3 Best Restaurants in Reunion Island

The host of high quality fruits and vegetables produced by Reunion's fertile volcanic soil get a lot of loving at this organic restaurant in Saint Denis. Using seasonal ingredients, the restaurant prides itself on the fresh, 100% homemade lunches, like tuna tartare, roast chicken and potatoes, and seared duck breast on cabbage. The hand squeezed tropical fruit juices are beyond refreshing. Brightly colored red tables, painted chairs, and tropical houseplants give the dining room a light, playful atmosphere.

At the top of the list in the debate over Reunion's best restaurant is Blue Margouillat, located in the hotel by the same name in St. Leu, on the island's west side. Beautifully presented, European-style haute cuisine is laced with island spices and locally sourced ingredients—coriander, curcuma, cinnamon, and ginger are added to inspired fusion dishes like the curried crayfish over goat cheese. Save room for dessert; the dark chocolate fondant in red berry syrup is delicious. A full-scale tea is served each afternoon around the pool and there's a sunset cocktail hour, complete with a selection of pastries and petite bouchees.

Art and Creole cuisine come together in this simple white and yellow roadside building in the central village of Bourg-Murat. Alain Beton, the restaurant's owner and resident artist (all of the paintings decorating the walls are his), serves up dishes like sausage stew, grilled lemon chicken, wood-fired pizzas, and bouchon dumplings, all cooked over an open fire. The atmosphere here is convivial and cozy, especially on Friday night, when the karaoke mic is plugged in.