How do the best restaurants on Tahiti and the surrounding islands compare to the top restaurants in New York. What type of selection of restaurants are there on the islands? Any recommendations?

I've found dining in Tahiti to be quite good. Much of the food is a combination of French/Polynesian and International cuisine. In Papeete, there are excellent restaurants (similiar to N.Y. and other cosmopolitan cities, including price). You just won't find as many. Bear in mind the pace and service will not be as fast as in N.Y., but that is part of its charm. Most of the resorts offer fine dining, including nice wine lists. Soaking up local culture should also be part of your trip, so I would recommend visiting some of the local restaurants and cafes. Most current guide books offer up to date information on restaurants throughout French Polynesia.

If you want to really take in the local culture, good food, good fun and the best prices in town then visit 'the roulottes' They are set up each evening down by the quayside of Papeete, and are a colourful institution that every visitor should try. Peg.

Gigi, <BR> <BR>Thank you for the information. Do you recommend any specific guide books for French Polynesia that you have found helpful? <BR> <BR>-Frank

The guidebooks that I've found informative with up to date information are "Tahiti & French Polynesia Guide" by Jan Prince, Hidden Tahiti & French Polynesia by Robert Kay, and Tahiti Handbook by David Stanley. There are also quite a few good web sites (too many to mention). Check out the various resort and tour operator sites. Last thought, don't limit your research only to Moorea & Bora Bora.