The Food Guide to Wallis & Futuna: Places to Eat & Food Tours

Which is the best island for a foodie getaway, Wallis or Futuna? When it comes to culinary adventures, each island offers its own distinct flavour of paradise. Choosing between Wallis and Futuna really depends on what kind of foodie experience you're after.

Wallis is your go-to destination if you love variety and dining options. You'll discover a surprising mix of restaurants here, from authentic Asian cuisine to proper pizzerias, all sitting alongside the usual French-Pacific fusion fare that defines the islands.

What we personally love about Wallis is how accessible the traditional cooking experiences are. Food tours offer genuine opportunities to learn about umu, the traditional Wallisian cooking method that's absolutely fascinating to witness. The island also hosts more frequent cultural events where visitors are warmly invited to join massive traditional umu feasts that literally feed the entire community.

Futuna, on the other hand, offers something completely different and equally rewarding. This island is perfect for food lovers who want to connect directly with their food sources.

Fishing charters are more readily available here, giving you the chance to catch your own dinner. You'll also get to explore unique growing conditions that differ dramatically from Wallis, particularly the extensive taro plantations that are a sight to behold.

There's even a historical umu oven on Futuna that locals claim was once used for, shall we say, less appetising purposes involving human cuisine (though we digress...).

Discover more about the best islands for food in Wallis and Futuna in our complete foodie guides covering each unique dining landscape across this fascinating French territory:

• The Food Guide to Wallis: Places to Eat & Food Tours
• The Food Guide to Futuna: Places to Eat & Food Tours

And for more comparisons between the two islands, check out Which is Better, Wallis or Futuna?

Make indulging your palate part of the experience by exploring the authentic food culture of Wallis and Futuna. While formal food tours are limited, Wallis and Futuna offers genuine cultural food experiences through fishing charters and cultural kava drinking sessions.

Traditional Earth Oven Cooking Experience with Havili Siliva

Join Havili Siliva's full-day cultural excursion for one of the most authentic food experiences in Wallis. After arriving by traditional outrigger canoe at one of Wallis' paradisical motu, you'll start with a fresh fruit breakfast featuring seasonal papaya, mango, pineapple and grapefruit. The real magic begins when you roll up your sleeves to help prepare a traditional earth oven (umu).

This hands-on cooking experience teaches you essential Polynesian culinary skills: grating fresh coconut, making coconut milk from scratch, and preparing ingredients for the underground oven. You'll learn how locals have cooked for centuries, burying food in heated stones and earth to create incredibly tender, smoky-flavoured dishes.

While your meal slow-cooks underground, you can participate in traditional food gathering activities like shell collecting, learning which marine foods are safe to eat and how they're traditionally prepared. The culmination is sharing the earth oven feast with your group.

Of course, the boat touring aspect of this trip is also a highlight, as described in the 10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Wallis & Futuna.

Fishing with Tautai Taxi Boat

Tautai Taxi Boat's expert skipper Samino Tufele delivers unforgettable deep-sea fishing adventures in one of the South Pacific's most untouched fishing grounds. But for foodies, the real magic happens when your fresh catch becomes part of a spectacular French and Futunan fusion feast.

Full-day fishing excursions provide the perfect farm-to-table experience on the water, where you'll experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing and enjoy a generous French and Futunan fusion lunch showcasing the island's unique culinary heritage. With all gear, bait and expert guidance included, it's ideal for food-loving beginners looking to land their first big catch.

The waters surrounding Futuna teem with marine life, offering excellent chances to hook anything from tuna to mahimahi whilst enjoying breathtaking coastal views. Samino's infectious passion and local expertise create an authentic culinary adventure where you'll witness the complete journey from ocean to plate, understanding traditional fishing methods and tasting fresh, locally-caught fish prepared using Futunan techniques.

Learn more about this fishing tour at the Tautai Taxi Boat website and see more boat tours in the 10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Wallis & Futuna.

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Visit the World's Remotest Brewery at Brasserie Wallis et Futuna

Visit Wallis and Futuna's only brewery, and possibly the world's most remote brewery, at the Brasserie Wallis et Futuna.

