From fancy fine dining to low-key eateries, those in the Rotorua restaurant business know that the way to any customer’s heart is through their taste buds.
Find anything from Latin American inspired food, burgers cooked on a manuka wood grill, authentic Japanese sashimi, and loaded fries, because if there’s one thing this town understands, it’s the need for variety. Rotorua restaurants won’t leave you hanging when there’s a specific craving come dinner time.
Eat Your Way Around Rotorua
The Mains Restaurant
At The Mains restaurant, they say it’s designed to feel like you’re walking into someone’s home. And it does.
Black Label Barbecue
Black Label Barbecue is Rotorua’s hot spot for a genuine barbecue fix.
Mekong Buffalo
In the heart of Rotorua’s CBD, Mekong Buffalo is a restaurant celebrating bold Southeast Asian flavours and culture.
Pig & Whistle
The Pig & Whistle is the quintessential Rotorua pub, where warm, friendly hospitality meets generous meals and a lively atmosphere.
El Mexicano Zapata Express
First opening in 2017, El Mexicano Zapata Express is located in a spot once occupied by the beloved Joe’s Diner, famous for staying open until 2 or 3am and earning a...
The Regent Room
For a dining experience that feels like a royal affair, look no further than The Regent Room centrally located in the heart of Rotorua.
Spa City Noodle Bar
Spa City Noodle Bar, located in the heart of Rotorua, is a vibrant and modern eatery specialising in Sichuan-inspired noodle dishes.
Where to Eat in Rotorua: Best Places & What to Order
Poco Tapas & Wine
The entranceway to Poco Tapas & Wine (“Poco” meaning “a little” in Spanish) in Rotorua isn’t immediately evident from the street, but once...
Te Pā Tū
Te Pā Tū in Rotorua is a celebration of Māori culture—history, traditions, aspirations, and, of course, kai (cuisine).
The Fainting Goat
A fun, funky and family-friendly gastropub located in the heart of Rotorua’s CBD, complete with a pinball machine.
Yamato
Bowls of hot sticky rice, thick udon noodles and hot miso broth sound like your kind of thing? Then you best get yourself down to Yamato.
Social Club
Social in name and character, this eatery is a bright and vibrant place to park up with a group of friends any time of the day.
Dine Around The World in Rotorua
Terrace
Strategically situated at the recently redeveloped Rotorua lakefront, this exceptional venue offers a number of beautifully designed event spaces paired with modern,...
Sabroso
Full of classic Latino warmth and hospitality, you can expect to feel like more of an old friend here than a customer.
Stratosfare Restaurant
Get your hungry self to this brilliant eatery, leagues above when it comes to the Rotorua dining scene (both metaphorically and literally).
Eat Streat
Ever-changing fluorescent lighting and activity from hungry wanderers make this bustling inner-city food alley a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike.
