Where to Eat in Rotorua
Dive into the world of food as you explore the lush lands of Rotorua. World-renowned cuisine is right at your fingertips; whether you’re craving tacos or looking for fresh seafood options, you are sure to find something to love at our favorite local food spots.
Our list of restaurants in Rotorua ranges from intimate dining spaces to relaxing outdoor beer gardens, perfect for any special occasions and celebrations. We’ve hand-selected 7 of the best restaurants that have made a name for themselves on the dining scene for their unique vibe and bold flavors; let them make the food while you make the memories.
1. Atticus Finch $$
Enjoy the playful vibe of Atticus Finch and break bread with friends and loved ones over creative share plates for large or small groups. Plates of metropolitan bistro staples like slow-cooked lamb and a savory aioli are brought to you directly as they finish cooking, plate by plate. Socialize under the covered walkway or stay warm with the geothermal flooring as you sip on signature local craft beers and seasonally crafted cocktails.
Cuisine: Bistro
Price: Small Share Plate $6-16; Large Share Plates $26-36
Opening times: Lunch 12-2:30, Dinner 5:30-Late
Address: 1106 Tutanekai St, Eat Streat, Rotorua, New Zealand
Contact: P 07 460 0400; E info@atticusfinch.co.nz
2. Sabroso Restaurant $$
Enjoy an intimate evening exploring the tastes and styles of Latin American and Caribbean Cuisine at Sabroso Restaurant. The restaurant atmosphere is modeled after local barrios with genuine service and hospitality. Groups of 6 or less will enjoy the intimate seating designed to give you an authentic Latino experience. Start with the spice of Chipotle calamares and get a taste of island life with the signature Brazilian-inspired spicy prawn stew. Treat yourself to one of their much-raved-over Margaritas to wash it all down.
Cuisine: Central and South American, Caribbean
Price: Taquitos 10; Main Meals 23-26
Opening times: Open at 5pm. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays.
Address: 1184 Haupapa Street | Rotorua, NZ
Contact: +64 7 349 0591 | info@sabroso.co.nz
3. Urbano Bistro $$
Urbano Bistro offers a unique experience as it transforms from cakes shop by day to restaurant by night. Whether you are looking to jump-start your day with an energizing breakfast or ending the night with a drink, you will be sure to find something for every palette. Snag a hearty meal for brunch and try the Urbano Hobo-loaded fried potatoes with onions, mushrooms, and chorizo. For lighter options, opt for the egg’s benedict or urban maple roasted muesli.
Swoop in for a late-night plate of pan-seared marinated prawns with cauliflower rice and spiced pepitas or signature chicken liver pâté featuring port wine jelly and apple and apricot Mostarda. Elevate your favorite dish with top-shelf white wines and rich, fruity red wines.
Cuisine: Contemporary Bistro
Price: Dinner $26-44
Opening times: Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 9:30pm; Sunday 9:00am – 3:00pm
Address: 07 349 3770
Contact: urbanobistro@xtra.co.nz
5. The Factory Smokehouse and Grill $
Health enthusiasts’ mouths will be watering at this locally sourced, 98% gluten-free menu. The Factory Smokehouse and Grill uses local bakeries, produce, and butchers to bring in the freshest local foods to prepare. This means the cooks know what is going into the foods they serve as they handcraft them onsite. The bold menu has tastes to satisfy carnivores and vegetarians alike. For triple meat, get your hands on the BLT Burgers, Double Cheeseburgers, or pulled pork burgers stacked with hearty layers of meat. For lighter vegetarian-friendly options, opt for the Full Keto Burger or Token Vege burger towering with mushrooms, hashbrowns, salad, and avocado smash.
Cuisine: Americana/Burgers
Price: Burgers $10.95-17.95
Opening times: Tues – Wed 5pm til Then; Thurs – Sun 12pm – 2pm | 5pm til Then
Address: 170 Old Taupo Road, Utuhina, Rotorua
Contact: (07) 346 0100
6. Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar $$$
Enjoy a stunning view over a delicious meal overlooking Lake Rotorua. Set the ambiance for an intimate dining experience that is one to remember. Wow your loved one for an anniversary, or celebrate a special occasion in style. This smorgasbord-style restaurant has a made-fresh-to-order Art of the Grill chef station, where your food is hand-selected and cooked right in front of you. For the freshest seafood out of the sea, visit the tidal mussel tank, where you’ll select the freshest mussels possible. Cuts of fresh meat are charred and grilled to your preference at the flame rotisserie, offering a world-class dining experience. Best of all, all seafood, produce, and meat are locally sourced to support the community.
Cuisine: Contemporary
Price: Endless Food $69-79
Opening Times: Lunch Saturday and Sunday; Dinner Wednesday-Saturday
Address: 178 Fairy Springs Road, PO BOX 2353, Rotorua, New Zealand
Contact: + 64 7 347 0027
7. Abracadabra Café and Bar $$
Travel back in time to a 1940’s vintage house that boasts rustic, bohemian vibes throughout. Enjoy brunch in the sunny Garden bar, with dishes that balance flavors of the best ingredients of breakfast and lunch. The menu balances a blend of sweet and savory dishes from the Full Monty sandwich, which features a medley of bacon, sirloin beef kebabs, and gourmet lamb sausage on ciabatta to the sweet as cinnamon brioche French toast served with grilled banana and seasonal berries. Visit the Bar and restaurants in the evening to satisfy your late-night cravings over hand-crafted local beers and sharable plates for the whole group. Try the bread and dip platter for a trio of fresh bread that is cut into a dippable size and served with spicy dukkha, olive oil, and a special homemade dip. Platters also include the Mexican Platter, Bar Platter, and Desserts Platter
Cusisine: Multicultural
Price: Brunch $12-25; Tapas $13-16; Group Platters $30-46
Opening Times: Brunch 10:30 – 17:00; Tapas5:00-8:00; Platters 5pm to 8pm Tuesday to saturday
Address: 1263 Amohia Street, Rotorua
Contact: 07 348 3883
8. The Greenhouse Kitchen & Bar $
Step into the sun-soaked walls of the Greenhouse Kitchen and Bar, where you’ll be surrounded by live plants and lively food. Feed your stomach and your artistic soul with delicious plates of fresh breakfast favorites like light and fruity crepes and fluffy waffles. The Greenhouse Kitchen and Bar offers an impressive array of deluxe cuisine for lunch, including beef bulgogi, bacon-wrapped scallops, and pan-fried lamb chops. When you’re done, indulge yourself with a sweet treat for dessert and try the popular Snickers crepe or the light and airy White Chocolate Mousse.
Cuisine: Fine Dining
Price: Breakfast $5-15; Lunch $14-19.5
Opening Times: Monday-Friday 8:00-3:00; Friday-Sunday 5:00PM- 9:00 PM
Address: 1145 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Contact: 07 343 7645, sam@thegreenhousekitchen.co.nz
