From Filled Cronuts to Fresh Fare, Here's Your Guide to Rotorua's Foodie Scene

Known as the home of cronuts in Rotorua, Ciabatta Café and Bakery offers up delicacies that are so good, even the non-sweet toothed among us will be delighted. The hardest part is deciding which flavour to pick!

When you’re on the go, Capers does cabinet food exceptionally well, and won’t leave you feeling like you’ve traded quality for convenience. Try a crumbed chicken sandwich with sweet chilli and aioli for something savoury, or head to their sweets cabinet for a number of decadent cakes, slices and vegan raw treats. Whether you opt to eat in their large dining room with plenty of seating or retreat to your car for a meal on the dashboard, you’ll be well taken care of.

If you’re looking for a dining experience that's a little off the beaten track, head to Eastwood Café. This eatery is located on the ground floor of Scion, a forestry and wood product research centre, where the impressive timber structure is proudly exposed and is the star of the minimalist interiors. You won't want to skip ordering a plate of the E.W.D. Fried Chicken, complete with lemon sour cream, which is totally gluten-free.

The Choripapas (wedges) with chorizo, feta, chipotle crema, spring onion and roast pepper at Sabroso are the perfect appetiser to start your meal on the right foot, and are, in our opinion, a must-order. For your main, you can’t go wrong with a chimichanga — a cheese-filled fried flour tortilla that will put you into a food coma in the best way possible. We would be remiss not to mention that you should wash all of this down with a margarita — they’re well-loved with regulars and it’s easy to see why.

“Award-winning cuisine” and “buffet-style restaurant” may initially seem like an oxymoron, but the dark and glamorous venue that is Stratosfare will prove that theory wrong. You’ll be elated to fill up your plate with their fresh, locally sourced seafood (that ranges from mussels to calamari and prawns), meat and produce, all while enjoying the stunning panoramic views of Lake Rotorua.

The Kimcheese Toastie at Okere Falls Store is far from your average toastie. Boasting homemade kimchi and melted cheese with pickled vegetables atop a warm, toasted bun, it's just the thing to hit the spot after a long afternoon exploring Rotorua. Plus, they have gluten-free and vegan options available, so no one has to miss out. If you’re extra peckish, pair it with something tasty and energising from their smoothie menu. You’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to hit the road again in no time flat.

Park yourself up at the U-shaped bar inside Yamato and watch the chefs slice sashimi made of some of the freshest fish in town. This warm and humble Japanese eatery is all about delivering an authentic experience that will have you returning again and again. (Not to mention, it’s BYO with a small corkage fee!)