The island’s most acclaimed restaurant sits over the water with a glass floor, and its Google rating is 4.9 — the highest of any dining room in Bora Bora.
Lagoon by Jean-Georges at the St. Regis holds a 4.9 Google rating — the highest of any restaurant on the island, and the only one with a glass floor over the lagoon.
Bora Bora’s sunset dining scene runs from sand-floored tiki joints to six-table French hideaways. The sweet spot for most couples is a restaurant with lagoon views, good seafood, and a price tag that doesn’t require a second mortgage — St. James and the sunset-cruise combo both deliver that balance. Book ahead whatever you choose.
Honeymooners
Anniversary couples
Splurge-seekers
Bora Bora has a way of making dinner feel like an event. The light shifts from gold to rose over Mount Otemanu, the lagoon turns glassy, and suddenly a meal becomes a memory. But with resort restaurants charging north of $400 a couple and casual spots scattered across motus, figuring out which sunset supper is worth your time — and your budget — takes some sorting. This guide covers five of the best options, from the island’s most exclusive dining room to a cruise-and-dinner combo that wraps the lagoon into the experience.
Every restaurant listed here is reachable from Bora Bora’s main island or via included transfers. Costs are based on two people with drinks unless noted, and reservations are non-negotiable at the top-end spots.
| Restaurant | Cost for Two | Cuisine | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagoon at St. Regis | ~$400 | French & Asian Fusion | Overwater spectacle |
| La Villa Mahana | $400–420 | French-Polynesian | Intimate exclusivity |
| St. James | $180–240 | French, European, Seafood | Waterfront romance |
| Bloody Mary’s | ~$160 | American, Seafood | Iconic tiki vibe |
| Sunset Cruise + St. James Dinner | ~$534 | French-Polynesian | Lagoon-to-table experience |
Lagoon by Jean-Georges at the St. Regis
If you want the full Bora Bora dining spectacle — the one that justifies the plane ticket — this is it. Lagoon by Jean-Georges Vongerichten sits over the water with floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass floor that lets you watch rays, fish, and the occasional nurse shark glide beneath your table while you eat. The Google rating sits at 4.9, the highest on the island, and the kitchen blends French technique with Asian influences. Expect $50 entrees like Crusted Black Papio with spices and nuts, or Mahi Mahi with white sesame and lavender, and appetizers such as black pepper octopus and seared foie gras. The wine list is the strongest of any resort restaurant on Bora Bora, so factor in a bottle if that matters to you.
Note: The St. Regis is on its own motu, so you’ll need a water taxi or resort transfer unless you’re a guest. Check current rates and book a table at Lagoon’s reservation page well ahead — sunset slots go first.
La Villa Mahana
La Villa Mahana is Bora Bora’s most exclusive restaurant by a wide margin — it seats just six couples a night, and that’s not a typo. Reservations require months of advance planning, especially if you want a sunset slot. Housed in a Mediterranean-style villa with classical music, candlelight, and Polynesian artwork on the walls, the space feels more like a private dinner party than a restaurant. The five-course menu changes daily based on the freshest catch and produce, but recurring standouts include seared ahi tuna with vanilla oil, lobster risotto, and duck liver with sweet spices and potatoes. Even the complimentary coconut bread, wrapped in a banana leaf, gets mentioned in reviews. Cost runs about $420 for two with wine.
La Villa Mahana books up weeks to months in advance — the six-couple cap means you can’t walk in. Email or call as soon as your travel dates are locked. If you can’t get a table, the coconut bread alone is reason to try again next trip.
Dress code here leans formal for Bora Bora: men should pack a collared shirt and trousers, not shorts and flip-flops. The setting inside the villa is intimate — low lighting, close tables, classical music — so it suits couples who want a quiet, unhurried evening rather than a lively scene. Check La Villa Mahana’s Facebook page for current menus and reservation details.
St. James
St. James sits right on the water in Vaitape, with a deck that overlooks the lagoon and the sunset. Most couples arrive by private boat or water shuttle, and it’s common to see stingrays swimming below the deck as the light fades. The kitchen turns out French-Polynesian fusion that even locals rate highly — always a good sign given the prices. The signature dish is tuna prepared four ways, and the menu also covers seafood, European dishes, and French classics. With drinks, expect to spend around $240 for two. Google Rating: 4.3.
St. James is one of the few higher-end restaurants on Bora Bora where you’ll see local diners alongside tourists. That’s a solid endorsement. The deck tables with lagoon views go first, so specify your preference when booking.
If you’re staying on a motu, factor in the water taxi cost to reach Vaitape — or look into the sunset-cruise combo below, which includes dinner at St. James and handles the transfers. For more on Bora Bora’s dining scene, including local ingredients and traditional dishes, read our guide to Bora Bora on a plate.
Bloody Mary’s
Bloody Mary’s has been an island fixture since the 1960s, and it’s the polar opposite of La Villa Mahana’s hushed formality. The dining area sits right on the water with a sand floor and a thatched roof — about as close to classic tiki as Bora Bora gets. The menu leans American and seafood, with marlin, shark, mahi mahi, and what many consider the best rock lobster on the island, grilled with drawn butter and lime. Two walls are covered with photos of celebrities who’ve eaten here over the decades. Cost runs about $160 for two, and the Google Rating is 4.1.
The sunset view here is more sideways — you’re on the beach rather than over the water — but the atmosphere is unmatched for sheer personality. It’s a good pick for couples who want a lively, unpretentious meal after a day on the lagoon. Visit Bloody Mary’s official site for hours and reservations.
