La Flore Mauricienne calls itself the oldest restaurant in the city, opened in 1848 across from the parliament building. It has the dark wood, slow ceiling fans, and white-tablecloth feel of a classic colonial address, and it does Mauritian and French dishes at reasonable lunchtime prices.
The vindaye (a turmeric-and-mustard fish dish), the bouillon (clear broth with herbs), and the crab curry are reliable choices. Mains around Rs 350–600. Open weekday lunch only; book ahead at the end of a parliamentary sitting week, when civil servants pack the place out.