Robbie Recommends

Robbie Recommends - The Best Restaurants in Tonga

Our Tongan co-founder Robbie has eaten his way around Nuku'alofa so you don't have to guess. These are the seven tables he sends his own family and friends to.
All in and around Nuku'alofa · most close Sundays · want a local to take you? Ask about our Guided Dinner Outing

Chef Zero

Family-run · European style with island soul

The hidden gem you would never find on your own - a little out of town in Popua, and worth every minute of the drive. Steaks with your choice of sauces, pork with apple sauce, and the fish is the star: Polynesian-style, mornay or blackened. Sashimi, pizza and garlic bread round it out, and you can bring your own wine or beer.

Hidden gemBYOBest fish
Where: Tamakautonga Road, Popua, Nuku'alofa
When: Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm · BYO wine and beer
Robbie's tip: This is where I take guests on our Guided Dinner Outing - order the blackened fish and thank me later.

The Seaview

European haute cuisine · Polynesian flavours

A Nuku'alofa institution on the waterfront, a little past Little Italy. Head Chef Soane Fakatava has more than 25 years behind the pans - 'ota 'ika (Tongan marinated raw fish), tuna poke, New Zealand lamb rack and the catch of the day with lemon butter sauce. The cocktail deck at sunset is hard to beat, with happy hour 4 to 6pm daily.

WaterfrontCocktail deckFine dining
Where: Vuna Road, Tolosia, Nuku'alofa (waterfront)
When: Wednesday to Friday 11am to 10pm; Saturday and Sunday from 7am · Happy hour 4-6pm
Robbie's tip: Sunset drinks on the deck, then the catch of the day - the classiest night out in the Kingdom.

Waterfront

Seafood · steaks · homemade pasta

On Vuna Road opposite Faua Wharf, with beautiful carved Tongan pillars and harbour views. Locally sourced fish is the specialty - mahimahi, tuna sashimi, crudo and poke - alongside prime steaks, lamb and homemade pasta. Save room for the tropical cheesecake.

Harbour viewsFresh tunaDate night
Where: Vuna Road, Ma'ufanga, Nuku'alofa (opposite Faua Wharf)
When: Monday to Saturday, dinner from 7pm · Lodge accommodation on site
Robbie's tip: The tuna sashimi here is as fresh as it gets - it was swimming that morning.

Little Italy

Pizza · pasta · lobster

Real Italian on the Tongan waterfront, a short walk west of the Royal Palace. Pizzas are the calling card, with pasta, steak, lobster and fresh fish, indoor and outdoor seating and a hotel upstairs. Italian decor, island pace.

Best pizzaWaterfrontFamily friendly
Where: Vuna Road, Kolomotu'a, Nuku'alofa (near the Royal Palace)
When: Monday to Saturday, 3pm to 9:30pm
Robbie's tip: Best pizza in the Pacific? Come hungry and decide for yourself - the lobster is a sleeper hit too.

Top Restaurant

Rooftop dining · steaks, seafood and tacos

Take the elevator up in the city centre and you are in another world: a rooftop lounge with fairy-lit outdoor seating and views over Nuku'alofa. New Zealand meats, local produce, Mexican-inspired dishes and a serious cocktail list - dinner only, Monday to Saturday.

RooftopCity viewsCocktails
Where: Corner of Wellington and Taufa'ahau Roads, Nuku'alofa city centre
When: Monday to Saturday, 5:30pm to 11pm · Great cocktails
Robbie's tip: The only rooftop in town - go up for sunset cocktails even if you eat elsewhere. You won't eat elsewhere.

The Black Pearl

Waterfront dining at Black Pearl Suites

The restaurant at Black Pearl Suites, across the road from the harbour wall on the quiet western side of town - about a 20 minute stroll from the centre. A local favourite that visitors rarely stumble onto, which is exactly why Robbie sends you there.

Local favouriteWaterfrontQuiet
Where: Waterfront road opposite the harbour wall, Sopu side of Nuku'alofa
When: Ask us for current hours
Facebook: The Black Pearl on Facebook
Robbie's tip: Quiet, local and right on the water - the kind of place you only know about if someone tells you.

Momma Tuna's Kitchen

Home-style Tongan cooking

Hearty, generous, home-style cooking the way a Tongan mama makes it - big flavours, bigger portions and a welcome to match. The real taste of everyday Tonga.

Home cookingBig portionsLocal
Where: Nuku'alofa - ask us for directions
When: Ask us for current hours
Facebook: Momma Tuna's Kitchen on Facebook
Robbie's tip: When you want to eat like a local family does, this is the one.

GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • Most restaurants close on Sundays - Tonga rests. Plan a hotel dinner or ask us about Sunday options
  • Bookings are informal - a Facebook message or a phone call direct to the restaurant is the norm. We don't take restaurant reservations, but our Guided Dinner Outing takes care of everything for you
  • Bring cash (pa'anga) as backup - cards are accepted at the bigger places but machines can be moody
  • Hours change with the season - check before you set out, or just ask us

Want a local foodie to take you?

Our Guided Dinner Outing includes return hotel transfers and 2 hours with a true local food expert - AUD $190 for 2 guests, any night except Sunday.

BOOK A GUIDED DINNER OUTING

Or message us on WhatsApp: +61 434 004 558