Dining Over the Lagoon: Toatea Crêperie, Moorea

Toatea Crêperie feels like something out of a dream. Perched above Moorea’s shimmering lagoon, it’s surrounded by vibrant coral gardens and framed by the island’s lush, dramatic peaks. The setting alone is pure romance—add in the gentle ocean breeze and the soft sounds of water lapping below, and it’s easy to forget the rest of the world exists.

Set on stilts alongside the overwater bungalows, Toatea offers a front-row seat to Moorea’s incredible underwater world. By day, colorful fish dart through the coral, and graceful eagle rays glide effortlessly beneath the docks. Come evening, the magic really begins, with sand sharks and manta rays making an appearance beneath the soft glow of the lights. It’s an experience as unforgettable as the views.

About Toatea Crêperie

Location

Inside of the Hilton Lagoon Hotel & Spa, nestled between Moorea’s two iconic bays.

Cuisine

French-inspired crêpes

Vibe

Island Romance

Reservations

Absolutely necessary, especially if you are not a resort guest

My Visit to Toatea Crêperie

Reservations can only be made in-person or over the phone, which can be a bit tricky for international visitors. Thankfully, Sara, the owner of the bed and breakfast I was staying at, kindly offered to call on her local cell phone. I’m convinced her effortless charm was the reason we managed to snag a last-minute sunset reservation!

After getting dressed up for the evening, I threw on some loose pants over my dress, hopped on the scooter, and headed to the resort. At the gate, I gave my name and reservation time to the security guard, who checked a clipboard and waved me through.

Toatea Crêperie Bar Hilton Lagoon Moorea French Polynesia Restaurant

We arrived about an hour ahead of our reservation, which turned out to be perfect timing. With mai tais in hand, we strolled the docks as the sky softened into shades of peach and gold, the lagoon glowing in the fading light. The atmosphere felt like pure magic—warm air, the gentle lapping of the water, and the kind of sunset that holds you in its spell, transitioning from soft pastels to a creamsicle finale that seemed almost too beautiful to be real.

Once the light faded and our table was ready, we settled in to browse the menu. At first glance, I was a little disappointed to see that much of it relied on ingredients shipped thousands of miles from the mainland.

I couldn’t help but think about the environmental impact, the missed opportunity to support local agriculture, and, frankly, the lack of adventure in eating something I could get back home. After all, part of traveling is experiencing what makes a place unique!

I asked our hostess to point out dishes made entirely from local ingredients, which narrowed my choices to two savory options and three desserts. Thankfully, everything sounded fantastic.

For my main, I chose the Moana: freshly caught fish of the day, locally harvested pineapple, and creamy cheese. That evening, it was swordfish, perfectly cooked and rich in flavor, balanced beautifully by the sweetness of the pineapple. It was a dish that felt rooted in the place, every bite a reminder of the lagoon just below us.

For dessert, we shared the Marquisienne, a crepe filled with honey, lemon, almonds, mango sorbet, and freshly whipped cream. It was light and refreshing, with the citrus giving it a bright, zesty edge that made it the perfect nightcap. We lingered over every bite, soaking in the sounds of the water and the glow of the lights beneath us.

The TLDR

A dreamy dining experience with breathtaking views and an unforgettable atmosphere. Come for the romance of the setting, and you’ll leave completely enchanted.

Craving more island magic? Dive into my full guide to the best of Moorea!

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