Restaurants in Tonga
The rich cuisine of Tonga is a blend of Chinese, French, German, Indian, Italian, and Japanese cuisine. Some of the traditional Tongan dishes are crayfish and fish, octopus, steamed pork, suckling pig, and tropical fruits. Restaurants in Tonga often offer the cuisine of Germany, Italy, Japan, and Taiwan. Some of the most well liked and mouth watering dishes are devilled clams, feke consisting of squid or grilled octopus in coconut sauce, lobster, meat and onions marinated in coconut milk and baked in taro leaves, ‘ota or raw fish marinated in lemon juice, ‘ufi or large white yam, taro, tropical fruits, and all types of salads.
Experience a traditional Kava Ceremony; lively music, enthusiastic singing, non-stop dancing and plenty of drinks!
In between your Tonga shopping adventures, take the chance to try the local cuisine at one of the great restaurants in Tonga. Our Tonga Restaurant Guide below will introduce you to some of the best places to eat out in Tonga, and the types of cuisine you can look forward to. Dining out in Tonga is a lively and fun affair, and will definitely contribute to some of your finest memories to your Tonga vacation.
Food & Cuisine in Tonga
There are many small eateries in Nuku'alofa that serve mostly Italian and Chinese food. Seaview Restaurant, located west of town, overlooks the ocean and has a colonial style ambiance. Its specialties are outstanding seafood dishes, including lobster. For some delicious budget meals, head over to Akiko's Restaurant in the Catholic Church grounds. Most Tonga restaurants are closed on Sunday.
Almost all the restaurants on Vuna Road, which is on the oceanfront, are very well recommended. Prices though are a little higher here because of the picturesque location. Some Tongan restaurants have buffets of traditional food, and Tongan dancing as well.
The fish in Tonga is never stale, and always fresh and delicious. Clams and tuna are available in plenty. The Chinese food is a rather pleasant change after all the seafood meals. Roadside Bar-B-Qs are best avoided since the meat is out for a pretty long duration; the local population can handle it but not so the visitors!
Bars in Nuku'alofa are popular fun spots; they get pretty boisterous on Fridays nights but are relatively quiet on other days. Bars close exactly at midnight on Saturday.
The restaurant at the Good Samaritan Inn is the only out of town eatery. They have traditional feast nights twice a week, when the food is accompanied by a cultural dance show. Both the food and the show are very popular among the locals.
The Fifita Guesthouse in Pangai Town is the only place to eat out on Ha'apai. Excellent dishes are prepared by the host, Trevor. The Foa Island Sandy Beach Resort allows non-resort residents to eat at their lovely restaurant, but only if pre-arranged. The Mariners Café at Pangai is another option. Actually almost all the guesthouses are willing to serve visitors a traditional dinner if informed in advance. The best way to go about it is to reach Pangai in the afternoon and ask for dinner to be arranged for later at night.
Vava'u has a better choice of restaurants. Neiafu's best restaurants are located near the harbour. During the sailing season from May to October, the bars are very lively. The restaurants in Tonga do not have any fixed operating hours, opening and closing at their convenience. Travellers looking for a meal may have to hunt around for an open restaurant.
Foods
Tongan cuisine is strongly influenced by the cuisines of China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Taiwan. Many Tongan restaurants serve both traditional and exotic international dishes. The latter are influenced by the cuisines of China, Japan, Korea, France, Germany, Italy, and India. The most common Tongan meats are chicken, fish, and pork, while the vegetables are cabbage, carrots, potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, and tomatoes, among others. Tongan meals are largely made up of coconut products, root vegetables such as sweet potatoes and taro, fresh fruits, fish, shellfish, chicken, corned beef, and pork. The traditional Tongan feasts are cooked in the umu. The umu is an underground oven, very common all over Polynesia.
Coconut juice is the most refreshing drink available here. The drink generally used during social and ceremonial functions is Kava. It is made from the roots of a pepper family plant and is mildly intoxicating.
