Skip to content
novovibe

Type the name of a city or a hotspot.

Hei Restaurant: clear, professional interior shot Hei Restaurant: appetizing professional food photography Hei Restaurant: appetizing food and wine presentation Hei Restaurant: high quality food presentation photo Hei Restaurant: high quality food photography Hei Restaurant: high quality food photography Hei Restaurant: appetizing, high-quality food presentation Hei Restaurant: appetizing high-quality food photography Hei Restaurant: high quality food presentation photo Hei Restaurant: inviting and professional restaurant interior
10 photos

Hei Restaurant

★ 4.7 · 89 reviews Papeete Opened April 2026

Heiarii Hoiore's tasting menu, now inside Centre Vaima

There's no menu to browse here, just one tasting course built around whatever the boats brought in that week. Chef Heiarii Hoiore made his name on Papeete's waterfront with that same market-driven approach, and in April 2026 he moved the whole operation into Centre Vaima, taking over the old Lyvano space.

Seats are limited and reservation-only, so book ahead. Lunch runs four days a week, dinner five, and the kitchen is dark Sundays and Mondays.

Good to know

  • Lunch only Tuesday-Friday, dinner Tuesday-Saturday, reservation required at 40 43 77 14.

What guests say

Reviews by Google
  • Thierry Viard 48 reviews · Local Guide 23 July 2026

    Wow. This place really stand out for the area! French/fusion cuisine that matches the highest standards. Service was impeccable. Great drinks. But what really impressed me was the food itself. I can’t even tell what I particularly liked because each dish was better than the other one. Wine pairing was great. A must do if you’re in town. Reservations on Zenchef.

  • Joy Kubarek 27 reviews · Local Guide 20 June 2026

    The dining experience was wonderful - such a light contemporary setting and the service was great. The food tended to be more on the French cuisine side of things, less Polynesian, though they did use local ingredients for most dishes. Note: the restaurant has moved locations and Google Maps is not correct! The new location is on rue Jean d’ Arc near the cathedral. This creates some confusion for us (and others) so give yourself time to find the new location.

  • Osccuridad Mortal 61 reviews · Local Guide 23 February 2025

    Not for Everybody: Hei Restaurant Elevates Dining to an Experience. Finding Hei Restaurant in Papeete feels like discovering a well-kept secret. Tucked away in the corner of a building, its entrance is discreetly placed on the side rather than the front. A tiny window offers only a glimpse inside, making it easy to overlook from afar and specially if a car is parked in frint. However, once you step through the door, any effort spent locating it is instantly rewarded. The hostess, with a genuine smile, is more than happy to guide you, offering insight into the menu questioning any allergy or restrictions and ensuring you find the most comfortable seat to suit your evening. The interior is a thoughtful fusion of art, style, and sophistication, striking the perfect balance between elegance and a relaxed atmosphere. The lighting is soft yet effective, enhancing the beauty of the carefully curated decor. The background music plays at just the right volume, enough to set the mood for a solo indulgence or an intimate, romantic dinner where conversations flow effortlessly without the need to raise your voice. Hei Restaurant offers a fixed five-act menu, a carefully curated selection of creative local dishes that highlight the richness of Polynesian and french flavors through modern techniques. The chef modify the menu each month as mentioned by the hostess, ensuring that a future visit feels fresh and unique. The beverage selection is just as refined. A well-chosen variety of red and white wines, champagnes, and spirits complements the menu, Non alcohol beverages also available. When it comes to the dishes, the portions are thoughtfully designed to make the five acts a seamless, satisfying experience. The chef masterfully plays with presentation, textures, and unexpected flavor combinations, turning each course into a moment of delight. Every plate that arrives at the table carries a sense of purpose both visually stunning and impressively executed in technique and taste. fiinally, the attention to detail extends beyond the food. The cleanliness of the restaurant is impeccable, with spotless glassware that reflects the same level of care put into the entire experience. Not for everybody, but absolutely worth it for those who are passionate about food and appreciate exclusivity. With just a few tables in this intimate space, reservations are highly recommended. I was lucky to arrive early and find a table, but for those seeking an unforgettable dining experience, planning ahead is well worth

  • Laura Medina 23 reviews · Local Guide 4 November 2023

    Vert Nice expérience and great food however I was a little disappointed with the fact that you feel they were try to sell extras to the menu. In my opinion this category of restaurants should have a set up menu with a price including everything. Why I should add caviar spoon at 3500xpf to complete my dish? Why they give me choice of 2 wines with the wine option and charge and extra cost for the second choice? In addition I consider that the quantity of real food meaning the quantity of fish/ meat that you get in your plate is very small. I enjoyed the meal and I consider that the plates were amazing elaborated but I missed to have maybe at least 2 scallops or 2 raviolis or bigger portion of meat… very attentive service.

  • Sasha Popovic (Wedding Photographer) 396 reviews · Local Guide 4 November 2023

    Hei in Papeete: A Culinary Odyssey with Notable Observations On the of November 3rd, 2024, my companion and I had the privilege of experiencing Hei in Papeete, where we embarked on the gastronomic adventure that their tasting menu promised. However, our journey was marked by several noteworthy observations. Our culinary voyage commenced with a meticulously presented dish of raw fish. It was, without a doubt, a flavorful creation; however, its diminutive portion size left us yearning for more. Given Tahiti's bountiful seafood offerings, we held an expectation of a more generous serving. The subsequent course, featuring shrimp dumplings, was pleasing to the palate but regrettably unexceptional. Throughout our meal, we encountered a recurring practice of suggestive upselling, which, over time, became somewhat intrusive. We reluctantly embraced the offer for a diminutive portion of black caviar at a premium price of $35, only to find the serving size to be disproportionately modest. In addition to our culinary exploration, we encountered unforeseen financial intricacies. A notable aspect was the additional charge of $45 for a trio of wine glasses. Equally unexpected was an extra $25 levy for selecting an alternative wine without prior disclosure. In the midst of these minor setbacks, it is crucial to acknowledge the positives. The cuisine at Hei, while not without its nuances, was, on the whole, enjoyable. However, in comparison to other dining establishments in Tahiti, the experience left us with a sense of it being marginally overhyped and slightly overpriced. The culinary craftsmanship of the chef was readily apparent, and the service and ambiance contributed positively to our evening. In summary, I would comfortably rate Hei at 4 out of 5 stars. While it is certainly a culinary destination worth exploring, I remain uncertain about a future return. My initial expectations for the overall dining experience were modestly higher.

People also visited

Don't miss an opening

One email a week, with the newest openings from Papeete.