25 BEST Restaurants in Nuku'alofa 🍽️ 2026

Last Updated: 2 January, 2026

Where to Eat Out in Nuku’alofa

Nuku’alofa has a fantastic array of eateries, from Tongan-style takeaways to more sophisticated sit-down dining experiences. Nuku’alofa’s top restaurants cannot only be found in the city centre but lining the waterfront. Try Tongan-style cuisine, like ota ika (raw fish marinated in coconut cream) or lu (meat in coconut cream wrapped in taro leaves).

Alternatively, many international flavours can be seen across Nuku’alofa’s menus.

Check out some of our top recommendations for sit-down dining in this quick list of the best restaurants in Nuku’alofa.

For more recommendations, see the 10 Best Cafes in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu, as well as The Top Cheap Eats in Nuku’alofa.

1. The TOP Restaurant & Lounge

Get amazing views of the Nuku’alofa CBD and the tops of the Royal Palace from The TOP Restaurant & Lounge. Easy to miss on Wellington and Taua’ahau Roads, the entrance is simply an elevator taking you to a large lounge and dining area.

Dine in or enjoy your drinks al fresco under the fairy lights as you gaze across the city as the sun goes down.

The dinner-only menu features Western cuisine with creative twists, showcasing premium New Zealand meats alongside fresh local Tongan produce, plus Mexican specialities including house-made tacos and signature appetisers.

When it comes to dessert, you’ll be treated to unique offerings like crème brûlée, lava cake and tiramisu. The chef and operator will likely come out for a chat, adding a personal touch to your evening.

Opening hours: From 5:30 pm to 11 pm Monday to Saturday.
Location: Corner of Wellington and Taua’ahau Roads, Nuku’alofa city centre.

2. Little Italy Restaurant

Probably the most out-of-place restaurant in the islands of the South Pacific, Little Italy Restaurant transports you to Europe in its cuisine, decor and architecture. Everything about it is typically Italian, but damn, it makes good pizzas.

Dine in or eat al fresco in a quiet location on the waterfront, a short walk from the west side of the Royal Palace. There’s a wonderful choice of creative pizzas, as well as safe favourites. Pasta, steak, lobster and fish are also on the menu.

Note that if you’re eating outside, you’re likely to eat your pizza to the sad eyes of a stray dog.

The restaurant also has a hotel upstairs – learn more in the 20 Best Hotels in Nuku’alofa.

Opening hours: From 3 pm to 9:30 pm Monday to Saturday.
Location: Vuna Road, Kolomotu’a, Nuku’alofa.

3. Waterfront Restaurant

Waterfront Restaurant stands out among Nuku’alofa’s dining scene with its commitment to showcasing locally sourced seafood and accommodating diverse dietary needs.

The menu features fresh catches including mahimahi (often served as the daily fish special), tuna prepared various ways from sashimi to poke, plus locally caught lobster and occasional crab sourced through consistent partnerships with export companies.

From hearty breakfasts featuring French toast and eggs Benedict to dinner options of prime steaks, lamb cutlets and pasta dishes, there’s something for everyone.

Health-conscious diners will appreciate the popular health bowls, while vegetarians can choose from options like chickpea curry, falafel bowls, pesto pasta and loaded hummus.

Opening hours: From 7 pm to 10 pm (kitchen closes at 10 pm, restaurant until 11 pm) Monday to Saturday. Sunday service operates exclusively for guests, with additional Sunday hours from 8 am to 2 pm for individuals without alternative dining options.
Location: Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa.

4. Seaview Lodge & Restaurant

A little further along from Little Italy, Seaview Lodge & Restaurant offers an upmarket dining experience and cocktail deck overlooking the waterfront.

Under the expertise of Head Chef Soane Fakatava, who brings over 25 years of gastronomy experience including training with Gault-Millau starred European chefs, the restaurant serves European haute cuisine beautifully combined with fresh Polynesian flavours.

We love their comprehensive menu spanning from traditional Tongan dishes like ‘Ota ‘Ika and tuna poke to sophisticated European preparations including New Zealand lamb rack and fresh catch of the day on homemade lemon butter sauce.

Try one of their award-winning pina coladas at happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm daily, and don’t miss their curated wine cellar featuring New Zealand, Australian and European selections.

The restaurant is also family-friendly with highchairs available. Cash and credit card are accepted.

Opening hours: From 11 am to 10 pm Wednesday to Friday and 7 am to 10 pm Saturday and Sunday.
Location: Vuna Road, Tolosia, Nuku’alofa.

