts features warm wood paneling and a style that is a fusion of the contemporary with traditional European décor. It is well appointed with antique furniture, Persian rugs and ornaments that would not look out of place in an English country manor.
The inspiration behind all this grandeur is none other than Peter Bott, a long-time restauranteur (previously of Scotts Restaurant fame) and a society figure on the Suva scene, known for his ability to throw a roaring party and a penchant for collecting beautiful things,
There are private dining rooms set off the main restaurant floor which also features a lounge and a cocktail bar. The food is excellent and the house wines well chosen to compliment mains such as grilled salmon and eye-fillet with a to-die-for mushroom sauce. Desserts are truly c’est magnifique.
Open Monday – Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for Dinner.
Lunch only upon prior booking. Fully licensed.
Call: 3319453 / 774222
Email: chezbotts@yahoo.com for enquiries & bookings.
Bad Dog Café
Bad Dog Café is a great place for a bite to eat and catch up with friends. It has a cosmopolitan pub area for drinks and multiple dining areas; some for socializing and some for intimate conversation. The food at Bad Dog is Fiji famous for its high levels of consistency and quality. It is truly an iconic eatery.
Bad Dog offers a stylish fusion of international and European delights including a great range and variety of pizzas. It has an attractive and highly charged atmosphere providing the opportunity to mingle with others or find a cozy spot for more intimate occasions.
Indulge yourself with a Mexican or Vesuvio pizza, or try a Chicken Burger served with potato. For dessert, a favorite is Chocolate Mousse. Catering and takeout options are available with parking above or on the street generally easy to find. Functions for up to 100 people can be comfortably catered for. Local expatriates, professionals and a mix of tourists provide for a clientele that is eclectic and entertaining.
In the middle of Suva CBD it is conveniently located right beside one of Fiji’s most popular nightclubs – O’Reilly’s Bar at 219 Victoria Parade.
Opening hours are:
Non-smoking – Monday to Thursday 11am – 11pm
Friday to Saturday 11am – 12pm
Smoking section – Monday to Saturday 11am – 1pm.
Raintree Lodge Suva
Rain Tree Lodge is located a couple of kilometers outside Suva on Princess Road, Colo-i-Suva (which is pronounced as Tholo-ee-Suva) directly opposite the local police post and the Forest Park and Forestry Department.
Raintree’s restaurant offers a selection of European, Fijian and Indian dishes with prices that could be classed as ‘medium.’ The bar and restaurant design reflects a traditional Fijian chiefly bure (a Fijian hut). Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served and the Lodge can cater to groups of around 100 people. The picturesque and charming lakeside dining area, verandah and outdoor café makes for dining with a difference – peace and tranquility amongst the rainforest and her denizens.
Breakfast is served from 7am daily and there are a variety of options ranging from continental breakfast to many hearty home-cooked selections. Lunch is served around 12pm with over 30 selections of delightful meals to choose from. Dinner is served around 5.30pm onwards with a choice of over 40 dishes.
The fully licensed bar offers reasonably priced wines, spirits, liqueurs and beers with a Happy Hour from 5pm to 7pm.
Tiko’s Seafood Restaurant and Bar
Tiko’s Seafood Restaurant and Bar is located on the harbour near Stinson Parade directly across from Sukuna Park and is easy to spot as it is the only floating restaurant in Suva. Tiko’s has a well deserved reputation for its variety of grilled fished and seafood platters. Some of the most spectacular views of the sunset over the harbor can be enjoyed over dinner or wander below to enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the bar. Live jazz provides a pleasant background while partaking of a meal.
Pricing is somewhere between medium to slightly high, depending of course on your selection and your beverage intake but judging by Tiko’s longevity, the combination of food, location and service are deemed to be well worth it. The seafood dishes are lauded, especially the freshly caught Snapper and Spanish mackerel. People rave about the Lobster Mornay and Cracked Curried Qari (Mud Crab) in coconut cream. With its friendly staff, great range of wines, seafood delights and in-house entertainment it is truly a great Fiji experience.
