6 Best Restaurants in Viti Levu, Fiji

Formerly third-in-command at the renowned Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, chef Sushil Chandra has brought his talents to the Bedarra Beach Inn on the "Sunset Strip." Take a seat on the balcony overlooking the pool and ocean and enjoy masterful seafood dishes at reasonable prices. Try the mahimahi in coconut milk, lemon, caper, and garlic butter or the Fijian specialty Ika Vakalolo—cooked fish in coconut milk with tomato and onion. The curries, too, are outstanding. The space is intimate, the service casual, and the cuisine well worth diving into. Reservations are essential for dinner, but for breakfast and lunch just walk in.

You get far more than you pay for at this Suva institution hidden behind shrubbery, one block east of the main drag. The menu is on a blackboard and the food is served cafeteria-style but don't be deterred: It's prepared fresh and tastes accordingly. Traditional Indian fare sits alongside local fish and vegetable dishes, all classically prepared. The staff will mix-and-match to your preference before you retreat to a booth or table and savor the city's finest. Authentic sweet dishes and cakes are served in the second room down the porch. It's a shame they're not open for dinner.

Of the many branches of this Suva staple, this one's upstairs seating—open 11–3—is the most relaxing place to enjoy one of the chain's 17 kinds of vegetarian curries. The corner real estate offers a fantastic view of the impressive Sacred Heart Cathedral from comfortable, cushioned wicker chairs. The air-conditioning doesn't hurt, but there are also plenty of cream and milk shake flavors to cool you down. Curries are served cafeteria-style by friendly, hair-netted staff, and there's a large array of toffees downstairs as well as all-day, un-air-conditioned seating.

Whole fish and prawns (and we do mean whole fish and prawns) are among the specialties at this picturesque and authentic Fijian restaurant. Some may consider the fish overcooked (so order a sizzling stir-fry) while others will enjoy the flavor of char-grilled walu or Naqu (catch of the day) dipped in bowls of coconut milk and lemon-chili sauce. All traditional dishes are served with local vegetables. Deck seating overlooks the water at Port Denarau.

Just across the street from the harbor, Sea salt Restaurant is the best place for steak in Suva. Fan-folded napkins (even if they are paper) and a few ol' boys' club–style booths set the tone for succulent cuts, a traditional English-style roast, and a renowned burger. The Chef's Nightmare (the steak of the day) is also popular as is the aptly named Death by Chocolate, the smaller size of which will satiate two. The service is professional—the way expats like it—and the restaurant's setting conveys a luxurious sense of space.

After 9 pm, expats and tourists get the karaoke going at this fun seafood joint and steak house. Yet most guests come to hear the imported rib eyes and T-bones sizzle on their way from the kitchen to the beer garden. Prawn dishes and the Bounty Burger are also highly in demand, as is the steak sandwich at lunchtime. "Bula Hour" (noon–2, 5–8) sees prices on the tropical cocktail menu drop 20%. A mural of the restaurant's namesake ship plus stacked wooden barrels at the maître 'd stand and good-natured, buxom servers complete the feel-good atmosphere. It's also open for breakfast.