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Planning a trip to the South Pacific? Looking for delicious food to eat while you are there? Believe it or not, you can find some of the world’s best Italian food in the small island nation of Samoa! Here is why you can’t miss out on eating at Paddles!
In a small nondescript building across the street from the port in Apia, Samoa, you will find Paddles. This little family-owned restaurant is not only putting out the best Italian food in the South Pacific, it is the best restaurant in all of Samoa.
A trip to this island paradise is not complete without a meal at Paddles!
Where to find Paddles
Paddles is located on the main ocean road in Apia. You will find it near the port where all the shipping containers are offloaded.
But watch carefully, because if not, you will miss it because the outside of the restaurant is just a simple brown wooden building. There is nothing to tell you about all the deliciousness you will find inside except a small sign with the name of the restaurant and operating hours on it located near the front door.
The food at Paddles
The menu at Paddles features all of the Italian classic dishes, including pasta, risotto, steak, pork, chicken, and seafood. The owner of the restaurant is Italian, so the food here is authentic and made just as it is in Italy.
When we ate here, we all had pasta, except for my husband, Chris. He had the Risotto Italiano.
My Pasta la Paloma was the best pasta I have had in all my life! It combined penne pasta with chicken and mushrooms in a yummy cream sauce. It was nothing short of phenomenal! This dish made me want to jump on a plane and head straight to Italy! It makes my mouth water every time I think about it.
Chris loved his risotto as well. It had bacon and other amazing ingredients mixed in. Our son liked his spaghetti primavera, but thought my pasta was better.
We got the cheesy garlic bread as an appetizer. It was delicious as well.
The service at this restaurant
The service at Paddles is almost as good as the food. This just makes a great restaurant even better. Of course, I would expect nothing less since this is Samoa. Samoans are the most generous and hospitable people you will ever meet.
During our visit, our waiter was quick to attend to our needs and kept our drinks full throughout our meal. We never had to wait to ask for anything. And best of all, he did it with a huge smile on his face.
At one point while we were eating, Chris dropped his napkin on the floor. The manager quickly brought him some extra ones when he saw it happen.
The decor inside of Paddles
The decor inside Paddles is a fascinating intersection of island relaxation and Venetian elegance. This sounds like a weird combination, I know, but it works here.
The whole place is warm and cozy and invites you to sit back and relax while you enjoy the view, the company, and the food.
The walls are adored with tropical leaves and paintings of Venice. The tables and chairs are casual patio furniture.
The prices you can expect
There is so much to love about Paddles from the food to the service and environment. Another reason you will love it is the prices. You can’t beat them, considering everything that you get.
Anywhere else in the world, a meal with high quality ingredients and an oceanfront view, like you get at Paddles, would cost you twice as much.
Our dinner for four of us, including an appetizer, side salad, and three beers, cost about $80 US dollars.
Conclusion
If you love Italian food or are just looking for a good meal for a great price in Apia, Samoa, look no further than Paddles. The authentic Italian food is ridiculously good. And the prices can’t be beat. As a bonus, the service is top-notch.
If you ever visit Samoa, you must eat at Paddles. You will be highly disappointed if you don’t!
Thinking about taking a trip to the South Pacific? See why you should consider a family vacation to Samoa and my list of tips from a local.
For recommendations on where to stay in Samoa, see the Sheraton Aggie Grey, Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort, and Taumeasina Island Resort. For some of the best things to do, see my posts on To Sua Ocean Trench and the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum.
If you need more information on visiting Samoa, visit Travel Samoa.
Happy travels!
P.S. Need help finding the best places to go on your family vacations? My Ultimate USA Bucket List for Families will instantly give you 60 of the best vacation destinations for families in the United States! Get it for FREE in the box below and start planning your next trip today! Plus, as a bonus, you will receive my weekly email newsletter full of family trip tips and inspiration!
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