5. Bula Chef

A relatively new family-owned establishment in Nuku’alofa, Bula Chef brings a fresh Fijian-inspired flair to Tongatapu’s dining scene with vibrant, colourful plating that’s as impressive as the food itself.

The owner, born in Fiji and trained in culinary arts there, combines local Tongan ingredients with contemporary presentation, think lu Tonga purée served with coconut bread and fresh ‘ota ‘ika. The salmon with kumara mash and coconut beurre blanc sauce is a standout.

Beyond the food, the restaurant offers live music entertainment Monday through Friday nights, creating a lively yet family-friendly atmosphere. The extensive drinks menu covers everything from creative cocktails and local beers (Maka, Fiji, Samoa varieties) to imported options like Steinlager and Corona, plus New Zealand and Australian wines available by glass or bottle.

With one of the best views in town and a commitment to the complete dining experience, it’s worth booking ahead for dinner service.

Opening hours: From 12 pm to 2 pm and 6 pm to 10 pm Monday to Saturday, with Sunday lunch service only.
Location: Taufa’ahau Road, Fangaloto, Nuku’alofa.

6. Momma’s Harbourview Restaurant

Just down the road from Bula Chef, Momma’s Harbourview Restaurant treats you to unbeatable ocean views while you dine on a diverse menu that spans healthy options, traditional island dishes and hearty comfort food.

The menu features fresh grilled and summer salads, island-style favourites like Ota Ika and poke served with green banana, plus sashimi. We love Momma’s homemade soups (think beef, pork belly, seafood and chicken), while the grilled selections include marinated chicken, sirloin beef, pork belly and lamb.

For those who can’t decide, the specialty platters are perfect, the Hangover Combination showcases seafood preparations while the Meatlovers Combination brings together various grilled proteins.

Creamy pasta dishes and hearty breakfast options round out the menu, with locals particularly recommending the seafood platters and pasta dishes paired with coconut drinks or wine.

Opening hours: From 9 am to 10 pm Monday to Saturday.
Location: Taufa’ahau Road, Popua, Nuku’alofa. Just down the road from Sky Lodge.

7. Chef Zero Restaurant

While a little out of town, Chef Zero is well worth getting to for an upmarket dine-in experience in Nuku’alofa.

The family-run restaurant specialises in fresh ingredients transformed into European-style cuisine. Have steak with a wide choice of sauces, pork with tasty apple sauce, or fish (their most popular) cooked Polynesian style, mornay or blackened.

Try some of the freshest sashimi platters or keep things simple with pizza or garlic bread. What’s more, the restaurant is B.Y.O wine or beer!

Opening hours: From 10 am to 10 pm Monday to Friday.
Location: Tamakautonga Road, Popua, Nuku’alofa.

8. Lunarossa Deli

Lunarossa Deli proves that a fine dining takeaway is a thing with their eatery in Nuku’alofa. What used to be a reputable restaurant is now exclusively open as a deli and takeaway with just four seats to dine in!

Most choose to take home/back to their accommodation, however, to indulge in Italian-style dishes ranging from pasta and ravioli to steak selections (beef, pork and chicken) served with your choice of mushroom, garlic butter, pizzaiola or ginger creamy sauce.

Seafood lovers will appreciate the fish and prawn dishes prepared with speciality sauces including Lunarossa lemon garlic, pizzaiola tomato capers, Calcutta ginger creamy and Mornay cheese creamy.

Whatever you choose for mains, a must-try as an appetiser is their super fresh and beautifully seasoned sashimi, a long-standing favourite on their menu. If you’re lucky, you might even catch their occasional homemade lasagna prepared by the owner’s husband!

Cash and credit card are accepted.

Opening hours: From 5 pm to 9 pm Monday to Friday (last kitchen orders at 8:30 pm).
Location: Salote Road (across the road from the Fa’onelua Convention Center), Nuku’alofa.

10 BEST Restaurants in Nuku'alofa ????️ [2023]

9. Dayang Restaurant

Serving authentic Chinese cuisine in a charming, renovated building within easy walking distance of Nuku’alofa town centre, Dayang Restaurant is a local favourite for delicious Asian fare.

The menu spans all the classics, from their signature beef noodle soup and fried rice (both absolutely delicious) to sweet and sour chicken and pork, fried dumplings and a range of noodle and rice dishes. Vegetarian diners will find plenty of options too, including tofu dishes, vegetable preparations and meat-free fried rice and noodles.

Whether you’re after a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, this spot delivers flavourful Chinese cooking in a friendly atmosphere.

Opening hours: From 9 am to 3 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm Monday to Saturday.
Location: Corner of Railway Road and Laifone Road, Nuku’alofa.

