Dine in a heritage house or castle in Mauritius for a unique experience
Sagarika Sarkar
September 11, 2024
Mauritius, renowned for its stunning beaches, azure oceans, and majestic mountains, offers more than just natural beauty. For those seeking a taste of the island’s rich history and charm, dining in a heritage house or castle provides a unique experience. These historic gems, converted from old heritage houses, offer a glimpse into Mauritius’s past with their architecture and elegant ambiance.
Stepping into one of these restaurants is like traveling back in time. With modern culinary delights and a delightful mix of local cuisines, the beautifully restored buildings, grand facades, and intricate details provide a captivating backdrop for a leisurely afternoon or evening.
Photo Credit: Eureka House Mauritius
Travel back in time through these dining experiences
🍃 Eureka – La Maison Creole ($$)
Experience the past of Mauritius at Eureka Restaurant, also known as La Maison Créole, in the heart of Moka. This historic colonial house, once home to aristocrats, offers a unique dining experience that blends Mauritius’s heritage with exquisite flavors.
As you enter Eureka, you’ll be transported back in time by its architecture and lush gardens. The restaurant’s menu features a vibrant mix of traditional Mauritian dishes with a modern twist. Enjoy starters like smoked marlin with fresh salad, followed by a flavorful curry of your choice accompanied by pumpkin fricassée, peanuts rougaille, coconut chutney, rice, lentils, and pickles. Vegetarian options are available, and for dessert, indulge in vanilla ice cream with grilled coconut.
Whether for a delightful afternoon tea or a special event, Eureka Restaurant provides a memorable experience combining history, architecture, and culinary excellence.
Step into the enchanting 19th-century Le Château de Bel Ombre, set in elegant French gardens, for a remarkable fine dining experience in one of Mauritius’ most historic and picturesque settings. This beautifully restored mansion was once a sugar plantation house.
Enjoy a luxurious 4-course meal featuring homemade duck foie gras with mango jelly, figs, and cinnamon brioche, followed by a choice of Austral Legine and lobster or Angus beef tournedos, with vegetarian options available. Finish with the exquisite “Ile flottante du Château.” Arrive early to explore the château’s splendid gardens and take a guided tour of its storied past. This blend of refined cuisine and historic location makes Le Château de Bel Ombre a must-visit destination for an unforgettable dining adventure.
La Table Du Château at Château de Labourdonnais ($$$)
Domaine de Labourdonnais provides a rich experience of Mauritian history, culture, and cuisine centered around the Château de Labourdonnais, a remarkable 19th-century mansion built in 1856. Once a family residence for over 150 years, the Château, along with its gardens and orchards, offers a glimpse into its elegant past and features rare plants and century-old mango trees.
La Table du Château, located within the estate in Mapou, offers a refined dining experience blending Mauritian and modern European flavors under the guidance of acclaimed Chef Fabio de Poli. By day, the restaurant provides a warm and relaxed atmosphere, while at night, it transforms into a chic and intimate venue with dim lighting and soft music, ideal for romantic dinners. Chef de Poli’s menu features Mauritian dishes with a European twist, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients and offering creative vegetarian options. Guests can also enjoy a memorable 5-course candlelight dinner, perfect for special occasions.
La Demeure Saint Antoine in Goodlands is a beautiful example of Mauritian colonial architecture from 1830, owned by the same family for generations. The estate features a grand colonial mansion with a colonnaded veranda and expansive rooms, set amidst lush gardens with century-old trees and banyans.
The estate’s restaurant, La Salle à Manger, offers a charming dining experience with a unique ambiance, complete with fine porcelain and silverware. Guests can enjoy a 3-course set menu under the serene veranda, with vegetarian options available. Highlights include Carpaccio de Betterave, Salade de Coeur de Coco, Carpaccio de Thon, and Caviar d’Aubergine for starters; Filet de Babonne, Magret de Canard, Curry de Crevettes, or Curry de Légumes for mains; and Moelleux de Chocolat, Glace de Fromage Blanc, or Baba au Rhum for dessert. The kids’ menu includes Homemade Chicken Nuggets, Mini Hamburgers, Macaroni with Cheese, and Ice Cream.
Château Mon Désir, located in Balaclava, is renowned for its colonial-style mansion and exceptional cuisine. Highly rated on TripAdvisor, it offers a luxurious dining experience in a sophisticated setting.
Guests can enjoy a lavish Sunday brunch from 11:00 to 14:00 with views of the Historic Ruins and Citron River. Dinner is served on select days from 19:00 to 22:00 with an à la carte menu and themed evenings. The restaurant also hosts a traditional afternoon high tea every first Saturday of the month from 15:00 to 17:00.
The menu features gourmet starters like Carpaccio de Betterave and Caviar d’Aubergine, main courses such as Filet de Babonne and Curry de Crevettes, and desserts including Moelleux de Chocolat and Baba au Rhum. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.
Set in a historic mansion, Château Mon Désir provides a refined ambiance ideal for special occasions. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling +230 204 1000. Please note the dress code is elegant, excluding casual wear like jeans and sneakers.
Le Domaine de Saint Aubin offers a rich cultural experience, featuring a colonial-style mansion from 1819, a vanilla plantation, tropical flower greenhouses, a sugar factory, and a small farm with interactive animals. Visitors can explore the historic mill, old chimney, and boutique, learn about vanilla production, and enjoy botanical and spice gardens. The tour ends with a rum-tasting session at La Maison du Rhum.
The experience is enhanced by dining at Le Saint Aubin Restaurant, located within the historic mansion. The restaurant offers a charming setting and a blend of traditional Mauritian and creative cuisine.
Standard Menu: Includes iced tea, starters like Palm Heart salad (with or without smoked Marlin), main courses such as Chicken and Prawns curry or Grilled Fish fillet, and desserts like Caramelized Pineapple with Vanilla ice cream.
Deluxe Menu: Features iced tea, snacks like Crispy chicken or Vegetable spring rolls, starters including Tropical Palm Heart salad or Octopus salad, main courses like Braised chicken with Saint Aubin rum or Vanilla fish, and desserts such as Banana flambe with rum or a Fresh Fruits platter.
Discover Domaine des Aubineaux, a historic estate founded in 1872. This beautifully preserved mansion, now a museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s tea industry and heritage with its antique furnishings and historic photographs.
Begin your visit with a guided tour of the mansion, exploring its elegant rooms and learning about Mauritius’ tea history. The estate features a Floral Park and a Camphor Garden, perfect for a leisurely stroll, and the old stable has been transformed into a distillery where traditional essential oil production methods are demonstrated.
After your historical exploration, enjoy a delightful 3-course lunch at Les Aubineaux Restaurant. Choose from the Standard Menu, which includes a welcome drink, main courses such as chicken and eggs or a vegetarian platter, and a dessert of banana with toffee sauce. The Deluxe Menu offers a selection of starters like tropical palm heart salad or garlic shrimp, followed by main courses such as braised chicken with Saint Aubin rum or fish curry, and a dessert similar to the Standard Menu.
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