Dining at these resorts in Fiji offers a range of experiences designed to highlight the islands’ natural abundance while ensuring comfort, flexibility, and cultural immersion for all guests. Across these venues, there are several common elements that make the dining experience memorable and unique. Here are seven familiar aspects shared among them:
- Compulsory Meal Plans & Flexibility: Many resorts, including Barefoot Manta Island, Boathouse Nanuya, Coconut Beach Resort, Mantaray Island Resort, and Octopus Resort, offer compulsory daily meal plans, ensuring guests enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner without making individual dining decisions. Additionally, several resorts cater to special dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options, ensuring guests with specific dietary requirements can enjoy a variety of meals.
- Focus on Fresh, Local Ingredients & Seafood: Across the resorts, there is a strong emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including seafood, tropical fruits, and vegetables grown on the island or nearby. Seafood is a major component, with resorts like Yasawa, Turtle Island, and Navutu Stars offering freshly caught options like lobster, tuna, and fish dishes.
- Dining Options: A La Carte, Buffet, and Themed Events: Several resorts offer a mix of à la carte and buffet-style dining, such as Boathouse Nanuya and Blue Lagoon Resort. This provides variety and flexibility, with some resorts changing their menus regularly. Many resorts also feature themed cultural meals, such as traditional Fijian “Lovo” feasts at Turtle Island, Navutu Stars, and Waya Island, or Indian and Fijian-themed banquets at Waya Island.
- Social and Private Dining Experiences: To create a social atmosphere, resorts like Blue Lagoon Resort, Octopus Resort, and Boathouse Nanuya host communal dining events, allowing guests to connect with others. For more intimate experiences, private dining options are available at resorts like Yasawa, Turtle Island, and Navutu Stars, including beach picnics and secluded meals on floating pontoons or spa decks.
- All-Inclusive and Sustainable Dining: Most resorts provide all-inclusive meal plans, which simplify the dining experience. Resorts like Yasawa, Waya Island, Natabe, and Turtle Island include meals in their tariffs. Non-alcoholic beverages are also typically included, with some resorts offering extensive wine pairings. In addition, resorts such as Navutu Stars and Turtle Island emphasize eco-friendly practices, sourcing ingredients from organic farms and supporting local communities.
- Casual and Fine Dining: While some resorts, like Waya Island and Oarsman Bay Lodge, offer relaxed, homestyle meals, others like Yasawa, Turtle Island, and Navutu Stars provide more refined dining options, including gourmet presentations and elegant settings for a sophisticated dining experience.
| Venue | Rating | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|
| Barefoot Kuata Island | 2 Star | Fijian cuisine |
| Coralview Island Resort | 2 Star | Fijian cuisine |
| Naqalia Lodge | 2 Star | Fijian cuisine |
| Wayalailai Eco-haven | 2 Star | Fijian cuisine |

Most budget-conscious resorts in Fiji, such as Barefoot Kuata Island Resort, Coralview Island Resort, Naqalia Lodge, and Wayalailai Eco-haven, offer meal package deals that center around local Fijian cuisine. These packages typically include daily buffet breakfasts, a la carte lunches, and three-course dinners, all prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Menus feature a blend of international dishes and Fijian-inspired meals, with sustainable seafood, fruits, and vegetables sourced from the Yasawa Islands and the resorts’ own gardens. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, ensuring that all guests can enjoy a flavorful and authentic dining experience.
For vegetarian and vegan guests, resorts often offer simple yet delicious options such as vegetable curry, grilled vegetable skewers, and pumpkin and coconut soup. Vegan dishes like Kokoda (a plant-based version of Fiji’s famous coconut ceviche), chickpea and spinach curry, and fried plantains are also frequently featured, highlighting the rich, tropical ingredients of the region. These dishes not only cater to dietary preferences but also provide a genuine taste of Fiji’s vibrant culinary traditions, making for an inclusive and memorable dining experience.
| Venue | Rating | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|
| Barefoot Manta Island | 3 Star | International and Fiji-(nspired Cuisine |
| Blue Lagoon Resort | 3.5 Star | À la carte dishes |
| Boathouse Nanuya | 3 Star | À la carte dishes |
| Coconut Beach Resort Fiji | Unknown | International and Fiji-(nspired Cuisine |
| Mantaray Island Resort | 3 Star | À la carte dishes |
| Nanuya Island Resort | 3 Star | International and Fiji-(nspired Cuisine |
| Octopus Resort | 3.5 Star | À la carte dishes |
Barefoot Manta Island

