Arii Motu Grill — Restaurant in Bora-Bora

Highlight of Our Bora Bora Trip – A True Hidden Gem

Of all the places we visited and dined at during our 5-night stay in Bora Bora, this was hands-down my favorite. From the moment we arrived by dinghy, we were warmly welcomed at the water’s edge by Arii, who greeted us with open arms and genuine hospitality.

He enthusiastically shared the story behind this special place—his family’s heartfelt project to create a beautiful beach bar and restaurant on their ancestral land. They're building it slowly and thoughtfully, using their own hands and respecting the natural surroundings to preserve the area's stunning beauty.

We were so charmed, we made a reservation for dinner the next night. Once again, Arii and Paulina greeted us at the shore, helped us dock, and invited us to take a scenic walk along a path to view the ocean. Afterward, they served us delicious drinks and a dinner of perfectly cooked, fresh mahi-mahi with flavorful sides. Throughout the evening, they checked in often to ensure everything was perfect—and it truly was.

After dinner, Arii invited us to stay and enjoy some games—bocce ball, cards—or simply take another walk. He also generously shared tips on other places to explore during our stay.

This place deserves six stars. A warm, authentic, and unforgettable experience—we can’t recommend it...

We moored our sailboat nearby and saw the international flags flying on the coastline and decided to scope it out. When we pulled up, Arii and his cousin were very welcoming and excited to see our arrival. Arii showed us around his family’s property which is in one of the most beautiful settings I have ever seen. They are offering visitors an authentic Tahitian experience - to show what it’s like to live with the land and be mostly off-grid.

This is a small, family-run business, so contact them in advance if you would like them to prepare you a meal. We are 4 adults and 6 children (mixed ages 6-13) and we played badminton, pétanque, rented a grill to cook our own dinner, ordered (in advance) a traditional Po’e dessert from Arii’s family, had a bonfire and spent a couple hours walking the beach on the other side of the motu (which gives an incredible perspective of the barrier reef).

If I could summarize our experience at Arii’s Motu Grill in three words: magical, authentic,...

We loved this place so much, we ate here two days in a row! The mahi mahi was delicious but we think the shrimp curry was our absolute favorite. So, so good.

Arii and his family were so welcoming and kind. We were sailing and had had a difficult Time finding places to eat (reports keep their restaurants for their guests). This place is opens their arms to anyone, from anywhere.

They ask you to order a day in advance, so they know they have enough on hand and don’t waste ingredients. They are also cash only, so be prepared. Very close to the mooring balls and just a short dingy ride away. You’ll be invited to walk around the island, enjoy games and hammocks and just hang out & relax.

They helped us arrange a water taxi one afternoon and it was much more affordable than other places we’d called. It’s really a family business- Arii’s dad drove us where We needed to go, and picked us up after.

If we are ever back in bora bora, we will absolutely stop in...