A delicious fish preparation is fish cooked in cheese sauce and coconut cream. The salmon steak with vegetables is another delightful dish. Snapper cooked in parchment paper is worth a mention too. Not to forget the sashimi. The homemade tagliatelle or pasta is as good as what you will find in Italy. The taro chips are good too. Another heavenly dish is courgettes cooked in olive oil.
The local community of Ovaka, Vava'u, can put up a great feast - homemade octopus chowder, fish, fresh lobster, suckling pig, and crab salad are all available here. Also served in plenty are yams, taro, sweet potatoes, and fresh fruits. Chilled coconut juice is served at the end of this fine meal.
Tongans love feasts. A pola is a long tray made of coconut fronds plaited together. During feasts, a pola is used to serve up to 30 types of dishes. A typical feast includes chicken, crayfish, octopus, pork and vegetables steamed in an umu, suckling pig, and several varieties of tropical fruits.
Tipping
Tipping is not the norm here nor encouraged. However, tipping does not cause any offense.
Nightlife
Every Thursday night, the Tonga resorts have live entertainment. A variety of traditional dishes, music, singing, dancing, and a kava ceremony are part of the package. The resort staff, sometimes accompanied by Tongans from the villages, present lovely and most importantly, authentic songs called hiva, and dances. This is a one of a kind experience to enjoy on your Tonga holiday.
Restaurants List
Tongatapu - Friends Cafe
This café/restaurant is one of the most popular places to go, located opposite the New Zealand High Commission. They serve coffee, offer three meals, desserts, light snacks, and a range of beverages. Their staff are friendly, their service is prompt, and the quality of the food is their first priority.
They are open Monday to Friday all day, and on Saturday from 0800 to 1930.
Cafe
Taufa'ahau Road, Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu.
+(676) 22390
friends@tonfon.to
07:30 to to 22:00
FRIENDS & FAMILY
MEET US EVERYDAY!!!
Tongatapu - Billfish Bar & Restaurant
It is open from Monday to Friday, and also on Saturday from 6pm-11.30pm. The bar is open from Monday to Wednesday (9am-1pm) and on Saturday (9am-midnight).
Bar and Restaurant
Vuna Road, Ma'ufanga, Tongatapu, Tonga.
+[676] 24084
billfishtonga@yahoo.com
11:00 to to 22:30
Tongatapu - Black Pearl Restaurant & Bar
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: a La Carte--> 6 - 10pm
- Saturday: Tongan Buffet--> 6 - 10pm
- Sunday: Roast of the day--> 6 - 9pm
- Monday: Curry Night--> 6 - 9pm
Enjoy a Tonga Cocktail and the view from our balcony! Our bar opens daily from 3pm.
Restaurant & Bar
Vuna Road, Sopu, Nukualofa, Tongatapu, Tonga
(676) 28393
(676) 28432
thepearl@kalianet.to
06:00 to to 22:00
Tongatapu - Cottage Breeze Restaurant
Wine and Dine
Vuna Road, Kolomotu'a, Tongatapu, Tonga.
+(676) 28940 or 16338
cottagebreeze@gmail.com
10:00 to to 22:00
Tongatapu - Fiesta Seafood Restaurant
There are Sashimi, which is super fresh, snapper, tuna and lobster and side dishes such as scallops and prawns. All done in a variety way and added with really unique sauces. The restaurant is close on Sundays.
Seafood
Salote Road, Ma'ufanga, Tongatapu, Tonga
+(676) 27935 or 56062
07:00 to to 23:00
Tongatapu - Two Sisters' Restaurant
A place to enjoy lunch, dinner or just having a break.We serve Italian and European recipes, home made pastries and pasta, specialty hamburgers, wine, beer and international cocktails. There are meat, fish and vegetarian courses and snacks available. It is located in the hearts of downtown Nuku'alofa next to the New Zealand High Commission or opposite to Friend's Cafe.
Italian Style
Taufa'ahau Road, Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu, Tonga
+(676) 26097
contact@2sisterstonga.com
10:00 to to 22:00
Tongatapu - Fresh Cafe
This cafe is popular with tourists and locals alike. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner six days a week, as well as coffee and dessert all day. It's great place to come meet up with friends for a meal or a drink, or to sit with some books and plan your adventure.