Barefoot Manta Island Resort
Overview: Barefoot Manta Island Resort in Fiji offers a delightful blend of international and Fiji-inspired cuisine, with ingredients sourced locally from the Yasawa Islands. The resort prides itself on using fresh fish, locally grown fruits, and vegetables from its own gardens, ensuring a sustainable dining experience. Meals are served as part of a daily meal plan, which includes a three-course à la carte dinner, one-course à la carte lunch, and a buffet breakfast. Vegetarian options are always available, catering to a range of dietary preferences.
Guests can expect a casual yet satisfying dining experience where the focus is on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The resort’s dining format allows flexibility with a different menu every day, ensuring that guests enjoy a variety of meals throughout their stay.
Blue Lagoon Resort
Overview: At Blue Lagoon Resort, dining is a communal experience where guests can interact with fellow travelers from around the world. The resort offers a daily meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a wide selection of dishes available for each meal. The breakfast spread features continental options with fresh fruit, cereals, baked goods, and hot items like omelets and pancakes. For lunch, guests can choose from a variety of a la carte dishes, including salads, burgers, and fresh seafood, while dinner offers a rotating à la carte menu with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Blue Lagoon Resort’s dining experience is complemented by the option for private dining if preferred. The resort also hosts a traditional Fijian Meke Night every Friday.
Boathouse Nanuya

Boathouse Nanuya Breakfast
Overview: Boathouse Nanuya offers a compulsory daily meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including homegrown fruits and vegetables, as well as freshly caught seafood. Breakfast is served buffet-style with tropical fruits, cereals, pastries, and hot items, while lunch and dinner feature à la carte options like fish and chips, salads, and stir-fries. The resort also offers entertainment and traditional Fijian dishes, making the dining experience both enjoyable and culturally immersive.
The resort prides itself on catering to special dietary needs and ensures that meals are prepared according to guests’ preferences.
Coconut Beach Resort Fiji

Coconut Beach Resort Beach Dining 
Coconut Beach Resort Restaurant Decor 
Coconut Beach Resort Restaurant
Overview: Coconut Beach Resort Fiji offers a compulsory daily meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with meals prepared from the best local ingredients. The breakfast buffet includes a variety of cereals, pastries, fresh fruit, and hot dishes like eggs and bacon. Lunch features options such as gourmet burgers, traditional Fijian Kokoda, and freshly caught fish. For dinner, guests enjoy a set three-course menu with choices like grilled steak, baked fish, and slow-roasted lamb, all made with fresh, local ingredients.
The resort also accommodates special dietary requirements, ensuring that every guest can enjoy their meals.
Mantaray Island Resort

Cheese Cake at Mantaray Island 
Mantaray Island Dessert 
Mantaray Island Fruit Platter 
Mantaray Island Pizza Oven
Overview: Mantaray Island Resort is known for its excellent Fijian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally caught fish and seasonal tropical fruits. The daily meal plan includes a continental buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch, and a three-course à la carte dinner, with specialty buffet evenings provided by the Executive Chef. The resort also celebrates Fijian culture with a traditional lovo feast, where food is cooked in an underground barbecue, adding a unique cultural experience to the dining.
Guests with special dietary needs can be catered for, and the resort’s menu provides ample options for vegetarians.
Nanuya Island Resort

