Le Tamaitai Restaurant and Bar, peacefully secluded in the heart of Apia, is striding to host an affordable restaurant dining experience for anyone.  

Owner So’oaloTeveliTaupau, explained the name ‘le Tamaitai’, meaning ‘the lady’, signifies the role of a Samoan lady, hosting visitors and people. It is the aim of the restaurant and bar to host people in the way in which a Samoan lady would do. 

Taupau began working in a hotel as a waiter at the age of 17 to support his family. Later after working for two years in the hotel office he swapped back to the restaurant.

He realised he loved “meeting all the different people,” from different places and all walks of life. This reason has kept him in the hospitality industry working in bars and night clubs for over thirty years. 

It was July last year that he established Le Tamaitai Restaurant and Bar. When he received a call from a friend telling him that the place was for sale, he jumped on the opportunity.  Seeing the venue for the first time, he immediately thought to add a bar. 

It is So’oalo’s wife,Loreta and some of the workers who prepare the food in the restaurant.Both the breakfast and lunch menu are served all day from open until close. 

Prices range from $10-$20 for the breakfast selection which features French toast and a number of omelettes.

Lunch prices begin at $7 for the Oka served with banana or taro. At the higher end for $35 is the Sirloin Steak served in wine sauce with mashed potato and fresh vegetables.  There is a large range of burgers, barbeques, fish and chips, a stir-fry and a salad option available. 

One of the guiding principle of the restaurant is to keep the prices as low as possible for the everyday working people of Apia. So’oalooutlined how he hopes this dining experience will be available to anyone. 

“I hope that everyone, even the workers on the minimum wage can one day come here and experience dining in a restaurant with a knife and fork.” 

Tucked down CCK Lane and off Saleufi Street the green foliage of the garden creates a peaceful atmosphere. Behind Kilo’s Shack, Le Tamaitai Restaurant and Bar is found where Sele Café used to be. There is a place to park your car however the dead end means that that you escape the constant flow of cars.

Taupau highlighted that this makes it an ideal hideout for older people and those wanting a break from the rush of the streets. 

“It’s a very isolated spot. It has a different atmosphere than along the street. It’s more relaxed, no cars, there’s only one entry.”

Le Tamaitai Restaurant and Bar is open from 9am-10pm Monday to Saturday. Contact: 7584222 or 7780101. Email: [email protected]