Fresh Seafood in Fiji: Where to Eat and Buy Fish in Savusavu
Last fact-checked:
Savusavu offers three straightforward ways to experience fresh seafood: eat beside the harbour in town, use a resort restaurant with a scheduled seafood menu, or buy fish at Savusavu Municipal Market if your accommodation has a kitchen. A local game-fishing charter adds a fourth option for travelers who want a full morning or day on the water.
The simplest central stop is the Captain's Cafe and Captain's Table complex at Copra Shed Marina. Daku Resort is useful for lunch or dinner about one mile from town, while Latitude 17 is an on-site seafood-and-steak restaurant at Koro Sun Resort with three scheduled dinner evenings. Fish species and individual dishes change with supply; every location, service time, price and menu detail below was checked on 17 August 2026.
Fiji Seafood · Savusavu Restaurants · Fish Market · Fishing Charter
| Quick fact | What travelers should know |
|---|---|
| Central Savusavu | Captain's Cafe and Captain's Table at Copra Shed Marina; Captain's Table serves seafood, while the cafe is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Resort lunch close to town | Daku Resort, 5 Lesiaceva Road; lunch includes fish and chips, while dinner has a daily four-course special and an a la carte menu |
| Specialist resort dinner | Latitude 17 at Koro Sun, open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings; seafood combinations must be selected before noon |
| Municipal market hours | Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; Saturday 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Plan your visit for Monday to Saturday |
| Game-fishing charter | Pacific Ark Eco-Ventures: FJ$850 for 4 to 6 hours or FJ$1,050 for 6 to 8 hours, priced for the whole boat with a maximum of four guests |
| Current seasonal restriction | All grouper or kawakawa and coral trout or donu are protected from fishing, sale, transport and export from 1 June to 30 September 2026 |
In this guide
Where to Eat Fresh Seafood in Savusavu
These three choices cover the most useful situations: a central town meal, a resort restaurant close to town, and a specialist on-site dinner at Koro Sun. Exact species can change with the catch, but the locations, contacts, meal periods and scheduled dinner days are clear.
| Place | Location and contact | What you can eat | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captain's Cafe and Captain's Table |
Copra Shed Marina, Main Street, central Savusavu. Cafe orders and reservations: +679 885 0511 Open in Google Maps |
Captain's Cafe is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, with breakfast until 11:00 am, and specialises in pizza while also serving other dishes. Captain's Table, in the same complex, serves steak, seafood and curries. | The easiest waterfront meal from central Savusavu and the broadest schedule in this guide. |
| Daku Resort Restaurant |
5 Lesiaceva Road, about one mile from town. +679 885 0046 Open in Google Maps |
Daku serves lunch and dinner. Lunch choices include fish and chips. Dinner offers a daily four-course special or an a la carte menu. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-related diets are also accommodated. | A quieter resort setting and a useful lunch or dinner stop outside the town centre. |
| Latitude 17 at Koro Sun Resort |
Hibiscus Highway, Savusavu. Hotel direct: +679 885 0262 Open in Google Maps |
Latitude 17 is open for dinner on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The menu includes coconut mud crab, ginger and garlic lobster, and seafood and steak combinations. Guests select seafood combinations before noon on the day of dining. | A planned seafood-focused dinner at Koro Sun. Travelers not staying at the resort should confirm outside-guest dining availability before making a special trip. |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Captain's Cafe or Captain's Table when you want the simplest central location. Choose Daku for a relaxed resort meal without traveling far along Lesiaceva Road. Use Latitude 17 for a scheduled Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday dinner at Koro Sun. For a focused explanation of kokoda and where it fits into Fijian cuisine, use the separate guide to kokoda and traditional food in Savusavu.
Buying Seafood at Savusavu Municipal Market
The Savusavu Municipal Market is northeast of Nakama Creek. Official trading hours are 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday and 7:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday. Plan your market visit for Monday to Saturday. Saturday morning is the most practical choice when you want seafood and produce in the same trip. Open in Google Maps.
The market makes the most sense for self-catering travelers. Bring small Fijian-dollar notes and an insulated bag, buy seafood after completing other errands, and return it to refrigeration promptly. For whole fish, look for firm flesh, clear eyes and a clean, mild smell. Skip fish that smells sour or strongly of ammonia, or that has not been kept properly chilled.
