Must-see restaurants in Rarotonga

  • Punanga Nui Market

    Avarua

    Head here for fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and seafood, barbecued snacks, and stalls selling fresh bread and traditional Polynesian food. Foodie…

  • Vaima Restaurant & Bar

    Rarotonga

    Perched near a sandy beach on the island’s south coast, Vaima is one of Rarotonga’s best eateries and bookings are essential. The stylish dining room…

  • Mooring

    Rarotonga

    Tuck into tuna and mahi mahi sandwiches on grilled Turkish bread at this funky blue shipping container on the edge of Avana Lagoon. Variations include…

  • Trader Jacks

    Avarua

    Trader Jacks is one of Rarotonga’s iconic watering holes, and panoramic sea views and good food also make it a great place to eat. The front bar has top…

  • LBV

    Rarotonga

    Come for a morning combo of an espresso and a cinnamon doughnut or chocolate brioche – LBV is the best bakery for many miles – and then return for a more…

  • Saltwater Cafe

    Rarotonga

    This roadside eatery on the south coast at Titikaveka is a great place for lunch or a cold drink. The menu includes pad Thai and garlic prawns, and there…

  • Tamarind House

    Rarotonga

    The most elegant place to dine on Rarotonga is this colonial building on the island’s north shore. Book a table on the grand verandah and enjoy the cool…

  • Progressive Dining

    Rarotonga

    Eat your way around the island during this progressive dinner held in locals’ homes. The relaxed, easygoing occasions run to three courses across four to…

  • Sails Restaurant

    Rarotonga

    Overlooking the sands and sea of Muri Lagoon, breezy Sails is an open-air bistro-bar serving light breakfast and lunchtime fare, and heartier evening…

  • Rickshaw

    Rarotonga

    Variations on dishes you enjoyed in Bangkok and Hanoi feature at this pan-Asian eatery. Reserve a spot on the breezy deck and feast on beef rendang,…

  • Café Salsa

    Avarua

    In downtown Avarua, Café Salsa is more Auckland-chic than Polynesian-rustic. The diverse menu combines Mediterranean and Asian flavours with local produce…

  • Charlie's Cafe & Beach Hire

    Rarotonga

    The biggest fish sandwiches on the island, fruit smoothies, and freshly baked muffins are all available at this family-run beachside shipping container…

  • Fruits of Rarotonga

    Rarotonga

    Homemade jams and tropical chutneys are divine at this shop opposite Tikioki beach, but it’s good for cakes and fruit juices too. Kayaks are available for…

  • Vili's

    Rarotonga

    Colourful outdoor tables, winning smiles from the kitchen team, and rocking Pacific ukulele beats combine at this humble spot on Muri's main drag. The…

  • Flying Boat Fish & Chips

    Rarotonga

    Tuck into Raro’s best fish and chips at this funky reconfigured fishing boat. The lagoon’s waters are just metres away, and cheap-as-chips drinks are…

  • Tuoro Cafe

    Rarotonga

    Asian-inspired tapas – try the steamed pork dumplings – combine with fish, chicken and steak lunch dishes at this welcoming elevated spot on Raro's…

  • Waterline Bar & Grill

    Rarotonga

    Welcome to the South Pacific restaurant of your dreams with a rustic beachfront pavilion and absolute waterfront tables and chairs. Book in for around 30…

  • Rob's Charcoal Chicken

    Avarua

    Located in a quiet courtyard, Rob's offers expertly barbecued chickens, either served with a plate full of salad and taro chips, or doused with spicy peri…

  • Muri Night Market

    Rarotonga

    Welcome to the biggest game in Muri for four nights a week. There's occasional live music to partner seafood curries, garlic prawns, and tuna with papaya…

  • Kikau Hut

    Rarotonga

    Candles and dim lighting make this circular restaurant in ‘Arorangi a great place for an evening meal. The international cuisine is well prepared and the…

  • La Casita

    Rarotonga

    Combining Tex-Mex (burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas) with Italian (pizza and pasta) La Casita is a bustling and colourful spot that's a reliable…

  • Ocean Fresh Seafood

    Avarua

    The best place to buy fresh fish if you're looking to barbecue up a storm or prepare your own sashimi. Fish could include wahoo, mahi mahi, tuna,…

  • Cook Islands Coffee Company

    Avarua

    Kiwi expat Neil Dearlove blends and roasts gourmet coffee at his home in Matavera. Many locals stop in for their fix on the way into work or pick up a few…

  • Cafe Ariki

    Avarua

    Tucked away inland behind Avarua township, this good-value cafe and bar is a big favourite with locals. Sashimi, ika mata and huge burgers and salads for…

  • Deli-licious

    Rarotonga

    Right in the heart of the Muri, Deli-licious serves up cooked breakfasts, and salads and sandwiches for lunch. Excellent coffee is served along with…

  • Bite Time

    Avarua

    Specialising in fresh fish, this Monday-to-Saturday market stall has great ika mata, brilliant tuna carpaccio, and a stonking seafood platter (NZ$18)…

  • Kai Pizza

    Rarotonga

    Wood-fired pizza is served from a colourful shipping container. Order the Hawaiian one with ham and pineapple, and celebrate all things Polynesian and…

  • Wigmore’s Superstore

    Rarotonga

    The south coast’s only proper grocery store is more expensive than Avarua’s supermarkets. It’s the only large supermarket that trades on Sunday though,…

  • Hidden Spirit Café & Grill

    Rarotonga

    Set in the verdant surroundings of the Maire Nui Gardens, this cafe offers delicious cakes and desserts – try the lemon meringue pie (NZ$16) – and healthy…

  • Body Fuel

    Avarua

    Some of the healthiest food on the island is at this simple market food caravan that's open throughout the week. Smoothies and tropical juices go well…

  • Tahiti Café

    Avarua

    Secure a table on the breezy deck and tuck into tasty Tahitian- and Asian-style spins on sashimi and ika mata. The concise seafood-only menu also extends…

  • BCA Café

    Avarua

    This courtyard cafe in the restored BCA Art Gallery building serves up excellent juices, bagels, toasted sandwiches, and coffee and cake. There’s usually…

  • Prime Foods

    Avarua

    Dining out on Raro can be expensive, so head to Prime Foods for barbecue-ready treats like gourmet sausages, and the island's best array of salami and ham…

  • LBV

    Avarua

    Pop in for a fruit smoothie or coffee and croissant, and stock up on artisan breads, deli produce and other picnic-friendly goodies. Brunch and lunch is…

  • Foodland

    Avarua

    The best all-round supermarket is in the middle of Avarua’s main shopping strip, with fresh bread, fruit and vegetables, packaged goods and a deli counter.

  • Café Jireh

    Rarotonga

    Near the airport, Café Jireh does excellent coffee and homestyle baking including creamy custard squares. It’s also a popular spot for a lazy brunch.

  • CITC Supermarket

    Rarotonga

    Halfway to the airport from Avarua, the huge CITC Supermarket is great for tinned and packaged produce. There’s also a liquor store attached.

  • Super Brown

    Rarotonga

    Super Brown is Raro’s only all-night convenience store and petrol station, with a fair selection of beer, wine, groceries and takeaway food.

  • Waffle Shack

    Avarua

    Life’s pretty simple really. Some days all you need is really good coffee and a freshly made waffle crammed with tropical fruit.

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