Saturdays at The Bar-Belle is a tradition for many families; a chance to taste the freshest seafood in town and a reward for completing your marketing or chores.
For visitors to the capital, lunch at the restaurant is a chance to sample traditional Fijian dishes in unpretentious, but atmospheric surrounds.
The Bar-Belle, which is located in a semi-outdoors area at the National Fitness Centre, has a unique aspect. Sit facing the busy kitchen and you may have a view of the capital’s weightlifters training. On rugby game days, your meal will be accompanied by the soundtrack of elated or pained (depending on the scoreboard) supporters from the nearby national stadium. The heart that adorns the restaurant’s signage is reflected in the love you will find on your plate. The Bar-Belle’s meals, especially the seafood platters, are made for sharing; important if you want to try all the delicacies on offer.
These platters, depending on which variation you choose, heave with fresh lobster and prawns, kai, nama (sea grapes) salad, lumi (seaweed), kokoda, battered and fried, melt-in- the-mouth eggplant, creamy rourou, and kakana dina (taro, cassava, uto (in season) and vudi). It’s all best washed down with icy kumquat juice, which you can buy by the jug.
Save room if you can (and props to your self-restraint if you do), as The Bar-Belle also does wonderful desserts, including banana lote and coconut pie – perfect with a cup of tea.
You will likely linger over your meal and conversation, but once you are satiated, there are a few things in the neighbourhood to do. If it’s not too hot, and you’re not feeling too weighed down by all that deliciousness, you can take a stroll along the (newly refurbished) sea wall promenade. During the week, the Oceania Centre gallery (see our featured Gallery Guide) is just around the corner, or you can cool off at the Damodar City Aquatic Centre. Of course another option…find a nice cool spot and kana, moce!
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