Open Monday – Friday: 12pm – 2.00pm & 6 – 10pm. Saturday: 6 – 10pm. Last orders are at 9.45pm. The restaurant is closed on Sundays & public holidays
A smoking area is available in the restaurant plus ample, hassle free street parking. All major credit cards and ANZ debit cards are accepted.
Indian
Indo-Fijians account for around 47% of Fiji’s population and as such Fiji is fortunate to have a bevy of Indian restaurants. Indian food in Suva is served ‘spicy’ and mostly with Dhal (lentils), rice or roti (a flat tortilla like bread) and papadum (south Asian cookery, a thin round fried or roasted flatbread, often spiced).
With many Indians being vegetarians there is also a wide choice of vegetarian restaurants and dishes to choose from with some outlets serving both meat and vegetarian dishes. Many orthodox Hindus around the city do not eat beef and Muslims forgo pork, hence these are not readily available in some Indian restaurants.
Famous Indian dishes available are: Puri (small deep fried rotis), Naan (baked in a stone oven, a Punjabi specialty similar to Pita Bread) and Palau (a main dish of rice with either meat or vegetable). Samosa’s, also a famous Indian delicacy, are made from potato and vegetables or meat wrapped in dough and fried, served with sauces and pickle chutney.
On the beverage side, try ‘Lassi’ which is yoghurt mixed with water and very refreshing. Don’t leave and Indian Restaurant without trying the South Indian vegetarian delicacies like ‘iddlli’ (little white rice cakes served with grated coconut chutney) and Masala Dosai (a rice potato- filled pancake served with a watery curry sauce called sambar).
Remember if very ‘spicy’ is not to your taste, just let them know and they will happily tone it down for you, and don’t forget, takeaway is available in most Indian restaurants.
Ashiyana
The Ashiyana Restaurant is located in the Old Town Hall Building next to the Suva City Library on Victoria Parade. Specialising in authentic South Indian dishes which were consumed by the Moghul dynasty from India in the early 1800’s, it has a cozy and relaxed atmosphere offering Tandoori curries, particularly Tandoori Lamb, Roghan Josh (cooked in oil at intense heat) served with Rice or Naan (a leavened, oven-baked flatbread) and a number of other delightful and zesty selections.
Offering budget and modest priced dishes, the menu is affordable for most budgets. Ashiyana is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30am to 2:30pm & 6:00pm to 10:00pm and on Sunday from 6.00pm to 9.30 pm.
Click Here to go through their menu
Maya Dhaba Restaurant
Maya Dhaba, a highly authentic South Indian restaurant has two outlets, located at MHCC Food court and Victoria Parade, just a few steps from Traps Bar and the night club district. A feature of these restaurants is that the chefs are hired direct from India, ensuring the taste and food presentation is original. Reasonably priced and with consistent quality, Maya Dhaba has established itself as one of the most popular restaurants in Fiji.
Maya Dhaba’s specialties are Punjabi Tandoori Chicken Tikka and a delicious Masala Dosa’s (rice-flour pancakes wrapped crepe with potato curry stuffing) with a recipe straight from Madras. Also quite popular is the Butter Chicken and the Chicken Biryani. Vegetarians frequent Maya Dhaba for its wide range of dishes appealing to those who seek dishes cooked with locally grown vegetables. After your meal, pamper your ‘sweet tooth’ with a selection from the vast range of Indian sweets followed by a refreshing beverage.
Maya Dhabi in MHCC food court is a busy place and is more aligned to enjoying a quick meal in between shopping while the Victoria Parade restaurant atmosphere offers a more up-market and intimate dining experience.
Japanese
Konichiwa! Yes, sushi lovers can relax as Suva does have Japanese restaurants and take outs of world class standard ensuring your Japanese dining is luxuriously a ‘Chi’ experience. Suva’s Japanese restaurants offer a great variety of traditional Japanese dishes and regional specialties. Some of the most popular dishes incorporate seafood, noodles, nabe, soya bean, yoshoku forming the basis of excellent Japanese culinary delights.
