As we live in Rotorua, we’re often asked for our recommendations of the best places to eat out in Rotorua. So, we’re going to share some of our favourites with you.  After all, a decent meal is a great way to start or, end the day.

Visitors flock to Rotorua.  In fact, some 3.3 million visited the attractions and activities in 2017, according the Rotorua Tourism.  And like them, you’ll want to explore the geothermal attractions, the Maori villages and cultural experiences, the Redwoods Forest and the 16 lakes throughout the region.

But after enjoying a day of activities, where are you going to grab a bite to eat? Read on...

Picnic Café

Just off ‘Eat Street’, the main dining area in Rotorua, Picnic Cafe is a small café and firm favorite for breakfast and lunch. The coffee is good too.  Freshly made scones, crepes, french toast, soup of the day and good service are just of the reasons we keep coming back. Look for the café opposite the Novotel Hotel.

Location:  1174 Whakaue Street.

Lime Caffeteria

Lime Caffeteria is a multi-award winning café with indoor and outdoor seating close to Lake Rotorua.  The lunch menu and tempting counter food of sweet and savoury treats mean it’s on our list. Lime Caffeteria is also fully licenced so you can also enjoy a wine or beer with your lunch.

Location: 1096 Whakaue Street.

Abracadabra Cafe 

A Moroccan style restaurant in central Rotorua, Abracadabra is all about casual dining in a traditional Mediterranean atmosphere of music, good food and excellent service.  Food is served all day. We like the lamb and beef tagines, while the mezze plates are perfect for sharing.

The rooms are painted in bold greens, purples and golds, with a delightful dining garden at the back.  The authentic lamps and furniture have all been shipped in from Marrakesh, and you can even purchase the lamps as a souvenir of your visit.

Location: 1263 Amohia Street.

Terrace Kitchen

Terrace Kitchen enjoys the closest location to Lake Rotorua on our list.  The contemporary and spacious restaurant combines a modern menu with seasonal food.  A range of dishes are prepared using fresh local produce - some even from the garden outside.  We can recommend the Crispy Chicken Salad and the Burger and Fries. Children are welcome and there is a play area in the back garden as well as indoor toys available.

Location: 1029 Tutanekai Street.

Leonardo’s Pure Italian

Leonardo's is a family run Italian restaurant situated on 'Eat Street'.  The menu offers traditional Italian fare where locally sourced ingredients and fresh food are the focus. The cozy interior and friendly, attentive service combined with classic Italian dishes means bookings are recommended.

Location: 1099 Tutanekai Street.

Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar

If you like your buffets, this is the place to go. Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar is only accessible by the Skyline Gondola and has sensational views of Lake Rotorua from the side of Mount Ngongotaha.  Featuring a mouth-watering array of freshly prepared buffet and cooked to order dishes using locally sourced seafood, meat and produce, Stratosfare takes you on the full gastronomic journey.

Given the setting, and the way you get there via Gondola, this lunch of dinner is as much about the experience as the food.

Location: Top of the Skyline Gondola.

Photo Credits:

Abracadabra Cafe, Skyline Rotorua