New Caledonia is one of the South Pacific's most beautiful destinations, and is certainly home to more than its fair share of gastronomical delights. If you think French and Pacific fusion food is right up your alley, why not visit New Caledonia for a tasty tour? Here are some of the island nation's culinary highlights all found in the capital city of Noumea on the island of Grande Terre, where most of the country's population resides.
About the food in New Caledonia
New Caledonia has a range of delicious foods that draw inspiration from countries and ethnicities all around the world. French, Pacific, Vietnamese and Melanesian influences - amongst others - are common throughout the country. From taro and chicken wrapped in banana tree leaves and cooked in underground ovens to rich and freshly prepared French crepes, there's something to suit every palate, though we recommend trying a bite of it all.
Where to eat in New Caledonia
If you're looking for French cuisine, you can't go past a l'ImprOoviste, a relaxed eatery with mouthwatering French dinner and desserts. Sink your teeth into a delicious grilled beef fillet but make sure you leave some room for dessert. You're not going to want to go past the creme brulee or profiteroles. You can find this great restaurant at 158 rue Benebig, Noumea. Enjoy even more sumptuous fare at the Art Cafe at 30 Rue Duquesne, in Noumea's Latin Quarter. This intimate gem serves up everything from breakfast to dinner, and its oysters are particularly popular.
Come early, stay a while and soak in the interesting artwork, relaxed vibe and bubbling creative atmosphere. There's a new art exhibition every month, plus live acoustic music to relax to every Friday evening. Sit back and relax with a plate of oysters or cheese, or order your favourite cheesy delight off the pizza menu. For some more locally-inspired flavours, head to Les Copains d'Aboards at 12 bis rue du Docteur. With breakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee menus you can experience local food any time of the day. Make sure you order some seafood to get a real taste of Pacific flavour. The prawns are a real delight, as are the oysters.
More delicious cuisine abounds at Le Bintz, which is located overlooking the water at the Port du Sud Marina, 5 bis rue Barrau. With a la carte lunch and dinner you can expect beautiful seafood dinners and more to match the stunning view you get of the ocean as you dine. There's also a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, so the menu changes regularly to reflect the best of what's on offer in New Caledonia. For a taste of Chinese fare, visit Fortuna restaurant. On 58 Victory Avenue in the Latin Quarter, you can enjoy your favourite Chinese dishes, from soups of all varieties to duck cooked in citrus, ginger-infused fish, beef, pork and chicken noodles and rice plus a whole host of vegetarian delights.
Finally, when it comes to a truly delectable dessert meal, you simply cannot ignore La Sorbetiere. Head to 33 Promenade Roger Laroque in the Baie Des Citrons district, and enjoy your fill of over 75 locally-made ice cream and sorbet flavours. Then there are the crepes and waffles that come in all types and all sorts of sauces you can imagine, plus milkshakes, juices, snacks and more. Make an evening of it by dining in, or grab a delicious cone to take away and slurp at as you wander down Noumea's balmy streets. If all of this cuisine has you feeling hungry, contact a travel agent today to plan your journey to New Caledonia.
