Top foodie experiences in Mauritius

Mauritius is a gourmet haven with a culinary scene that’s rich and diverse. The surrounding tropical sea and fertile soil have shaped the island’s cuisine – think fresh seafood, palm heart salads and rum made with local sugar cane. But the true allure of this place lies in its fusion cooking – the delicious result of influences from Europe, Asia and Africa. Whether you’re snacking on street food in the markets of Port Louis or dining with your toes in the sand at a top resort, you’re sure to leave Mauritius with fond memories of the food. Here are a few of our favourite dining experiences.

Eat like a local, Lagoon Attitude

The great-value Attitude Hotels are sprinkled across Mauritius’ beautiful shores, and although each has a slightly different vibe, they all have a slant on making guests feel like a local. You’ll find a Taba-J eatery in each hotel – a colourful little shack serving all kinds of typical Mauritian street food. At Lagoon Attitude, a recently refreshed adults-only resort, the bright blue Taba-J truck is nestled on the sand under the shade of a century-old Banyan tree. Choose from rotis, chilli cakes or a spicy curry; we love the delish dholl puris, homemade by small business owners, Mr and Mrs Chetty.

Romantic dining, Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa

If you’re looking to woo your other half, a stay at Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa will set off some sparks. For the ultimate day of romance, explore the island in the resort’s gleaming Rolls Royce Phantom. After touring the sights in style, stop for a lunch of delectable chef-prepared treats in a Rolls Royce Picnic Hamper. Back at the resort, after an afternoon spa treatment or a dip in your private pool, your butler can arrange an intimate dinner with an exquisite menu and wine pairings. Choose from three beautiful settings; under a billowing Raj tent on the beach, on the starlit jetty or in the privacy of your villa garden. 

Dine al-fresco in a lively piazza, Long Beach

Hotels have come a long way since the standard buffet offerings, and Long Beach is a great example of how resort dining can be far from boring. This family-friendly resort has a dine-around food and drink scene centred around a piazza which comes alive at night. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere as traditional ‘Sega’ dancers and musicians perform, perhaps even getting up for a dance yourself. Don’t miss a night in Chopsticks for creative Asian plates followed by island-inspired cocktails in Shore. 

Sushi on the beach, The Ravenala Attitude

This eco-friendly resort is a dream for foodies, with a huge choice of restaurants to work through. One of the best is Lime, an adults-only Japanese restaurant on the sand, where you can tuck into beautifully presented sushi and sashimi with the ocean surf as the soundtrack. Stay in an Executive Beachfront Adult Suite – rooms in the peaceful adults-only wing – and you’ll not only have extra perks like a gorgeous sea view and reserved beach beds, lunch at Lime is included as part of your all-inclusive stay.

A soirée on Lady Lisbeth, 20 Degrés Sud Hotel – Relais & Châteaux

At a boutique hideaway surrounded by coconut palms on the north coast, you’ll have the chance to dine on the island’s oldest motorboat, the M/S Lady Lisbeth. This vintage boat, built in 1929, has been lovingly restored to its former glory and every evening it plays host to a magical dinner cruise. Following canapés and cocktails on the upper deck, you’ll be treated to a five-course seafood banquet with fine South African wine. If you really want to push the boat out, hire the vessel exclusively for a private gathering with your friends and family.

A taste of Port Louis, Mauritian street food tour

Step through Mauritian history on a fascinating (and tasty) tour of Port Louis. This two-hour guided walk takes you on foot from the UNESCO listed Aapravasi Ghat to the buzzing Central Market and Chinatown. You'll get a flavour of the local street food – mouth-watering fritters, dumplings and noodles – washed down with a refreshing Alouda – an ice-cold milk drink that's a hit with the islanders. The capital city has many stories hidden in the old buildings, and as you explore the sights, your expert local guide will regale you with eye-widening tales of the capital's colourful past. 

Dine in the dark at LUX* Belle Mare, Mauritius

La Cave at LUX* Belle Mare, Mauritius, is like stepping into a wine connoisseur’s dream. This isn’t just your average wine cellar; it’s an underground kingdom. The cellar holds over 800 bottles from all over the world. Guests can experience many fun activities centred around wine: chocolate and wine pairings, yoga and rosé and arguably the best – blindfolded wine tasting dinners. This experimental dining experience will heighten your senses as your sommelier selects carefully curated wines to accompany a menu of secret gourmet dishes.

Drumbeats and dancing, Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort

When the sun sets at Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, Boma, one of the Bel Ombre estate’s 12 restaurants, takes on a different feel. Beneath a starry sky, there’s an enchanting ‘return to our roots’ experience. Go barefoot in the sand and enjoy an evening of dining by a crackling campfire, feasting on BBQ dishes infused with African flavours. The night ends with the tribal sounds of the djembe and dancers whirling to the beats of the drum. If you’re staying at this hotel, we recommend the premium all-inclusive option, which includes one dinner at Boma and other fantastic inclusions such as a daily spa treatment, a ‘bubbles’ breakfast on the beach and a picnic lunch in the gardens.