Port Denarau is the heart of Fiji, where visitors flock to the marina each day to go island-hopping.
To make your vacation easier (and tastier), I’ve created a Fiji Food Guide that highlights the best restaurants at Port Denarau that I have personally tried, so that you can decide exactly which ones are for you.
1. Nadina Authentic Fijian Restaurant
If you want to experience real Fijian flavors without leaving Port Denarau, Nadina Authentic Fijian Restaurant is the place to go. This is where tourists and locals alike gather here for a true taste of Fijian — fresh seafood, smoky meats, and hearty island-style dishes cooked the traditional way.
Nadina is tucked away toward the back of the Port Denarau shopping complex, right beside the Indian restaurant Indigo. It’s easy to miss if you’re just strolling past, but that hidden feel adds to the charm. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, and if you can, grab a table by the water. As the sun sets over the marina, you’ll get one of the best dinner views in Port Denarau, all while sipping on an ice cold beer or a tropical cocktail. In my case, Fiji Bitter.
The menu celebrates Fijian classics, made with love and plenty of coconut milk. One standout is Kokoda, Fiji’s version of ceviche, made from raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut cream. It’s refreshing, tangy, and perfectly balances richness with acidity. Every restaurant has its own twist, but Nadina’s version is one of the best, light, flavorful, and memorable.
Another must-try is Kovu, a traditional Fijian specialty where your choice of chicken, fish, pork, or vegetables is marinated with turmeric, ginger, and onions, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare, so order it as soon as you sit down. The result is tender, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, a dish that really showcases authentic Fijian cooking. We chose the seafood version, which cost the most, but it was worth every penny. Just note that the portion is pretty small so you definitely want to get a few appetizers or another main dish to go with your meal.
For seafood lovers, the grilled octopus is a highlight. Don’t let the size of the tentacles intimidate you. The texture is perfectly tender, with just the right hint of smokiness from the grill. It’s a dish that surprises many first-timers with its depth of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Finish your meal with a sweet local treat, Tavioka Vakalolo. This dessert features steamed cassava balls infused with coconut and sugar, creating a chewy, comforting, and distinctly Fijian finale to your dinner. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
2. Bonefish Seafood Restaurant
Located right along the Port Denarau waterfront, Bonefish Seafood is one of the best spots for a relaxed yet elegant dinner by the marina. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, but the real charm lies in the tables by the water where you can watch the sunset while you dine. The view is unbeatable, especially in the evening when the sky turns shades of pink and gold, creating the perfect backdrop for a seafood feast.
As the name suggests, Bonefish is all about seafood. The menu ranges from grilled fish and prawns to lobster platters and tropical curries, but if you want something truly memorable, go for the Whole Mud Crab in Coconut Sauce. It’s the star of the night — rich, fragrant, and full of flavor. The mud crab is cooked in a thick coconut sauce that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and gently spicy. It’s messy to eat, but absolutely worth it. Out of the three crab dishes we tried during our time in Fiji, this one easily came out on top.
We also ordered Fiji’s Famous Kokoda, a local staple that every traveler should try at least once. The fresh fish is marinated in lime juice, then mixed with coconut cream, tomatoes, onions, and chili. The end product is refreshing, creamy, and bursting with tropical flavor — the kind of dish that encourages me to recreate it in my own kitchen.
To balance the meal, we added a plate of Crisp Fried Calamari, lightly battered and fried to golden perfection. The calamari was tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, perfectly paired with their homemade tartar sauce. It’s a simple dish done right, and a great appetizer to share over a cold Fiji Gold beer.
Bonefish offers the same relaxed yet elegant atmosphere that makes Port Denarau’s dining scene so enjoyable. The service is friendly, the cocktails are great, and the view alone is worth coming back for. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion in Fiji or just looking for a fresh seafood feast after island hopping, Bonefish delivers every time.
3. Sails @ Denarau
Just a short three-minute walk east from the Port Denarau shopping area, Sails Restaurant is one of the most popular spots for waterfront dining. If you’re celebrating something special, this is the place to do it. We saw several birthday parties while we were there, and it’s easy to see why. The lively atmosphere, open-air setting, and stunning views over the marina make it an ideal choice for a memorable night out. It’s best to make a reservation in advance through their website, especially if you want one of those coveted tables right by the water.
