L’Instant Présent

The kitchen combines the flavours of France, Tahiti and Japan and works with fresh local ingredients. The restaurant is split into three parts. Le Hachoir is the outdoor terrace, with dishes designed for sharing. Sakura is the indoor room, where a teppanyaki chef cooks on a hot plate in front of the table. The terrace lounges are for tapas with wine, cocktails, whisky and rum.

On the terrace, Tahiti Tourisme lists tartares, local and international dishes and daily suggestions. In Sakura, order sushi, or let the teppanyaki chef cook beef, fish or chicken in front of you; the Japanese Flame menu is a full set meal prepared at the table. On Saturday evenings from 6pm there is an Asian buffet, and booking is required.

Marina Taina lies about 7 km south-west of central Papeete. Boats reach it through the Taapuna pass, or along the channel from Papeete past Faa’a airport, where crossing the runway approach needs clearance from the port’s lookout on VHF 12. The marina has around 795 places, including 40 alongside berths for visiting yachts, a quay for superyachts and about 136 moorings. Call the harbour office on VHF 9 before arrival; it is staffed every day from 8am to noon and from 1pm to 5pm. The restaurant is a few minutes’ walk from the pontoons.

The restaurant opens at 11.30am every day and closes at 9.30pm, or 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Book by phone or email, especially for Sakura and the Saturday buffet. The marina gates are open to the public from 6.30am to 11.30pm, and its washrooms are kept for marina clients.