The Best Waterside Restaurants in the Seychelles

As a country of so many islands, it's no surprise there are so many incredible waterside restaurants in the Seychelles | Courtesy of Le Combava

Carrie Honaker

8 December 2021

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The Seychelles archipelago of 115 islands offers lush tropical landscapes, boulder-strewn coastlines and diverse marine life in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. Close to the equator, warm breezes and abundant sunshine set the course for beautiful sailing around the islands. The majority are uninhabited, but on sugary specks such as Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, Seychellois Creole cuisine mingles with other African, British, French, Indian and Chinese flavours. Here, romantic luxury resort restaurants share deep blue views with beach shacks serving traditional cooking.

Get a flavour for the Seychelles by renting a yacht for the day with SamBoat. Alternatively, explore further afield by booking a multi-day sailing vacation with Dream Yacht Charter.

Les Rochers, Praslin

Restaurant, Seafood

Located on the southern coast road of Praslin, this tucked-away, dinner-only restaurant sits within a traditionally built stone structure, covered with a thatched roof. There’s not a bad seat between the indoor dining room with open-air views and a wide veranda, or the beachfront tables looking over the waters of Grande Anse. Food is seafood-centric, with most dishes being traditional Seychellois fare, such as fish curry and grilled prawns.

Chez Jules, La Digue

Restaurant, European, $$$

The exterior of Chez Jules restaurant, beneath trees on the beach

This cash-only, beachside shack is sequestered away on a secluded patch of Anse Banane on La Digue island. Covering breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu comprises mostly Creole dishes, such as octopus in coconut milk, legendary banana smoothies and signature Seychelles spirit, Takamaka – a pot-distilled rum made on Mahé. Drop anchor here and you’ll be treated to a front-row view of boats bobbing offshore, silhouetted by Indian Ocean sunsets.

Kafé Kréol, Mahé

Cafe, Italian, $$$

On the southern coast of Mahé, this brightly coloured cafe serves a mix of Creole and Italian cuisine beside the beach, where diners can wiggle their toes in the sand. Pizza and pasta are on the menu, as well as Seychellois specialities including grilled octopus and chicken curry. Everything but the olives are locally sourced and made, so be sure to try the Slow Turtle cider or coconut ice cream. Grab a lounge chair out front to take in the turquoise water.

Le Combava, La Digue

A table-for-two outside Le Combava, with more tables and the ocean in view

Courtesy of Le Combava

La Digue’s Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort & Spa houses a splurge-worthy dining experience surrounded by ocean views. Le Combava is a chic, modern, open-air restaurant with a menu featuring international dishes such as grilled lobster with pineapple quinoa and lemon butter sauce. Each plate is a work of art, the wine list is enviable and desserts like strawberry charlotte with pumpkin coulis are worth saving room for.

Café des Arts, Praslin

Cafe, Seafood

The honeymoon paradise island of Praslin is home to this spot on the beachfront at Le Duc de Praslin hotel. Whether grabbing a light lunch bite or settling in for a luxurious dinner, the breezy terrace seating with views of the dazzling white sand and cerulean waters will satisfy. The menu is seafood-heavy, with dishes such as giraffe crab cooked three ways, while the plantation mai tai is a potent way to toast the sun-drenched landscape.

Chateau de Feuilles, Praslin

Restaurant, Fusion

Refined dining is on the menu at this restaurant within the luxury hotel of the same name on Praslin. The boutique hotel only accommodates 20 guests, and the restaurant is equally cosy, so be sure to book ahead. Open-air seating offers views of the Indian Ocean and plays host each night to a different four-course menu that includes herbs and vegetables grown on-site. Breakfast is buffet-style and lunch is à la carte, but all dishes are a fusion of Creole and international flavours, prepped with meticulous detail.

Fish Trap, La Digue

Restaurant, Seafood, Vegetarian, Vegan, $$$

The Fisherman's Bar at Fish Trap, stocked with many drinks

Located near the jetty in La Passe, plenty of boats can be spotted bobbing in the shallow waters outside this casual La Digue spot, known for its ample portions of seafood, Creole classics such as fish in banana leaves, and international options including pizza and burgers. The bright aqua-and-white building calls to the colours of the beach, and the interior is filled with works by local artists. Cocktails here are legendary, especially those made with takamaka.

Boat House, Mahé