Goat Island Cafe: the Best Place to Eat in American Samoa

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When vacationing on a tropical island, you want to be able to dine at the water’s edge so you can relax and watch the waves roll in as you fill your belly with fresh seafood and delicious comfort food. And this is exactly what you will get when you eat at Goat Island Cafe. Keep reading to see why this is the best place to eat in American Samoa!

title graphic showing the view from Goat Island Cafe and the words "Goat Island Cafe: the best place to eat in American Samoa"

Location

Goat Island Cafe sits right on the edge of the water in the Pago Pago Harbor in America Samoa. You will find it inside the Sadie’s by the Sea hotel, just down the street from the port.

The location is one of the restaurant’s biggest selling points. Most of the restaurant’s tables have beautiful views of the water for you to enjoy with your meal. These views give the whole restaurant a peaceful, laid-back vibe. You won’t be able to not relax while eating here.

Like many places in American Samoa, the restaurant is rarely busy, so you will have no trouble getting a table with a great view of the harbor.

the view of the harbor from Goat Island Cafe — The view from the tables at Goat Island Cafe.

Food

Goat Island Cafe has a very eclectic menu. This is perfect because it means you are sure to find something to please everyone in your family.

The menu ranges from sandwiches and burgers to seafood and Mexican favorites. They also offer steak and pasta dishes, as well as classic Samoan dishes.

We have eaten at Goat Island Cafe many times and have yet to be disappointed with our food. The Mexican dishes are especially delicious, as is the seafood.

The only negative aspect of the menu here is the desserts. I don’t recommend getting any of them. They are very subpar. The desserts are store-bought, frozen varieties instead of being made in house. Enjoy your meal here and then head elsewhere for dessert.

I have tried their desserts a few different times. Every time, it comes out partially frozen. The only dessert worth the money is the ice cream, which is good, but it’s not the best on the island. You can find much better ice cream a short distance down the road at Samu’s Gas Station.

Theme/Decor

There isn’t much to speak of in terms of the theme or decor at Goat Island Cafe. However, you don’t really need any decor due to the location at the water’s edge. The beautiful harbor and the rainforest covered mountains in the background dominates the view here.

As you might expect with an island restaurant, this one is open-air. There is actually more patio seating than indoor seating. You can also choose to sit by the pool if you would prefer.

Our favorite place to sit, however, is in the pavilion (or fale) right at the water’s edge. The fale is just a short walk from the patio. The fale is designed after a traditional Samoan house.

There are only about 4 tables in the fale, so it is a quaint and peaceful spot to enjoy a nice dinner while listening to the sounds of the ocean. Occasionally, it gets pretty windy in the fale, but there are glass doors that can be shut to provide a barrier to the wind.

the fale at Goat Island Cafe — The fale at Goat Island Cafe.

Cost

Compared to many places in American Samoa, Goat Island Cafe is on the expensive side. However, when compared to decent waterfront restaurants back in the United States, it is very reasonably priced.

My family of three can eat at Goat Island for about $40-50, depending on whether my husband has a beer to drink with dinner.

Service

Many people who visit from the United States find the service at Goat Island Cafe slow. But, you must keep in mind that this restaurant, as every business on the island, runs on island time. No one gets in a hurry here. So, while the service may be slow, look at it as an opportunity to slow down and just enjoy the moment.

The waitresses at Goat Island are very friendly. You will always be greeted with a warm smile. And they will treat you like a part of the family.

my son by a banyan tree — My son with one of the Banyan trees at Goat Island Cafe.

Conclusion

Goat Island Cafe is the best place to eat in American Samoa. It sits right at the water’s edge in the harbor. This gives you some of the best views anywhere on the island. There is a laid-back, island feel to this restaurant that will help you feel relaxed in no time. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a nice place to eat while in American Samoa.

For more recommendations on things to do in American Samoa, see:

Plus, see how to take an amazing vacation on any budget and how to plan an epic family vacation!

Happy travels!

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