This hidden gem welcomes casual visitors for informal brewery tours, especially magical when the brewer is present in the evenings to explain the craft over a cold one.

Sample three signature beers: the malty Belgian-style double ale "1966" (named after Wallis's first international rugby event), the refreshing blonde ale "Tokalei" (featuring Jacques Chirac with flower garlands on the label), and the citrusy white beer "Oceania".

Beyond brewing, this local hangout transforms into the island's social hub Wednesday to Saturday, with DJ nights on Fridays and karaoke sessions starting at midnight on Saturdays.

Learn more about local drinks in Traditional Wallis & Futuna Food: 5 Foods & Drinks to Try.

Drink Kava at a Fale Tauasu

Be part of the cultural story by taking part in a kava drinking session at one of Futuna's fale tauasu.

These traditional fale structures are distinctly different from anything you'll encounter on Wallis.

Positioned strategically opposite churches (perhaps so God can keep an eye on proceedings!), these community gathering spots come alive after dark. Local men sit cross-legged on woven mats, sharing shells of earthy kava while discussing island life, politics and everything in between.

While traditionally a male-dominated activity, women tourists are warmly welcomed to participate. You'll learn proper kava etiquette: remove your shoes before stepping on the mats, sit respectfully during introductions, drink the entire shell before returning it and be prepared to introduce yourself as locals will be genuinely intrigued about your story.

The best way to join a tauasu is to simply ask around; at your hotel, taxi boat or whoever you will meet. It won't be long until you find a regular tauasu-goer who will be happy to invite you along.

Learn more about local drinks in Traditional Wallis & Futuna Food: 5 Foods & Drinks to Try.

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Take Part in Village and District Saint Day Feasts

Throughout the year, Wallis' 21 villages and three districts celebrate feast days dedicated to their patron saints, offering visitors an incredible window into authentic community life.

While these aren't structured tours, they represent some of the most genuine cultural food experiences you'll find if you're lucky enough to be on the island during a village celebration. Each feast day follows the same cherished format, beginning with a morning Catholic mass to honour the patron saint.

Following the service, you'll witness a traditional kava ceremony where local royalty and the king often participate. The cultural performances are absolutely captivating, showcasing centuries-old traditions through dance and song.

The highlight is undoubtedly the community feast, where lunch is lovingly prepared in traditional umu (earth ovens) and offered completely free to everyone, including visitors. This generous hospitality embodies the true spirit of Wallisian culture.

Learn more about these spectacular events in the 10 Biggest Events & Festivals in Wallis & Futuna.

Visit a Taro Plantation

Simple but fascinating, Futuna utilises its valleys by diverting streams to keep the beds of taro plantations (tarodière) with the correct layer of moisture for taro to thrive.

This root crop is a staple across the South Pacific, and witnessing the ingenious irrigation systems that have sustained island communities for generations offers a genuine glimpse into traditional agricultural practices.

Tarodière de Nuku is the largest plantation and well worth a quick detour to observe the impressive tiers of taro fields making their way up the valley slopes.

The terraced fields create a stunning visual landscape, with emerald green leaves cascading down the mountainsides in perfectly organised rows.

At the Vainifao River, you'll discover additional taro plantations alongside the bonus of a refreshing freshwater cascade where you can take a dip. This river holds special significance as it marks the boundary between the two kingdoms of Alo and Sigave.

The Gutuvai Plantation also offers excellent views of traditional taro cultivation methods.

You'll find dining in Wallis and Futuna to be an intimate affair, with a small selection of eateries that combine Pacific flavours with French culinary traditions.

From established restaurants serving Pacific French fusion cuisine (with fresh seafood taking centre stage) to charming local and expat-run garden restaurants that operate by reservation only, each dining experience here feels special and personal.

The dining styles differ beautifully between the islands. On Futuna, you'll encounter set menus that showcase the chef's creativity, while Wallis offers the classic French à la carte experience where you can craft your perfect plate with various accompagnements (sides) and sauces.

To experience the full spectrum of Wallis and Futuna's culinary scene, here are more details about the best places to eat in Wallis and Futuna in categories of the best restaurants, best home dining experiences, best hotel restaurants and more.

