22 | LUXlife Magazine - Restaurant & Bar Awards 2023 Most Romantic Restaurant 2023 - Bora Bora When thinking of romance, we think of intimacy and of shared experience. We think of times past, and times yet to come. We think of memories made, bound together with joy. The team at La Villa Mahana are specialists in this field, providing Bora Bora with a place where romance can flourish. We take a closer look at this incredible restaurant to discover precisely how the team has been able to do it! a Villa Mahana, or the Villa of the Sun, is a restaurant that stands apart not only from any other establishment in Bora Bora, but perhaps from the world. Such are the incredible dishes and delicacies for which the team has become renowned that couples have been known to travel to this part of the world not purely for the incredible sights it has to offer, but the delights that their tastebuds can sample. Located just north of the indescribable Maitra Beach, where golden sands meet gorgeous blue seas, La Villa Mahana has earned an understandable reputation for excellence. For this incredible team, the aim is not simply to provide stunning food. It has always been to create an atmosphere of romance, of decadence and of joy in every way. Nestled in the heart of this island getaway is an idea of what it means to eat good food with fine people. It’s always a home from home where you can unwind, let loose and enjoy delicacies which are unparalleled. The beating heart of La Villa Mahana is, of course, the food which is deftly brought to life night after night by leading Chef and restaurateur Damien Rinaldi-Dovio. Born in France, Damien was trained under Chef Paul Bocuse before earning his culinary stripes in establishments in Los Angeles such as L’Orangerie. From here, he moved through to the South Pacific to discover Tahitian paradise. Settling down with a Tahitian lady, Chef Damien thought it time to make some memories of his own. La Villa Mahana embraces the myriad experiences that Chef Damien has had over the years. Whilst his food is shamelessly based on classic French cuisine, it is infused with the various cultures he has witnessed and sampled throughout a fascinating life. Only the finest quality of food, alongside the freshest vegetables, fish and meats are used in the courses provided. In the hands of an experienced culinary expert such as Chef Damien, the simplest of ingredients can become a stunning taste sensation. Expertise in a host of different environments has led Chef Damien to the creation of La Villa Mahana, with a constantly evolving menu, carefully curated to take advantage of what is on offer. No two nights are the same and only one seating every evening is offered with just seven twoperson tables carefully positioned throughout the luxury villa where the restaurant is found. For those who are looking for a romantic getaway, such spacious seatings mean that you can whisper sweet nothings without worrying about annoying your fellow diners. In fact, La Villa Mahana prides itself on being a place far removed from any worries that might come from the world at large. Needless to say, every course is a delight in the making, made ever more fascinating by the blend of French and Polynesian traditions in each dish. The flagship offering of La Villa Mahana has to be Chef Damien’s epicurean tasting menu. This stunning collection of dishes draws on all of L
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