I did a lot of online reading trying to find a good restaurant for the last night of an extremely memorable trip to the unexpected delight that is Vanuatu. Sure, not everything went smoothly or according to plan, but that certainly didn't discount the quality of the journey. The final day in Port Vila was quite quiet in that there wasn't anything specific to do, so we ended up doing a marathon spa-massage session. What better way to end it than an excellent meal.
I wanted somewhere walkable but in the end selected Vila Chaumieres which required a taxi to a beautiful setting overlooking a lagoon with the water so clear that small fish and starfish could be seen below. Watching the sunset here was magical.
I had read about the (controversial) dish of coconut crab and saved the moment for this meal.
Vila Chaumieres Famous Coconut Crab 5600VT was a dish of remarkable sweetness and excellence. I can't describe the flesh other than incredible.
Bea's Beef Wellington 3200VT tempted me with the specific name in the title and the organic Vanuatu beef fillet. It was nice but nothing particularly special.
What I should have gone for instead (and certainly toyed with the idea beforehand) was the lobster. Seeing the enormous lobster on others' tables made me envious. Even they couldn't believe how big it was. I'd have to estimate at least 1.5kg. Next time.
I'd definitely be back if fate ever brings me back to Port Vila.