Our verdict
One of the few authentic Thai restaurants operating in Vanuatu, Pad Thai Port Vila sits on Elluk Road in Nambatri with sea views over the Port Vila waterfront. The setting is casual and relaxed, the food Thai rather than Pacific-fusion.

The menu
What to order
- Pad Thai
- Penang curry
- Chicken basil
Thai restaurants are scarce across the South Pacific, which gives Pad Thai Port Vila a degree of specificity that most casual seafront spots in Port Vila cannot claim. The restaurant occupies a position on Elluk Road in Nambatri, close to the handicraft market and the central waterfront strip, placing it within easy reach of the main hotel and commercial corridors while retaining views over the water. The kitchen works from an authentic Thai brief rather than adapting the cuisine toward regional Pacific tastes. Dishes such as pad see ew appear in diner reports, pointing to a menu that covers recognisable Thai standards rather than a fusion or abbreviated tourist menu.
The dining room is described by the venue as offering a restaurant ambiance rather than a takeaway format, with relaxed, casual surroundings that suit the Port Vila pace without sacrificing the sit-down experience. No Michelin, James Beard, or regional award data is on record. At price tier one of four, it sits at the accessible end of the Port Vila dining range, making it a practical choice for travellers staying along the waterfront who want a full Thai meal rather than the resort buffet or generic international menus that dominate the island's mid-market options.
In Context
Comparable venues nearby, for context on price, style, and recognition.
| Venue | Cuisine | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pad Thai Port VilaThis venue (the venue you are viewing) | Authentic Thai | Not listed | Not listed |
| Akiriki Restaurant | Pacific Smoke & Grill Steakhouse | $20–30 | 1st Lagoon, Paray, Pacific Smoke & Grill Steakhouse |
| Yumi Restaurant | Authentic Korean BBQ | $20–30 | Downtown Port Vila, Authentic Korean BBQ |
| Van Japanese Restaurant | Authentic Japanese Sushi & Ramen | $20–30 | Port Vila, Authentic Japanese Sushi & Ramen |
| Si Chuan Restaurant | Authentic Si Chuan Chinese | $10–20 | Luganville, Authentic Si Chuan Chinese |
Continue exploring
More in Port Vila
Restaurants in Port Vila
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- Casual
- Cozy
- Casual Hangout
- Waterfront
- Waterfront
- A La Carte
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Options
- Gluten Free Options
Relaxing and casual atmosphere with outdoor seating overlooking the harbor.



