Must-see restaurants in Avarua

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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)…

  • 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.

  • 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.