5 Best Restaurants in Bora Bora with Maupiti, French Polynesia

This is Bora Bora's iconic restaurant where you may spot celebrities. If not you can read the long list of movie stars and VIPs who've dined here—from Prince Rainier of Monaco to Jane Fonda and Harrison Ford. The menu items run the gamut from the fresh catch of the day (displayed on ice for you to take your pick) to char grills. The roof is thatched, the floor is sand, and the bar is very popular—and you can buy a T-shirt, too. Be warned, as with all iconic institutions the food may not match the hype, but it can be a lively place to hang out, even if the food is a little underwhelming at times. Call for a reservation when you get to the island.

Pull up a tree trunk stool and have a drink at the bar (feet in the sand, of course) while waiting for your table. You may find Provencal Bouillabaisse or grilled tuna and shrimp skewers on the menu, or decide to try the local moana (a delicate white fish) soup with vegetables and croutons. The catch of the day is always popular, while char-grilled meats are always on the menu.

With 180-degree views of the main island and a wide veranda, alfresco dining doesn't get any better. This restaurant is perched on the private motu (island), which is part of the newly-named Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach & Private Island, and free transfers operate from the "mainland" resort a few hundred meters away. You may find the tandoori-style tuna with "virgin sauce"—so named because none of its ingredients (tomato, basil, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and shallots) are cooked—on the menu or the addictive créme brûleè with Tahitian vanilla. You'll feel a million miles from home on this little island and have a view of the "bright lights" of Matria Beach.

This lovely restaurant at Le Meridien is built around the resort's private lagoon, which allows you to watch the antics of turtles big and small while you dine. Tasty main courses include roasted Muscovy duck breast with cinnamon and honey, topped with lavender and orange sauce. Finish off with caramelized banana tatin tart and Tahitian tiare flower ice cream.

There are tranquil views of the lagoon from this indoor-outdoor restaurant, which has one of the most innovative menus on the island. Start with a drink at the very funky Bubbles Bar and then perhaps try the medium-rare red tuna, celery puree, pine nuts, and fine slices of foie gras; or splurge on the lobster fricassee with Tahitian Rum, pumpkin chutney, and spicy rice. Finish your meal with pan-fried strawberries topped with Marquesas Island honey and fromage frais ice cream. It's open for breakfast and dinner.