The 32 best foods to try in Rotorua

I had very high expectations for this place after hearing multiple raving reviews. The food was excellent, risotto mozzarella balls were crispy and full of flavour, pork belly was melting in the mouth and the salad it came with was outstanding. Where things went wrong was the service, we were asked about our drinks orders before we even set down, the waiter literally stood by our table while I was looking at food menu to take our order. It was two of us (my son and I), we ordered beef sliders from the kids menu and mozzarella balls and pork belly for me. The sliders arrived and my son finished his dinner before my entree even arrived. As soon as an empty glass was put on the table it was picked up and we were asked if we wanted another drink. I was still chewing my last mouthful when the table was cleared and a dessert menu was placed in front of us. 2 min later we were asked if we wanted anything else, when we answered no the bill was promptly brought to our table. We had our dinner and got ushered out within 35 minutes of getting there. It’s not a fast food place, it’s not a cheap place, it wasn’t busy. It was our last night of holidays and we wanted something special, well… it wasn’t.

Food was amazing. Very friendly and happy staff. Happy to give advice/ their opinions on food when asked. Everything tasted amazing and was cooked to perfection 👌. 100% recommend this place and we will definitely make it one of our regulars. They even had blankets available for customers if it got to cold, were not needed though as there is outdoor heating. Definitely give this place a go.

Absolutely delicious food! We went yesterday and ordered the pork belly, easily the best pork belly I’ve ever had (perfectly rendered)! Topped off with the brownie cookie and it’s delicious salted caramel sauce. We wanted to taste everything on the menu so we came back again tonight and picked different dishes. Kind and polite staff too!

One of the first few we are in rotorua. Absolutely loved the place, chicken was nice, lamb wasn't gamey and extremely tender, the leek and fish cakes were rather interesting, might not be for everyone and the tenderloin was okay. To me the real highlight was the salad, I love the side salads. Honestly overall pretty solid, can visit again if I'm ever back in the area Love the ambience too. Nice warm cozy vibes.

I got the lamb salad and my man had the chicken wings. He got a cider and I had the tokyo tom cocktail. We travelled from Hamilton so it was really good quality food, and we got a table that was outside. It was lovely. Staff were darlings. Thank you.

We had the best girls’ lunch at Atticus Finch! Everyone left happy and full — the food was absolutely divine. We shared a delicious spread: the Streaky Bacon Burger, Roti, Gochujang Tofu, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Ginger Sesame Fried Chicken, Fried Haloumi, and Chop Chop Salad. Everything was packed with flavour, but I can’t stop thinking about that Gochujang Tofu 🤤 — hands down my favourite! Highly recommend for a relaxed lunch with great vibes and even better food.

We saw the menu when walking by and decided to return for dinner. It far exceeded our expectations!! The cocktails were PHENOMENAL, I highly recommend the Passion of the Finch, the Mr Radley and the Blushing sour. The sirloin was also absolutely delicious. We will be returning here for sure!!

This is a historic site. It still has the atmosphere of the past. The food is excellent and the beers 🍻 on tap are perfect and a variety to choose from. Easy to get your way around and its close to Eat Street where all the restaurants are located. Another must visit 👌👍😊

Just had an amazing dinner and drinks at the Pig & Whistle! Super nice waitress helped us with all our requests. Food was delicious and generous portions! Beautiful old building with a modern atmosphere. Thanks so much!

We went here and ordered the fish and chips and open brisket sandwich. The food was quick and portions really hearty. The fish was beer battered and fried which was really great in terms of texture. You will need to flavour it alot on your own though. The curly fries were fried and seasoned well - fresh and not stale or soggy. They also gave you a decent amount for the side salad as well. For the brisket, the portion was good - the meat could have had a little more seasoning but overall it was good. Lastly‼️ there is a really GOOD amount of vege options for vegetarians!!! And theres items for vegans as well - we assumed there wouldn’t be because it is a pub but we were pleasantly surprised when we got here in person :)

I couldn't get into the pot pie. The way it's served is challenging to eat without making a huge mess. The flavor wasn't my personal favorite. On the flip side the pulled pork burger was delicious and absolutely massive. The pork was tender. Everything on it was delicious and fit well.

I'm sold on this joint!!! I've never done a review before. Our group of South Aussies needed a feed on our first night in Rotorua. We called ahead to book a table at the Pig and Whistle, and they kindly squeezed our group of seven in — we were all really glad they did! My beef brisket was an amazing introduction to the area, perfectly paired with a local beer paddle. Between the great beers, delicious food, and awesome atmosphere, the people running the place were a breath of fresh air — super helpful and genuinely happy. We’ll be back soon to try something else!

