Rotorua, in the center of New Zealand’s North Island, is, along with Queenstown, the most popular tourist destination in the country. As such, it offers a wide range of great places to eat, from takeaway bars and fast food outlets to great restaurants.
You will find several places, particularly ethnic restaurants, that are BYO. If you want to buy a bottle of New Zealand wine to take to a restaurant, a good place to buy it would be Arawa Fine Wines. They are located between the strip of restaurants at the end of the lake on Tutanekai Street.
Central Rotorua, where most of the restaurants are located, is not large so it is quite possible to park your car and just wander around until you find a place you like. The following are some of the best we’ve discovered and are worth checking out.
Pig & Whistle Historic Pub
The Pig & Whistle is something of a Rotorua institution and is usually humming, no matter what night of the week. In a building that was originally the city’s police station, there is a pleasant pub atmosphere with a touch of history. Live music often plays Thursday through Saturday nights. As for food, the menu is extensive and well priced; items include nachos, burgers, and meat and pasta dishes. The address is 1182 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua.
Moroccan Coffee Abracadabra
A fun experience for the whole family, the Abracadabra Moroccan Cafe serves great food with top-notch service. The dinner menu has a particularly Moroccan influence, breakfast and lunch not so much. The address is 1263 Amohia Street, Rotorua.
Tasty Latin American Restaurant
“Sabroso” is Spanish for “tasty” and this little place features an excellent variety of dishes with a Mexican and South American influence. It’s not BYO, but it does feature some interesting South American wines. The seafood chimichanga is highly recommended! 1184 Haupapa Street, Rotorua.
Zanelli’s Italian Restaurant
This intimate restaurant offers authentic Italian gastronomy to a very high standard. Dishes are complemented by an interesting selection of Italian, New Zealand and Australian wines. The owners have also created a charming ‘Italian courtyard’ atmosphere that adds to the experience. The address is 1243 Amohia Street, Rotorua.
Fat Dog Cafe and Bar
Another Rotorua icon, Fat Dog Cafe and Bar is also often crowded, due to the great atmosphere and great food. The generous portions also draw a good sample of younger tourists and backpackers and being BYO and being licensed is a bonus. The menu is extensive, with everything from soups, burgers, salads, pastas, and meats. A fun place to eat if you are hungry! 1161 Arawa Street, Rotorua.
Aorangi Peak Restaurant
No visit to Rotorua would be complete without visiting Aorangi Peak Restaurant. Situated on the slopes of Aorangi Peak, it offers spectacular views of the lake, the city and its surroundings. There is a cafe open for lunch and casual snacks and fine dining in the evening. Hands down one of the best dining experiences in Rotorua. The address is 353 Mountain Road, Rotorua.
