Island Indulgence: Where to Eat, Drink and Stay in Fiji

Fiji’s friendly hospitality and breathtaking beaches are the stuff of legends,
but there’s also a bold, diverse and sophisticated food scene that defies expectations.

There’s something fabulously exhilarating about stepping off a plane and being immediately enveloped by the warm, tropical air of Fiji. It was my first time visiting the islands, and as someone whose life often revolves around food and wine, I was equal parts curious and hungry.

Fiji may conjure visions of over-water bungalows, hammock-strung palms, and turquoise lagoons, but it’s also home to a vibrant and evolving food scene, one that respects its roots but isn’t afraid to innovate. From high-end resort dining to street-style bites with a twist, the blend of Fijian tradition, international flair, and fresh island produce made for a trip worth sharing.

What struck me most was the pride of place — from resort chefs reimagining European favourites using locally sourced ingredients, to family-run establishments weaving together Fijian heritage with modern flair. Each venue told a story, not just through its menu, but through its people, atmosphere, and the way they brought guests into their space.

Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa

It may be 15 minutes from Nadi International Airport, but to coin Crowne Plaza Fiji merely as an ‘airport hotel’ doesn’t begin to give justice to the getaway they have hidden on the idyllic shores of Wailoaloa Beach.

You are immediately greeted with an open-plan grand foyer with a collection of restaurants and bars either side of the hall and, down the centre, a direct view out to the ocean.

Once a sacred breeding ground for turtles, Wailoaloa beach has long been a place for renewal and connection — a philosophy the team embodies as they encourage guests to slow down, breathe in the ocean air and find their own sanctuary whether it’s indulging in a healing spa experience, splashing about their seven interconnected pools, or enjoying their state-of-the-art gym.

However, while I enjoyed lounging by the pool and eying up the spa menu, it was hard to ignore the bustling food scene that was happening all around. With a total of10 restaurants and bars within the resort, executive chef Ian Lovie was frank in saying he wanted to “disrupt the culinary scene in Fiji, and challenge what was typically expected or offered”.

And Lovie has achieved that with the likes of an Italian restaurant, La Bottega, a European-inspired beach club, Urban Sugar, and a speakeasy, the 17.78 Whiskey Bar.

Crowne Plaza Fiji is undoubtedly a spot worth staying in, however if it’s just one (or more) of the restaurants and bars that tickle your fancy, they’re also open to the public. fijinadibay.crowneplaza.com

Urban Sugar Beach Club

Among Crowne Plaza Fiji’s strong stable of restaurants and bars sits Urban Sugar— a European-inspired Beach Club with two storeys of luscious interiors, gazing out over Wailoaloa beach to one side, and the infinity pool to the other. Despite having only recently opened their doors, it’s clear this is quickly becoming a go-to night-out location with live performances from local artists and DJs as well as international acts scheduled from Wednesday to Sunday.

Even if you’re not interested in the party scene, I strongly encourage rolling in earlier in the afternoon, grabbing a drink (or two) and setting up to watch as the sun is slowly swallowed by the horizon — I can confirm I enjoyed the most stunning sunset I have ever seen doing just that. And with a mixologist behind the bar, the drinks menu perfectly complements the coastal, beach-club vibe.

One particularly unmissable cocktail is the Forbidden Bloom, ‘a mesmerising blend of delicate lychee, the subtle spice of ginger, and the intoxicating floral notes of elderflower. With the luxurious touch of Beluga Celebration Vodka, each sip is a tantalising dance of flavours — exotic, refreshing and undeniably alluring’. And to eat, I’d recommend grabbing a few plates to share. The fresh prawns, rice paper rolls and fiery cauliflower were some of our favourites. @urbansugarfiji

La Bottega

Truthfully, an Italian restaurant wasn’t what first came to mind when thinking about the dining-out options in Fiji. However, after peering through the window in the Crowne Plaza Fiji lobby, the striking interior design was enough to convince me otherwise. Inspired by the Amalfi Coast, but woven into a Fijian aesthetic, you are greeted at the cocktail bar with a stunning suspended pampas grass installation hanging from the ceiling, before having the option to take seat on the al fresco dining deck, in the main dining room, or even in the private dining room if you’re after more intimate celebrations.

The menu promises to deliver your favourite Italian classics — handmade pasta, and pizza cooked in a wood-fired pizza oven — served with an innovative modern twist, using locally sourced ingredients. Top picks on the menu were the Wagyu Carpaccio with parmigiano and rocket, the Carbonara made with linguine, guanciale and pecorino romano, and the Sottobosco Pizza with field mushrooms and buffalo mozzarella.

To pair with your food selection, you can choose from a thoughtfully curated wine list that features fine Italian wines and the fruits of vineyards from across the world. However, if you’re feeling slightly more adventurous, the cocktail menu will also leave you spoilt for choice. Two words — Tiramisu Martini. @labottegafiji

Vasaqa Fiji

Stepping away from the resort restaurants, next on the list was a local’s hotspot — Vasaqa Fiji.