Visited here on an overnight stop in Rotorua and couldn't have asked for more! As vegans we were unsure if there would be many options, pleasantly surprised to find a solid selection of vegan options on the menu! We had chicken tacos which were absolutely lovely and great portion size, with side of chips and some vegan mayo. There was a great selection of beers on tap, a fireplace in the dining area, and sports showing in the main bar. Overall cosy, great value (we spent around $110 but that included 4 beers), would go back again if we are back in the area!

Service was great and food was amazing. Great mix of vegan options and traditional pub food. We got one of the last tables available so would recommend booking if you're heading there on a busy night. I had the brisket which was awesome and a good amount of food.

First of all, massive thanks to John and Sarah (the owners) for pouring their heart and soul into the food! I can confirm that their chimichangas are on another level, I’d happily drive all the way from Auckland again just to taste that glorious combo of saucy goodness and perfectly cooked dish. And Sarah, please, I beg you, do not take the chimichangas off the menu! The place is a divine food experience. I’ve gone on many rants about food spots (mostly good), but here’s one more reason this one stood out — I’ve never seen my partner finish an entire plate of anything before. Ever. This was a first. I rest my case.

It’s not often you can walk into a restaurant and know the food is going to be exceptional before you even sit down. This is one of those places. Warm, welcoming & cozy atmosphere. Service was above and beyond without missing a beat. Each component of the meal was bursting with flavours that complemented each other beautifully. I will definitely be going back.

Just had a fabulous evening at Saboroso. Superb food, great atmosphere and exemplary service! Thanks so much for making me a zero alcohol, no sugar mojito ❤️

My new favourite latin/caribbean restaurant in the country. Exceptional service from Sarah, delicious food from John. We over ordered entrees and mains and didn't have space for dessert...

Having visited twice before and being convinced it was superb, I returned last night hoping to savour it once more. Unfortunately, it was temporarily closed. Please note it will remain closed until 26th September.

Super delicious food, amazing service, great atmosphere. Sarah and her husband (sorry I don’t his name) are so lovely and accomodating. The drinks were so great, food was the best we’ve had in a while and will definitely be back soon. Pictured is Sangria, passion fruit margarita, Tres Amigos, Tostadas and Chimichangas.

Was wonderful to return to eat at this intimate restaurant. The service from Sarah is so gracious and attentive. Despite all the tables reserved for this evening our drinks and food were served in a timely manner. Margaritas are top notch. Food delicious. We ordered the calamari and escabeche to start. Both excellent. Mains were the prawn stew and chimichanga de Pollo. It is worth booking ahead to eat in this friendly restaurant. We are never disappointed with our meals at Sabroso. Tasty food, served with love.

Lovely place. You must book especially if you are going there on the weekend. Friendly owner good service and nice food. Salsa was amazing among other things. Gracias amigos!

It really was the best Mexican food I have ever had, and I’ve eaten a LOT of Mexican! The staff were friendly and attentive and lots of smiles. I wish I was staying in Rotorua for longer to sample more of the menu. We shared Chicken Enchiladas and Elotes (Grilled corn on the cob) with Churros for takeaway desert. So delicious I forgot to take photos before it was half gone!

Myself and my husband walked past this beautiful restaurant and it was packed so we knew that the food was amazing! We waited to be seated as there were no available tables, we ordered and OMG our meal was fast and beautiful!!! Absolutely loved it! The best Mexican food in NZ!

I LOVE Mexican food and this place was the BEST! 10/10! We had a huge selection, my daughter had the nuggets and chips and loved em, we had the Jalepeno poppers (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!) And the El Queso Con Chirzo was the bomb! The Chimichanga was the best I've ever have. The service was great! Again just the best! Thanks heaps!

Today I dined in at el Mexicano and the food was woofing awesome! I loved the steak and pork belly from the ceilo dish we ordered. Would highly recommend dining in here.

Absolutely Love This Place! I’ve been coming back to this Mexican restaurant in Rotorua ever since my first visit and every time, it’s just as amazing as the first! The food is always fresh, full of flavour, and perfectly seasoned you can really taste the authenticity in every bite. What truly makes the experience special, though, is the outstanding service. Christopher is always friendly, attentive, and goes out of his way to make sure everything is just right. He and the rest of the crew create such a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. It’s rare to find a place where both the food and the service are consistently exceptional, but this restaurant nails it every single time. Definitely one of my favourite spots in Rotorua, can’t wait to come back again!

