A delicious dining experience is just a few steps away from your exotic bungalow at the Sofitel Private Island Resort. The hotel features a traditional French Polynesian menu at the Manu Tuki Restaurant which is in a beautifully designed rotunda-style building with panoramic views of the blue lagoon and majestic Mount Oetemanu from each table. The menu features fresh seafood, imported meats from New Zealand and local ingredients from the Tahitian islands such as vanilla beans and honey.
For those looking for a lighter meal, there is even a De-Light menu special designed for patrons who want an elegant gastronomic experience with healthier preparations. During this particular evening, we were lucky enough to be serenaded throughout our meal by a live pianist, playing beautiful classical and romantic love songs, perfect for our candlelit dinner. We were excited to learn that Chef Loulou would be preparing our dinner, and we were treated to a delicious Polynesian culinary experience!
To enhance his meal, Jason selected an Italian red wine flight pairing which complimented the flavors of each course very nicely.
Jason – The Sofitel “Elegance” wine flight pairing (1,400 XPF or $16 USD) included:
- Peppoli Chianti Classico – Soft and delicate, Italian sweetness
- Villa Antinori Rosso Toscana – Sweet with aromas of red fruit
- La Brasccesca Vino Nobile de Montepulciano – Floral with violets and blackcurrant aromas, with complexity
Fish Salad from the Lagoon (2,050 XPF or $23 USD) – This light, fresh and citrusy salad was served with a delicate poached & thinly sliced lagoon fish locally caught in Bora Bora. This salad was a good selection to start the meal and excite our palates.
At the Manu Tuki Restaurant, you also receive a basket of freshly baked assorted rolls and baguettes at the beginning of your dinner. Be careful as these artisan bread are highly addictive and you don’t want to fill up before the main course!
Flambé Lobster with Vanilla Rum Sauce (4,200 XPF or $48 USD) – One our last night Jason decided to treat himself with a decadent and whole tender lobster on the half shell, a nice splurge when you are at one of the most exclusive islands in the world. Flambé and served with a decadent vanilla rum sauce and sweet potatoes, this dish was fit for a king. The only problem with the recipe is that he wanted more!
Sesame Crusted Salmon, Potato Gnocchi with a Banana Curry Sauce (2,750 XPF or $31 USD) – I selected a seafood dish of fresh salmon with a crunchy sesame crust. The rich and tender gnocchi dumplings tossed with fresh asparagus and the banana curry sauce was my favorite part of the dish. Needless to say, there was not much leftover on my plate!
Coconut Custard Tart with Ice Cream (1,750 XPF or $20 USD) – Hands down, our favorite dessert when we visit Bora Bora is a warm coconut custard tart. To satisfy our sweet tooth and obsession, we ended our meal with Manu Tuki’s version of the island dessert. Served as a mini tart with fresh and creamy coconut ice cream, a delightful way to end the dinner experience.
The Manu Tuki Restaurant is open seven days a week for the following services:
Breakfast: 6:30 am to 10:00 am
Lunch: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
This schedule allows you to enjoy the Manu Tuki restaurant any time of the day, which also provides room service if you would rather dine in the comforts of your own overwater bungalow.
