Food is one of the quiet pleasures of this ship, and it's something guests bring up to me long after they've forgotten which beach was which. I've sailed the m/s Paul Gauguin, and what I appreciate is that the dining never feels rushed or factory-scale, partly because there are only around 330 guests aboard. You can dress up for a long French dinner one night and eat in your swimsuit by the pool the next. Local Polynesian flavors run through all of it. Here's how the venues actually work so you can plan your evenings without overthinking it.
The three main venues
L'Etoile is the main restaurant and leans French, with a slightly smarter feel in the evenings, so it's where I'd save a nicer outfit for. La Veranda does relaxed breakfasts and lunches and turns into a reservation-friendly dinner spot with Polynesian dishes and plenty of local fish. Le Grill, up by the pool, is the casual option, great for a poolside lunch or an easygoing dinner under the stars. None of the three feels stiff, but they give you a genuine range from dressed-up to barefoot, which is exactly what you want on a trip this varied.
Polynesian flavors and special meals
What I like is how much local character makes it onto the plate, fresh tuna and mahi-mahi, tropical fruit, and Tahitian touches that tie the food to the islands you're visiting. On many sailings there's a Polynesian-themed evening, sometimes tied to the private-island day at Motu Mahana, where the Tahitian hosts, Les Gauguines, bring music and dance to the meal. If you're celebrating something, tell the team ahead of time and they'll usually mark the occasion. It's a small ship, so the staff tend to remember your name and your preferences within a day or two.
Dietary needs and a few tips
Dietary requirements are handled well if you flag them in advance, vegetarian, gluten-free and allergy needs are routine, and the kitchen would rather know early than be surprised. Beverage inclusions vary by fare and change over time, so confirm what your booking covers rather than assuming. My practical tips: book L'Etoile for at least one proper dinner, keep one night casual at Le Grill, and don't skip the Polynesian evening if your sailing has one. Eat with a view whenever you can, since the ship is usually somewhere worth looking at.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a dress code for dinner?
It's relaxed overall. L'Etoile feels a touch smarter in the evenings, so pack one nicer outfit, while Le Grill stays casual. There are no formal black-tie nights to worry about.
Are meals and drinks included?
Main dining is included. Beverage inclusions depend on your fare and change over time, so confirm exactly what your booking covers when you reserve.
Can the kitchen handle dietary restrictions?
Yes, vegetarian, gluten-free and allergy needs are routine when you flag them in advance. Let the dining team know early so they can plan for you.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.