Our family (2 adults and 2 kids) had an awesome meal at El Mexicano Zapata Cantina! The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and the service was fantastic. My daughter and I had the paella. It was absolutely delicious and full of flavour. My son loved his BBQ chicken, and my wife really enjoyed her chicken quesadilla. Definitely one of the best family dining experiences we’ve had in a while — we’ll be back for sure! 🌮🌯🇲🇽. Highly recommend making a reservation as this place gets very busy.

We really enjoyed the Kebab wrap and Garlic fries. There was only one person as cook/cashier/waiter when we were there but he was doing all he could to make it seem like there was a whole team working. The kebab was very satisfying and the garlic sauce on the fries was a nice new flavor I hadn’t had before.

We heard the place was good and the owner was kind, well spoiler: the food was delicious and the owner was amazing. No exaggeration, will be recommending people travel to NZ to eat here. Clean place, well decorated, extremely welcoming. The place is magic. We had the traditional noodles with lamb and the Berber with falafel but honestly think anything you get here would be great.

It was my first day in Alibaba and i saw a young Nepalese guy name Nirmal and he recommended me Berber thats was totally worth it and i love it. I will high recommend to go you all there.🔥🔥gonna visit again

Alibaba Restaurant never disappoints! Exceptional food, rich flavours, and amazing service. Every visit feels worth it — pure quality and satisfaction.

I little disappointed given that this place had a very good Google rating. The pasta was well cooked with great flavour. But that was only nice part apart it. Pizza tasted OK but the base was undercooked. Service was very slow also and it wasn't very busy at the time. Good vibe and atmosphere.

Awesome lunch spot in Rotorua. Loved the kascrutes (similar to gyros) with freshly baked wrap and ingredients. Special thanks to the fit bald guy working there that ran a block to return a water bottle that we had left.

There was only one young man working around dinner time and there was a sudden rush of customers. He did call for backup and a little while later he had an extra pair of hands to catch up on orders. He handled the pressure like a champ and was transparent about the wait with every customer. The wait was well worth it. I enjoyed the Berber Rice Meal with lamb. I appreciate that they took time preparing each order rather than rushing to get customers out the door. Another group ordered pizza which looked delicious. Will have to order that the next time around.

We ordered eggs on toast, shashuka eggs, mince on toast. Scrambled eggs. Tbh, not the best experience the eggs are a bit runny and soggy. My friend ordered shashuka. She said it’s 👍 with good seasoning. Also, mince on toast is well-seasoned with a nice depth of flavor. It hit the comfort food spot, but it was a bit too oily. Overall, the food are decent and I would recommend to visit.

A decent spot in Rotorua with promise! Not a bad option, and one that seemed less busy on the day. A good range of options available! The open steak sandwich, despite not being “open” (just an observation), was well executed. The onion rings were a fun addition. The sauce I’d wanted from the menu wasn’t available, and staff didn’t ask what alternative I’d like — not a big deal, but it would’ve been nice if they had. It was also a little tricky eating from a high-rimmed plate; maybe serving the fries separately would help. At least everything was tasty! The chicken and bacon waffles were phenomenal — neatly presented, perfectly cooked, and needed nothing fancy. I ordered a white chocolate mocha but received a regular one, still delicious, and not worth the hassle of changing after waiting. Still, a quick order check with customers could help avoid small mix-ups, especially when it’s not too busy. Maybe it was just a one-off error, but it would be good to check this with customers in the future.

We enjoyed hearty, tasty food here and came back twice as the coffee and breakfast was so good. The Mini Beni was just perfect.

Food as very well presented and very flavorful... Vegan meals and options were great. We had the vege stack and it was AMAZING our 4yr and 1yr old smashed them and I had to order another for me! Chicken burger and Mince on toast was also yum! Coffee and food came out fast and the service was great. Serving size could have been slightly bigger for the Burger and Mince on toast but we will be back next time.

the food was soooooo good and they were very generous with the portions! highly recommend the open steak sandwich & the chicken fungi!! 10/10 🤩

Went today and sampled their breakfast/brunch. I had equivalent of a big breakfast, where to start.. well presented! Tasted as good as it looked! I genuinely say this is the best breakfast I have had in Rotorua in a long time by far! And I've had a few! No exageration! Coffee was good too! And my friend agreed! Recommend!