Sunset Cruise & Dinner at St. James
This combo experience strings together the two best parts of a Bora Bora evening — sunset on the lagoon and a waterfront dinner — into one 4-hour outing. It’s the only option on this list that puts you on the water for the golden hour, then lands you at a restaurant table without any logistics stress.
Hotel pickup on Bora Bora’s main island is included. Guests on a motu arrange their own transfer to the start point, but the return taxi from the restaurant is covered. You board a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe and spend about two hours cruising the calm lagoon as the sun drops behind Mount Otemanu. Champagne is served onboard. The group is capped at five couples, so it stays intimate. Browse Bora Bora sunset cruise options on Viator.
After the cruise, you’re transferred to St. James Restaurant in Vaitape for dinner. The lagoon-facing deck, the same one described above, is reserved for your group. Dinner includes a glass of champagne and a multi-course meal. Reviews highlight the attentive service and the quality of the food — many call it the best meal they had on the island.
After dinner, guests staying on the main island are dropped at their hotel. For motu guests, a taxi from the restaurant to your accommodation is arranged as part of the package. The whole experience runs about 4 hours start to finish.
Note: This tour is adult-only, so it’s designed for couples and groups of adults. Kids won’t be accommodated. The cost is $267 per person, covering the cruise, champagne, dinner, and transfers for main-island guests. Smart casual dress works — bring a light layer for the boat ride back if the wind picks up. Compare dinner cruise tours in Bora Bora on Viator.
Making It Happen: Reservations, Timing & Logistics
Bora Bora’s top restaurants don’t operate on walk-in logic. The difference between a smooth evening and a frustrating one usually comes down to three things: how early you book, how you get there, and what you wear.
La Villa Mahana’s six-couple cap means it can book out two to three months in advance during peak season (May–October). If you’re planning a honeymoon or anniversary, secure that table before you book your flights. St. James and Lagoon also require reservations, though their windows are more forgiving — a week or two ahead usually works.
Getting There
Restaurants on the main island — St. James, Bloody Mary’s, and La Villa Mahana — are reachable by taxi, rental car, or water shuttle from nearby motus. Lagoon at St. Regis requires a resort transfer or water taxi since the St. Regis sits on its own motu. The sunset-cruise combo includes hotel pickup for main-island guests and a taxi return for motu guests, which simplifies things considerably if you’re not staying on the main island.
Dress Code
Smart casual works at St. James, Bloody Mary’s, and the sunset cruise. La Villa Mahana calls for a step up — men should pack trousers and a collared shirt. Lagoon at St. Regis falls somewhere in between: no shorts after dark, but a jacket isn’t required. The sunset cruise gets breezy on the water, so a light jacket or wrap is practical regardless of what you’re wearing to dinner.
Cost vs. Value
Dinner for two in Bora Bora ranges from about $160 at Bloody Mary’s to $400-plus at Lagoon and La Villa Mahana. The sunset-cruise combo at $534 for two sits at the top end but bundles the cruise, champagne, dinner, and transfers — if you’d book a sunset boat tour anyway, the combined price makes more sense than booking separately.
Before You Go — Bora Bora
What’s the dress code for sunset dining?
Smart casual covers most restaurants. La Villa Mahana is the exception — men need trousers and a collared shirt. Pack a light layer for any evening on the water.
How far ahead should I book?
La Villa Mahana needs months of lead time. St. James and Lagoon at St. Regis typically require one to two weeks. Bloody Mary’s is the most flexible, but weekend sunset slots still fill up.
Can I do sunset dining from a motu?
Yes, but factor in water taxi costs and timing. The sunset-cruise combo handles motu returns via taxi, which takes the guesswork out. For standalone restaurants, ask your hotel about shuttle options. Read about Bora Bora’s must-try dishes to know what to order when you get there.
Is the sunset-cruise combo worth the price?
At $267 per person, it’s not cheap, but it bundles a private outrigger cruise, champagne, and a full dinner at St. James with transfers. For couples who want the lagoon-at-sunset experience without resort prices, it’s good value.
What if we want something more casual?
Bloody Mary’s is your spot — sand floor, thatched roof, rock lobster, and no dress code. Snack Matira also gets strong reviews (4.5 Google rating) for bar food and Polynesian plates at a fraction of the cost.
When the Sun Drops, the Lagoon Takes Over
Bora Bora’s sunset dining rooms vary wildly — from a glass floor over the lagoon to a sand-floored tiki bar that’s been pouring drinks since the 1960s. But they all share one thing: the view. The light fades slowly here, and the lagoon holds the colour longer than you expect. That’s the moment that makes the reservation hassle, the transfer logistics, and the bill worth it. If you’re still planning the rest of your culinary itinerary, our guide to Bora Bora’s hidden kitchens covers the island’s lesser-known food spots worth seeking out.
References
Travel Triangle. “Restaurants in Bora Bora.” TravelTriangle, 2024. ↗
The Abroad Guide. “Bora Bora Combo Sunset Cruise & Romantic Dinner at St. James.” The Abroad Guide, 2024. ↗
The Plunge. “Bora Bora Restaurants for Honeymooners.” The Plunge, 2024. ↗
For more on Bora Bora’s food scene, check out our deep dive into plant-based dining in Bora Bora and our roundup of the island’s coconut bread specialties — two sides of Bora Bora’s kitchen you won’t want to miss.
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