The 19 Must-Try Restaurants in Seychelles

Located on Takamaka beach in southwest Mahé, Chez Batista offers a rustic outdoor dining experience under thatched roofs and sandy floors. The restaurant serves a la carte lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday, but the highlight is the popular Creole buffet on Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m., where locals and tourists mingle over a delightful introduction to Seychellois Creole cuisine. Expect a variety of curries (including fish and bat), grilled fish and meats, chutneys (such as shark, papaya, and salted fish), rougail saucisse (sausage in tomato sauce), and desserts like la daube banane (banana or plantain in spiced coconut milk). Bring a hearty appetite, as you’ll want to indulge fully. After dining, enjoy a SeyBrew, stroll down to the stunning beach below the deck, and relax until you’re ready for your next meal.

There's really no bad time to enjoy a meal at Kannel, but if you had to choose, opt for a poolside lunch featuring three cocktails to make the most of the daily Petite Anse Fish Counter (available only at lunch). Here, guests select their fresh catch of the day, decide on the cooking method (grilling is highly recommended), and choose from various sides (Creole rice is a must). Don’t forget to order bouyon blan — a classic Seychellois fish soup made with red snapper, tomato, bilimbi, kalbas, and pumpkin sprouts — along with salad palmis (finely sliced coconut palm heart) for sharing, then plan for a relaxing afternoon nap. If lunch doesn’t work for you, join the lively Kreol night every Monday, where locals and visitors alike gather for a mix of Mediterranean and local Seychellois dishes, complemented by Sesel Libres (Cuba Libres with local dark spiced rum) and vibrant music.

It's natural to have doubts about Italian cuisine this far from its origins in Europe. However, even the most discerning pizza lovers from Naples or New York will find Muse's crispy wood-fired pizzas to be exceptionally tasty. Nestled within the Mango House resort, this airy indoor-outdoor venue is perfect for a relaxed lunch on the mezzanine overlooking turquoise waters. Try the capricciosa pizza (ham, baby artichoke, olives, chile) paired with a glass of wine from the concise daytime menu. For a complete experience, come for dinner, starting with red snapper carpaccio enhanced with passionfruit. Then indulge in the black truffle and burrata pizza or the burrata Pugliese salad. Fresh pastas rotate regularly, but definitely consider the signature spaghetti arrabbiata — trust the staff’s recommendation. There’s not a single disappointing dish or cocktail, making it easy to forget you're in the Indian Ocean instead of the Adriatic.

Named after a traditional Seychellois dance recognized by UNESCO as an intangible heritage, Moutya at the Mango House Resort specializes in seasonal Creole cuisine, presented with artistry and skill. Their octopus kari koko (coconut curry) is a strong contender for the best in the country; it boasts a creamy texture, balanced by just the right amount of spice to offset the coconut's richness, with octopus cooked to perfection that could bring tears of joy. For a true appreciation of Moutya’s nuanced takes on classic Seychellois dishes, it’s recommended to start with local takeout or home-cooked options first.

Located at the Laïla hotel just across the street, Kafe Kreol in Anse Royale is a family-friendly beachside spot offering a delightful mix of Seychellois Creole and Italian cuisine. The fresh pasta is made daily, and the spaghetti vongole is a standout favorite. The octopus salad gets a unique twist with mango, making it a refreshing local favorite. Embracing the laid-back Seychelles vibe, Kafe Kreol is perfect for those returning from the beach in flip-flops or after exploring the island’s stunning trails. After your meal, don’t forget to grab a fresh coconut, insert a straw, and stroll down to the beach to relax with your feet in the sand.

La Plaine St André serves as the heart of Seychelles’ drinking culture. Begin your visit with tastings of Takamaka rums at the on-site distillery, then wander through the vibrant medicinal garden, abundant with vanilla, cinnamon, and other tropical botanicals. For a bite, enjoy modern Seychellois Creole fare from the food truck; the fish cakes, crafted from local job fish, potatoes, apples, and mangoes, are a comfort food delight, while the crispy fish tacos topped with green papaya and chile pickle offer a flavorful kick. Keep an eye out for specials, especially the rougail saucisse — ordering two is a must, as chef Darren Roberts’ version of these sausages in Creole tomato gravy is unparalleled. On Friday nights, mingle with locals at La Plaine St André's lively gatherings featuring live music, refreshing rum cocktails, and plenty of food.

Located in a charming colonial home at the end of a long driveway in Au Cap, Mahé, Maison Marengo might appear to be a private residence, but it’s actually one of the most sought-after public venues south of the capital. Since its establishment in 2018, the restaurant has fostered community spirit through its engaging events. It's particularly popular on Friday and Saturday nights, when locals gather for live music, enjoying SeyBrews, mojitos, and various tropical cocktails. However, the lively atmosphere belies its status as a genuine culinary hotspot. The menu changes with the seasons, featuring sumptuous octopus and prawn curries along with grilled fish specialties like blackened tuna steak.

While driving through Au Cap on the eastern coast of Mahé, it's easy to overlook this modest takeaway spot. However, if you find yourself hungry around midday when it opens, be sure to look out for Julianas Villas Café. This place serves up quick bites of soul food, offering a taste of home-cooked Seychellois meals. The menu changes daily, so come prepared for surprises. Past delicacies have included shark skin chutney and kari bernik (limpets simmered in coconut milk with eggplant and local spices), quickly devoured by savvy locals at lunchtime. Don't miss out on familiar favorites like rougail saucisse (a hearty tomato stew with sausages), octopus curry, satini pwason (salted fish), and a variety of coconut curries.