Food here was pretty good. Venison burger was lovely and moist with a beautiful gamey venison flavour. I liked that there weren't too many extra toppings and seasonings to take away from the flavour of the patty. The patty was quite small so a bigger patty would have been great. The lentil and kumara soup was a hearty and warming delicious soup. The only thing holding it back from a 5 star was just a few inconsistencies. The baked goods weren't quite as tasty. The frittata lacked flavour, and the snickers slice didn't have any peanut flavour. Plus, it had a very odd sandy texture that was off-putting. The service could be improved. 2 different waiters brought us a portion of the frittata, and some drinks arrived at the table quite late on in our meal. Our table felt very sticky and probably hadn't been cleaned in a while

Absolutely loved my experience at Le Cafe de Paris in Rotorua! The food was fantastic, especially the crepe — generously portioned and absolutely delicious. The crepe has a touch of sweetness, so if you're not big on sweet treats, I’d recommend letting them know your preference. The cafe exudes a charming French vibe that truly made me feel like I was transported straight to France. The staff were polite and friendly, and service was impressively quick. Overall, a wonderful spot for a taste of France in Rotorua — I’ll definitely be returning!

Absolutely loved the experience of dining at Le Cafe De Paris in Rotorua. What a beautiful atmosphere, the staff were so friendly and welcoming and made you feel at home as soon as you walked in the door. I loved all of the Paris memorabilia, it took me back to when I visited Paris and now I want to go back. The food was absolutely delicious! We ordered toasties and French crepes… superb! The crepes were incredible, and melted in the mouth. Food came out so quickly! I cannot wait until my next visit, I will definitely be back sooner rather than later. Merci

I have never been to Paris but I am guessing that when you enter Le Cafe De Paris that is what a cafe might feel like in Paris France. The atmosphere is amazing. The pictures all over the walls. The smell of fresh baked goods and food being prepared takes you far away yet you are here in this little fantastic cafe. Watching the owner make the crepes was great. She was so skilful. The food was amazing and the everyday breakfast was so with the value. It’s a shame I have never been to this place before even after coming to Rotorua since 2002. We had the everyday breakfast, crepes suzettes, almond croissants, pot of tea and a Latte. Lovely service and great food.

The owner is French - very authentic food. She is also very nice and friendly. The food is excellent and so is the coffee. This is one of our favorite restaurants in Rotorua. The only complaint I have is that it is rather pricey; we mostly go on special occasions. If it were less expensive, we would definitely go more often. Note that the restaurant itself is not very large so it does tend to fill up during normal meal times.

Très bien! What a lovely café in the heart of Rotorua! We came across Paris Café while walking around the city centre and were greeted by such friendly staff. We ordered a big brekkie and two crêpes to share—banana & Nutella, and lemon & sugar. Both were delicious! I loved the aesthetics of the café—decorated with charming French-themed details, it had such a cute and cozy vibe. It was quite packed, but that just added to the lively atmosphere. A great spot for both sweet tooths and savoury lovers. Highly recommend!

Absolutely love this cafe and the food served here. Watching the galettes in the making is pretty special, and the omelettes are outstanding. Great coffee too, and the staff are super friendly. Highly recommend!

Le Café de Paris is a real gem in Rotorua — it feels like you’ve stepped straight into a Parisian café. The food is absolutely delicious and beautifully presented; fresh pastries, perfect coffee, and generous portions at very reasonable prices. The staff are warm, friendly, and genuinely welcoming, creating a relaxed atmosphere where you feel like a regular even on your first visit. The café itself is spotless, with a lovely French ambience and plenty of seating. It’s rare to find this level of quality and value together. Highly recommended for breakfast, brunch, or just a great coffee and croissant. Will definitely be back!

Such a pleasant place with amazing foods! Staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. We ordered plum wine tasting sets, all 5 of them are super tasty and strong enough! The Yuzo tonic was huge and yummy as well! This place definitely deserves 5 stars!

I really loved the portion, even if it was a tad expensive for the amount. We had a nice lunch on the lighter side, with enough food leaving us full and satisfied and not enough to overwhelm. The atmosphere and service is beautiful, and the food as well; flavourful, mouthwatering and everything good. Would come back here again!

The food was absolutely awesome, and the service was really good — the team was friendly and attentive throughout. I gave 3 stars for the atmosphere only because I was hoping for a more traditional Japanese-themed setup to complete the dining experience. Still, the quality of the food and service more than makes up for it. Definitely another restaurant I’ll look forward to visiting whenever we’re in Rotorua. Cheers, Yamato!

