Eating Out in Reunion: Recommendations for Every Meal

Reunion Island, located in the Indian Ocean, is a paradise for food lovers. With its diverse cultural influences and abundance of fresh ingredients, the island offers a tantalizing array of dining options. Whether you’re craving Creole cuisine, French delicacies, or international flavors, Reunion has something to satisfy every palate. Here are some recommendations for every meal during your visit to Reunion.

Breakfast

• Le Pain de Sucre: Start your day with a visit to Le Pain de Sucre, a charming bakery located in the heart of Saint-Leu. Indulge in freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat, and traditional Reunionese pastries like bonbons piments (chili fritters) and bouchons (sweet buns).
• Café des Plages: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast by the beach at Café des Plages in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. Savor a delicious assortment of tropical fruits, yogurt, granola, and freshly brewed coffee while taking in the stunning ocean views.
• La Boulangerie L’Alizé: Located in Saint-Denis, La Boulangerie L’Alizé is known for its wide selection of artisanal bread and pastries. Treat yourself to a mouthwatering croissant or try their famous “pain biché” – a local specialty made with sweet potato.

Lunch

• Le Comptoir des Saveurs: For a taste of traditional Creole cuisine, head to Le Comptoir des Saveurs in Saint-Pierre. Feast on dishes like rougail saucisse (sausage stew), cari poulet (chicken curry), and samoussas (fried pastries filled with meat or vegetables).
• Le Kabanon: Located in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, Le Kabanon offers a unique dining experience with its beachfront location and relaxed atmosphere. Try their grilled seafood platter, which includes fresh fish, prawns, and lobster, served with a side of delicious Creole sauces.
• Le Saint-Alexis: Situated in the charming village of Saint-Alexis, Le Saint-Alexis is known for its innovative fusion cuisine. Enjoy dishes that blend Creole, French, and Asian flavors, such as their signature dish, “Carpe Diem” – a succulent fish fillet served with a creamy vanilla sauce.

Snacks

• Marché Forain de Saint-Pierre: Visit the vibrant Marché Forain de Saint-Pierre and sample a variety of delicious snacks. Try the “bouchons” – bite-sized sweet buns filled with coconut or vanilla cream, or indulge in a refreshing “diabolo” – a mix of local fruit juices and soda.
• Le Ti’ Jaco: Located in Saint-Leu, Le Ti’ Jaco is a popular food truck that serves mouthwatering “bouchons” – savory or sweet stuffed dumplings. Choose from fillings like cheese, ham, chicken, or chocolate, and enjoy these tasty treats on the go.
• Le Snack Paille en Queue: Situated in Cilaos, Le Snack Paille en Queue is a charming little eatery where you can savor delicious local snacks. Try their “bonbons piments” – crispy fritters made with lentils and spices, or their famous “pâté créole” – a savory pastry filled with meat and vegetables.

Dinner

• Le Zinzin: Located in Saint-Denis, Le Zinzin is a trendy restaurant known for its fusion cuisine. Enjoy a mix of flavors from around the world, with dishes like seared tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes or duck confit with vanilla-infused jus.
• Le P’tit Boucan: Situated in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, Le P’tit Boucan offers a delightful dining experience with its cozy atmosphere and stunning ocean views. Feast on grilled meats, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts while enjoying the sea breeze.
• Le Manta: Nestled in the charming village of Entre-Deux, Le Manta is a hidden gem that specializes in traditional Creole cuisine. Try their famous “civet de cerf” – a rich venison stew cooked with local spices, or indulge in their mouthwatering coconut flan for dessert.

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Desserts

• La Fabrique Givrée: Treat yourself to artisanal ice cream at La Fabrique Givrée in Saint-Denis. Choose from a variety of unique flavors like Bourbon vanilla, lychee, or gingerbread, and savor these delectable frozen delights.
• Le Délice des Papilles: Located in Saint-Pierre, Le Délice des Papilles is a charming patisserie that offers a wide selection of pastries and desserts. Indulge in a slice of their famous “tartelette au citron meringuée” – a tangy lemon tart topped with fluffy meringue.
• Le Bonbon à l’Anis: Situated in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, Le Bonbon à l’Anis is a must-visit for dessert lovers. Try their “bonbon piment” ice cream – a unique blend of spicy and sweet flavors, or their decadent chocolate mousse for a truly indulgent treat.

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Street Food

• Le Marché de Saint-Paul: Explore the vibrant Saint-Paul market and discover a wide range of delicious street food options. Try the “bichiques” – tiny fish cooked in a spicy sauce, or the “samosas” – fried pastries filled with meat or vegetables.
• Le Snack du Port: Located in Le Port, Le Snack du Port is a popular spot for locals craving tasty street food. Try their “achards” – pickled vegetables with a spicy kick, or their “boucané” – smoked pork served with rice and beans.
• Le Tamarin Gourmand: Situated in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, Le Tamarin Gourmand is a food truck that offers a variety of mouthwatering street food. Don’t miss their “bouchons” – savory or sweet stuffed dumplings, or their “bonbons piments” – crispy lentil fritters.

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Conclusion

Reunion Island is a culinary paradise, offering a diverse range of dining options to satisfy every craving. From traditional Creole cuisine to international flavors, the island’s restaurants, food trucks, and markets are sure to leave you with a memorable gastronomic experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the unique and delicious flavors of Reunion during your visit.

References

– paindesucre.re
– reunion.fr
– lecomptoirdessaveurs.re
– restaurant-lekabanon.re
– hotellestalexismafate.re
– marche-forain.com
– letijaco.re
– paille-en-queue.com
– lezinzin.re
– leptitboucan.com
– restaurant-lemanta.com
– lafabriquegivree.re
– ledelicedespapilles.com
– bonbonalanis.re
– marchesaintpaul.re
– snackduport.re
– letamaringourmand.com