The Best Restaurants in Wallis and Futuna

French sophistication meets Pacific soul in the most delicious way at the restaurants of Wallis and Futuna.

Koko Bay (Vailala, Wallis)

Picture yourself watching the sun melt into the lagoon whilst savouring French-Pacific fusion at Koko Bay , where the laid-back coastal charm is as irresistible as their signature "Bento de la Mer". This beachfront favourite serves up fresh local seafood alongside their famous "Burger Paysanne" made with premium New Zealand beef, all accompanied by creative cocktails and French wines.

Beach Club (Liku, Wallis)

The sister restaurant of Koko Bay, sophisticated diners flock to Beach Club for its lagoon-edge setting. The annually refreshed menu combines local flavours with international flair. Don't miss their renowned Asian fish salad or expertly prepared beef tartare. Come Thursday through Sunday, the atmosphere transforms into a vibrant nightlife scene with dancing and karaoke.

Bambou Restaurant (Leava, Futuna)

Set on stunning Leava Bay, Bambou Restaurant serves up the island's finest seafood alongside breathtaking water views. Their signature sashimi and fish tartare, enhanced by a secret homemade red sauce that locals absolutely rave about, showcase the abundant marine bounty surrounding Futuna. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with cocktails to complement the fresh catch.

Snack Non Stop (Leava, Futuna)

When hunger strikes during your Futuna road trip, Snack Non Stop becomes your reliable saviour. This welcoming spot stands out as the only restaurant with a consistent menu, meaning faster service when you're craving everything from crispy sandwiches and specialty sashimi to hearty beef dishes and delightful ice cream. Meleto and his friendly team keep their terraced restaurant open all day, every day.

Chez Youyou (Mala'efo'ou, Wallis)

Hidden away on the southern lagoon, Chez Youyou holds the distinction of being Wallis and Futuna's only Asian restaurant. This family-run waterfront gem continues the culinary legacy of its original Vietnamese chef, serving house specialities like chow mein and seafood gratin, plus authentic bánh mì sandwiches for both dine-in and takeaway.

Maloccino (Mata'Utu, Wallis)

Locals know to treat themselves at Maloccino, where Pacific-French fusion cuisine is served in an attractive garden verandah setting. The sophisticated menu features succulent lobster, daily fresh fish and sashimi alongside magret de canard and côte de bœuf. What makes "Malo" truly special are the daily changing lunch specials and its remarkable backstory of resilience after relocating inland.

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The Best Home Dining Experiences in Wallis and Futuna

For a truly personal dining experience you'll have in Futuna, several local families open their homes to create intimate culinary adventures you won't find anywhere else.

La Cuisine (Nuku, Futuna)

French culinary excellence meets island charm at La Cuisine, where Patrick (a Bocuse Institute-trained chef) and Vincent (former British Airways steward) create weekly-changing menus. From Monday takeaway sandwiches to Saturday's elegant terrace dining, their themed approach ensures something special every visit. Bookings essential for this authentic taste of France with local touches, including dishes like courgette flower fritters and homemade cassoulet.

Chez Malia Ana (Vele, Futuna)

You'll never guess that a humble garage could transform into such a charming restaurant until you discover Chez Malia Ana (Vele). Bamboo and creatively repurposed drainpipe walls, adorned with colourful flowers, create a surprisingly welcoming atmosphere with stunning beach views. Daily menus depend on fresh catch, featuring everything from Vietnamese-style bánh mì to their famous stuffed pig. Essential to book ahead (822031 or 835483) and agree on pricing.

The Best Hotel Restaurants in Wallis and Futuna

Hotel restaurants offer some of Wallis and Futuna's most reliable dining experiences, though we recommend booking ahead to avoid a leisurely two-hour wait for your meal.

Fiafia Hotel (Nuku, Wallis)

Climb the spiral staircase within the charming Fiafia Hotel to discover perfectly crispy thin-crust pizzas and occasional French specials like succulent roasted suckling pork. Sundays become exclusive for hotel guests, featuring fresh local seafood and traditional rabbit preparations. Open 7 pm Monday to Saturday for the public, with takeaway pizzas available without advance booking.