10. Builder’s Burger

Sure, there are a lot of burgers in Nuku’alofa. But nowhere else builds a burger like Builder’s Burger. They handcraft their own patties (or swap to fish for the same price) and stack them for all walks of life visiting them at their secluded waterfront location right by Nuku’alofa’s ocean swimming pool.

Needless to say, the “Builder’s Burger” is their most popular with double patties, double cheese, pineapple, eggs, bacon onion, lettuce, pickle and BBQ and white sauce!

Wash it all down with a fresh coconut or a smoothie and let the kids loose at the pool or playground.

Opening hours: From 7 am to 9 pm Monday to Friday and 7 am to 3 pm Saturday.
Location: Taufa’ahau Road (at Touliki Ocean Pool, approximately 200 m/220 yards east of Villa Ishadora), Touliki, Nuku’alofa.

11. Muna Mei Moana

A hidden local gem tucked away in Nuku’alofa, Muna Mei Moana is where you’ll find authentic Tongan food the way locals truly enjoy it!

This is the place to go if you want to experience real Tongan cuisine without the tourist polish. Their specials spotlight fresh fish dishes and feke (octopus), prepared with traditional flair and bursting with local flavour.

Try classics like ‘ota ika (raw fish salad), relevi ika, or the ever-popular fish and chips. Everything on the menu is incredibly affordable, making it a favourite amongst those in the know.

Find more like this in The Top Cheap Eats in Nuku’alofa.

Opening hours: From 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 2 pm Saturday.
Location: Hala Pili, Nuku’alofa.

12. Friends Cafe

As one of the city centre’s hotspots, Friends Cafe rarely needs an introduction, and you can learn about the history of the 100+-year-old building on the notices found on each table.

The café serves an extensive all-day breakfast menu featuring everything from simple toast and eggs to tropical-inspired dishes with caramelised banana, sweet potato and local fish.

For lunch and dinner, you’ll find a diverse menu spanning soups with coconut cream and lemongrass, small plates including fish cakes and curries, hearty mains like slow-cooked pork ribs and grilled fish, pasta dishes with fusion twists, and ciabatta sandwiches.

Vegetarians have plenty to choose from, including egg-based breakfasts, steamed vegetables, seasonal vegan salads and vegetarian moussaka.

Check out more eateries like this in the 10 Best Cafes in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.

Opening hours: From 7 am to 11 pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays.
Location: Corner of Taufa’ahau Road and Salote Road, Nuku’alofa city centre.

13. Waterfront Restaurant & Lodge

After strolling down a quaint garden pathway, you’ll arrive at the spacious Waterfront Restaurant & Lodge. A Tongan flair is present right across the restaurant, from its decor of carved pillars to its menu.

Try large “Tongan-style” portions of seafood prepared in many ways, succulent steaks, homemade pasta and more. Tongan-inspired dishes include lu as an entree, as well as fish of the day, such as mahimahi beautifully pan-fried or grilled.

Leave room for dessert, whether it’s for the cassava tart or refreshing tropical cheesecake.

The Waterfront also offers accommodation – see our 5 Best Luxury Accommodations in Nuku’alofa for more details.

Opening hours: From 7 am to 10 pm Monday to Saturday.
Location: Vuna Road, opposite Faua Wharf, Nuku’alofa.

14. Family Restaurant

If you’re after an interactive dining experience, head to the Family Restaurant where the main draw is their Korean BBQ setup, perfect for shared meals with friends or family.

The grill comes loaded with streaky pork, chicken wings, beef and fresh vegetables like eggplant and lettuce for wrapping everything up, all served with rice on the side. In fact, rice accompanies every dish here, which keeps things refreshingly simple.

Beyond the BBQ, the menu spans a comprehensive range of Chinese cuisine organised by protein and cooking style. You’ll find everything from crispy and curry preparations to stir-fried and sweet and sour variations across pork, seafood, chicken, beef and even cumin-spiced lamb dishes. The staple foods section covers various rice and noodle options too.

It’s an excellent spot for groups looking for something a bit different from the usual dining scene in town.

Opening hours: From 9 am to 11 pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 10 pm Sunday.
Location: Vuna/Taufa’ahau Road, Nuku’alofa. On the main road in the town centre, opposite Federal Pacific House.

15. Billfish Bar and Restaurant

An open-air restaurant on the waterfront, Billfish Bar and Restaurant has been a popular option with locals and visitors for more than 20 years.

There’s so much to see here between the woven ceiling to the mounted bills and taxidermies of award-winning game fish caught throughout the years.

