Bellavista Cafe & Restaurant

The menu mixes Italian cooking with Tongan ingredients, and the kitchen relies on locally sourced fish, lobster and octopus. Tonga’s national tourism board lists Bellavista among the places to eat in Vava’u, and a Tonga travel guide includes it in its ten best places to eat on the islands. The plaza is in the middle of town, within walking distance of many of its sights.

Start with an espresso and stay for the fish of the day, a bowl of pasta or a pizza. At lunch the menu runs to panini and burgers, and sashimi and steak appear as specials. In the evening, ask whether local lobster or octopus is on. The bar keeps a good choice of beer and wine.

Neiafu stands on the Port of Refuge, the deep-water harbour on the south coast of Vava’u where many yachts anchor during a cruise of the islands. Guttenbeil Plaza is on the waterfront street in the town centre, about 50 metres from the small boat marina, so it is a short walk from the harbour front.

The tourism board gives café hours from 8am to 5pm and dinner from 6.30pm to 10pm, while a recent guide lists 8am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday, so call to check, especially before coming for dinner. Wi-Fi is available, with the first 30 minutes free. Book dinner by phone or email.