Fiafia Hotel (Toloke, Wallis)

The Somalama Hotel serves what we consider the island's best local lemonade alongside French-style cuisine with distinctive local influences. Their talented kitchen specialises in expertly prepared fresh fish and seafood, with their signature coconut crab available for pre-order. Free parking makes this northern location easily accessible, with no set menu ensuring fresh daily offerings.

Contemporary meals enjoyed and found in American Samoa mostly reflect Asian and American cuisine with deep-fried food, chop suey, tacos, pizzas and burgers being national favourites. When it comes to the roots of American Samoan cooking, however, the traditional meals and ingredients have gone mostly unchanged for centuries and American Samoa certainly has its fair share of dishes to try.

Traditional Meals of Wallis and Futuna

One of the most cherished culinary traditions you'll encounter in Wallis and Futuna is the umu, an ancient underground cooking method that transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical. Hot volcanic rocks are placed in an underground pit, creating a natural earth oven that slowly cooks pork, fresh fish and local seafood to perfection, resulting in incredibly tender, smoky-flavoured meat.

For a delightful sweet treat, you'll want to try faikai, a beloved local dessert that showcases the islands' tropical bounty. This traditional delicacy starts with grated cassava or taro, expertly mixed with rich coconut milk to create a smooth, sweet dough that's lovingly cooked in fragrant coconut syrup.

There's a lot more where that came from, so head to our guide, Traditional Wallis and Futuna Food & Drink: 5 Foods to Try for more meals.

Where to Try Traditional Food in Wallis and Futuna

The best place to try traditional umu cooking is during village and district saint days, as listed in the 10 Biggest Events & Festivals in Wallis & Futuna. During district celebrations, like the May 1st St Joseph festivities in Mu'a, locals prepare traditional umu feasts and generously offer lunch to everyone, no payment required. According to locals, tourists are warmly welcomed to join these community gatherings.

For faikai and other traditional sweets, visit annual markets also listed in the 10 Biggest Events & Festivals in Wallis & Futuna.

Wallisian and Futunan Drinks

Perhaps a little easier to try on the go, you can sample kava at fale tauasu on Futuna and local beer at the brewery itself, as well as restaurants around Wallis. Check out Traditional Wallis and Futuna Food & Drink: 5 Foods to Try for more details.

Kava holds a special place in Wallisian and Futunan culture, and we love how it brings communities together. Made from ground pepper plant root and mixed with bottled water, it's generally safe to drink and offers a uniquely cultural experience.

On Futuna, you'll discover fale tauasu (traditional kava bars) positioned opposite churches in each village. After dark, local men gather on woven mats to drink kava and chat about island life. Getting invited is surprisingly straightforward; simply mention your interest to hotel hosts or locals you meet.

On Walis, visit one of the world's most remote breweries and taste three distinctive local craft beers from Brasserie Wallis et Futuna. We're big fans of their 1966 Belgian-style double ale, named after Wallis's first international rugby match, with rich, malty flavours.

The refreshing Tokalei blonde ale offers easy drinking with subtle aromatics, whilst Oceania delivers light citrus notes perfect for the tropical climate. The casual brewery welcomes visitors for informal tastings, especially when the brewer's present to share brewing stories.

So, what about if you want to cater for yourself? Perhaps you have food allergies that you'd like to keep in check (if it's a gluten allergy, then check out The Gluten-Free Guide to Wallis and Futuna). Or maybe you just want to save some money. Whatever the reason, self-catering is totally viable across both islands in Wallis and Futuna.

Self-catering on Wallis is surprisingly straightforward, with several large supermarkets and convenience stores scattered around the island. Stores here stock a mix of imports from France and New Zealand, giving you plenty of variety to work with.

SEM Supermarché (Fenuarama Shopping Centre, Mata'Utu, Wallis) is your best bet for budget-friendly shopping. This largest supermarket on the island comes complete with a bakery, deli, fresh fruit and vegetables (including some lovely local options) and a liquor section. Just a heads up: you won't be able to pick up any alcohol on Sundays due to local law.

