Taste Your Way Around Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
Photography Supplied.
From tableside kokoda and Fijian-inspired tapas to beachfront seafood and Parisian pastries, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is serving up a world of flavour on Denarau Island.
A holiday in Fiji may begin with sun, sand and swaying palms, but at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, the food is just as important. The beachfront resort is home to an impressive collection of restaurants and bars, spanning authentic Fijian cuisine, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, French and interactive international dining. Whether you are settling in for a lazy breakfast, stopping for cocktails at sunset or planning a special dinner, there's a plethora of options.
KOKO
At the heart of the resort’s dining offering is its newest restaurant, KOKO, a celebration of Fiji’s ingredients, traditions and famously warm hospitality. Set on the beachfront, KOKO places Fijian food firmly in the spotlight, combining traditional flavours and fresh island ingredients with colourful, contemporary presentation. The experience begins before you even reach the table. Guests are welcomed by a kava station, offering an introduction to one of Fiji’s most significant cultural traditions. Arrive at 5.30pm and you can also hear the beating of the lali drum, settle in with a handcrafted cocktail and enjoy house-made taro and cassava chips with dips as the sun begins to set. One of KOKO’s highlights is its live kokoda station. Often described as Fiji’s national dish, kokoda is traditionally made with fresh fish cured in citrus and combined with coconut milk and vegetables. Here, guests can watch as a chef prepares it in front of them, choosing from ingredients including fresh lime, chilli, tomato, cucumber and herbs to create their own version.
Solis Restaurant
For a long lunch or relaxed dinner overlooking the water, Solis Restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a focus on fresh seafood and premium local produce. Its beachfront position makes it an especially lovely spot to watch the sun disappear over the Mamanuca Islands, preferably with something chilled in your glass and a plate or two to share.
Waitui Bar & Grill
Adults staying at or visiting the resort’s exclusive 16-plus Waitui Beach Club can also dine at Waitui Bar & Grill. The restaurant specialises in charcoal-grilled seafood and premium meats, accompanied by handcrafted cocktails and a considered wine list.
Suka Bar
Suka Bar brings together two things Fiji does particularly well: warm beachfront evenings and rum. The bar specialises in house-infused rums, handcrafted cocktails and Fijian-inspired tapas, making it a natural destination for a pre-dinner drink or a relaxed evening of shared plates.
La Parisienne
Sofitel’s French heritage comes through at La Parisienne, a relaxed café serving expertly brewed coffee, artisan pastries, elegant breakfasts and light lunches. It is an easy choice for a quiet morning coffee, a flaky pastry or something lighter between swims.
Madame So
At Madame So, the focus shifts to Vietnam. Traditional recipes are given a contemporary touch, with fresh herbs, aromatic flavours and beautifully presented dishes creating a polished Southeast Asian dining experience.
Bazaar Kitchen & Bar
Families and groups with different cravings will find plenty to choose from at Bazaar Kitchen & Bar. The interactive restaurant offers gourmet buffet breakfasts and themed dinners, with seven live cooking stations showcasing dishes and techniques from around the world.
Together, the resort’s restaurants make it possible to explore a different cuisine, setting and style of dining each day. After all, one of the best ways to get to know a destination is through its food and at Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, you don't need to travel far to begin.
latest issue:
Issue 128
This winter issue of dish is about comfort and connection. Celebrating the best of New Zealand and Australian produce, it brings together recipes from some of our most-loved chefs, including Moroccan Chicken Soup, Mint-glazed Roasted Leg of Lamb, Slow Cooker Braised Red Wine and Miso White Chocolate Cheesecake. Find plenty to carry you through the colder months, from flaky sausage rolls and mushroom pie, to soul-soothing pasta, nostalgic baking, weekend market inspiration and dinner party menus. There’s a spotlight on the Outstanding Food Producer Awards, recipes from Caroline Griffiths’ Midnight Spaghetti, and a deep dive into the difference between Kiwi syrah and Aussie shiraz.