A useful market shopping plan
- Visit from 7:00 am on Saturday or after 8:00 am on a weekday.
- Choose only the amount your accommodation can refrigerate and cook safely.
- Ask the vendor for the fish name before buying, especially during seasonal restrictions.
- Carry the fish in a cold bag and cook it the same day.
- Use a cooked preparation unless the fish has been handled specifically for raw consumption.
Seafood Names You May See in Fiji
These names are useful at a restaurant, market or charter desk. They describe common Pacific fish and preparations, not a promise that every species will be available on every day.
| Name | What it means | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Walu | Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel, a firm and flavourful fish used widely in Fiji. | Grilled, cooked with coconut, or used in kokoda when handled for raw preparation. |
| Yellowfin tuna | A pelagic tuna targeted by local game-fishing charters. | Cooked as a steak, seared, or served raw by kitchens equipped for raw seafood. |
| Mahi-mahi | A firm, relatively mild pelagic fish also called dolphinfish. | Usually grilled, pan-fried or served with a fresh salsa. |
| Wahoo | A lean, firm open-water fish targeted by trolling charters. | Grilled, seared or cut into steaks. |
| Kokoda | Raw fish marinated in citrus and mixed with coconut milk or cream and fresh vegetables. | Served chilled as an appetiser or light meal. Citrus changes the texture but does not cook the fish with heat. |
Know Fiji's Fishing Rules Before Ordering or Buying Fish
Namena Marine Reserve is also not a fishing destination. It is Fiji's largest no-take reserve, covering about 60 square kilometres around Namenalala Island and its barrier reef in Kubulau District. Its conservation role should not be used to imply that fish served in Savusavu restaurants came from the reserve.
Responsible seafood choices start with identifying the species and following current restrictions. A general claim such as “local” or “fresh” does not by itself show that a fish was legally or sustainably harvested.
Current Savusavu Fishing Charter Prices
Pacific Ark Eco-Ventures is the charter currently listed by Savusavu Tourism Association. The price covers the whole boat rather than one person. The usual pick-up point is Nawi Island Jetty in town, with departures between 5:00 am and 6:00 am. Direct contact: +679 802 0068. Open Nawi Island Jetty in Google Maps.
| Trip | Current price | Included | Fishing styles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half day, 4 to 6 hours | FJ$850 for the boat, maximum four guests. FJ$212.50 per person when four people share. | VAT, captain, deckhand, fishing equipment, light snacks and some drinks. | Trolling, casting or popping, jigging, and bait fishing. |
| Full day, 6 to 8 hours | FJ$1,050 for the boat, maximum four guests. FJ$262.50 per person when four people share. | VAT, captain, deckhand, fishing equipment, light snacks and some drinks. | Big-game and toothy-game trolling, casting or popping, jigging, and bait fishing. |
Target species include marlin, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, wahoo and Spanish mackerel. A charter is a fishing experience, not a guaranteed catch or restaurant meal. The price includes the boat, crew, fishing equipment, snacks and some drinks.
Raw Fish and Market Seafood Safety
Kokoda and sashimi contain raw fish. Citrus marinade changes the colour and texture of fish but does not reliably remove all parasites or harmful microorganisms. The safest choice is thoroughly cooked seafood. Pregnant travelers, young children, older adults, immunocompromised travelers and anyone advised to avoid raw seafood should choose a cooked fish dish.
For self-catering, keep raw seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods, refrigerate it promptly and wash hands, knives and chopping boards after handling it. Cook fish until it reaches 63°C or the flesh becomes opaque and separates easily with a fork.
A Practical Seafood Plan for Savusavu
If you have one day
- Start at Savusavu Municipal Market from 7:00 am on Saturday or after 8:00 am on a weekday.
- Use Captain's Cafe or Captain's Table for the simplest central meal beside the harbour.
- Walk to the Savusavu hot springs after lunch.
- If you have a kitchen, take market seafood back in a cold bag and cook it for dinner instead of carrying it through the afternoon.
If you have two or three days
- Use a separate morning for the 5:00 am to 6:00 am charter departure rather than combining it with market shopping.
- Choose Daku for a relaxed lunch or dinner outside central Savusavu.
- Plan Latitude 17 for Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday and select the seafood combination before noon.
- Keep a non-food afternoon for snorkeling at Lesiaceva Point or a pre-booked Savusavu pearl farm tour.