Fish of the day at Nanuya Island Resort 
Breakfast at Nanuya Island Resort. 
Breakfast at Nanuya Island Resort 
Lobster Dish at Nanuya Island Resort
Overview: Nanuya Island Resort offers a flexible dining experience without a compulsory meal package. Guests can choose from a wide range of dishes at the Tabau Restaurant, which focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including fruits and vegetables grown on the resort’s plantation. The menu blends Fijian flavors with Western-style dishes and changes daily to offer variety. Guests are encouraged to customize their meals based on their preferences and budget, with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The resort is happy to accommodate special dietary needs, provided guests inform them in advance.
Octopus Resort
Overview: Octopus Resort offers a unique communal dining experience, where guests can meet new people and enjoy a variety of delicious dishes. The resort’s daily meal plan includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a diverse à la carte menu for each meal. Breakfast features fresh seasonal fruit, cereals, baked goods, and an extensive menu of hot breakfast items. Lunch options range from fresh salads and seafood platters to burgers and local Fijian dishes. Dinner includes an à la carte menu with a starter, main course, and dessert, changing regularly to provide variety.
The resort is also able to accommodate special dietary requests, ensuring that all guests can enjoy their meals.
| Venue | Rating | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|
| Natabe Retreat | Unrated | Fiji-inspired Cuisine |
| Navutu Stars | 4.5 Star | Italian, Fijian and Indian Fijian Cusine |
| Oarsman’s Bay Lodge | 3 Star | Fiji-inspired Cuisine |
| Turtle Island Resort | 5 Star | Fiji-inspired Cuisine |
| Waya Island Resort | Unrated | Fiji-inspired Cuisine |
| Yasawa Island Resort & Spa | 5 Star | Fusion Fijian & International |
Natabe Retreat

Natabe Retreat Restaurant Finer Dining 
Natabe Retreat Restaurant Finer Dining 
Natabe Retreat Restaurant Fine Dining.. 
Natabe Retreat Restaurant Finer Dining 
Natabe Retreat Restaurant Finer Dining 
Natabe Retreat Restaurant Finer Dining 
Natabe Retreat Restaurant Finer Dining
Overview: Natabe Resort offers a dining experience that focuses on fresh, locally sourced produce and seafood harvested from the surrounding waters. Guests can expect flavorful, sustainable meals prepared with great care, reflecting the abundance of the region. The resort’s culinary offerings are an integral part of the cultural experience, designed to nourish both body and spirit.
All meal costs are included in the price of the stay, providing an all-inclusive dining experience. The resort prides itself on offering a unique blend of traditional Fijian flavors with modern culinary techniques, ensuring every meal is memorable.
Navutu Stars

Evening gathering at Navutu Stars Restaurant 
Fish Dish at Navutu Stars Restaurant 
Navutu Stars Restaurant Lunch 
Table with a view at Navutu Stars Restaurant
Overview: Navutu Stars offers a blend of Italian, Fijian, and Indo-Fijian cuisine, with fresh seafood and organic produce sourced from local plantations. The menu includes dishes like Ika vakalolo (coconut-style fish) and Lobster Seruwa (Fijian curry), along with homemade Italian options such as lobster ravioli and pesto pasta. Weekly events like the traditional Lovo cooking experience offer a taste of authentic Fijian culture.
The resort is committed to sustainability, serving “plantation to plate” meals with ingredients grown by local villagers. Guests can enjoy these dishes in various settings, including the family table or under the stars, and can participate in a Plantation Walk to see where their food comes from.
Oarsman’s Bay Lodge

Light Lunch at Oarsman’s Bay Lodge 
Oarsman’s Bay Lodge Dining 
Oarsman’s Bay Lodge Starter 
Oarsman’s Bay Lodge Finger Food
Overview: Oarsman Bay Lodge offers a unique dining experience with locally sourced ingredients and tropical fruits. Guests can enjoy a variety of simple yet flavorful dishes, such as coconut-steamed fish, dal soup, and tandoori chicken, all prepared with exotic Fijian spices. The restaurant overlooks Nalova Bay, providing a beautiful backdrop for meals.
The lodge caters to dietary needs, offering personalized meals, including the opportunity to catch your own fish and have it prepared by the chef. Beverages and snacks are available at the bar, and guests can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and ginger throughout the day.
Turtle Island Resort

