From opulent resorts to charming colonial estates, Mauritius beckons discerning diners with its fusion of flavours — an eclectic combination that has been influenced by Indian, Chinese, African and European culinary traditions. Combined with a consistently postcard-worthy tropical backdrop of turquoise lagoons, lush mountains, white powdery sands and a gentle warm breeze, the culinary scene on the island is alluring on a multi-sensory level. So if you have an Indian Ocean getaway planned soon, here are the best restaurants to book to experience the best of Mauritian cuisine.
Le Château De Bel Ombre
Set within a 19th-century plantation house on the grounds of Le Chateau Golf Course, this former family home surrounds its diners with period elegance. Wood-panelled walls, cornicing, crystal chandeliers, gilt mirrors and antique wooden tables with intricate carvings are paired with linen tablecloths, and plush upholstered cream chairs to ensure patrons are sufficiently comfortable to savour many courses in true French fine dining style. The cooking follows a farm-to-plate philosophy and delivers the flavours of Mauritius. A dinner service is provided daily from 7 pm, with lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and if you want to stay overnight you can even book a night in the first suite, with its canopy bed and butler service to complete this extraordinary and not to be missed experience on the island.
Signature
Set within the stunning Anahita Golf and Spa Resort, Signature Restaurant is more than just a restaurant, it’s an innovative dining concept. Merging cutting-edge 3D visual technology, image mapping, and experiential props with fine dining, the culinary experience becomes a feast for all the senses. The menu and the story change in accordance with the theme of the ‘show’ but one thing is for sure guests are guaranteed an unforgettable experience in this intimate and highly unique restaurant. Dress code is smart casual.
Inti
Peruvian food may not be what you’d expected on arrival in Mauritius, but an abundance of fresh fish and southern hemisphere vegetables ensures its suitability for this part of the globe. Based within the Lux Resort, Inti offers a dinner service (every day except Sunday) by Chef Pedro Burgos. If you’re staying here, do be aware that Inti is not part of the half, full board or all-inclusive packages, but it is discounted for guests and well worth an additional spend. Begin your meal with an aperitif and aperitivo such as empanadas; then feast on South American tapas, skewers and ceviche; followed by a rib-eye steak, huge langoustines or a green risotto; and finally a portion of churros.
Umami
The word umami is Japanese for a ‘pleasant, savoury taste’ and is part of the five established basic tastes. But it’s fair to say that the food you’ll encounter here is far more than pleasant. Rather it’s exquisite, offering lunch and dinner in contemporary surroundings (its illuminated blue bar makes for an eye-catching centrepiece). On the menu are sashimi, nigiri and maki, Kobe beef and Australian lamb cooked on the in-house robata grill, and teppanyaki dishes heated in the show kitchen over a dramatic flame. Do pair your food with some saké — there are at least 30 types in the cellar, along with a wealth of Japanese whiskeys.
Gin’ja
Gaze past the palm trees to the sea, as you await your poached lobster at Gin’ja. It’s part of the Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort, serving a sophisticated Pan-Asian menu nightly. Dishes like sushi, pad Thai, flaming lobster and nasi goreng can be ordered, along with champagne by the glass. A top tip here to elevate your meal to another level is to book your table to coincide with sunset; the views are the best in the complex, making it a romantic spot for a proposal or special occasion.
Le Chamarel Restaurant
When it comes to views, those from this restaurant are almost impossible to beat. Set among the treetops, 250 metres above sea level, it’s part of the Le Pavillon de Case Noyale private estate. Showcasing Creole food, music and culture, Le Chamarel provides a sense of immersion. Come here for breakfast, morning (French pressed) coffee and freshly baked pastries, or for a signature lunch; La Table Créole, where you’ll be invited to discover an array of local flavours. Later in the afternoon, you can enjoy some Rhumtails (homemade rum infused with Mauritian fruits and spices) and snacks.
Le Capitaine
Surrounded by a fertile and warm ocean, Mauritius excels in seafood. And this is one of the oldest establishments on the island to serve it. You’ll find the appropriately maritime-named establishment in the village of Grand Bay, where it’s been welcoming guests since 1989. Baked crab gratin with heart of palm; crispy zaatar marinated tiger prawns in lobster bisque cream; lobster ravioli; and braised Babonne fish fillet are among the delicacies you can feast on at Le Capitaine. Naturally, the restaurant overlooks the water, and a wooden pier.
Acquapazza
Tuscan Chef Marco Garfagnini, who’s no stranger to a Michelin star, took the reins at Acquapazza in 2022. The restaurant offers family-style dining with the likes of woodfired pizzettas, seafood, Marco’s own Japanese-inspired secret pasta recipe and his signature dolce. A la carte, vegan, vegetarian and five-course tasting menus are served, alongside a gourmet kids’ menu that’s a far cry from chicken nuggets and beans. The teak indoor-outdoor restaurant features large pizza ovens and a rustic open kitchen area. Laid-back, yet stylish, Acquapazza is ideal for families seeking a relaxed, but refined meal.
Noble House
Seeking to revive the lost recipes of a time gone by, when ships carried precious spices, ingredients and textiles across the trade routes, Noble House pays tribute to local origins. Alongside these signature dishes, there are those from around the world, crafted from sustainable ingredients to create healthy, flavour-filled meals. Guests will find vegetarian, gluten-free, halal and vegan options on the menus, which include the likes of wok-fried lobster with tamarind sauce, braised lamb leg with Massaman curry paste, coconut milk and pumpkin and ice cream tempura.
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La Table du Château
While most upscale eateries on the island have sea and sand as their vistas, this one has a castle (majestically illuminated after dark). Found on the grounds of Domaine de Labourdonnais, among manicured lawns and a hundred-year-old lychee tree, the restaurant’s tables are set outside in a tableau of green. The fruits and vegetables served as part of the meals also originate here, plucked from the Labourdonnais’ orchards. Most of the rest come from within the area, predominantly a nearby market. La Table du Château’s seasonal menus are prepared by Chef Fabio de Poli.
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