They serve fresh fruit smoothies, wholesome hot meals, cocktails, and various beers. It's also a good spot because it's located at the Faua Wharf, where the boats leave for the off shore islands.
They are open Monday to Friday all day, and Saturday 0800 to 1400.
Cafe
Vuna Road, Ma'ufanga, Tongatapu, Tonga.
+(676) 62473
08:00 to to 21:00
Tongatapu - Kaati-Ni Restaurant
Nuku'alofa Premiere Restaurant
Vuna Road, Sopu, Tongatapu, Tonga.
+(676) 28393 or 28560
+(676) 28432
18:00 to to 22:00
Tongatapu - Kenani Cafe Restaurant
Enjoy your meal in beautiful surroundings - we have professional chefs who can cook the best cuisine using our local ingredients as well as international dishes from our beautiful restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Dine inside or out and fell the sea breeze from the cliffs of Keleti Resort.
Restaurant menus will be changed weekly to suit the needs of customers and the season for local fruits and produce in Tonga as well as specialty seafood dishes. Please enquire directly for our weekly menu at the resort.
In the meantime, here is the all day breakfast and lunch menu from our famous KENANI CAFÉ!! Please note this is available 7 days a week! So, come on in during the weekends and enjoy the taste of Keleti.
Kenani Cafe Restaurant
ALL DAY BREAKFAST & LUNCH MENU
Keleti Big Breakfast -bacon,sausage,eggs,hash brown,tomato&toast-->T$16.95
French Toast - with bacon&maple syrup-->T$9.95
Continental Breakfast-->T$4.50
Toasted muesli with yoghurt-->T$4.50
Scramble eggs on toast-->T$9.95
Omelette with 2 fillings (bacon,ham,cheese,tomatoes and taro leaves)-->T$11.95
Pasta of the day-->T$18.95
Keleti Burger - egg,bacon,lettuce,tomatoes,onion,beef patties and cheese-->T$16.95
(serve with chips)
Fruit platter - seasonal-->T$8.95
Fish & Chips - with salad-->T$9.95
Fish fillet - with lemon butter served with rice and mixed salad-->T$20.95
Spicy Chicken - served with rice-->T$20.95
Beef with vegetables - sered with chips-->T$20.95
DINNER MENU
starters
Soup of the day-->T$10.95
Raw fish with garlic bread (ota ika)-->T$12.00
Vegetarian quiche - with taro leaves-->T$12.00
Main
Special of the day - will be announced at dinner
Grilled fish with garlic sauce - served with pancakes and veges-->T$24.95
Steak - mushroom sauce,mashed potatoes and veges-->T$29.95
Lamb chops - mashed potatoes and veges-->T$25.95
Pork chops - red wine, chips and salad-->T$25.95
Chicken breast Cordon Bleu - mashed potatoes and veges-->T$25.95
Desserts
chocolate pudding - with chocolate sauce and ice-cream-->T$10.95
Tropical fruits - seasonal-->T$8.95
Banana splits with ice-cream-->T$8.95
Espresso/Coffee Essentials
Latte - lge-->T$4.95
sml-->T$3.90
Cappucchino - lge-->T$4.50
- sml-->T$3.50
Flat White - lge-->$4.50
- sml-->$3.50
Hot Delights
Hot Chocolate-->T$4.90
Hot Lemon & Honey-->T$4.00
Tea - Earl Grey,English Breakfast,Green Tea-->T$5.00/pot
Cool Refreshers
Fruit Juice-->T$3.00
Soda-->T$2.00
Coke/Fanta/Sprite-->T$3.00
Coconut Juice-->T$2.50
Fruit Smoothies (seasonal)-->T$6.50
Iced tea/chocolate-->T$5.95
Cafe
Hamani Road, Ha'ateiho, Tongatapu,Tonga.
+(676) 29442
keleti08@kalianet.to
Tongatapu - Korean House
Business Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 11am-3pm and 6pm-10pm.
