Foodie Heaven in Samoa

Samoa is hands down one of the best places to eat in the Pacific, be prepared to leave about 5kg’s heavier than when you walked off the plane. Do not let this put you off but let it entice you to loosen the belt buckle off a couple of notches and embrace a floaty dress for the duration of your stay. The below are what we think are the top five places to eat with the family or enjoy date night, plan each day around what you feel like eating and drinking and enjoy every minute of it.

Lapita restaurant at Taumeasina Island Resort has to be on your hit list, a relatively new resort in Apia but there is a reason it’s always full of people throughout the day, the view is one of the best in Apia, the staff are attentive and genuinely look happy to be working where they do. Lapita have a great menu, it’s the perfect mix of local and international cuisine, a favourite for us is the lighter menu, try the healthy choice salads, vegan and vegetarian options are super tasty. Samoa is famous for their seafood options, Lapita do not disappoint; try the Oka or the Immunity Booster salad. Do not leave Apia without going to ladies night; drink cocktails and cut loose, its fun for all and a feast for the eyes.

Joe and Amanda Lam at Scalinis have been in the restaurant business for a very long time, if there is anyone that understands that consistency is key…it’s these two. We have never had a bad experience here, the food is of the highest standard, the love that goes in to the food, the staff and the local community here will warm your heart. Scalinis may be more of a date night option, the wine list is best on island and the setting is nice and intimate with plenty of corners to tuck in to and enjoy the food. Take it from us, the whole menu is amazing, a standout however are the lamb kofta’s, seafood chowder and the dessert menu is stand out. Do not say no to desert when you are asked, indulge yourself, it’s amazing.

Nourish Café in Apia does just as the name says, our favourite for breakfast or lunch, great coffee, great atmosphere, great everything. The café itself and the menu is a work of art by Kalais Stanley, a beauty inside and out she has lovingly made this little sanctuary a place to sit and truly be nourished. Weekly specials feature on the menu and are always fresh and healthy, the crepes are an absolute must as is the curry with plantain banana as a side, wash it all down with a fresh chilled Niu (coconut water). All in all Nourish is a superb spot to enjoy some good food, service and peace and quiet.

Paddles is a bit of an institution in Apia, Giovanni and Dora Rossi are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to hospitality, with Italian/Samoan heritage there is no denying that these two ensure you leave with a very full belly of hearty and delicious food. The menu at Paddles is extensive, it takes a while to order, as one cold imagine there is nothing worse than food envy when you’re out with friends and family. Risotto’s and pasta are next level good, its important to go with an empty stomach to ensure you can finish the large servings, again do not turn away dessert, get the Tiramisu, it’s fantastic. Giovanni is a wonderful host, who loves his restaurant and quite rightly so, it’s a fun way to dine, the service here is some of the best in the country.

The Whisk Dining Room is a creation by a husband and wife team, their passion for food is obvious as soon as you walk through the door, they love food, they love using local produce to create an exquisite dining experience. They used to operate from their home but have now moved to a space that can cater for more guests, need we say more…it’s that good. Its best to book in at Whisk as they offer a degustation menu and any dietary requirements need to be advised in advance, also they fill up so you need to make sure they have room. The food is superb, it’s simple and incredibly tasty, a blend of Samoan flavours and modern cuisine, it’s also super affordable and BYO, another one perhaps for a date night.

Our Samoan love affair will continue as each time there seems to be something new, Samoans returning home to live the good life, create amazing food and showcase what the country has to offer, it’s the perfect recipe.