What started out as laid-back Sunday gatherings around a fire with friends, smoking meats and enjoying cold beers, has expanded into a culinary venture with two restaurant locations and a successful catering business (catering for some of our favourite reality TV shows including Love Island and Survivor).

I sat down with co-owner Benji Hussai and general manager Octavia Sharma at their Wailoaloa restaurant. They gave me the lowdown on some of the most common Fijian dishes made at home — kokoda (ceviche) and cassava (a root vegetable similar to potatoes) — as well as an insight into what locals look for when dining out — quantity.

What Vasaqa aims to do with their menu is to serve up both quantity and quality for those Fijian homecooked favourites while adding their own twist. Vasaqa’s Krackling Tuna Kokoda is a great example of this; it’s both a ceviche-style dish that many of us are familiar with and a classic that Fijians love. The freshly marinated yellow-fin tuna, hand-squeezed lolo (coconut milk) and bush salsa are given a unique Vasaqa twist with the addition of pork crackling, an unexpected textural combination that was utterly delicious!

The restaurant’s atmosphere felt like a friendly hug — I watched the staff entertaining kids and babies while families enjoyed their meals, taking photos and filming videos for special gatherings, and actively checking in on one another. What made me feel confident about this choice was watching the local’s reactions when they heard I had paid one of their favourites a visit. vasaqa.com (Wailoaloa location)

Island Style Peanut Butter

Just a hop and a skip from Crowne Plaza Fiji and into the heart of Wailoaloa, is another local and traveller’s favourite, Island Style Peanut Butter — aptly named as the business originally started with a few jars of peanut butter!

Husband and wife duo Heather and Gary Pickering have always made their own nut butter and when their careers as flight attendants in Australia had to change course due to the pandemic, they took their passion more seriously, selling their own lovingly crafted small-batch coconut peanut butter in Fiji, where Gary had grown up. Inspired by the flavours of Fiji, the Island Style Peanut Butter is made using hi-oleic peanuts that are roasted with pure Fijian coconut oil for a tropical twist.

Progressing to pop-ups and market stalls, the Pickerings began creating smoothie bowls and delicious toasts before opening their very own budget-friendly Breakfast Bar. With a menu crafted for the ‘health-conscious adventurer’, this is where your Instagram-ready smoothie bowls are made. You start by picking your tropical fruit blend (no nasty powders here), which changes seasonally, before picking your add-ins (ginger, moringa, or turmeric) and then your toppings (fresh fruit, homemade granola, coconut, pepitas, and, of course, peanut butter).

And if you’re just wanting to experience the special peanut butter, you also have the option of spreading it on their simple, wholesome totoka (toast).

You can also pick up a jar of peanut butter to take home. I recommend the crunchy, not only is it loaded with peanuts but it also packs a crunch with toasted coconut! It’s the kind of edible souvenir you’ll wish you brought home in bulk. islandstylepnb.com

Six Senses Fiji

Forty-five minutes by boat from the mainland, tucked away on the picturesque Malolo Island, is Six Senses Fiji. The moment you arrive, whether by boat or helicopter, there’s a palpable shift in energy. Time seems to slow down. Shoes are optional. And the only decision you’ll need to make for the next few days is whether to take your morning coffee on your private sun deck or poolside at the Tovolea Bar.

With just 24 one- and two-bedroom pool villas on the island, you may worry that you’ll feel slightly isolated, however, I can confirm these feelings dissipate within approximately 30 seconds of arrival. Each guest that arrives at the dock is met with a greeting party of traditional song and dance from staff that you will get to know well over your stay. But Six Senses commitment to their guests doesn’t stop there. General manager Mark Kitchen stands among the greeting party and sits down with each guest for a personal rundown on the island, what is available to do and who’s involved.

The villas are a sanctuary of calm, blending seamlessly into the landscape with thatched roofing, native timber and expansive outdoor living areas. Mine came complete with an outdoor rain shower, private pool overlooking the ocean, entertainment systems and a fully stocked mini-bar with fresh fruit — needless to say, leaving the room was no easy feat. But with so much to explore beyond your villa walls, it would be a shame not to.

What sets Six Senses apart isn’t just the beauty of its location (though, truly, it is breathtaking), but the resort’s deep commitment to wellness, sustainability, and authentic Fijian culture. Days can be as indulgent or adventurous as you like — whether you’re booking a transformative spa journey, complete with locally inspired spa treatments and yoga in the treetops, or paddling out at sunrise for a guided stand-up paddleboard session through the crystal-clear bay.

There’s also snorkelling and diving just a short boat ride away, plus daily activities such as Fijian cooking classes, village visits, and even a sustainability tour where I was able to collect some fresh mint for my afternoon tea, visit the beehives, and, my personal favourite, Cluckingham Palace — the freshly laid eggs produced here are used for breakfast every day.

