Well good morning! If you are anything like me when visiting different places, my taste buds guide me. While you are visiting or coming home after years away due to COVID, here is my list of bites to follow.

Take it from a local, you can never go wrong with fresh fish even if the place doesn’t have air condition. In no particular order, places where locals and tourists eat and make a friend.

Seafood Gourmet: one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in town and still the best fish and chips in town, it’s a favourite for family lunch or dinner. Order any of the burgers on the menu and if you are super hungry, try the works burger or a seafood platter dish complete with crabsticks/ squid rings and yummy battered fried fish. You might want to book a table ahead of time this week as they are packed every day. Last night we were thankful that we did this as there were a few disappointed families who only grabbed dessert because there was no free table. Budget for $25 per person for lunch or dinner.

E n T : Beef soup with water cress is the most popular dish. With a side of rice or steamed bananas, you can never go wrong. $12 will get you there and won’t be a big hole in your pocket if you have a family of 5 plus. Friendly staff and don’t forget to grab a tiramisu or slice of any cake when you leave, it’s worth the extra package. Budget for $25-$30 per person and have a vai tipolo while you are there. It will certainly make you feel better about this heat.

Amanaki : Poke is the popular dish and if you are late, they will mostly run out. Fresh sashimi is the second-best dish if you a raw fish lover. Call ahead of time to inquire if these are your pulling dishes otherwise there are plenty of dishes for the kids. Budget for $40 per person including drinks.

Manai Restaurant: Biggest breakfasts in town at good prices and plenty of sitting spaces. You’ll find a huge selection of bites here. Mutton flaps in sweet sauce, chop suey, fried local fish, eggplant and pumpkin dishes are on the menu, so if you are craving some Chinese or local dishes, go to Manai. Budget for $15 to $20 per person.

Maris: Probably one of the biggest menus in town. I haven’t been here in a while but still a great place to eat with their live band. I enjoy their sushi and their Mexican dishes. Budget for $30 per person.

For quick coffee meet, visit any of these places

Café 10: You’ll be greeted by angels inside their garden centre when you are heading to the café. A colourful and quiet spot ideal for a coffee meetings. Grab a toasted sandwich and a coffee or even family breakfast here.

Scalinis : If you are a dessert fan, grab a coffee and any of their ready-made pastries. White chocolate donuts, croissants or jam bites. On the savoury side, there are salmon cream cheese bagels, artisan bread and something to please your taste buds. Coffee is always good here. Budget for $15 t0 $20 for coffee and pastries, otherwise $60-80+ per person if you are fine dining here for dinner. Lobster ravioli, salmon dish and cheesecake for dessert, enough said.

Nourish: Pretty spot in town with wall sized paintings and soothing colours. I enjoy an almond latte whenever I can. Longer waiting times when it’s packed so order ahead of time if you have children. Budget is $30-35 for breakfast or lunch.

All Things Sweet : As the name suggests, this is a dessert spot for many who like sugar. Something chocolatey and something caramel, you will find here. Also good coffee but limited seating. Budget $25-30 and cheaper for quick desserts.

Ten Below : Chicken, beef or fish wraps are a favourite here and a family box at $50, it’s a hit.

Milani: Great food, great spot. You will find plenty of expats and tourists here. Parking is a struggle as it's in the middle of town so find parking at a distance and take a little walk. Budget for $35-40 if you are eating here for lunch.

You can easily find these spots on google map today. Kofe Haus if you are at Vaitele area and Taumeasina Island Resort if you want to look at the pool or beach while having coffee. For great pizza, Georgies in town or Giordano’s if you have a higher budget. I will mention resorts in the next chat.

Wherever you go, make sure you take plenty o time and order ahead of time if you have hungry kids. Take activities while you wait. Enjoy!