If you're after something a bit more upmarket, Interwallis, just down the road from SEM, offers premium French speciality products that we personally love for treating yourself during your stay. For quick essentials, Mini Mart runs a chain of convenience stores across the island, with their "L'After" branches open 24/7 (perfect for late-night snack runs).

Self-catering on Futuna is a bit more challenging, mainly because there are fewer self-catering accommodation options available. SERF Votre Supermarché in Nuku tends to have the best prices, whilst Sigave Distribution in Fiua and Cowafdis in Leava are also well worth checking out.

Two important things to note across both islands: all product ingredients are written in French (download a translation app beforehand), and supermarkets close for two hours during lunch (typically 12 pm to 2 pm or 3 pm). Plan your shopping trips accordingly!

For a complete breakdown of supermarkets, shops, insider tips and what to expect, check out A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in Wallis and Futuna.

When it comes to gastronomical experiences at your accommodation, Wallis and Futuna has a choice of accommodations with fabulous restaurants or self-catering accommodation, should you want to spruce something up with local ingredients.

Although we outline all your options in the article Where to Stay in Wallis & Futuna, here are some of our top picks for foodies.

Lausikula Guest House

When we visited Lausikula Guest House in the heart of Lotoalahi village, we were struck by how perfectly hosts Marielle and Manuel have combined modern comfort with genuine local hospitality - but what truly sets this place apart for foodies is Manu's exceptional passion for cooking.

Manu can prepare dinner on request, usually incorporating French and Italian influences that reflect his culinary passion. Trying a meal during your stay is an absolute must!

With complimentary continental breakfast each morning, incorporating locally made confitures and honey, as well as free laundry service, complimentary kayaks and bicycles for exploring, it's that genuine local experience that's becoming harder to find these days. They even offer airport transfers and car rental exclusively for guests.

As for the room, their spacious home features three uniquely designed, air-conditioned rooms. Each comes with its own private bathroom and modern conveniences like TV, fridge, coffee/tea-making facilities, microwave and free WiFi (always a bonus).

Learn more about what makes Lausikula Guest House ideal for foodies, and book your stay at the Lausikula Guest House website!

Somalama Hotel

While you're venturing north, don't miss the chance to stop by the restaurant of the Somalama Hotel.

The hotel boasts 11 exceptionally spacious rooms with ensuite bathroom facilities and free WiFi, making it perfect for foodie travellers seeking comfortable accommodation.

Renowned for serving the island's best local lemonade (according to us) alongside French-style cuisine with distinctive local influences, this welcoming establishment has become a favourite among both locals and visitors.

The talented kitchen specialises in fresh fish and seafood, expertly prepared when available from local waters. Don't miss the opportunity to pre-order their signature coconut crab!

Hotel guests enjoy complimentary breakfast daily, while the restaurant welcomes external diners Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner service.

As with most of Futuna's restaurants, there is no set menu, so pop in and ask what's cooking or call ahead for faster service.

See what else Somalama has to offer and book your stay at the Somalama Hotel website.

Hotel Fiafia

Located up the spiral staircase within the charming Fiafia Hotel, this cosy restaurant offers pizzas and French specials.

The menu centres around pizzas, with just the right crunch in the thin crusts, though the kitchen occasionally surprises guests with special dishes like succulent roasted suckling pork or aromatic couscous that showcase the chef's French culinary training. For those on the go, takeaway pizzas are available without the need for advance booking.

Sunday dining takes on an exclusive character, reserved solely for hotel guests and featuring a special menu highlighting fresh local seafood and traditional preparations like rabbit, creating an intimate atmosphere where travellers can connect over local flavours.

Hotel Fiafia sits in Nuku, just five minutes' drive from Leava and a winner at balancing comfort with character.

The hotel's standout feature has to be its eccentrically decorated rooms, accessed via a charming spiral staircase that sets the scene for the unique experience ahead. Premium rooms are adorned with antiques, religious relics and some even feature stained glass windows, including the famous "Napoleon Room" where every surface is covered in collectable items.

But you don't have to sleep among antiques if you don't want to; there are a variety of accommodation options across the nine rooms.