Must-see restaurants in Avarua

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

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…

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

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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

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…

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…

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

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…

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…

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.

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