Nestled in a well-preserved 19^th-century colonial mansion in Victoria, Marie Antoinette is one of Seychelles’ oldest and most renowned restaurants. Both of the building’s exterior and interior reflect the architectural grandeur of the archipelago’s colonial era. Known for serving authentic Creole cuisine, it offers a wide selection of reasonably priced, locally crafted dishes.

Among its highlights are octopus and red snapper curries, mango salad with vinegar and pink peppercorn, and mashed pumpkin, to name just a few. For the pluckier foodies, the restaurant also has a Seychellois bat curry (though it must be ordered in advanced). The preparation of this dish begins with seasoning the bat in a blend of spices, followed by simmering it in a richly spiced curry. Its flavor is described as distinct, with a mild gaminess reminiscent of rabbit or venison, complemented by a subtle sweetness.

Another unusual ingredient the kitchen often uses is the breadfruit, a staple of Seychelles’ culinary heritage. Though the spiky fruit might appear uninviting at first, Marie Antoinette turns it into delightful breadfruit croquettes – a must-try dish for any visitor.

Apart from its scrumptious food, the restaurant is also home to a tortoise enclosure. Ensconced in the backyard, it provides an up-close glimpse of these adorable creatures, without the hassle of traveling to another island.

The resilience of Marie Antoinette’s tortoises is a story by its own right. Following a heavy rainfall in 2001, a rickety wall collapsed on the animals. Fortunately, after days of intensive care, they all survived against the odds. However, their shells are still marked by scars from that ordeal, something which stands as a testament to their fortitude.

Overlooking the pristine Anse Soleil Beach at Mahe’s western coast is Anse Soleil Cafe, renowned for their assortment of creole-style dishes, particularly the freshly caught fish steaks, drizzled with semi sweet sauce and accompanied by rice and mashed pumpkin. Among the grilled fish are tuna, sward fish, red snapper and even shark. Additionally, there are also plenty of seafood options like lobster and crab curries.

The food is paired with the stunning vistas of the nearby cove, whose waters tenderly lap at the sand just a stone’s throw away.

The Boat House in Beau Vallon is a magnet for sunbathers who wish to grab a tasty bite between beach sessions, focusing on mildly flavored creole food. The octopus salad is one of the best appetizers in the menu – refreshing, light and served with generous amount of octopus slices. The restaurant also has several curry dishes, one of which is the gorgeous tuna curry, accompanied with rice and creole mango salad.

The restaurant at Chez Batista Resort, close to Ros Sodyer, boasts stunning views of the nearby Anse Takamaka Beach and serves a variety of delicious Creole dishes. The shrimp salad stands out for its remarkably large portion of shrimps, a refreshing departure from the modest servings typical of many restaurants around the world.

Arguably La Digue’s most refined dining spot, Fish Trap is perched right by the Indian Ocean, offering a menu filled with fresh, locally sourced dishes. A highlight is the shrimp salad, creatively enhanced with orange slices that provide a delicate balance of sweetness and tang instead of traditional vinegar.

Guests can also savor a series of creole favorites, seafood galore, and global staples, including burgers and pasta. The cocktails are exceptional, especially those infused with local rum. There is a separate menu that appeals to younger diners as well, making it a family-friendly choice.

The Indo-Seychellois community, numbering roughly 10,000 out of the archipelago’s 97,000 residents, has become an integral part of Seychelles’ economy and culture. Originally brought by the British as indentured laborers during the colonial era, many Indians opted to settle permanently on the islands, where they established a thriving and influential presence to date.

One of the areas where the impact of the Indian culture is most evident is in the local cuisine. Indian restaurants and grocery staples make up a significant portion of the dining scene, while Indian flavors, particularly in locally crafted curries, are seamlessly woven into Creole cooking.

Situated along the main beach of Beau Vallon, Mahek is a true haven for those who enjoy Indian cuisine. The menu spans a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes, thoughtfully categorized by their regional origins in India. Signature offerings include rich curries and stews, such as the Murg Ka Mokul – a mouthwatering combination of chicken, cashews, turmeric, and saffron.

Every now and then, the skilled chef steps out of the kitchen to personally greet guests and share his insights about the dishes and their cultural roots.

The restaurant complements its main courses with a well-rounded selection of starters, appealing to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diners. While desserts are not a cornerstone of traditional Indian fare, Mahek impresses with its sweet creations. From a homemade blueberry ice cream to a baked yogurt with fig, these desserts provide an ideal finale to any meal.

With over 150,000 annual tourists and a sizable expat population, it’s no surprise that Seychelles has a vibrant dining scene tailored to international tastes. Western-style eateries are widespread, with Italian and French cuisines dominating the culinary landscape.

From high-end establishments in secluded five-star resorts to casual spots lining Beau Vallon’s sandy shores, these restaurants incorporate locally sourced ingredients, with fish and seafood taking center stage.

Nestled on the Beau Vallon beachfront, La Plage Restaurant is a favorite among visitors, with a menu focused on French-style seafood, including a selection of tempting starters. The marlin carpaccio with papaya salad is especially recommended as a light bite to start a meal with.

What’s unique about La Plage is how it blends French cuisine with local influences, serving mild curries with shrimp or octopus that cater to even the pickiest of eaters.

Tucked away near Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, La Perle Noire specializes in Italian cuisine, particularly seafood and fish. A must-try appetizer is the red snapper carpaccio with wasabi and lime, a brilliantly balanced dish.

The main courses are equally enticing, with an impressive variety of fish fillets and daily specials. Every dish, such as the red snapper fillet wrapped in citrus peel, is served with your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, green salad, or grilled vegetables for a hearty meal.