- Friday-Saturday: 11am-11pm.
Korean and Chinese Style
Vuna Road, Ma'ufanga, Tongatapu, Tonga.
+(676) 26963
+(676) 26964
11:00 to to 22:00
Tongatapu - La Palm
Opening hours:
Monday - Saturday: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm.
Pizzeria
Vuna Road,Ma'ufanga,Tongatapu, Tonga.
+ (676) 49045
17:00 to to 22:00
Tongatapu - Lunarossa Restaurant
Ciao and welcome to Lunarossa Restaurant. We offer variety of authentic Italian Dishes at its best. From unforgettable appetizers, salads, pastas, deserts to beer and our fine wine. Here at Lunarossa we are dedicated to continuance of quality food and services. The Restaurant features a breathtaking view of the lagoon. Come and enjoy our casual atmosphere.
Openig Hours:
Monday - Friday:
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Wednesday - Friday:
12:00pm - 2:00pm (Buffet Lunch)
Grazie and Malo from Lunarossa Restaurant!!!!
Italian Restaurant
Anana, Lagoon Lodge,Tongatapu, Tonga.
+ (676) 26324
19:00 to to 22:00
Tongatapu - Mama's Kitchen Hawaiian BBQ
Hawaiian Style
Taufa'ahau Road, Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu, Tonga.
+(676) 28410
mamaskitchenhawaiianbbq@gmail.com
08:00 to to 22:00
Tongatapu - Misa's On Fire Curry Restaurant
Quick Break $4.95
Toasted bread, eggs, fruit of the season
Hot Break $6.70
Toasted bread, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, onions, fruit of the season
Big Break $8.90
- Toasted bread, eggs, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, onions, fruit of the season
- Breakfast is served between 0600 - 0800hrs
- Please request your breakfast choice and make payments at the reception. We will soon be catering more on the Menu! We want you to eat well and spend less.
Restaurant
Misa's Guest House, Corner Mateialona , Railway Road, Kolofo'ou, Tongatapu, Tonga.
+[676] 7777815
10:00 to to 22:00
Tongatapu - Opera Cafe
At Opra Café you will eat in the modern way with us. We are one of the newest Restaurants here in Tonga. Our qualified chef and friendly staff are here to satisfy your appetite needs. We are located at the Shopping Arcade of Loumaile Building. Come and experience the new atmosphere with us. We serve Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, 7 days a week.
Breakfast 6:00am – 11:00am
BREAKFAST MENU
All breakfast mains serve with toast
Omelettes
- cheese omelette-->T$14.00
- egg and spam-->T$14.00
- tuna and cheese omelette-->T$16.00
- ham and cheese omelette-->T$18.00
Side Order
- bacon(1)-->T$2.50
- sausages(1)-->T$2.50
- eggs(1)-->T$2.00
- toast(2)-->T$3.00
- fried tomatoes and onions-->T$3.00
- baked beans-->T$4.00
- Croissant-->T$2.00
- Muffins-->T$2.00
- Cake per Slice-->T$4.00
- Hot Porridge-->T$10.00
- Fresh Local fresh fruit Platter-->T$14.00
- French Toast-->T$16.00
Bread tipped in egg batter served with butter,maple syrup and dusted with icing sugar.
- Egg Benedict-->T$18.00
2 slices of toast topped with ham or bacon, poached eggs (or scrambled on request)finished with cheese sauce and served with hash brown.
- Lumber Jack Slam-->T$18.00
Here comes a meat lover breakfast grilled ham,bacon,eggs and sausages.
