With a name as grandiose as Capital Restaurant you would expect this to be a high-end joint. Alas it is not, instead it is a fairly sturdy Chinese restaurant (of sorts) located next to Betio Lodge.
This does though also make it by default one of the best restaurants in Tarawa if nothing else for lack of choice.
What the Tarawa?
The capital of Kiribati it is actually made up of a number of islands and districts, such as Betio where this restaurant is located. One of the Least Visited Countries is on the planet it is also where we bring our Least Visited Countries Tour.
Not exactly a party centre there are though bars, nightlife and indeed Chinese restaurants to keep you entertained. We offer some decent War Tours here.
What the Capital Restaurant?
Officially this is a Chinese restaurant located in Betio the crux of war tours in Tarawa. It is also located next to Betio Lodge and its slightly crazy owners. For us at least this makes it a convenient stop for food.
It is also well known among local circles as being cheap and good. Is it tough a Chinese restaurant? Well in essence no it is not, it is a Pacific Chinese restaurant serving popular Chinese fusion such as Chop Suey. This makes it more in line with what you might get in Nauru rather than Shenzhen.
In fact there were not even any Chinese staff, or servers when I was in Capital Restaurant, although I am sure the owners probably are.
Sav and Chips at Capital Restaurant
To my surprise there was also a fare bit of local fusion food too, such as sausage and chips, which I ordered. What I received though was that very British sausage that is known as the saveloy. This was something I knew existed in Papua New Guinea, but not Kiribati. They also had chicken and chips, as well as fish and chips on the menu.
What made it slightly more local in my eyes at least was that you could not just add vinegar for your meal, but also fried eggs at 1 AUD (50 cents) a pop. And overall this made the restaurant fine enough for me. Not exactly each shattering, but asvelot and chips, some friend eggs and water at less than $10 is good in my book.
There are though better Chinese restaurants…
Capital Restaurant Tarawa Address
Capital Restaurant
Betio (next to Betio Lodge)
Tarawa
Republic of Kiribati