We had two rice bowls, sushi and a salad. The chicken rice bowl was average but tasty. The beef rice bowl was amazing. The steak was cooked perfectly and had a wonderful crisp. The biggest sushi roll chunks my wife has ever had. The flavor was 5/5.

Food was very delicious but portions were small for the price (mayo should come as a side rather than extra). Service was great.

We got the chefs selection for $98 (the boat thing) awesome!!!! So yum! The endamame beans, pork tonkatsu😋 (so good!) The Eel nigiri, (melting eel😋) a couple hot Sake's and a couple Asahi's. All up, a couple hundred bucks, but we'll worth it, you'll leave full and not bloated! Highly recommend, and we will keep returning to try the rest of the menu!

We are visiting from Australia and this place is legit sits right up there with the best Japanese that Sydney/Melbourne has to offer. Miso soup was full of flavour (not the packet/pre-mix) Sashimi / salmon was fresh and beautifully cut. Sushi Rice was cooked to perfection.

Fantastic Italian Experience in Rotorua! Giovanni Rotorua delivers on all fronts—delicious food, warm ambiance, and outstanding service. The dishes were beautifully presented and full of authentic Italian flavor, especially the lasagna and creamy mushroom chicken. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive, making us feel right at home. Plus, there's plenty of parking, which makes the visit even more convenient. A must-visit spot in Rotorua for food lovers!

I picked up a takeaway order from Giovanni's Italian Restaurant and it was fantastic. I can honestly say they serve the best Italian food in Rotorua, and the quality really shows. I ordered the Gnocchi with Bolognese sauce and was impressed by both the flavor and portion size. The Bolognese was rich and hearty, clearly slow-cooked to perfection, and the gnocchi were tender and perfectly prepared. The serving was massive, definitely great value for money. I also tried their Quattro Formaggi Pizza with added spinach and bacon. The four cheese blend was incredible and my additions complemented it beautifully. The crust had that perfect balance of crispy and chewy that you want in a great pizza. Both dishes were absolutely amazing. You can tell they use quality ingredients and take real care with their cooking. The takeaway service was really quick too, which was perfect when I was hungry and ready to eat! If you're craving authentic Italian food in Rotorua, Giovanni's is the place to go. I'll definitely be returning soon!

Amazing food. Went there last night and had the carbonara pasta and gnocchi bolognaise. Everything was tasty. Definitely recommend. Service was good, chef was very friendly and the atmosphere was great with some classical Italian music.

A True Taste of Italy! We had a wonderful dining experience at Giovanni Italian Restaurant. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with warm hospitality and a cozy, authentic atmosphere. The food was absolutely delicious — every dish was rich in flavor and beautifully presented. The pasta was fresh and cooked to perfection, and the wood-fired pizza had the perfect crisp and chew. We especially loved the tiramisu — one of the best we’ve ever had! The service was attentive and friendly, even with our large group. The staff made sure we were well looked after without being intrusive. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a genuine Italian dining experience. We’ll definitely be back!

Beautifully made fresh pasta and flavourful pizza. This place takes pride in their food. Was only my first visit and so looking forward to going back. It was a bit busy and only two people working but the wait was worth it.

Really enjoyed our meal last night at Giovanni’s Lovely atmosphere and tasty food. Service was great too. Would definitely go back and highly recommend

Fantstic service, and excellent food. Sadly my stomach is not large enough to eat everything on the menu. Will be back again - Highly recommend 😋😋😋

Had a lovely dinner and breakfast here while staying at the hotel. The staff was friendly and helpful. Dinner was really nice with wonderful flavors and everything was very fresh. I had a pumpkin vegetarian dish that tasted great! The continental breakfast was lovely as well with fruit, bread, pastries, cereals and juices and coffee and tea - just right for our check out morning. Overall very nice. I’d visit again.

We had the degustation with wine matching and couldn't have been more disappointed. The food was all average at best other than the mushroom croquette which was the only item with any real flavour. The wine matching seemed to get smaller and smaller with each course until there was barely a taste of Pinot with the main course. The service was poor never clearing any glasses or plates until the next course came out, and as soon as the last course was put on the table they told us the bar and kitchen was now closed at 8:45pm. I would not go back or suggest anyone does until The Regent decides they actually want to try and provide an experience to be proud of.

