Dining Guide – Restaurant Refresh

Wailoaloa Beach feels like it is the new ‘it’ destination in Fiji. With great new restaurants, new hotels and resorts and some old favourites, the once quiet little area is really starting to take off.

Leading the charge on the sixth floor of the Ramada Suites, Wailoaloa Beach is Club 57, a rooftop restaurant and bar.

The 80-seat indoor and outdoor restaurant offers diners 360-degree views of Fiji’s spectacular sunsets over Nadi Bay and the nearby outer islands.

Open daily from 7:30am to 10pm, Club 57 has a great brunch menu which includes usual favourites eggs Benedict, Bircher muesli, pancakes and omelettes.

Moving on to lunch, the Mediterranean-inspired menu has lots of shared plates including tapas as well as salads, soups, burgers and pizzas.

The menu is designed to be enjoyed any time of the day. Larger meals include steaks, pastas and seafood platters.

It’s hard to imagine anyone would go hungry at Club 57. And you certainly won’t go thirsty either, with nearly 20 cocktails on the menu, a range of local and imported beers, spirits, shooters, juices, mocktails and coffees.

Club 57 is casual dining with great service. And, with great music, its a place to take in the views, relax and enjoy a long lunch, sunset drink or romantic dinner.

The light, soft jazzy sounds of Miles Davis, Bessie Smith, Peggy Lee and others are often played to ensure you relax and enjoy. Less than 20 minutes from Denarau, Club 57 is great choice for something different and unmatched.

Another Fijian institution is Cardo’s at Port Denarau marina. A great team of staff is lead in the kitchen by Fijian chefs Pita and Filimoni but the eponymous owner is the man who ensures the best steak in Fiji is served.

Cardo imports most of his beef cuts from New Zealand, ensuring the best quality available in Fiji. Seafood is delivered fresh of the fishing boats out front and the salads and veggies all come from market gardens in Nadi.

Cardo’s steak is not the only dish customers love; his chicken and mango salad is light and fresh, his seafood platters are particularly popular and his fresh juices and Acai bowls ensure a good start to the morning.

The afternoons is when Cardo’s starts to get busy, as locals and expats stroll in after work to catch up with the man himself. Cardo has a reputation for being the best publican in Fiji, and you notice it as soon as you walk in.

The friendly staff is attentive and efficient, always ensuring you have a drink in your hand or a menu.

If you’re staying at a nearby resort make sure you pencil in a meal at Cardo’s. The prices are affordable, the service friendly and welcoming and the food is the best at the marina.