With so much to see and do in Rotorua, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Luckily, the city has as many outstanding eateries as it does adventure attractions. Whether you’re dreaming of tacos, craving authentic Asian cooking, or after a reliable pub fare, you’ll find delicious food in Rotorua around every corner.
How do we know they’re awesome? Each of these Rotorua restaurants exploded onto the foodie scene with a bang, and for good reason. We hope you’re ready to tuck into some delicious, high-quality food. Your search for the best places to eat in Rotorua starts and ends here. Kia mākona!
1. Skyline Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar
Take the scenic Skyline Gondola to one of the best buffet restaurants in Rotorua, the Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar. Perched on the side of Mount Ngongotaha, marvel at the 180-degree panoramic view of Lake Rotorua as you sip on fine wines and dig into a wide assortment of seasonal flavours.
Stratosfare serves locally sourced seafood, aged prime cuts, seasonal soups, vegetables, salads, brasserie-style buffets, and pastries galore! The mouthwatering cuisine with European and Asian influences is carefully crafted to satisfy your taste buds.
Looking for something to do before your meal? Make a full day of your trip up Mount Ngongotaha—try the Luge, Ziplines, or Skyswing while you’re here.
Cuisine: European-Asian buffet
Address: 178 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
2. Atticus Finch
Image credit: rotoruanz.com
With a name like Atticus Finch, you won’t forget this respected restaurant in a hurry. Select from the casual, cafe-style lunch menu, which features open sandwiches, tacos, salads, soups and roti. For dinner, choose from a generous variety of fresh share plates paired with good conversation and even better drinks. Knock back craft beer, local wine and seasonal cocktails blended with regional sweeteners, fruit and herbs.
Gluten-free, dairy-free vegan or vegetarian? There are plenty of genuinely exciting options to explore. It’s no wonder it’s regarded as one of the best restaurants in Eat Streat, Rotorua!
Cuisine: Casual shared platters
Address: 3010/1106 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
3. Sabroso Restaurant
Image credit: rotoruanz.com
Get whisked away to Latin America at Sabroso Restaurant for an authentic dinner you won’t forget. Revel in tasty tapas, homestyle specialities and rustic South American fare, with bold influences from Mexico and the Caribbean, too.
Can you handle the heat? Make it as spicy as you want, with a variety of hot sauces at every table. And don’t leave without sampling Sabroso’s signature margaritas, mojitos, sangrias and wines from Chile and Argentina… they’re Rotorua-famous! ¡Provecho!
Cuisine: Latin American
Address: 1184 Haupapa Street, Rotorua
Wednesday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
4. Pig & Whistle
Image credit: Pig & Whistle via bestrestaurants.nz
Tucked within a former police station built in the 1940s, there’s always something happening at Pig & Whistle. With two floors and an outdoor bar, the historic space captures the essence of a no-fuss, casual lunch or dinner in Rotorua.
Grab a local craft beer and pick from NZ classics like seafood chowder, lamb salad, and pork spare ribs, just to name a few of the favourites. Every weekend provides live entertainment from local acts into the evening, while Thursdays offer a fun opportunity to test your general knowledge at Quiz Nights.
Cuisine: Casual
Address: Corner of Haupapa and Tutanekai Street, Rotorua
Sunday – Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
5. Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Image credit: Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria via ubereats.com
Savour authentic Italian food at one of Rotorua’s best restaurants. The iconic Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria specialises in hand-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, prime steaks and chicken dishes designed to hit the spot.
Its allergy-friendly menu also conveniently includes options for every guest, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 352 Te Ngae Road, Lynmore, Rotorua
Tuesday – Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
6. Ali Baba’s Tunisian Takeaways
Image credit: Sabyasachi B
In the mood for some spice? You’ll love Ali Baba’s Tunisian Cuisine! From hearty falafel kebabs and gourmet pizzas to wraps and lamb kascrute, their entirely Halal menu packs a delicious punch.
This relaxed, family-owned business offers budget-friendly Middle Eastern meals in a casual setting, with the convenient option to take away. Make sure you leave room for fresh homemade desserts and biscuits!