- Pancake Passion-->T$20.00
Pancake topped with passion fruit topping,dusted with icing suger served with banana whipped cream
Lunch 11:00am - 3:00pm
LUNCH MENU
Sandwiches(4 pieces)
- Tuna Melt-->T$16.00
- Grilled Ham and Cheese-->T$18.00
- BLT Sandwiches-->T$18.00
- Club Sandwiches-->T$20.00
Dinner 3:00pm till late
DINNER MENU
Salads: available for both lunch and dinner
- French Fries-->T$8.00
- Green Salad-->T$12.00
- Tuna Salad-->T$14.00
2 scoops of tuna served with mayonnaise,lemon pepper over mixed greens
- Chicken Salad-->T$16.00
Served over a fresh fancy lettuce with tomato,cucumber, onion and grated cheese
- Meat Lover Salad-->T$18.00
Grilled chicken over mixed greens with tomato,cucumber slices,grated cheese,bacon and ham served with ranch dressing
Spaghetti: available for lunch and dinner
- Spaghetti Alla Bolognese-->T$15.00
Spaghetti with meat sauce
- Ravioli Di Pollo-->T$15.00
Chicken ravioli served with mushroom cream sauce
- Spaghetti Allo Scoglio-->T$22.00
Seafood spaghettti in a light spicy tomato sauce
Enjoy Your Meal!!
Cafe
Loumaile Building, Nukualofa, Tongatapu, Tonga.
(676) 28444
06:00 to to 23:00
Tongatapu - Rachel's Food Court
If you are looking for a place where you can dine and enjoy the downtown area, well here is the place. They are located right at the heart of Nuku'alofa, opposite to the Police Station, and across the corner from the Talamahu Market.
They have sizzling steaks, fresh seafood, tasty buffet, mixed grill takeaway, ice cream delights, fine cakes and coffee. Enjoy the friendly and smiling family environment. They also do catering and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are open everyday to serve your needs.
A La Carte Restaurant
Railway Road, Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu, Tonga.
+(676) 26245
+(676) 26245
ramel@tonfon.to
07:00 to to 23:00
Tongatapu - Reef Cafe
This fine cafe is located at the Faua Wharf, where the ferries leave for the off shore islands. Here you can enjoy the atmosphere of the harbour. Offers refreshing drinks, snacks and light meals.There is also INTERNET available.
They are open from Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday from 1200 noon to 1430, and from 1800 to 2200. They are also available for any occasion whether wedding, birthday or other.
Cafe
Vuna Road, Ma'ufanga, Tongatapu, Tonga.
+(676) 26777 or +(676) 8838259
08:00 to to 22:00
Tongatapu - Road House
Sports Bar & Restaurant
Vuna Road, Ma'ufanga, Tongatapu, Tonga.
+(676) 28701
spvfifita@yahoo.co.nz
10:00 to to 12:00
Tongatapu - Swagman's Hut
Opening Hours are as follows:
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday and Saturday from 08:00am to 11:00pm
Thursday/Friday from 08:00am to 04:00pm
Sunday from 05:00pm to 10:00pm
Restaurant
Salote Road, Ma'ufanga Nuku'alofa Tongatapu, Tonga.
+[676] 21966
+[676] 28301
08:00 to to 11:00
Breakfast Menu
Between 08:00am to 10:30am
1. Scrambled eggs, Becon, Sausage, Grilled Tomatoes, Spaghetti or Baked Bean & Toast T$9.00
2. Fried Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Grilled Tomatoes, Spaghetti or Baked Bean & Toast T$9.00
3. Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, Toast T$6.50
4. Plain Omelette & Toast T$5.00
5. Omelette, Grilled Tomatoes, Toast T$5.50
6. Toast & Coffee or Tea T$4.00 - with the choice of Jam, Marmalade
7. Cereal with Toast T$4.00
8. Egg & Bacon Rolls T$4.00
9. Egg Rolls T$3.00
10. Pancakes with Maple Syrup & Ice-Cream T$6.00
All Day Menus
1. Swedish Hot Dogs - Hot Dog roll, mashed patotoes, fried onion, Hot dog, mustard ketchup relish T$ 3.50
2. Chilli Concarne Dogs - Hot dog roll, minced chilli, fried onion, Maxican beans, mustard ketchup T$4.50
3. Pia's Pie - Pie with mashed patotoes, mushy peas & gravy T$5.00
4. Plain Pie - Pie with mashed patotoes & gravy T$4.50
Vava'u - Aquarium Cafe
Mordern Cuisine
Tu'i Road, Neiafu, Vava'u, Tonga.
