Pretentiousness at its finest!
While having a pleasant atmosphere, this restaurant does NOT have a kitchen. Everything is pre-made and microwaved when you place your order. For instance, I ordered a chicken dish that came with bell peppers. When I asked that they hold the peppers, I was informed that this was not possible.

At any rate, the irate owner (?) angrily explained to me that his was the "finest restaurant on Rarotonga." Bulls.....!    [15 Dec 2002 17:19:07]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Eat elsewhere. Seriously.

     ­FooFooLamarr   

Great Food
I ate here during september 2003 and ate a dish of Mai mai fish. Wonderful!
Great service, wine's a bit pricey, ambience romantic.    [29 Sep 2003 02:47:09]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Mai Mai with orange sauce

     ­Colin Benbow   

We went back for seconds
I thought it was a great restaurant. Food was yummy especially Cajun chicken (or something like that) and service very friendly.    [21 Jan 2004 18:23:34]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­kari kewt   

Don't read the top review!!
When I read the top review here, I could not believe the complete stupidity of the reviewer. If you ask any self-respecting chef to prepare a signature dish while leaving out one of the key ingredients, you should expect to be politely (but very firmly) told to "get lost" (Gordon Ramsay would certainly issue this message!)

To draw the conclusion from this that all dishes are pre-prepared for the microwave is ludicrous and demonstrates only that the author has no real grasp of eating in a good restaurant.

We dined at Vaima in August 2005 and the complete experience was absolutely sublime!    [31 Aug 2005 19:13:16]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Marinated fish starter

     ­David Cheyne   

Best restaurant on Rarotonga
I have visited Rarotonga on three occasions and each time I have dined at Vaima. The food is excellent, the service great and the setting....wow! It's everything you would expect from a top class Cook Island Restaurant.    [17 Jan 2006 02:01:18]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Ika Mata Entree...Sublime

     ­Jim Joll   jimjoll at livecabaretshows dot com

The Top Review Is Old
The current owners of this returant could not have been more helpful in preparing a meal for me taking into account my 33 food allergies! I would suggest that anyone who has food allergies contact restaurants well before you take up your seat. That way the chef has a chance to prepare a meal.

Another website includes this quote from the owners
"My husband and I have owned the Vaima Restaurant for 3 years now". I can assure you that things are much better than they were in 2002.    [10 Oct 2006 03:39:28]

Food: -   Service: -   Ambiance: -   Overall: 

     ­James   

Best in price range on the island
WOW! This restaurant was amazing! BEAUTIFULLY cooked food served by REAL islanders who were truely friendly, helpful and humble. It felt like being entertained by friends of the family. The setting was lovely and the cocktails devine. I recommend this restaurant to everyone who says they are going to Raro!    [05 Jun 2007 23:58:56]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Ika mata.

     ­Anonymous   

Best Restaurant on the Island!!
First time trip to Rarotonga saw us visit various restaurants, bars & cafes during our one week holiday. I have to say The Vaima was at the top of our list of restaurants on the island, if not THE BEST we visited. The service was friendly and warm, the ambience and set up of the place was breath taking, extremely romantic and the food was great. Shannon the owner is FABULOUS and really makes you feel welcome. I would highly recommend The Vaima to all visitors to the gorgeous island A+++    [10 Jun 2007 23:27:36]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Fish of the Day; Cajun Chicken

     ­First Time Raro Visitor   

Vaima Restaurant
We had two great meals at Vaima

First night was our wedding venue and reception. Shannon and the team were awesome and very freindly and nothing was a problem.
The meals were by far the best that we tried while on the Island and the service was also the best and friendliest which in my book is what completes the dining experience    [08 Jul 2007 19:58:01]

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Recommended Dishes: Steak and Broadbill

     ­Anonymous