Dining

On visiting Mauritius you can feast on a variety of cuisine, be it French, Creole, Indian, Chinese or English. Fruits, meat, vegetables and even fresh seafood are often in short supply and restaurants usually depend on imports for dishing out various cuisines.

National specialties of Mauritius include Venison (in season), Camarons (freshwater prawns) in hot sauces, octopus, fresh pineapple with chilli sauce, rice with curry, Dholl purri - wheat pancake stuffed with dholl and dipped in tomato sauce and samosas.

National drinks of the island include Rum, Beer, Alouda (almond drink) and fresh coconut milk.

You can try the local or Creole food (called rougaille or guguy), which is usually a curry over rice. You can also choose from a wide range of seafood such as oysters, venison (June-September), lobster, crabs, crayfish, prawns, hearts of palm, wild boar and bredes (vegetable soup). Continuous over fishing has reduced the availability of seafood, but a wide range of fresh produce can still be found. Fruits such as bananas, papayas and pineapple are always in season, however, fruits such as mangoes, litchis, cantaloupes and watermelon are strictly seasonal. Citrus fruit are generally imported and can prove to be quite expensive. You are also advised to try the Napoleon shortcakes that are covered with frosting.

A. Top Restaurants

Don Camillo

Theme: Italian cuisine

Address: Route Cotiere, Grand Bay

The Don Camillo, located at the Grand Bay, is famous for its Italian cuisine. The ambience is mellow and romantic in the evening as visitors can relish mouth-watering delicacies on the restaurant terrace that overlooks the bay. All the dishes on the menu are worth a try. In case you plan to visit you are advised to try the pizza and seafood.

Price: US$11-20

Le Coin De Mire

Theme: Sea Food

Address: Opposite Cap Malheureux

The restaurant Le Coin De Mire, famous for its seafood is situated right in front of the church of Cap Malheureux. In case you wish to spend a warm evening relishing on excellent seafood then Le coin de Mire is the place for you. The restaurant is famous for its local Creole food. Visitors can also ask for a seat on the second floor, which offers an extremely beautiful view of the sea.

Price: less than US$10

Timings: 10.30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Hidden Reef

Theme: Eclectic/International cuisine

Address: On the road to Cannoniers Point, Grand Baie.

The Hidden Reef is an excellent place to while away your time. The restaurant is famous for the delicious meals served in its extremely relaxed atmosphere. It offers seating arrangements both inside and outside. You can start by sipping a refreshing drink at the Al-Fresco bar followed by a superbly cooked meal. If you visit the place make sure you order the Crab au gratin to start followed by fresh lobster.

La Colombe

Theme: Chinese & Creole cuisine

Address: Rue Hollandais, Mahébourg

The La Colombe offers good food and provides excellent service. Visitors can relish on authentic Creole food. In case you crave to eat Chinese you should head to La Colombe.

Price: less than US$10