We had originally decided to dine out on our first night in Vanuatu at a different venue — but we were disappointed that that place was shut down; so we accidentally found Banyan Beach Café Bar Lounge in Port Vila next door simply on a whim as a place to dine instead.
Banyan Beach Café Bar Lounge in Port Vila in Vanuatu. Restaurant Review.
Banyan Beach Café Bar Lounge is the only white sand bar on the beach in Port Vila. The seating is rather random and eclectic.
We placed our orders at the counter near the entrance. One can choose from sandwiches, pizza, tapas, and other items from the menu.
We were then given a number on a wooden table marker and told that we can select any table we liked.
We ordered a nice frosty cold bottle of — what else? — Vanuatu Water. This natural spring water is the real taste of Paradise, you know.
The Banyan Beach Burger had too much aioli on it when it was served, which was not advertised in the menu. However, that was not a problem: when I alerted this to the attention of one of the members of the staff, they happily replaced the original buns with dry toasted buns. Other than this, the hamburger was quite delicious; cooked to the perfect temperature of well done; not chewy at all; and was described as “one of the better hamburgers that I have ever had.” I did not expect that review. French fries are included with the hamburger.
I ordered a Neptune Burger, which is a cajun-spiced fish sandwich with lettuce served on a toasted sesame seed bun with fried potatoes. The fish could have been grilled just a little bit longer — but otherwise, it was very good to excellent. The hearty bun was not soft and wimpy like one found at a fast food establishment. The fries were also very good to excellent.
A full bar offers a variety of cocktails, beers, and other alcoholic beverages. Live music is played on certain nights — but not at the time we visited.
One can enjoy views of Fatumaru Bay, which is accessible from Banyan Beach Café Bar Lounge. We were treated to a beautifully vibrant sunset.
Final Boarding Call
The total cost for the entire meal — including food, beverages, and taxes — was $32.63 in United States dollars. We left too early for the bonfires, which they have at night. I neglected to take photographs of the menu; so I do not have the exact cost of each dish in Vanuatu vatu.
I recommend dining at Banyan Beach Café Bar Lounge — especially if you want a quick bite of good food while dining outdoors at reasonable prices with a great view…
…but if you do not want to dine in, food can be ordered as take-away as well. With the sunset we experienced and the great service, you will want to stay rather than leave.
Banyan Beach Café Bar Lounge
Fatumaru Bay
Port Vila
Vanuatu
gm@chantillys.com.vu
+678 26486
Operating Hours
Monday through Thursday from 11:00 in the morning through 11:00 in the evening.
Friday from 11:00 in the morning through 11:59 in the evening.
Saturday from 11:00 in the morning through 11:45 in the evening.
Sunday from 11:00 in the morning through 9:00 in the evening.
Free parking is available.
All photographs ©2025 by Brian Cohen.
