Savusavu on Vanua Levu Island is rarely thought of as a gastronomic destination. And that’s a shame. This small port town in Fiji offers a surprisingly diverse range of food, with Fijian, Indian, Chinese, and European cuisines coexisting side by side. The town is compact, so almost all establishments are within walking distance of the waterfront, Copra Shed Marina, and Waitui Marina.
The food in Savusavu reflects the composition of the local population. Fijians, Fijians of Indian descent, Chinese families, and expats live here. This directly influences the menus of restaurants, cafes, and small canteens. You can eat inexpensively, especially if you choose local places near the Savusavu farmers’ market and bus station.
Restaurants and cafes
Below is a list of the main establishments in Savusavu that are most frequently visited by travelers and locals.
Grace Road Kitchen
One of the most notable restaurants in town. Grace Road Kitchen offers Korean cuisine with an emphasis on fresh produce that the owners grow themselves in Fiji. Here, you should try the roasted vegetables, chicken in spicy sauce, dumplings, and kimchi. The kampung chicken, sweet, spicy, and crispy, is especially popular.
The restaurant has air conditioning, a relaxed atmosphere, and good service. An added bonus is the opportunity to buy fresh vegetables right in the dining room.
Snowy House
A café and pastry shop associated with Grace Road Kitchen. Snowy House specializes in Korean ice desserts, ice cream, coffee, and smoothies. It is one of the best places in Savusavu for cold desserts and sweet snacks on a hot day.
Copra Shed Marina and Captain’s Cafe
Copra Shed Marina has several dining options. Captain’s Cafe is suitable for breakfast, lunch, and light dinners. The menu includes sandwiches, burgers, pizza, Indian, and Chinese dishes. Chili chicken, chicken curry, and quesadillas are often ordered.
Nearby is the Savusavu Yacht Club bar with a terrace overlooking the water. This is one of the best places for drinks at sunset. If you wish, you can order food from Captain’s Cafe and eat it at the bar.
Captain’s Table
A more formal restaurant at Copra Shed Marina. It serves steaks, seafood, and Fijian cuisine. Located on a beautiful terrace above the water. Suitable for a quiet dinner, but prices are above average for the city.
Surf n Turf
One of the most popular restaurants on the Savusavu waterfront. Surf n Turf combines European cuisine with local produce. The menu includes kokoda, nisuaz salad with tuna, steaks, seafood, and homemade ice cream. The atmosphere is relaxed but neat. Suitable for both lunch and dinner.
Savusavu Wok
A small Chinese café near Waitui Marina. Known for its dumplings, which many consider to be the best in town. The Mongolian chicken and eggplant are also worth trying. The air conditioning makes it a particularly comfortable place to have lunch.
Arun’s Taste of Hidden Paradise
A simple Indian restaurant with no decor or alcohol. Located on the south side of Savusavu. They serve one of the best curries in town. Prices are low, portions are good. An excellent choice for lunch or dinner without a tourist markup.
Chong Pong Restaurant
A very simple Chinese restaurant above the supermarket opposite the Savusavu farmers’ market. Known for its chow mein noodles. The interior is minimal, but the food is inexpensive and filling.
Decked Out
An informal cafe across the street from the water. Popular for its burgers, pizza, and drinks. Sometimes there is live music. Suitable for a leisurely evening with beer and simple food.
Local cuisine
Fijian cuisine in Savusavu is most often found in the form of individual dishes rather than full-fledged restaurants. The most common items are:
- Kokoda made from fresh fish with lime and coconut milk
- Curry with chicken, fish, or vegetables
- Roti with various fillings
- Dishes made from taro and kava root
- Fijian feasts, which are sometimes held on weekends
Roti is often sold near the Savusavu farmers’ market. It is an inexpensive and filling snack option.
Tips for eating in Savusavu
Food in Savusavu does not strive to impress with its sophistication, but it pleasantly surprises with its variety and quality. This is a town where it is easy to alternate between a restaurant on the waterfront and a simple noodle shop or Indian eatery. Here are a couple of tips for travelers:
- It is cheaper to eat in small cafes near the Savusavu central market
- In the evening, the best views are from Copra Shed Marina and Waitui Marina
- Air conditioning is not available everywhere, so keep this in mind on hot days
- Many restaurants do not accept cards, so cash in Fijian dollars will come in handy
- On weekends and during the cruise season, popular places fill up quickly
This rhythm suits Savusavu well and makes your stay here comfortable and peaceful.
