What should I order at Maru Maru?
Maru Maru
Choucroute de la Mer
Mentioned multiple times as the best dish experienced, praised for its impeccable craft and unique blend of French culinary culture with fresh Tahitian flavors, making it a standout and highly recommended by several reviewers.
Shrimp in Coconut Cream Sauce
Recommended for its delicious flavor, with reviewers noting it was very good and unique, prepared with local ingredients and a blend of Polynesian influences.
Seafood Ravioli
Highlighted as a fantastic dish by multiple diners, noted for its fresh and flavorful preparation, fitting well with the restaurant’s theme of combining French and local Polynesian cuisine.
Tuna Mousse
Frequently mentioned as an excellent starter, fresh and authentic, often paired with the fresh bread and appreciated for its artisanal quality and local flavor.
Local Fish with Uru (Breadfruit) Gnocchi
Praised for being very good and unique, this dish is noted for using fresh local fish and inventive accompaniments like breadfruit gnocchi, reflecting the restaurant's emphasis on local ingredients reinvented.
Tomato Salad
Recommended especially by vegetarians as a standout dish and praised for its fresh and authentic taste, often noted as a simple yet delicious option.
Fried Shrimp
Strongly recommended by multiple reviewers to order without hesitation if available, noted for its delicious taste and fresh preparation.
Lobster Ravioli
Mentioned positively for its flavor and quality, contributing to the exceptional culinary experience.
Guava Pie with Coconut Ice Cream
Recommended dessert, appreciated for its authentic Tahitian flavors and delicious pairing, rounding out the meal experience.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 6:30 to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 6:30 to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 6:30 to 9 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 6:30 to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 6:30 to 9 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Maru Maru
Maru Maru is a restaurant in Papeete, French Polynesia, serving French Polynesian and Tahitian-French cuisine. Reviewers consistently praise its use of fresh local ingredients, refined dishes, and the way traditional Polynesian food is presented in a gourmet style. The restaurant is described as small and intimate, with casual, cozy seating and outdoor dining available. It is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, and accepts reservations.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Parking
- Free street parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Maru Maru known for?
Maru Maru is known for refined French Polynesian dishes built around local ingredients, with reviewers especially praising the fish, meat dishes, and the home made bread with tuna puree. Many say the food is exceptionally fresh and flavorful, and some note dishes like fish choucroute de la mer as a standout example of its Tahitian-French style.
What dishes are most recommended at Maru Maru?
Reviewers most often highlight the home made bread with tuna puree, sautéed shrimp, local white fish, duck, foie gras, and taro risotto. The shared starters and mains are frequently described as beautifully presented and made with distinct, fresh flavors.
What is the atmosphere like at Maru Maru?
The atmosphere is small, intimate, casual, and cozy, with some guests mentioning pleasant outdoor seating. It suits couples, solo diners, and small groups who want a quieter meal, and reviewers note that it can feel relaxed rather than rushed.
Is Maru Maru good value, and what is the price range?
Reviewers say the restaurant offers very good prices for the quality, with one common reference putting dishes at about 3,000 XPF each. The meal is often described as a high-end or gastronomic experience without feeling overpriced for Papeete.
Should I make a reservation or arrive early at Maru Maru?
Yes, reservations are recommended because reviewers say the small dining room fills quickly, especially near opening time. Several guests mention arriving early or with patience because the restaurant is run by only two people and seats can be limited.
Is parking available at Maru Maru?
Yes. Free street parking is available.
Restaurants like Maru Maru in Papeete
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