For lower-impact transport, shopping and wildlife choices, see the guide to travelling sustainably in Fiji.
What Works Well and What to Plan Around
What works well
- Captain's Cafe, Captain's Table and the municipal market are practical from central Savusavu.
- The market has clear weekday and Saturday hours.
- Daku gives travelers a lunch and dinner option only about one mile from town.
- Koro Sun gives exact Latitude 17 dinner days and seafood choices.
- The local charter has transparent Fijian-dollar prices and states what is included.
What to plan around
- The exact fish species and daily dishes depend on supply.
- Plan Savusavu Municipal Market visits for Monday to Saturday; the council does not list Sunday trading hours.
- Latitude 17 is on site at Koro Sun and is open only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings.
- Raw kokoda and sashimi are unsuitable for travelers advised to avoid raw seafood.
- Grouper and coral trout cannot be caught, sold, transported or exported through 30 September 2026.
- A fishing charter does not guarantee a catch or a restaurant preparation service.
Who This Seafood Guide Suits
- Travelers staying in central Savusavu: Captain's Cafe, Captain's Table and the market are the simplest options.
- Self-catering visitors: the municipal market provides seafood and produce in one stop.
- Koro Sun guests and confirmed outside diners: Latitude 17 gives the clearest scheduled seafood-focused dinner.
- Anglers: Pacific Ark has clear whole-boat prices, trip durations, equipment and pickup information.
- Travelers avoiding raw fish: grilled fish, fish and chips, curry and other cooked options are easier choices than kokoda or sashimi.
The guide is less useful for travelers expecting a guaranteed species or a fixed catch-of-the-day dish. Supply changes, and current fisheries restrictions can remove particular fish from legal sale even when they were previously common.
FijiEco seafood plan
For the simplest day, combine Saturday morning at the market with lunch at Copra Shed Marina and the hot springs. Use Daku on a separate evening. Schedule Latitude 17 for one of its three dinner nights, and reserve a full morning for the fishing charter rather than squeezing it between town activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I eat fresh seafood in Savusavu?
Captain's Cafe and Captain's Table at Copra Shed Marina are the simplest central choices. Daku Resort offers lunch and dinner about one mile from town. Latitude 17 is an on-site Koro Sun restaurant serving dinner on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; travelers not staying there should confirm outside-guest dining availability before making a special trip.
What time does Savusavu Municipal Market open?
The official hours are 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday and 7:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday. Plan your market visit for Monday to Saturday.
What is walu in Fiji?
Walu is narrow-barred Spanish mackerel. It is a firm fish used for grilling, coconut-based dishes and kokoda when handled appropriately for raw preparation.
Can I buy or order grouper in Fiji in August 2026?
No. Fiji's 2026 seasonal restriction covers every grouper or kawakawa species and every coral trout or donu species from 1 June through 30 September. The restriction includes fishing, sale, transport and export.
How much does a Savusavu fishing charter cost?
Pacific Ark Eco-Ventures charges FJ$850 for a 4 to 6-hour half-day trip and FJ$1,050 for a 6 to 8-hour full-day trip. Each price covers the whole boat for up to four guests.
Is kokoda cooked?
Kokoda is not cooked with heat. Citrus changes the fish's texture and appearance, but the dish still contains raw seafood. Travelers advised to avoid raw fish should choose a cooked alternative.
Sources and Verification
- Savusavu Town Council: Municipal Market and Official Trading Hours
- Copra Shed Marina: Captain's Cafe and Captain's Table
- Copra Shed Marina: Captain's Cafe Hours and Reservations
- Daku Resort: Current Dining Information, Address and Contact
- Koro Sun Resort: Latitude 17, Palm Grove and Sand Bar
- Savusavu Tourism Association: Restaurants and Dining
- Savusavu Tourism Association: Market Shopping Information
- Fiji Shores and Marinas: Eating Out in Savusavu
- Savusavu Tourism Association: Pacific Ark Fishing Trips and Prices
- FBC News and Fiji Ministry of Fisheries Notice: 2026 Kawakawa and Donu Restriction
- Wildlife Conservation Society Fiji: Namena Marine Reserve
- Tourism Fiji: Kokoda and Walu
- FoodSafety.gov: Safe Selection and Handling of Seafood
Restaurant services, market hours, charter prices and fisheries rules can change. If you find information that needs correcting, please contact FijiEco.