Seychelles

The set menu offered at Marie-Antoinette has barely change since the 1970s, and consists of a variety of traditional Seychellois Creole dishes, which gives patrons a chance to sample several at once. The restaurant is set inside a former colonial mansion, which forges a distinctive ambience of olde.

Del Place is easily the best restaurant on Mahe Island's west coast: the cooking is excellent, centred around fresh seafood and Creole flavours, the views are unbeatable (thanks to the restaurant's scenic waterfront setting), and the atmosphere tropical yet refined.

This North Coast restaurant's main draw is the varied dinner buffet, held daily from 7.30 to 9.30pm. Dishes served are primarily Creole specialities, with seafood (tuna steaks on grill), meat, and vegetarian dishes represented, along with a traditional salad buffet selection.

Perhaps Praslin's finest restaurant, Cafe des Arts (at Le Duc de Praslin Hotel) offers beachfront seating and serves a wide variety of Creole dishes, with a heavy emphasis on seafood (the menu even includes sushi and sashimi). During the daytime, it operates as a beach bar.

For those who still aren't converts, Praslin Island's Les Lauriers whips up an excellent Creole buffet, one that has repeatedly convinced even the most discerning diners. The meal starts at the abundant salad bar, only to be followed by grilled meats and fish.

La Digue's Domaine de L'Orangeraie resort contains the island's most refined restaurant - Le Combava. This one is the place to go if you intend to splurge, for opportunities are ample - Le Combava lists lobster, giant prawns, and fine wines on its menu - among other dishes, all exquisitely presented.

It's a treat to be entrapped by this cool waterside eatery serving Creole specialities, bucketloads of seafood and international classics, such as burgers and pasta. The Fish Trap also serves excellent cocktails (try the local rum based ones). There is a separate children's menu.