For thousands of years, rice has formed the basis for food in Japan and today it is still an integral part of the diet including plain boiled rice, fried rice, sushi, domburi (a bowl of cooked rice served with another food on top) and Kayu ( rice gruel – watery, soft cooked rice that resembles oatmeal). Methods of cooking and presenting rice are endless.
Seafood is also an integral ingredient in Japanese cuisine and is prepared and served in a variety of ways including dried, boiled, grilled, deep fried or steamed.
Dining at a Japanese restaurant in Suva, and anywhere in the world is not only a fine culinary experience but also an entertaining one as you watch the endless talents of Japanese chefs go through their repertoire of preparation and serving expertise.
Daikoku Restaurant
Daikoku is located near Dolphin Plaza, Victoria Parade and can be located by using the Total Service Station as a landmark.
The ambience is elegantly Japanese. The Japanese’ innate ability to instill an atmosphere of serenity and calm via ambience has an immediate impact on guests as you are quietly and efficiently seated at your table. No rush, take your time and enjoy the experience is the message coming across.
Daikoku serves authentic Japanese cuisine with your selection prepared at a Teppan table. This practice is known as Teppanyaki (Teppan meaning iron plate and yaki meaning grilled). A favorite of regulars is the teppanyaki shrimp smothered in a divine creamy sauce. Try the miso soup or sushi or experience the mouthwatering wait as your choice of seafood is grilled on the teppan table and served sizzling hot
A testimony to the regional popularity of Daikoku is evidenced by another outlet in Nadi and another in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
The restaurant is air conditioned with street parking available. Bookings are recommended and you can bring your own wine with a $10 corkage fee.
Opening hours are from Monday to Saturday lunch 12pm – 2pm and dinner at 6pm – 10pm.
English
Fiji is proud to have a hint of English in the presence of international cuisine. Regardless of Fiji being so far from Europe, the cuisine from England has been brought to the Pacific so that these people with so much culture and tradition and customary preparation behind their food, get to experience taste from a much simpler and elegant form of dining.
Middle Eastern
Middle Eastern food is currently found only in the Kebab King outlet in Suva. While you will find the occasional Middle Eastern dish on the menu of some of the more adventurous restaurants, Kebab King, located on MHCC’s level two food court, offers a wide range of this culinary delight. It is evident that locals have taken quickly to this new taste adventure by the numbers that gather around the outlet at all times of the day. Kebab King is clearly one of the more popular establishments in the food court providing Fijians with a taste from the East.
Fast Food
Fiji has a wide range of fast food outlets located around the city. These fast food outlets are eat-in or take-out and often with a ‘drive- through’ service allowing customers to order and pick up food direct from their vehicle. Fast food, as in the rest of the world, has become increasingly popular in Suva and Fiji generally due to the increased urbanization and a busy working population. Whatever your taste or fancy these outlets provide a quick and easy solution to enjoy a quick meal or take your time and catch up with friends and family. Major Fast Food outlets are located in central Suva with some represented in the outer suburbs.
McDonalds
McDonalds is synonymous with fast food franchises around Fiji and internationally. Visitors are delighted to find internationally renowned Fast Food outlets available in Fiji allowing more time for their next adventure in Paradise. Enjoy a Macca’s with the standard menu available right here in Fiji.
There are two outlets in and around Suva. Victoria Parade next to Sukuna Park and the other located just a few minutes out of the city at Laucala Bay close to the University of the South Pacific. Both are open from 7am to 12 am daily.
Nando’s
A franchise that has recently opened in Fiji has made a large contribution in terms of choice and taste. In the city of Johannesburg, South Africa, a famous restaurant by the name of ‘Chickenland’ was established and named Nandos by two great friends who had acquired a taste for the famous peri peri chili in Portugal. Nandos has two restaurants in Suva. One near DeVo’s on the Park and the other at Laucala Bay near the National Stadium and the Vodafone Arena.