The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, but most guests choose to sit outside to enjoy the harbor view at night. We were initially seated indoors but later asked to move to a table by the water. The staff couldn’t have been more accommodating, quickly helping us make the switch with a smile. That level of service really adds to the overall experience, warm, friendly, and effortless.
Sails is best known for its gigantic Seafood Platter, which can easily feed four to six people. It’s piled high with grilled fish, prawns, mussels, and other local catches, making it a favorite for groups and families. Since it was just the two of us, we went for two standout main dishes instead.
First up was Mama Raj’s Signature Crab Curry, a truly unique Fijian creation that blends Indian curry spices with the sweetness of fresh crab. It’s a rare combination in Indian cuisine, and it works beautifully. The crab takes center stage, while the curry acts as a rich, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for dipping your roti. Sails nailed the balance of spice and creaminess, making this dish an absolute must-try.
Our second choice was the Celebration Fish, the restaurant’s famous whole fish that takes about forty minutes to prepare. The wait is worth every minute. The skin comes out perfectly crispy while the meat inside stays tender and juicy. It’s served with a rich house-made sauce and extra dips on the side. We were already impressed by the crab, but the fish completely stole the show, a true standout dish that lives up to its name.
Between the incredible food, beautiful harbor views, and genuinely welcoming staff, Sails delivers one of the best dining experiences in Port Denarau. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or just want a great meal by the water, this restaurant is an easy recommendation.
4. Indigo Indian Asian Restaurant & Bar
Indian cuisine in Fiji has its own distinctive charm. Instead of strictly following traditional recipes, it embraces the islands’ abundance of fresh seafood and tropical ingredients, creating a unique fusion that highlights natural flavors rather than overpowering them with heavy spices. The result is a lighter, more coastal take on Indian food that perfectly fits Fiji’s laid-back island vibe.
Indigo is the only Indian restaurant at Port Denarau, and it’s almost always busy at dinner time. Located right along the waterfront beside Nadina, it’s a favorite stop for travelers returning from a day of snorkeling or island hopping. The open-air seating and lively atmosphere make it a wonderful spot to unwind with a cold drink and a flavorful curry as the marina lights twinkle in the background.
After trying the incredible crab curry at Sails, we couldn’t resist comparing it with Indigo’s version. We ordered the Masala Mud Crab Curry, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes and a must-try for seafood lovers. The crab here was noticeably larger than the one we had at Sails, cooked to perfection and drenched in a thick, flavorful curry sauce. The curry itself wasn’t spicy, but it was bursting with layers of warm Indian spices that added depth without overpowering the crab.
We usually go for lamb or vegetarian curries at Indian restaurants, but since we were in Fiji, the seafood twist was too tempting to pass up. Paired with a side of fresh naan, it was absolutely delicious — rich, comforting, and full of flavor.
In addition to the crab, their broader Heritage Gourmet Menu includes several dishes inspired by different regions of India, many reimagined for a refined yet rich flavor profile. Everything feels thoughtful, from sourcing fresh local produce to balancing spice, texture and aroma.
One great bonus: if you don’t feel like dining out, Indigo offers free delivery on Denarau Island for orders FJD 150 (which isn’t a lot if you have two people or more), so you can enjoy their food without leaving your room or resort.
Between the friendly service, relaxed waterfront setting, and creative take on Indian flavors, Indigo is a standout choice for anyone craving something different from the typical island fare.
5. Cafe O (Breakfast/Brunch)
Located on the ground floor of The Palms Apartments, right across from Port Denarau, Cafe O is the perfect spot for a relaxed breakfast or lunch before heading out to the islands. The atmosphere is bright and casual, with both indoor and outdoor seating that looks out toward the pool.
Their menu covers everything from hearty breakfasts and fresh salads to pizzas, burgers, and seafood. The Potatocake breakfast is a crowd favorite, and their coconut shrimp and fresh smoothies are great for a light midday meal. They also serve excellent coffee and homemade desserts, including a moist coconut cake that’s worth saving room for.
Since I stayed at The Palms, I had the option to order breakfast straight to my room for a small surcharge, and it was such a treat. The pancakes were fluffy and buttery, and the eggs benedict were perfectly cooked — both absolutely delicious and a great way to start the day.
Café O isn’t the cheapest spot around, but the quality, friendly service, and unbeatable convenience make it one of the best casual dining choices at Port Denarau.