If you ask a local for the best takeaway in the Seychelles, they will almost certainly point you to Jules. Regarded as the finest on the island, this casual Dinogoy attracts a queue as soon as lunch service begins. The menu varies daily, featuring Seychellois classics like kari koko and shark chutney, alongside options such as goat stew, oxtail braised in red wine, and Indian butter chicken. Conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the airport, Jules is a must-stop on your journey in or out of the country — a delightful first or last taste of the Seychelles.

Del Place is the go-to restaurant for locals who truly appreciate great food. Visit on a Saturday when the ambiance calls for 'chic, glam, elegant,' with live music setting the mood and bartenders crafting cocktails right by candlelit tables. The star of the menu is the red snapper, expertly wrapped in banana leaf and accompanied by a fragrant coconut-lemongrass sauce that you'll want to pour over everything. Don't miss the show as servers flambé fresh shrimp (crevettes) with local rum — it's a must-see experience.

Italian cuisine is beloved in Seychelles, and La Scala, run by Gianni and Silvana Torsi for 35 years, is frequently at the top of local recommendations due to its enduring popularity and stunning location on rugged granite boulders along the north coast. Chef Gianni catches his own seafood, so indulging is a must, but many patrons also flock here for the ravioli di pesce and a selection of other freshly made pasta dishes. The portions are hearty, so come hungry, and remember to request a window seat for breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains.

Marie Antoinette, the oldest restaurant in the Seychelles, resides in a colonial mansion in Victoria and has been a beloved establishment since 1974. The restaurant proudly keeps its menu of Seychellois Creole classics unchanged from the ’70s, offering diners a nostalgic culinary experience. Renowned for its traditional fruit bat (rousette) dishes, served in curry or braised in red wine, the menu also features favorites like eggplant fritters and breadfruit croquettes, which are essential to try (don’t skip the chile sauce!). If there’s a local dish you’ve been searching for, chances are you’ll find it here.

La Belle Tortue, a charming hotel hosting Eva’s Table, is a hidden gem on Silhouette Island, located just north of Mahé. While there are three ferries that operate daily to Silhouette, enjoying dinner at Eva’s Table necessitates an overnight stay (unless you arrange private transport). Chef Benjamin Cassé crafts a four-course menu each day, showcasing the freshest ingredients sourced from the market.

At Le Repaire, a boutique hotel on the stunning La Digue island, this Italian restaurant offers an intriguing blend of Seychellois Creole and Italian cuisine that might sound unconventional. However, the lamb chops in a sauce made with local rum, fresh cream, and spices exceed expectations, while the tagliatelle with Indian Ocean fish ragu provides a masterful flavor experience (and the lasagna with delectable béchamel sauce is a must-try). A wide variety of pizzas is available for those who love sharing, along with refreshing aperitivo cocktails perfect for enjoying on the beach.

Located on Anse Banane beach in La Digue, this quintessential tropical shack is one of the most beloved Creole restaurants in Seychelles, known for its comforting home-style cuisine. With stunning ocean views and a laid-back ambiance set to the calming sound of the waves, it's a place where time stands still. Enjoy a refreshing midday mojito or a SeyBrew lager before indulging in the fresh catch of the day, cooked with turmeric and coconut milk, or the fruit bat curry, a local specialty available at select Mytouries. For dessert, the chewy coconut nougat—made from fresh, coarsely grated coconut, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg—is a must-try.

If you're heading to Praslin island, dining at Les Rochers is essential. This beachside, family-operated restaurant, constructed from locally sourced granite and topped with a latanier palm leaf roof, offers everything: stunning boulders for the perfect photo, generous portions of outstanding seafood (including a delightful crab curry), and tables right on the sand where you can savor your meal with your toes in the water. Though tucked away just off the main coastal road on the island's eastern side, it’s well worth the detour for an unforgettable dining experience in Seychelles.

Nestled on the beautiful Félicité Island, a secluded gem off the eastern coast of Mahé, Ocean Kitchen is worth the journey for adventurous food enthusiasts, although it primarily caters to yachters seeking a refreshing lunch or guests of the Six Senses Zil Pasyon hotel where it resides. While arriving by helicopter might not be feasible for everyone, making your way there by any means allows you to relish the serene oceanside setting surrounded by granite boulders. The menu boasts the freshest seafood sourced from local fishermen dedicated to sustainable practices, alongside organic fruits and vegetables from island producers. Each night features a unique dinner theme to delight the hotel guests, with Monday showcasing the chef’s special Creole dinner, offering an authentic taste of the locale, while Tuesday’s Indian Ocean Barbecue and Sunday’s Flavours of India satisfy those craving spicy regional fare.

Seychelles boasts a thriving fishing industry, providing jobs for about 17 percent of the population, and much of the local catch finds its way into delicious sushi. Located at Raffles Seychelles on the secluded Praslin Island, the Sushi Room is a dinner-only venue that features local catches like jackfish and jobfish in its sashimi, maki, and nigiri offerings, along with the usual sushi selections. The restaurant is designed like a traditional Japanese dining space, adorned with vibrant red accents and wooden decor, all framed by the lush greenery of Seychelles through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.

Situated within the Constance Lemuria resort on picturesque Praslin Island, Diva was crafted by French designer Marc Hertrich, blending traditional French dining with nautical and tropical elements, like deep-purple sea urchin light fixtures and turtle shell-inspired fabric chairs. Diva proudly offers the largest wine collection in the country, boasting an impressive 22,000 bottles (a true challenge for the sommelier managing it all), allowing you to savor your steak tartare or wagyu beef paired with a rich Burgundian pinot noir. Guests can indulge in a memorable food pairing experience in the wine room. For those inspired by the tropical setting, the whiskey selection at the Diva Bar is also remarkable.