Restaurants in Rotorua & The Bay Of Plenty
-
A
Wally’s on the Wharf
Wally sure knows a thing or two about fish and chips. Hoki, snapper, flounder, john dory and tarakihi – done in the deep fry, on the grill or in a burger. Whitebait fritters in season, and chips that score well on the crispometer.
reviewed
-
B
Indian Star
Getting rave reviews from travellers, this is one of several Indian eateries around town, elevating itself above the competition with immaculate service and marvellous renditions of subcontinental classics. Generous portions and a good vegetarian selection.
reviewed
-
C
Pak N Save
reviewed
-
D
Lime Caffeteria
Sitting on a quiet, leafy corner near the lake, this refreshing cafe is especially good for alfresco breakfasts and dishes with a welcome twist: try the chicken-and-chorizo salad or prawn-and-salmon risotto in lime sauce. It also offers classy counter snacks, excellent coffee and outdoor tables. ‘This is the best lunch I’ve had in ages’, says one happy punter.
reviewed
-
E
Capers Epicurean
This slick, barnlike deli is always busy with diners showing up for cabinets crammed full of delicious gourmet sandwiches, pastries, salads and cakes, and an excellent blackboard menu of brekkies and other tasty hot foods (try the carrot, leek and fetta lasagne). There’s also a deli section stocked with olive oils, marinades, relish, jams and chocolates.
reviewed
-
Slow Fish
There’s no slacking about in the kitchen of this award-winning, eco-aware cafe, which promotes the art of savouring fine, locally sourced food. It’s so popular you’ll have to crowbar yourself in the door or pounce on any available alfresco seat, but it’s absolutely worth it for its free-range eggs and ham, Greek salads and divine counter selection.
reviewed
-
F
Fat Dog Café
With paw prints up the walls and silly poems painted on the chairs, this is the town’s friskiest and most child-friendly eatery. During the day it dishes up big bowls of brekkie, nachos, salads and sandwiches; in the evening it’s candlelit lamb and venison. The only cafe in NZ brave enough to play Unskinny Bop by Poison.
reviewed
-
Somerset Cottage
The most awarded restaurant in the Bay, Somerset Cottage is a simple-but-elegant venue for that special treat. The food is highly seasonal, made from the best NZ ingredients, impressively executed without being too fussy. Standout dishes include blue cheese soufflé, duck with coconut kumara and the famous liquorice ice cream.
reviewed
-
G
Zippy Central Bar & Café
A snappy little cafe with a decidedly retro groove (Laminex tables, an ultracool booth…), Zippy zips up all sorts of tasty food from breakfast, sandwiches, snacks to stir-fries and curries. There are plenty of healthy options, which is probably why this place is popular with cyclists and other wholesome types.
reviewed
-
Astrolabe
A clever combo of swish, style and Pacifica-rustica, Astrolabe is probably the Mount’s best restaurant, catering largely to a deep-pocketed hip crowd who indulge in gourmet goodies like venison, confit duck and oysters. You can also come in for a boutique bevvie in the beer garden and a whack of pool.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
H
Sabroso
What a surprise! This modest Latin American cantina − adorned with sombreros, guitars, hessian tablecloths and salt-and-pepper shakers made from Corona bottles − serves adventurous south-of-the-border fare to spice up bland Kiwi palates. The black bean chilli is a knock-out (as are the margaritas).
reviewed
-
I
Zeytin
Ask the locals to name their favourite restaurant, and odds-on they’ll name Zeytin − a real Turkish delight. Real food, real cheap, with something for everyone along the lines of kebabs, delicious homemade breads, dips and healthy salads, wood-fired pizza and a few exotic surprises.
reviewed
-
J
Ground Zero
It’s a good sign when the staff can share a laugh with the boss! Ground Zero’s chipper vibe is infectious, bolstered by cafe delights like Jamaican chicken burgers, veggie stacks with hummus and garlic aioli, Moroccan wraps, and serious coffee and cakes. Sunny outdoor tables, too.
reviewed
-
K
Rocquette
A modern waterside restaurant on the ground floor of one of the town’s big new apartment blocks, sunny Rocquette serves up refreshing Mediterranean-influenced fare with lots of summery salads, risotto and fish dishes. Laid-back tunes, good coffee and sexy staff to boot.
reviewed
-
L
Bistro 1284
Definitely one of RotoVegas’ hot dining spots, this intimate place (all chocolate and mushroom colours) serves stylish NZ cuisine with an Asian influence. It’s an excellent place to sample great local ingredients, and be sure to leave room for some delectable desserts.
reviewed
-
M
Urbano Bistro
This suburban cafe, with mega-checkerboard floor and striking wallpaper, is a bold move by reputable local restaurateurs. Some of the most delicious fare in town (try the beef, pineapple and capsicum curry), rich and well executed. Fine wines and five-star service.
reviewed
-
N
Naked Grape
With cheery staff, wine-coloured rugs and lilting jazz, this hip Strand wine bar draws the daytime crowds with pastas, pizzas, salads, good coffee and beaut breakfasts. At night it’s moodier, with mains like honey-braised lamb and lemon-marinated chicken breast.
reviewed
-
O
Mediterraneo Café
A hot spot, reeling with regulars enjoying terrific coffee and scrumptious all-day breakfasts. Order off the blackboard or from the cabinet stuffed with sandwiches, flans and cakes. Lunchtime crowds can be frantic (but the chicken salad is worth it).
reviewed
-
Providores Urban Food Store
Surf videos set the mood as your eyes peruse fresh-baked breads, buttery croissants, home-smoked meats and cheeses, organic jams and free-range eggs – perfect ingredients for a bang-up breakfast or a hamper-filling picnic on the beach. Superb!
reviewed
-
P
Bravo
This trendy, well-regarded restaurant and bar is a pleasant spot for breakfast, flash sandwiches, salads, wood-fired pizza and freshly squeezed juices. There’s outside seating on the pedestrianised street and a few good vegetarian options.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Zambezi
A cheap-and-cheerful cafe serving burgers, panini and nice simple sandwiches. There’s eggy brekkies and coffee of course, plus plenty of healthy options such as juices and salads. Licensed too, if you feel like a Mac’s or Monteiths.
reviewed
-
Q
Hunters Bar & Restaurant
On the ground floor of the old Royal Hotel is this reasonably stylish wine bar, serving upmarket pub grub (you can still get steak and eggs). There are kooky record covers on the walls and occasional wine-appreciation nights.
reviewed
-
R
Wharf Shed
An award winner for beef and lamb but famous for its fish dishes, which include locally bagged crayfish, corpulent mussels and fresh Pacific Oysters. Right on the waterside with alfresco dining on balmy evenings.
reviewed
-
Zeytin Café
Readers recommend Greco-Moroccan Zeytin for its slow-cooked tagines, spanakopita and moussaka, plus live jazz or swing on Thursday nights. Stripy cushions and Arabic lanterns adorn the cavelike interior.
reviewed
-
S
Little India
Part of a consistent nationwide chain, this flavoursome curry house offers the best value on the Strand, especially for lunch specials. Outdoor tables for a hot night and a hot prawn jhalfrezee.
reviewed