+(676) 70493
aquarium.cafe@yahoo.com
08:00 to to 22:00
Vava'u - Bounty Bar
The atmosphere is very clean and also the view is beautiful.They serve snacks, meals and also drinks that you have never tasted before. Not only that, but you can overlook to the HABOUR of Neiafu Vava'u.
Restaurant
Neiafu Harbour Vava'u, Tonga.
+[676] 70576
Vava'u - Ciao Restaurant
A place to appreciate some quality Italian cuisine, with a dose of Tongan hospitality. It is located on the main road in Neiafu near the Mermaid Restaurant.
It is an agreeable place to stop and rest while you relish a cup of espresso or cappuccino, home made gelato (ice cream), as well as the famous, pizza, lasagne, pasta dishes, steaks, lobsters etc. Open Monday-Sunday 5:30pm-10:30pm.
Italian Cuisine
Neiafu, Vava'u, Tonga.
+(676) 71030
05:30 to to 22:30
Vava'u - Compass Rose
Cafe
Neiafu , Vava'u, Tonga.
+[676] 71176
08:00 to to 12:00
Vava'u - Dancing Rooster
Come and enjoy the warm and relaxed atmosphere in our restaurant and have a spectacular view overlooking the Port of Refuge! They are open from Monday to Saturday.
International and Traditional Cuisine
Fatafehi Road, Neiafu, Tonga.
+(676) 70886
rooster@kalianet.to
11:00 to to 22:00
Vava'u - La Paella Restaurant
Entertainments:
- South American, Rock and Roll...etc
- Edward on the Guiter, Maria and Viliami staff on maracas/bongo.
SOUNDS FUN PEOPLE!!!!
Restaurant
VHF 10 Neiafu, Vava'u, Tonga.
+[676] 70348
+[676] 12310
tapanaisland@gmail.com
08:00 to to 12:00
Vava'u - La Vela
An Italian restaurant opposite the Puataukanave Hotel entrance. They provide an assortment of Italian inspired dishes and pizzas...aiming to offer a party for your palate. They also serve beers, wine, soft drinks, speciality coffee and dessert. All of their pizzas are handmade with fresh ingredients and baked in an Italian pizza oven.
Their menu is seasonal, helping to ensure the freshest ingredients possible. Come to La Vela and try one of our signature dishes or one or our specialty drinks from the bar.
Italian Restaurant
Neiafu, Vava'u, Tonga.
+(676) 71395
http://www.hilltophotelvavau.com/la_vela_italian_restaurant.html
17:00 to to 22:00
Vava'u - Mana'ia Bar & Restaurant
Restaurant
Neiafu, Vava'u, Tonga.
+[676] 70107
08:00 to to 23:00
Vava'u - Mermaid Restaurant
Restaurant
Neiafu, Vava'u, Tonga.
+[676] 70730
+[676] 70650
sailing@kalinetvav.to
08:00 to to 23:00
Vava'u - Sails Restaurant
Sails has a modern interior leading onto a deck with great harbour views - the perfect place to enjoy lunch and dinner. The head chef is known for the high standard of his European-style dishes.
Restaurant
Puataukanave Neiafu Vava'u
+676 70644
08:00 to to 23:00
Vava'u - Sovereign Residence
Delicious choices include prawn cocktail with tomato ice cream, Pacific Cabaret filled with lobster, and baked tuna on a bed of penne with blue stilton.
Restaurant
Neiafu, Vava'u, Tonga.
+676 70670
08:00 to to 23:00
Vava'u - The Lobster Bar & Restaurant
Restaurant
Puataukanave, Neiafu, Vava'u, Tonga
+676 70644
08:00 to to 23:00
Vava'u - Tongan Bob's Cantina
Restaurant
Neiafu Vava'u, Tonga.
+[676] 70285
08:00 to to 23:00
Ha'apai - Mariner Cafe
Cafe
Pangai Ha'apai
+676 60374
08:00 to to 23:00
Ha'apai - Sandy Beach Resort
Restaurant
Foa, Ha'apai
+676 69000
08:00 to to 23:00
