Apia at night feels unhurried, ocean air in your lungs, friends at the table, the glass chilled in your hand. At Paddles Restaurant, cocktails are part of the experience, not an afterthought. If you are searching for cocktails in Apia, the best bars in Samoa, or an easy starting point for Apia nightlife, this is where to begin. The balcony looks over the water, the room is calm, the staff are warm, and the drinks are made with care.

Where Italian flair meets Samoan soul

Paddles blends Italian family tradition with Samoan hospitality, and the bar follows the same approach. Fresh island fruit, bright citrus, and garden herbs meet classic techniques, shaken and built with intention. The result is simple, refreshing, well balanced drinks that match the sea breeze and the easy mood of the room. Nothing fussy, just quality.

Signature cocktails to try

Everything below is from the current Paddles bar menu, so you can order with confidence.

Passionfruit Mojito

Local passionfruit meets fresh lime and white rum, shaken cold, then topped with soda. Sweet, tropical, and crisp, a favourite for warm evenings.

Aperol Prosecco Spritz

A classic Italian spritz built in the glass. Aperol with Prosecco and a splash of soda. Light, citrusy, and perfect before dinner on the miranda.

Gin Sour

Bright lime and house signature syrup with London Dry Gin. Shaken to a fine foam, egg white optional, then poured over ice. Clean and aromatic.

NEGRONI

A staple for any Italian menu. Featuring campari, gin, and sweet vermouth. Combining the perfect combination between silky smooth and bitter sweet.

Blueberry Margarita

House berry syrup with the classic trio of tequila, lime, and Triple Sec. Sweet meets citrus, a playful, modern twist that still tastes like a Margarita.

Not drinking, still joining

Paddles treats non alcoholic mixes with the same attention as the bar list. These are crafted, not an afterthought, which makes group nights easy.

Valentina

Fresh lime and Moegalo, lemongrass, with mixed berry and passionfruit, shaken cold, topped with soda. Bright and aromatic.

Virgin Passionfruit Mojito

Passionfruit and lime, shaken and lifted with soda. The kid friendly version of a guest favourite.

Roma

Sweet strawberry balanced with lime, built in the glass and topped with ginger ale. Simple, fresh, and easy to sip.

Isabella

Sister to Roma, strawberry and lime over ice with Sprite. Sweet, refreshing, and light.

Lemon Lime and Bitters

A timeless classic with fresh lime and Sprite, finished with Angostura bitters.

How Paddles fits into Apia nightlife

Apia’s nights feel social and relaxed. Paddles adds polish without losing that island ease. Come for a quiet drink by the water, bring friends for a round and a few plates, or make it your meet point before you head out. Service is warm, the soundtrack never shouts over the table, and the setting makes even a simple spritz feel like an occasion.

The best times to visit

• After work, a midweek reset, one careful drink, a slow breath, a view
  
• Early dinner, take advantage of the early booking window, enjoy a spritz before mains
  
• Weekend start, meet on the balcony, order a round, let the night set its own pace

Food pairing, keep it simple

Let the drink lead and match by feel. Citrus forward cocktails love seafood and lighter starters, fruit forward sips feel great with richer dishes, and a spritz is a natural warm up before any main. If you are unsure, ask the team, they will guide you without fuss.

Plan your visit

Paddles is built for unhurried evenings, if the balcony matters to you, book ahead.

• Early bird, 10 percent off entrees and mains for bookings between 5.00 and 5.30
  
• Public holidays, 10 percent surcharge
  
• Payments, Visa and Mastercard accepted, no Amex, 4 percent surcharge on overseas cards
  
• Billing, one bill per table
  

Reserve your table at Paddles, enjoy Apia’s best cocktails by the water.