While you’re here in Rotorua enjoying our world-renowned mountain biking and Luge tracks, you’re sure to work up a great appetite. We want all our visitors to experience everything Rotorua has to offer – including some of the best gastronomic delights in New Zealand.
Dreaming of tacos? Looking for quality Asian cooking? In the mood for fine dining? Cuisines from every corner of the world are at your fingertips right here in Rotorua.
How do we know they’re awesome? Each of these Rotorua restaurants exploded onto the foodie scene with a bang. We hope you’re ready to tuck into some delicious food – your search for the best restaurants in Rotorua starts and ends here.
Kia mākona!
1. Skyline Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar
This award-winning restaurant is shaking up the Rotorua dining scene. Take the scenic Skyline Gondola to one of the top restaurants Rotorua has to offer. Perched on the side of Mount Ngongotaha, marvel at the 180-degree panoramic view of Lake Rotorua as you sip on fine wines and nibble on tasty bar snacks.
Stratosfare serves locally sourced seafood, aged-prime cuts, seasonal soups, vegetables, salads and brasserie-style buffets. The mouthwatering cuisine with European and Asian influences is sure to delight all your senses.
2. Atticus Finch
With a name like Atticus Finch, you won’t forget this restaurant in a hurry. Select from the casual, cafe-style menu for lunch. Dinner guests can feast on fresh, generous share plates. Knock back craft beer, local wine and seasonal cocktails blended with regional sweeteners, fruit and herbs.
3. Sabroso Restaurant
Go beyond the ordinary breakfast burrito – spice up your evening and prepare to be whisked away to Latin America. Divulge in tasty tapas, homestyle specialities and rustic South American fare.
Don’t leave the place without sampling Sabroso’s signature margaritas, mojitos, sangrias and wines from Chile and Argentina. ¡Provecho!
4. Ali Baba’s Tunisian Takeaways
If you’re craving falafel kebabs, gourmet pizzas and lamb kascrute, you’ll love Ali Baba’s Tunisian menu and casual ambience. This family-friendly, family-owned business offers delicious, budget-friendly Middle Eastern meals. Make sure you leave room for fresh homemade desserts and biscuits.
5. The Factory Smokehouse & Grill
Presenting a meal with soul is the motto of one of the best restaurants in Rotorua. The Factory Smokehouse & Grill specialises in in-house smoked meats, gourmet burgers and seafood. Carnivores will rejoice over the juicy beef, pork and chicken burgers. Vegetarian-friendly options include tasty vege burgers and drool-worthy desserts such as their Mississippi Mudcake and Mango Macadamia Cheesecake.
This unassuming diamond-in-the-rough packs a punch when it comes to Rotorua food and service.
6. The Brook Bar and Bistro
Tucked away in the Best Western Hotel is a hidden gem dishing out a menu of European-style culinary art. Enjoy alfresco dining on the deck, overlooking the resort’s private trout stream. Or cozy up by the fireplace and warm your soul with a Manhattan Cream.
The Brook Bar & Bistro makes a commitment to excellence, using only the freshest produce and providing unbeatable service. Be sure to read the blackboard dinner specials of the day.
7. Scope Cafe
Scope Cafe is proudly run by Rotorua locals Steve and Dana. They’re fusing their love for delectable flavours, culinary artistry and hunting to bring a scrumptious menu to Rotorua.
Select from the tasty a la carte menu or choose one of the sweet and savoury delights adorning the counter. Enjoy New Zealand fare made in-house, with passion.
8. Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Enjoy authentic Italian food at one of Rotorua’s most iconic eateries. Specialising in hand-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, prime steaks and chicken dishes. Their allergy-friendly menu includes something for every guest, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals available. Giovanni’s is licensed with an extensive selection of Italian and New Zealand wines and beers.
Rotorua is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand – and to complement the heart-pumping ziplines and biking activities in the region, we’ve found some of the best culinary treasures to keep you energised for your next adventure.