"Despite all the natural beauty, as a chef my favorite thing to do on the Isle of Pines is of course to do with eating! I am sure you will think of New Caledonia and imagine the pristine white beaches and fantastic weather. But what remains top of mind to people who have visited New Caledonia? The gourmet experience! I'm amazed at the number of excellent eateries and I consider New Caledonia to be the most exciting gourmet destination of the Pacific region and one of the finest outside of France." Gabriel Gaté
There is a very special place on the Isle of Pines, not far from the beautiful natural pool at Oro Bay, where you can indulge yourself with delicious lobster as you sit with your toes in the white sand on a near deserted beach. But you need to make a reservation the day before, as they catch the lobsters that morning to order. For around A$70 you will enjoy a most delicious, fresh three course lunch, including a lovely green paw paw salad, a whole grilled lobster marinated in herbs and garlic, and finish with a fresh fruit salad. This is heaven!
The island's only 5 Star resort features a restaurant with tables inside and outside. Lunch on Saturdays and Sundays is buffet style with grills and an exceptional array of desserts! There's often a Melanesian dance show on Tuesday evening. Outside visitors are welcome (subject to space) provided they book in advance.
Dinner by candlelight is in the main restaurant of this 4 Star Resort, while breakfast, lunch and sunset drinks can be taken in the open-air bar right on the water's edge.
Located right on the beautiful beach at Kuto, this restaurant specialises in elegant cuisine with an exotic touch, prepared with fresh local products. Or just sit back and sip a leisurely drink as you admire the splendour of the setting sun. Snack meals are also served in a second restaurant beside the swimming pool in the garden of the Kou Bugny hotel.
Chez Regis
Enjoy a Melanesian Bougna; a traditional native feast with meat or fish and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves and cooked on hot stones underground. Chez Regi is located within walking distance to le Meridien and Baie d’Oro.
There are also restaurants and bars at other hotels including Kodjeue, Gite d’Oro, Kuberka and Nataiwatch.
Snack Bars
If you’re looking for somewhere welcoming and reasonably-priced to eat during the day there are a few snack bars scattered throughout the island which offer soft drinks, milk shakes, snacks including toasted sandwiches/croque monsieur, coffee and ‘dish of the day’/plat du jour.
Picnics
Ask your hotel to pack a picnic lunch for you so you can find your own piece of paradise to enjoy.
Bakery
There is a bakery located ay Baie de Kuto. This is the place for fresh croissants, baguettes, patisseries and savoury items such as quiche and deli meats. The bakery also has a variety of grocery items.
Supermarche
There is a small supermarket located in Village de Vao.
The Isle of Pines is not only beautiful, it’s also delicious.