The comprehensive menu spans multiple cuisines with Thai curries, chargrilled steaks, pasta dishes and fresh seafood alongside burgers featuring local options like the “Ifo Ifo Ika” and wraps with beef, chicken and fish fillings.

Vegetarian options and no gluten added choices are available throughout, with sharing platters perfect for groups.

Later in the evening, the bar often livens up with karaoke on Tuesdays, live international sports and DJs from Wednesday through Saturday nights.

Learn more about its bar in the 5 Best Bars in Nuku’alofa.

Opening hours: From 11 am to 12:30 am Monday to Friday and 11 am to 11:30 pm Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Location: Vuna Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa.

16. Hakau Horse Bar & Restaurant

A laid-back spot located right at Simon’s Place accommodation, Hakau Horse Bar & Restaurant is the go-to destination for burger lovers in Nuku’alofa.

The menu offers something for everyone, from classic burgers and paninis to their signature Hakau Horse burger. You’ll also find local favourites like ‘ota ‘ika paired with international staples such as fish and chips, plus pasta dishes served with garlic bread and Mexican-inspired plates.

Families are well catered for with a dedicated kids menu featuring all the little ones’ favourites.

With an extensive drinks selection including milkshakes, fresh coconut, juices and iced tea, you’ll have plenty of refreshing options to beat the tropical heat.

Opening hours: From 11 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday
Location: Laifone Road, Nuku’alofa. Located at Simon’s Place accommodation. Approximately 300 m (yards) east of Sunshine Rental Cars and Mum’s Cafe.

17. Hala Hihifo Kitchen and Grill

When we last stopped by Hala Hihifo Kitchen and Grill, we were delighted by their traditional Tongan specialities, particularly the (meat and taro cooked in coconut cream) that they’re famous for.

Beyond traditional fare, the menu covers everything from hearty burgers with steak, beef, chicken and fish options to classic pub-style meals featuring lamb chops and pork served with chips.

Breakfast offerings range from eggs benedict and omelettes to indulgent french toast and pancakes, with a dedicated vegetarian option available.

The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a proper meal.

Opening hours: From 8 pm to 10 pm Monday to Friday, and 8 pm to 9 pm Saturday.
Location: Railway Road, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu. Between Sunshine Rental Cars and the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua.

18. Young’s Kitchen

A Korean-Western fusion café-restaurant in Nuku’alofa, Young’s Kitchen serves an impressive range of dishes spanning two culinary worlds.

The menu features traditional Korean favourites like bulgogi, bibimbap and kimchi dishes, alongside hearty Western options including burgers, steaks and pasta. Highlights include their signature kimchi pancakes and Korean-style sushi rolls, while the steak selection covers beef, lamb shoulder and chicken.

Rice dishes showcase Korean specialities such as spicy pork, chicken teriyaki and kimchi fried rice, complemented by Japanese-inspired options like tonkatsu and chicken cutlet.

Vegetarian diners will find options like green salad, vegetable tomato spaghetti, garlic olive oil spaghetti and salad sushi.

Opening hours: From 10 am to 3:35 pm Tuesday to Friday, and 10 am to 1:30 pm Saturday.
Location: Cnr of Wellington and Tu’i Road.

The Best of the Rest: 8 More Awesome Restaurants in Nuku’alofa

Pizzeria Royale – Some of the best pizza in town (Faua Wharf, Vuna Road)
Three Men’s Fastfood– A local favourite of burgers, paninis, fried chicken and pizza (Taufa’ahau Village & Vuna Wharf/Bus Station)
Hot Pizza & Restaurant – No-nonsense thick-crust takeaway pizza right in the heart of town (Taufa’ahau Village)
Ngutulei Restaurant – Upscale restaurant with grill-style cuisine (Faua Wharf, Vuna Road)
Faua Evergreen (also known as 42 Evergreen) – An extensive menu of Asian cuisine right on the waterfront (Faua Wharf, Vuna Road)
Little India – Cosy courtyard restaurant serving irresistible Indian cuisine (Cnr Taufa’ahau Road & Alaivahamama’o Bypass)
Chand’s Curry House – Long-established curry house in the heart of town (Taufa’ahau Road).

More About Restaurants in Nuku’alofa

That’s it for our list of the best restaurants in Nuku’alofa. For more options to wine-and-dine, take a look at the following:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Food Guide to Tongatapu: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Tonga and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tonga Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Tonga Ministry of Tourism (FAQs about visiting Tonga - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Revenue & Customs (Customs and immigration contacts - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture & Food, Forests and Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Infrastructure (Land and aviation transport info - Updated [2025])
Tonga Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Tonga Statistics Department (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At Tonga Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura (Lola) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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