Dining at St James in Bora Bora & Tastay Moorea & Tama Hau in Moorea- Aug. 2026

An Incredible Lunch at Saint James, Bora Bora  (Featured Sunset Photo of St James)

Our lunch at Saint James in Bora Bora was truly a memorable experience. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Manager Julien, who made us feel genuinely special, along with the other guests. Alex provided wonderful service throughout our meal—friendly, attentive, and professional without ever being intrusive.

And then there is the view! Sitting overlooking the beautiful turquoise waters of Bora Bora’s lagoon made the entire experience even more spectacular. It is the kind of setting that reminds you just how fortunate you are to be in such a beautiful place.

The food was equally impressive. We started with the foie gras, which was beautifully prepared, and the raw tuna appetizer, which was especially fun and unique. The tuna is prepared tableside with fresh lime, and watching the lime transform the texture and flavor of the fish was a real treat. It was fresh, flavorful, and a wonderful presentation.

For our entrees, we enjoyed the fresh mahi mahi and the shrimp. Both were delicious, beautifully presented, and showcased the quality and freshness of the local seafood. The combination of French culinary technique with the incredible ingredients of French Polynesia really came through.

Between the outstanding food, Alex’s excellent service, Julien’s warm welcome, and that unforgettable lagoon view, Saint James is absolutely worth visiting when you are in Bora Bora. It was a wonderful lunch and one of those meals that becomes part of the memories you take home with you.

You can see more at  https://saintjamesborabora.com/

 

Tasty Moorea by Fare Tutava is one of those easy-to-miss little spots on Moorea that is well worth pulling over for. Located just off the main road at PK 21 on the mountain side, it has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and feels much more like a local family stop than a formal restaurant. It is also known as Fare Tutava, the name you may see on signs and maps.

What makes Tasty Moorea especially appealing is the variety of its menu. Breakfast is a highlight, with eggs, bacon, sausage, bread, butter, homemade jam and fresh fruit, making it a hearty way to start the day. Recent customer reviews particularly praise the eggs, fresh fruit, homemade jam and generous portions.

The drinks are another reason to stop. They offer fresh fruit juices and smoothies featuring local flavors such as pineapple, papaya, mango, orange and passion fruit. There are also milkshakes—including vanilla, coconut, strawberry, coffee, taro, pistachio, chocolate and Oreo—as well as fresh coconut, lemonade and non-alcoholic cocktails.

For lunch, the menu leans into both Polynesian specialties and familiar favorites. You can try several versions of poisson cru, ahi poke, tuna tartare, carpaccio or grilled fish. Their combination platters are particularly nice if you want to sample more than one thing—for example, grilled fish paired with poisson cru, ahi poke, tartare or carpaccio. There are also steak, grilled chicken, burgers, including a Tasty Moorea Burger with pineapple, a fish burger, salad and simple sides such as rice, fries and garlic green beans.

The story behind the restaurant makes it even more charming. Tasty Moorea says it was inspired by the owners’ grandmother, who welcomed friends with homemade jam, fresh juice and traditional dishes such as raw fish with coconut milk, taro, sweet potato and breadfruit. That family connection comes through in the emphasis on fresh local ingredients and homemade touches. Don’t miss the delicious ice cream for dessert as we had the coffee and taro flavors.

Overall: Tasty Moorea/Fare Tutava is a great casual stop for breakfast, a fresh smoothie, or an uncomplicated Polynesian-style lunch. The combination of friendly service, generous food, local flavors and fresh fruit makes it the kind of place you might drive past once and then wish you’d discovered sooner.

Website: TastyMoorea.com — official website

Location: PK 21, mountain side, Papetō’ai, Moorea, French Polynesia.

    

We had such a wonderful experience at Tama Hau in Moorea! From the moment we arrived, Vanessa, the owner, was incredibly welcoming, warm, and accommodating. The food was delicious, with a lovely selection of fresh fish, salads, and other island-inspired dishes. They also have a great variety of smoothies and drinks, including options with or without alcohol, so there really is something for everyone.

The evening entertainment made the experience even more special. The traditional Polynesian dancing was beautiful and full of energy, and the fire show was absolutely spectacular! It was such a fun and memorable way to experience the local culture while enjoying a great meal. Tama Hau is definitely a place we would recommend to anyone visiting Moorea who wants good food, a friendly atmosphere, and an unforgettable Polynesian evening.

Be sure to check their Facebook page for their current entertainment schedule. The dance and fire performances are a real highlight and can make for a fantastic night out in Moorea.

Photos by Marie Llug