L’Houstalet – The Best Restaurant in Port Vila

L’Houstalet Port Vila

Long a favorite of mine L Houstalet, or rather L’Houstalet is probably the most famous restaurant of any denomination within Vanuatu.

Representing the former French condominium status of the nation they serve an eclectic mix of both local and French specialties from their central Port Vila location.

What the French in Vanuatu?

Vanuatu, a tropical paradise in the Pacific, carries a surprising French twist thanks to its colonial past. From the moment you arrive, the influence is unmistakable—French signs, bakeries serving buttery croissants, and a laid-back café culture that feels plucked from Paris.

While the British also left their mark, it’s the French flair that dominates the food scene. Think fresh baguettes paired with local seafood, or decadent pastries enjoyed with Vanuatu-grown coffee. Even the wine lists nod to Bordeaux. This fusion of French sophistication and island life creates a culinary charm that’s as unique as Vanuatu itself. Bon appétit, island style!

What the L’Houstalet?

L’Houstalet in Port Vila is a classic spot that’s been serving up French-inspired dishes with a local twist since the 1970s. It’s got an old-school vibe, with simple decor and a menu that sticks to what it knows best.

The escargot is a favorite, but the real head-turner is the flying fox stew—definitely worth trying if you’re feeling adventurous. They also do a mean steak and fresh prawns, paired perfectly with a glass of wine. It’s unpretentious, reliable, and a great place to get a taste of Vanuatu’s unique mix of French and island flavors.

And the food?

With the most famous dishes being escargot and flying fish there was never any question on what I would be getting, despite the French owner warning me that it was “gamey”. I though had no fear as I have previously tried this in Bougainville.

The escargot here is frankly to die for, with the smiles being reared locally and you being given a shell holder that you wean the meat from. As with any snails dish though it is all about the sauce with the bread, of which there was plenty.

And as for the flying fox in Vanuatu? It comes with veggies, rice and cheese covered potato, but lets be honest it is all about the meat. I have seen this compared to a stew, but in fact it is more akin to a game like meat smothered in a rich wine based sauce. The fox itself has a unique if somewhat pungent taste with it being a little bony, bit overall worth the intense effort to eat it.

Others tried the meat and liked it, while dishes such as the steak and salads were also ordered. Everyone was not only extremely happy with their meal, but declared it the best restaurant of our multi-country Least Visited Countries Tour.

And I would have to agree! In fact I would put L’Housalet as one of my personal favorite restaurants in the world!

L”housalet Address

L’Houstalet Restaurant

BP 74,

Port Vila

Vanuatu

📞 Phone: +678 22303