Beyond things to see and do, there is a strong foodie focus evident throughout the resort. With a strong farm-to-table ethos, much of the produce is sourced from the resort’s own garden or nearby local suppliers for three restaurants, a deli, an ice cream bar as well as private in-villa dining.

No stay at Six Senses would be complete without tapping into their wellness philosophy. The spa is featured within the resort’s Wellness Village, where treatments go beyond the ordinary, combining a mix of science and human awareness with integrated wellness programmes. While I could have dived into changing my whole wellbeing routine, with just one night to spend at the resort, I settled for a relaxing deep tissue massage followed by a trip to the cold plunge and sauna room.

Six Senses Fiji doesn’t just offer a luxurious escape, it encourages you to slow down, reconnect, and leave more restored than when you arrived. It’s a resort where indulgence, mindfulness and adventure walk hand in hand. sixsenses.com/en/hotels-resorts/asia-the-pacific/fiji/fiji

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

Set along Denarau’s gorgeous coastline, Sofitel Fiji is where French sophistication meets island soul. With 295 ocean-facing rooms and suites, this mega resort seamlessly caters to both families and couples. Families will love the action-packed Kids Beach Club, while couples can sneak away to the adults-only Waitui Beach Club for infinity pool lounging, cocktails at golden hour, and an unhurried sense of calm.

The dining is also a drawcard with Solis Restaurant, a Mediterranean-inspired beachfront treasure with clean, fresh local produce; La Parisienne, a café that embraces Sofitel’s French heritage; Madame So, a restaurant that brings the vibrant and healthy essence of Vietnamese cuisine; Waitui Bar & Grill, the adults-only grill that promises the dreamiest of sunsets; Bazaar Kitchen & Bar, for your delicious buffet breakfasts and impressive dinners; and Koko, soon to be their first Fijian restaurant, boasting local classics such as Ika Vakalolo and Traditonal Purini Cake.

The spa, meanwhile, is a retreat within a retreat — its tranquil setting makes it ideal for a Fijian Bobo massage or a more modern wellness ritual. And with Denarau’s marina and golf course just minutes away, you can balance lazing poolside with island hopping or a round on the green. sofitel-fiji.com

Waitui Bar & Grill

This hotspot is no stranger to public recognition, voted the #1 Date Night Restaurant in the World in TripAdvisor’s 2023 Best of the Best Awards and currently sitting within the ranks of the top restaurants on mainland Fiji. Positioned just steps from the sand and adjacent to the Waitui Beach Club in Sofitel Fiji, this open-air restaurant certainly is a sight for sore eyes, especially at sunset. The atmosphere is relaxed but refined, attracting guests who want a little something extra from their evening without veering into white-tablecloth territory.

With a grill-focused menu that celebrates fresh local produce and seafood, executive chef Stéphane Postovan believes great food should be shared, so why not try the sesame beef tataki and indulge in green-tailed lobster, too? My top picks on the menu were the Sesame Beef Tataki with wasabi aioli, pickled vegetable noodles, puffed rice and a pickled ginger and sesame dressing, and the Provençal Herbs Tasmanian Salmon Fillet.

If you’re looking for that perfect balance of laid-back beachfront dining and elevated dishes, Waitui Bar & Grill delivers in spades. sofitel-fiji.com/dining/waitui-bar-and-grill/

Suka Bar

Tucked along the beachfront within Sofitel Fiji, Suka is the kind of bar that effortlessly draws you in — swaying palms, sand underfoot, ambient lantern lighting, and a soundtrack of soft waves and mellow beats. But it’s their collection of house-infused rums that steals the show.

The tapas menu is equally inspired, with small plates that nod to Fijian flavours while borrowing techniques from around the world. Think Taro Chips with rourou and spiced coconut dip, Local-style Chicken Curry Tacos, and Spiced Braised Beef Crêpe Rolls. It’s casual dining elevated by clever flavour pairings and an oceanfront setting that makes everything taste that little bit better.

Whether you’re dropping by for pre-dinner drinks or settling in for the evening with friends, Suka Bar offers a smoothly cool, barefoot luxury kind of vibe that’s hard to leave behind. sofitel-fiji.com/dining/suka-bar/

Madame So

Madame So may be another restaurant within Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, however stepping inside feels like an outside experience with sleek modern décor with Asian flourishes and windows peering over a tranquil pond. The menu leans heavily into Vietnamese flavours — bold, fresh and herbaceous — with dishes that balance the lightness of traditional Southeast Asian cooking with contemporary flair.

Top picks from the menu include the Signature Gòi Cuôn Tôm/Thit (tiger prawns and pork belly fresh spring rolls) and the Co’m Chiên Tòi (traditional vegetables, fried rice and stick tofu). This is a great option whether you’re staying at the Sofitel and are after a more sophisticated dinner experience or are staying elsewhere and are looking for something a little elevated after a day in the sun. sofitel-fiji.com/dining/madame-so/