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Address: 1146 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
7. Scope Cafe
Image credit: Scope Cafe via tripadvisor.co.nz
Scope Cafe showcases a local couple’s love of delectable flavours, innovative culinary artistry, and hunting. You can’t miss the giant red deer antler chandelier on the ceiling—or the rich scent of freshly grilled venison pattie!
Select from the tasty a la carte menu or choose one of the sweet and savoury delights adorning the counter. Whether you visit for breakfast, brunch or lunch, you’ll find your favourite NZ dishes, all made in-house.
Cuisine: Casual cafe
Address: 1296 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
8. El Mexicano Zapata Cantina
Image credit: El Mexicano Zapata Cantina via ubereats.com
Consistently ranked as one of Rotorua’s best restaurants, Zapata Cantina brings authentic Mexican dining to the heart of the city. Chow down on outstanding fajitas, burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, and tacos in a cosy environment peppered with Mexican memorabilia.
Service is fast, but tables fill up faster, so be sure to get in early, whether you’re after a Rotorua dinner or lunch.
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: 1148 Tutanekai St, Rotorua
Monday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday – Thursday, Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
9. The Fainting Goat
Image credit: thefaintinggoat.co.nz
The Fainting Goat is a family-friendly gastrobar where sharing is caring. Select from a variety of shared plates featuring fusion flavours, or gourmet pizzas priced by the foot.
The pub boasts an extensive drinks menu of New Zealand wines and spirits, as well as signature and classic cocktails. You can also choose from a wide selection of craft beers and ciders on tap. Safe to say there are options for every visitor!
Cuisine: Casual shared platters
Address: 1154 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
10. Barrel & Co. Bar & Grill
Image credit: barrelcogrill.com
Barrel & Co.’s farm-to-table menu makes it an instant win for any meat lover. The restaurant specialises in beef steak presented with the delicacy of fine dining, but in a cosy environment suitable for families of all ages.
Watch the chefs at work in the large, open kitchen—and build up anticipation for the mouthwatering dish to come.
Cuisine: Grillhouse
Address: 1135 Arawa Street, Rotorua
Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Frequently asked questions about Rotorua restaurants
What’s the best Rotorua restaurant for a special occasion?
Stratosfare Restaurant offers a Premium Dining Experience perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. With a guaranteed window seat sporting incredible views over Rotorua and a diverse buffet of Kiwi, European, and Asian flavours, the atmosphere is magical and the food delicious!
What are the best family restaurants in Rotorua?
Most Rotorua restaurants are child-friendly, and many feature kid-specific menus.
If you’re not sure where to eat for the night, the Eat Streat walkway offers a variety of restaurants and cafes suitable for families. Choose from fresh grilled steak at Mac’s Steakhouse, shared platters at Atticus Finch, or a street-food style menu at Sobar & Cafe. With 40 flavours to choose from, Lady Jane’s Ice Cream Parlour is the perfect way to end a meal.
Is Rotorua good for vegetarian or vegan food?
Yes, many Rotorua restaurants offer vegetarian-friendly food; some also offer vegan dishes, though we advise checking online menus beforehand.
The Stratosfare Restaurant buffet includes a wide variety of food for vegetarians, including salads, antipasto nibbles, and vegetarian pasta dishes made fresh on request. Other top restaurants in Rotorua with extensive vegetarian menus include Chimney Indian Restaurant and Atticus Finch.
What are the best cheap or affordable places to eat in Rotorua?
One of the best cheap eats in Rotorua is Ali Baba’s Tunisian Cuisine, which features an affordable menu of kebabs, pasta, rice, and pizza.
Keen on more exciting ideas to add to your New Zealand holiday itinerary?
If you want to go beyond the best restaurants in Rotorua, read our ultimate Rotorua itinerary for visitors. Discover all the things that make Rotorua one of New Zealand’s best places to holiday, from relaxing in naturally heated spa pools to screaming your heart out down the Luge!
Find more things to do on your Rotorua road trip on our blog, or check out all the activities available at Skyline. A buffet of adventure awaits!