You can’t beat the ‘aaah’ feeling that accompanies a relaxing meal at one of Mauritius’s beachside cafés. Views of the ocean, feet in the sand, and a mountain of juicy grilled shrimp or refreshing salad, all washed down with a long rum punch or cold beer. What could be better?

Here’s a few of our favourite beach cafes to whet your appetite.

The Beach House Bar & Restaurant

Owned by a well-known rugby player who previously played for South Africa’s Natal Sharks, the Beach House Bar is a much-loved destination in Grand Baie. Located directly on the beach, it is the perfect spot for sunset cocktails, though an extensive all day menu offers sushi & sashimi, seafood and salads, and a range of famous burgers. Open from 11.30am until midnight every day of the week, the Beach House caters for everyone from families with young children to groups of friends and older couples. People flock here in droves – locals and tourists alike.

Barlen’s Beach Restaurant at Le Touessrok

Situated on the pure white sands of Frangipani island – part of Le Touessrok’s extensive grounds – is Barlen’s Beach Restaurant, named after restaurant manager Barlen Ramasamy, an employee of the hotel since it opened in 1978.

Inside, soft lighting and a warm wooden interior frames the view of swaying palms and the ocean beyond, making this an ideal spot for a romantic dinner accompanied by the sound of softly lapping waves. And if you look down you might get an even better view – sections of glass floor allow diners to observe the marine life beneath their feet.

Redcat Beach Lounge

This light 1950s house opens on to an elevated terrace overlooking the beach at Péreybère and is filled with a pleasing mix of pod-like rattan furniture and potted palms. The chef, from Shanghai, prepares a mid-priced menu of seafood, Chinese and Japanese cuisine, all served in a convivial atmosphere fuelled by the fabulous sunsets and lively mix of locals, tourists and expats. Every Sunday Redcat throws an afternoon beach party with DJs from around 2pm onwards.

Les Filaos Beer Garden Pub

A Bavarian-style beer garden may sound like a slightly odd concept for an island in the tropics, but the combination of classic picnic tables, sausages, pretzels and a great selection of beers works astoundingly well. Part of the Maritim Hotel in Balaclava, Les Filaos sits beneath the shade of several filaos, or casuarina trees which lend a slightly rustic campsite vibe to proceedings. The drinks list, however, is anything but basic, with a global selection of beers and wine and a mouthwatering selection of German classics.

Tides at Long Beach

Recently-opened Long Beach on the eastern coast of Mauritius is a masterclass in contemporary coastal design, and its beachside restaurant, Tides, continues the chic vibe. Bold grey columns hold up a vaulted thatched roof, under which sits the open air restaurant overlooking pillow-scattered day beds on the sand. The sophisticated setting is perfect for a fresh green salad at lunchtime, but if you can come here on a Friday night you’ll enjoy a sumptuous seafood buffet straight out of the ocean, followed by a selection of delicious desserts created by resident pastry chef Sandy Scioli.