Opening time: 11AM Everyday
Closing time: 9PM Monday-Wednesday
10PM Thursday-Sunday
Jodis
This local food outlet, with the exception of ham on their menu, provides a more western style of food. Their main meat dishes are chicken and fish complimented with a good serving of healthy salads. Enjoy a great breakfast, lunch or dinner in Jodi’s spacious and air conditioned eatery. Jodi’s is located in Central Street, Suva just across from the main Westpac Bank branch.
Wishbone
Wishbone was Fiji’s first fried chicken and pizza place appealing to the public with their decades of experience and continuity of the same great taste that made them so popular. Their pizza is seen as the best in town with delicious toppings and more than generous sizes. Wishbone offers great value with deals on offer for individuals, couples or even a family of ten. They have three outlets around Suva located in the centre of Suva across from Village 6 Cinemas, Laucala Bay Sports City Complex and Laucala Beach Vinod Patel Complex.
Chicken Express
Chicken Express opened its doors in Suva in 2007 and has since expanded to various other locations around Fiji. One such outlet is located in Mid City Mall. Their main fare is fried chicken with fries and drinks. They also serve burgers as well as their new addition of fried chicken with Taro fries. The meals are excellent and good value. Open from 7am till late.
Food Courts
Food courts in Suva are a very popular form of eating out. Suva boasts five major shopping malls with each having their own distinctive food court. They provide a vast array of delicious food choices at reasonable and affordable prices with a multitude of food vendors available for you to choose from. Order and pay for your meal and sit in-house at the common dining area or do takeaway.
Suva boasts two new malls which are enjoying the benefits of central locality. Food from all over the world is available giving locals, and tourists, a taste of international food from differing cultures.
MHCC
MHCC’s food court, located on the second floor, is a great place to relax after a days shopping and is always filled with families out for a treat, a group of friends eating after a good movie or meeting friends for a coffee. It has evolved into the ‘Meeting Place’ of central Suva. Food outlets run the gamut of local and international selection with pizza, Chinese, Indian, Fijian and Middle Eastern available. They all offer good quality food, generous serves and fast and efficient service at competitive prices.
MHCC opens from 9am- 9pm, 7 days a week
Tappoocity
Tappoo City – synonymous with quality and style, is another relatively new complex in Suva. Its six levels are encased in an architecturally designed edifice to represent the shape of the traditional Fijian canoe, the ‘drua’.
Once inside your senses are inundated with a world of excellence in terms of shopping experiences. After you have exhausted your need to shop, take the escalator to the fourth floor and immerse yourself in the amazing array of local and international culinary delights on offer in the food hall. From North Indian Tandoori, South Indian Madras Masala, Chinese Shanghai to Cantonese, Tappoo City has it all.
Enjoy lunch or dinner while gazing over the stunning view of Suva harbor from the panoramic glass windows. Easily accessible by the glass lifts and escalators, this 22,000 plus sq feet of double story floor space is Fiji’s first. And then there is the option of shopping at the pharmacy or taking the kids to the gaming area where they can play the latest video games if they are ‘over’ shopping. There is also a Convenience Store and a liquor outlet selling the best international wines, beers and spirits.
Tappoo City is open from 9am – 9pm, 7 days a week
Mid City
Located on the corner of Mark Street, one of the busiest streets in Suva, Chicken Express and Pizza Express are the two fast food outlets located in the mall. There is also a cake shop called Rosie Hearts and a Gloria Jean Coffee shop in the complex. These outlets are well known to everyone around Suva, are frequently busy and an ideal place to stop and catch your breath.
Opening hours are from 9am to 7pm, Monday – Saturday.
Dolphin Plaza
Is located on the corner of Victoria Parade and Loftus Street in Suva. The food court has a variety of takeaway outlets including pizza, pasta, Chinese, Indian and Fijian dishes together with a coffee shop for that morning, lunch or afternoon coffee break. With a large section of the building devoted to office space, patrons of these outlets are generally office workers.
Opening hours are from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
