Mum's Cafe Nukualofa

This was worth the walk from the cruise pier. The selections looked delicious and everyone was welcoming and friendly. Our food was fresh and all organic. The prices were competitive and the portions were great. I recommend the ota ika for the excellent fresh fish.

Mum's kitchen, great place to eat. Try the tongan meal. Will introduce you to all the best tongan dishes. Highly recommended. Ota ika is the best Tongan meal came to $35 TOP

We were walking around Nuku'alofa looking for a place to have dinner. We came by Mum's Cafe and after looking at the reviews we decided to give it a go. We ordered 'Ota 'ika and grilled chicken with mash potatoes. After a small wait the 'Ota 'ika came out and then the chicken. Both were fantasic! The seafood was fresh and the marinade has a lovely zing. The chicken came with a small salad, lots of mash, lots of chicken and a amazing creamy sauce. If you are looking for a relaxing place to have a great value dinner I would recommend Mum's Cafe.

Great atmosphere and nice range of meal options. They also have deserts and coffee.

It took me a few days to research where to go for good local food, partly as the internet here isn’t quite as quick as Sydney, and partly because I have been busy doing what I came here to do, being work! I now regret not doing my research sooner and getting to Mum’s Cafe on the first day! I had the “Tongan Meal” and was not at all disappointed. From the start the service was 5 star, especially as the staff were very polite and helpful in explaining each element of the meal, without making me feel like an outsider. The food came promptly and was all very tasty. The ota ika was fresh and contained a very generous amount of fish, and said fish was fresh, firm and full of great flavour. The Lu, whilst it looking like much, had an amazing salty, porky flavour through it all and paired beautifully with the vibrant purple Taro. The fried fish was also fresh and delicious, and I made myself finish all the fish and left behind the batter. As you’ll see, I didn’t touch the coleslaw. There’s time for that sort of thing when you get back home! My only disappointment was that I had absolutely no chance to fit in any of their desserts, which looked pretty tasty. In the words of Molly Meldrum: “Do yourself a favour” and make Mum’s Cafe the first place you visit when you get to Nuku’alofa, you won’t be disappointed.

My absolute favourite spot in Nuku’alofa—hands down a hidden gem! If you're after authentic Tongan cuisine, this place knocks it out of the park. The service is warm and genuinely welcoming—like you’re being served by old friends who really know how to cook. Let’s talk food: the ota ika here is next level—ultra-fresh fish marinated mingling perfectly with creamy coconut milk, just the right amount of onion. It's so fresh you can practically taste the ocean. The fried marlin is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned like someone's grandmother has a secret spice blend locked in a vault. And if you're lucky enough to score the fresh marlin in coconut milk—don’t even hesitate. It’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, rich, and balanced by the freshness of the coconut—comforting and luxurious all at once. Each plate is generously portioned (you will not leave hungry), beautifully presented, and served with crunchy, colorful local salad and perfectly cooked Tongan potatoes—earthy and satisfying. Everything tastes homemade in the best possible way. There’s also a takeaway option if you're on the go, but honestly, it's worth sitting down to enjoy the atmosphere. What’s extra cool is that this spot is clearly beloved by locals—always a sign you’re in the right place. Not many tourists around, which just adds to its charm. Couldn’t recommend it more!

I ordered the Fisherman - which is Ita Oka, Fried Fish, green salad and a choice of sweet potato/rice. Ita Oka is great, but could have more tomato or cucumber for more acidity. Portion is huge which is very filling! My friend got seafood pasta and he liked it!