Special Event at Turtle Island Resort 
Beach Event Dining at Turtle Island Resort 
Dining at Turtle Island Resort 
Fine Dining at Turtle Island Resort 
Turtle Island Resort Dining 
Turtle Island Resort Fish Dish 
Turtle Island Resort nibble
Overview: Turtle Island Resort offers an exceptional culinary experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including seafood such as yellowfin tuna and Pacific green lobster. Dining options range from intimate, romantic beach picnics to engaging dinner parties, with dishes crafted to suit special dietary needs. The resort emphasizes farm-to-table dining with an array of tropical fruits, vegetables, and island-grown produce.
Guests can enjoy private beach picnics, dine on a floating pontoon in the Blue Lagoon, or opt for dinners at scenic locations like Cliff Point or the Spa Deck. Weekly themed dinners, including the traditional lovo (underground cooking), are a highlight. The wine cellar offers a curated selection of wines that complement the island’s cuisine.
Waya Island Resort

Cocktail at Waya Island Resort 
Fine Dining at Waya Island Resort 
Table with a View Waya Island Resort
Overview: Waya Island Resort offers an intimate dining experience with home-style cooking that celebrates fresh, island-grown ingredients and world-class Fiji seafood. Guests can bring in their catch for the chefs to prepare, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. Breakfast, lunch, and a la carte dinners are served daily, with special themed nights such as Indian and Fijian banquets.
Meals are served in a relaxed, homestyle atmosphere, with a variety of options including pizzas, salads, and sandwiches for lunch. The compulsory meal plan includes all meals, tea, and coffee, ensuring guests enjoy a hassle-free dining experience. For beverages, a bar offers a selection of wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Yasawa Island Resort & Spa

Resturant Evening Yaswa Island Resort 
Pcnic at Yaswa Island Resort 
Platter at Yaswa Island Resort 
Fish Dish at Yaswa Island Resort
Overview: Dining at Yasawa offers an extraordinary experience with meals enjoyed at the al fresco restaurant overlooking the pool, beach, and ocean. Guests can opt for private dinners on the beach, room service, secluded beach picnics, or dinners by the pool. Yasawa’s nightly tariff includes gourmet meals and non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring a seamless and indulgent culinary experience. For those seeking more intimate settings, private dining options are abundant.
Yasawa’s cuisine is a fusion of local and international flavors, with menus created daily by the executive chef using the freshest regional ingredients. Seafood, including fish, lobster, and crab, is sourced from local fishermen. Special dietary requests can typically be accommodated with advance notice. Non-alcoholic beverages are included, and for a stronger drink, guests can enjoy tropical cocktails at Manasa’s Bar, which offers expansive views of the resort.
This guide is based on over a decade of research and firsthand experience living in Fiji. It incorporates extensive knowledge gained through long-term residence and ongoing engagement with the region. Images and text have been sourced from official references, which are acknowledged below, to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
- Barefoot Manta. Fiji Dining. Available at: Link [Accessed 1 July 2024].
- Blue Lagoon Resort Fiji. Dining. Available at: Link [Accessed 15 August 2024].
- Boat House Nanuya. Stay. Available at: Link [Accessed 20 October 2024].
- Coconut Beach Fiji. Dining. Available at: Link [Accessed 30 November 2024].
- Mantaray Island Resort. Best Food in Fiji. Available at: Link [Accessed 10 December 2024].
- Nanuya Fiji. Dining. Available at: Link [Accessed 12 December 2024].
- Octopus Resort Fiji. Dining. Available at: Link [Accessed 23 December 2024].
- Nata Beretreat. Dining. Available at: Link [Accessed 4 January 2025].
- Navu Tur Resorts. Restaurant. Available at: Link [Accessed 9 January 2025].
- Oarsmans Bay Lodge. Accommodation and Dining. Available at: Link [Accessed 19 January 2025].
- Turtle Fiji. Cuisine. Available at: Link [Accessed 22 January 2025].
- Waya Island Resort. Dining. Available at: Link [Accessed 3 February 2025].
- Yasawa. Available at: LInk [Accessed 6 February 2025].










































