Banana Beach Club — Restaurant in Isle Mauritius

The Banana Beach Bar and Grill in Grand Baie may seem like an ideal spot for drinks, music, and atmosphere, but my experience there in late September revealed an unsettling side to this establishment. What should have been a relaxing evening quickly became a troubling encounter with blatant discrimination and poor management.

A friend and I, both South Africans, spent nearly four hours at the restaurant, ordering multiple rounds without anyone asking us to settle our bill. We met two fellow South Africans (who happened to be Black) who joined us and ordered their first drinks; they were asked to close their tab within 30 minutes. They hadn’t even finished their drinks. We checked with neighbouring tables, and all non-Black patrons and found that they hadn’t been approached in this way. The double standard was glaring.

When we politely addressed the situation, the indifference of the staff and manager, Vishal, was infuriating. The manager could have de-escalated the situation with a simple apology or explanation, but instead, he stood there with arms crossed, dismissive and defensive, unwilling to listen. His excuse for the behaviour was that the waiter was "Indian". I am of Indian heritage myself, and that is not ever an excuse for discrimination and prejudice. When my friend and I decided to leave, the same waiter who had rushed our friends actually asked if we wanted another round. If that doesn’t highlight blatant differential treatment, I’m not sure what does.

It was disheartening to witness such discrimination, especially in a country like Mauritius that prides itself on diversity and multiculturalism. The experience made it clear that despite the surface appeal, this establishment lacks a fundamental respect for all of its patrons.

Besides the troubling encounter, the restaurant’s offerings were also underwhelming. As a vegetarian, I found the menu uninspired and inflexible. When I requested a vegetarian risotto, I was offered a version with carrots and green beans rather than the original mushrooms, which would have complemented the dish far better.

Finally, the restroom situation was appalling. The restaurant shares facilities with a nearby petrol station, and they were filthy—lacking essentials like soap and toilet paper. The toilets in the women's bathrooms were disgusting and not even flushed. For a popular spot, it’s shocking that they don’t provide clean, private facilities for their patrons.

In summary, while The Banana Beach Bar and Grill might seem appealing at first glance, its failure to treat customers equally, coupled with poor service and inadequate facilities, makes it a place I cannot recommend. Until management addresses these issues, anyone seeking a welcoming and respectful experience should look elsewhere.

Updated (24/11/2024): I added the manager's name. I noted it because I was sure the owner would claim ignorance of this occurrence. I also find it interesting there is also no response to any of my other critiques of the establishment, like the deplorable...

If you’re looking for a night to remember (or maybe forget, depending on how wild it gets), Banana Beach Club in Mauritius is THE place to be! These people don’t just know how to party—they’ve mastered it! From the moment you step in, you’re hit with an electric vibe that promises an unforgettable experience.

The music? Absolutely on point! Whether it’s the latest hits, nostalgic throwbacks, or beats that get your heart racing, the DJs here know how to keep the dance floor alive all night long. The crowd? Pure energy—friendly, fun, and ready to let loose.

And let’s talk about the drinks. The bartenders are artists in their own right, serving up cocktails that are as strong as the party spirit. Pair that with the vibrant decor, amazing light shows, and a setup that screams good vibes only, and you’ve got the recipe for an epic night.

If you’re in Mauritius and you’re not at Banana Beach Club, you’re missing out. This isn’t just a club—it’s a celebration of life, energy, and pure joy. Don’t just take my word for it—go experience the madness...

Started being a nice evening, they accommodated us even without reservations. Got our drinks, 1 waiter wasn't very patient and helpful with the questions we had but the others were fine. We then proceeded to wait at least 1.5 hours for our meal. It included pizzas and grilled chicken which should not take that much time to make. And, people coming later in similar group sizes were served first. One of our friends still didn't receive her food for another 30 minutes. She demanded to see the manager but the waiter just quickly came with her dish (alone). The ambience and the music were ok, nothing impressive. Couldn't finish our food after the long wait as it was already very late. They're also overpriced considering the food is average, at best. Really disappointed.

For those with dietary needs, they do have veg options, didn't see any vegan options and the meat was said to be halal (but they do have bacon cheeseburger also...