The Best Cafés in Rotorua

Looking for the best cafés and food places in Rotorua? You’ll find an abundance of warm and inviting coffee shops to partake in your morning coffee, indulge in a hearty brekky, or grab some quick cabinet food on the go. What’s more, most Rotorua cafés have sunny patios for al fresco dining and loads of sweet treats to satisfy any sugar craving. Start your search for the best café Rotorua-wide here.

Picnic Café is one of Rotorua’s best-kept secrets. This quaint, centrally located coffee shop boasts a bright atmosphere, great service, excellent coffee, and tasty food. The scrumptious breakfast and brunch menu includes omelettes, eggs benedict, pancakes and Croque monsieur. In the p.m, ask about their soup of the day, steak sandwiches, and delicious salads.

The stylish and award-winning Capers Café + Store provides breakfast, lunch, dinner, and takeaway, with some good old-fashioned service on the side. It’s the best place to grab superb coffee, fresh food, and sweet and savoury treats. Their speciality menu includes banana-toasted cinnamon bagels with fresh fruit and pork belly fries loaded with gravy, cheese, and aioli.

Experience spectacular panoramic views of Lake Rotorua and the surrounding region from Skyline’s Market Kitchen Café. Nestled at the top of the Gondola, the cafe features delicious worldwide and local kiwi cuisine, including gourmet pies, fish and chips, pizza, and curries. After something sweeter? Try the delicious crepes, bakery treats, or ice cream on offer alongside great coffee.

This trendy Rotorua café boasts an artsy interior and a village-like atmosphere. Located in the Government Gardens, in The Cottage off Hinemoa Street, you can enjoy good coffee and delicious food inside or on the terrace. Food options include croissant french toast, Belgian waffles, and Moroccan chicken sandwiches.

Award-winning Ciabatta Café & Bakery is undoubtedly one of the best cafés in Rotorua. Close to the main city centre, this café offers great coffee and a range of fresh continental bread and pastries baked daily on-site. Make sure you try their famous Long Dog (a continental Frankfurter on ciabatta and possibly the longest hot dog in NZ!).

Located in the town centre, Scope’s homemade, a la carte all-day breakfast and lunch menu offers a vast selection of mouthwatering dishes. Looking for the best coffee? Coffee lovers will appreciate the award-winning Altura Coffee, available in two blends.

This classic French café serves great coffee and delicious French cuisine, including sweet and savoury crepes, quiche, Croque madame, and french onion soup. You’ll even find some tantalising pastries filling the cabinet. Outdoor seating gives you a spot to enjoy your brekky in the sun.

Okere Falls Store features an ever-evolving array of divine New Zealand artisan foods. Brekky options include all the classics, but if you’re looking for something different, try the chilli scramble or the vegan big boy with a cheesy kimchi tofu scramble.

Artisan Café has an impressive selection of good food, handmade with love and care, as well as tasty cabinet food, scones, cakes, and slices. Customers love their brioche French toast and chorizo and potato hash, all provided with friendly, authentic service.

Don’t be deceived by the name, Third Place Café is one of the best cafés in Rotorua and “where you choose to relax, connect and enjoy.” Sample a delicious slice or pastry from the cabinet at this award-winning café with sprawling lake views. Or, choose from the all-day breakfast menu, such as roasted kumara hash or pancakes. If you’re visiting later in the day, order up some fresh fish, a lamb platter, or a burger.

Lime Café is a licensed, contemporary eatery offering unforgettable meals with a modern twist, served al fresco on the sunny terrace or indoors. Enjoy a bright, relaxing ambience with reputed barista coffees, good service and great food. You’ll find delicious brekky options with a chef-steered lunch menu highlighting seasonal ingredients.

Fat Dog is one of the best Rotorua cafés, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with vegetarian options. Grab a seat inside or out, and enjoy generous servings made from fresh and locally grown ingredients. Fan favourites include pulled brisket on toast with eggs or smashed avo with crumbled feta and cherry tomatoes.

You can’t miss Zippy’s bright green facade, enticing passersby to pop in for a fresh, hot cup of coffee or full breakfast. The cabinet is brimming with wraps, salads, muffins, and sandwiches. In addition, you’ll find heaps of outdoor seating and a super cosy interior.

Now that you’re fuelled up for the day ahead, head to the Skyline Gondola to enjoy some incredible views over Rotorua. Then, join in on some exciting ziplining action or take a walk through the spectacular Redwood Forest. Finally, celebrate the end of the day with a glass of bubbly at one of the best Rotorua restaurants – the Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar. And check out our blog page for more sightseeing tours, attractions and activities in New Zealand. We can’t wait to welcome you!