Nadina Authentic Fijian Restaurant — Restaurant in Western

We looked forward to eating seafood here based on many recent positive reviews but overall left quite disappointed. Before sitting down, I asked if fresh lobster or crab was available tonight and were told they had both. Once seated we asked what was included in the $240FJD seafood platter special for 2. We were told it had a 900g lobster and many other grilled seafood items (not deep fried like many other restaurants, which is what we wanted) so we opted for the platter instead of ordering separate dishes to share. Once we ordered, another staff member said it was more like 550-600g, the fresh lobster was priced at $18/100g today, so the platter still seemed like good value. Just before our platter was served the staff came and said “the kitchen is serving you fresh bugs as the lobster is not fresh today”. We thought they meant in addition to, but they actually meant instead of lobster. What arrived was one plain grilled bug for two, with very little meat in either half. We did enjoy the other items in the platter (garlic mussels, grilled prawn, octopus in coconut & kokoda), but unfortunately the small whole fish was very very dry and the rest of the platter was filled with vegetable sides. We felt that the meal was not equal to the $240 cost. When asked how our meal was, I explained we were disappointed as we came for the fresh lobster or crab (which they knew from the start) but we didn’t have either. As an apology they made our wine...

What a great gem to find in such a touristy shopping area. We wanted to try some authentic and influence free Fijian food and I’m so happy to report that this was amazing. Started with the cassava and dalo chips, which was fried yucca(cassava) and taro with a tomato sauce and rourou dip. Also had the ota miti, which was a sort of salad with a fern leaf from the hinterland of Fiji, with coconut milk, onions, tomatoes and scallions. It was really tasty, like a cross of lettuce and celery flavor wise. For the main, Kovu was ordered, they offer it with fish, seafood, chicken or veg. Fish is traditional, but we opted for chicken. The fish is an ancient way of preservation using turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, coconut and onion, wrapped and steamed in a banana leaf. It was very tender and the traditional flavors were so deep, and the side of rice just sopped up the super flavorful coconut broth. Also order an Indian influenced chicken curry, which was great, with rice, roti, dal and salad. The service was great, we came when there was a typhoon coming through and the staff was just great. Always checking on us, always making sure we had enough drinks and were enjoying...

Ambiance: The restaurant is very rustic in its decor. Lovely Fijian decorations and wall art. Food: We started with the Cassava and Dalo chips with Rourou (Dalo plant leaves) and Tomato sauce. Very similar to potato chips (thick cut) as well as very filling, so be sure to share! We ordered the Kai Viti Stir Fry (beef) and the Signature Kovu (chicken). Both dishes were very delicious and came with rice. I will highly encourage everyone to try the kovu, it's absolutely amazing. The side dishes of cooked pumpkin, burnt/smoked eggplant and jungle salad were wonderful and complemented the flavors of the kovu dish. Service: Extremely friendly, hospitable and helpful (not sure if this is a Fijian thing, because every single person we met on our trip has been lovely). Our server took the time to explain the menu and the culture, and also helped us understand the various dishes and their preparation. It was very helpful to us as first-timers in Fiji with very little understanding of...