With its elegant French charm and winding coastal streets, Noumea, New Caledonia prides itself in being ‘Europe in the South Pacific’ and with that kind of title, I expected some amazing French pastries and croissants – and was definitely not disappointed!

Just 2 hours from Brisbane direct, or just under 3 from Sydney on Aircalin, you can find yourself in Australia’s closest South Pacific neighbour. As a big foodie, I always look for the best places to eat on holidays, and New Caledonia was a step above most in so many ways!

Read on for my favourite places to eat in Noumea in 2023.
 

Quick bite

I am a big fan of quality food on the run. With my days jam-packed in Noumea, I sometimes didn’t have time to stop for a meal, and thankfully these places had my needs sorted.

• L’Atelier Gourmand
  Around 50 metres from my Hotel Le Legon, I was treated to fresh croissants, French style bread, pre-made sandwiches, salads and baguettes! Great value for money – c’est magnifique!
• Local Markets (every day except Mondays) until 11.30am
  Very close to the main visitor centre, where you are likely to be waiting for your boat transfers or cruises - The perfect place to immerse yourself in French culture and buy some cheese, crepes, baguettes and French wine!
• Casino Supermarket - open 7 days
  Closest to Baie des Citrons in Port Plaisance.A large well stocked supermarket where you can stock up on supplies, a quick bite to eat and enjoy exotic food options.
   

Bars with light eats

Noumea has some great sunsets, so grab a bottle of wine and sit on the beach or try these bars:

• MV Lounge at Baie des Citrons
  Where you can sit on bean bags or chairs right on the beach and watch the sunset. A great selection of cocktails, and dining options are amazing, make sure to visit when hungry!
• Single Fin
  A casual, beachside hidden bar with light tasty food options and some epic cocktails. Definitely worth a stop when on the South of Promenade Roger Laroque for beachside vibes
• LE 12Glacer
  Bar & Bistro with out of this world Tapas & French cuisine.
  Highly recommend a quick stop for a cocktail and bite to eat!
• 35 Foch
  Live music, charcuterie boards, light eats and epic drink selection – sign me up!
  Conveniently located in the Village with a great vibe plenty of seating options, and better yet - walking distance to our favourite Brewery Brasserie Village.

Substantial Eats

• Marmite et tire Bouchons (Restaurant La Marmite)
  A local favourite, where local cuisine is highlighted with the perfect French twist.
  Well priced, with year round changing seasonal menu. Make sure to book!
• La table des Gourmets
  If traditional seasonal French cuisine is what you are after – look no further!
  Think carpaccio, paté, duck l’orange and much more.
• Restaurant La Chaumiere
  Quaint, delicious and very French! I absolutely loved the local Mahi Mahi with a distinct European twist, and the desserts were so good I had to stop myself licking the plate.
• Manuia Restaurant
  If you don’t like seafood – don’t come to Manuia.
  Fresh seafood is the pride of this restaurant, with a cool atmosphere I was welcomed by the friendly staff and enjoyed a huge seafood feast of fresh oysters, prawns, reef fish and more! Not to be missed for the seafood lovers

OK enough! I am drooling! How do I get there?

No problem foodie, we can help you get there. Call our specialist team at Spacifica Travel on 1800 800 722 or email sales@spacificatravel.com and we will be in touch to make your New Caledonia dreams come true! We have a huge range of packages including flights, and can’t wait to show you.

Or see further reading from 2022 in our article about Tastes of New Caledonia. Or if you want to venture further afield check out what you can expect from your Lifou, New Caledonia Travel Experience.

Photos courtesty of New Caledonia Tourism, Chateau Royale