A group of six attended the regent for a Christmas high tea. We were very disappointed on the service and food. No one came to give us water or offer us drinks for over 20mins and we had to ask if someone could come and offer us drinks, we were never offered another drink. Our food came and looked like it had been made the day before, and someone went to the local bakery chose three square cut them up and the same with the sandwiches. The bread in one side was dry and the other soggy, it was not worth $45 per person . Extremely disappointed and will not be back.

Thanks to a Chuffed Gifts gift, we had High Tea at The Regent and thoroughly enjoyed it. Great service, nice finger food and tea. Very elegant - thanks, Team.

This Restaurant does not deserve any rating. I'm not one to give reviews but I'm forced to write this review so people can save their buck and probably find a better place to eat out in Rotorua. I ordered a Dry Martini which was basically water with a hint of gin/vodka. Entrée and Mains were appalling with no taste or seasoning and lack of effort for the price they charge in the name of a fine dining restaurant. Pics in the review are of my mains - Venison loin with a blob of potato mash and boiled veges with no seasoning at all and My wife's Entrée - Scallops, which was basically a plate full of boiled scallops with Baileys sauce again with no seasoning or flavour. Really disappointed with this place not recommended for sure.

Had a lovely girls early Christmas lunch last Wednesday. A glass of bubbly, dipping breads, choice of 4 mains, dessert, coffee and Xmas pies, all for $50. Always a good experience.

I book a table at the Regent quite frequently as they are guaranteed to serve good wine, excellent cocktails and wonderful food. Whether I am meeting a friend for tapas and a chat, or booking for a special birthday treat, the regent never disappoints. The wine list is excellent and they make great cocktails but the thing I like best about the Regent is the service. Staff are impeccable but are also warm and friendly, everyone is made to feel welcome. The chef prepares food that is thoughtful, exciting and well crafted. My guests always appreciate their evening at the Regent and I look forward to every time I go there.

I love this market great atmosphere. Great stalls. All sorts of food. Yum.

Shifted to kuirau park unknowing since last week we heard! So the winds were blowing cold in the evening so load up on the clothes! Near the playground so it’s good for the kids to burn while we take turns to buy food and eat together. Oven baked pizza ham and pineapple was yummy with chewy crust base nzd23. deep fried prawn, fatty pork + Charsiew noodle soup was fantastic to warm the stomach, plus a nzd10 meaty hotdog to end the day for our family of 2+2. Wanted to soak leg but winds were too cold didn’t prep the kIds enough warm clothes today!

🌃 Rotorua Night Market is an absolute gem! Stepping into this vibrant hub, I was pleasantly surprised by the infusion of Asian culture in a predominantly Western setting. Open only on Thursdays, the atmosphere is electric, with palpable enthusiasm evident in the bustling crowds, long queues, and contagious joy all around. One standout attraction is the automated donut station, a testament to the Western penchant for technological innovation. It's fascinating to witness how technology enhances even the simplest pleasures. Moreover, towards the end of the market, a Chinese stall beckons with irresistible offerings, boasting the most value-packed meals. True to Asian hospitality, despite the bustling queues, the stall owners are incredibly kind and efficient, ensuring prompt service and delicious fare. Their mention of winning accolades for their street-side stall only adds to their credibility. If you find yourself in town, I highly recommend paying a visit to Chinese Siu Mei. It's an experience not to be missed, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the rich tapestry of flavors and cultures that make Rotorua Night Market a must-visit destination.

Been to countless night markets in Auck, this was however more spacious and plenty of room for buyers to mingle and enjoy the evening vibe. Held on a Thursday weekly from 5 to 9pm . Lots of new stuff to try out . Dont miss If your in Roto for a visit.

Great experience. Enjoy the variety of cultures, meals, smells...also live singers. Nice evening walk with music and great food. Night market between 17-21h.

Good range of food trucks! Unfortunately it's mostly food available & only a few non food stalls.. Was looking forward to shopping for local craft or inedible Rotorua souvenirs.. Recommended for the experience though...

We definitely love the wide range of food stalls and other items. Buskers at both ends of the market with appreciative crowds sitting and having a feed while listening. The crowd level was reasonable with a number of stalls with queues. We decided to buy sourdough bread, almond croissants and sweets. The bakery products were top-notch. Unfortunately I couldn't remember the name of the stall business.

This lane called Eat Street on Rotorua has fantastic restaurants and pubs and some come with live bands. A must visit location where you have so much to choose from 👍👍👍

It's ok overall, it does come off as touristy. Folks will sometimes call at you if your just browsing the menus which is a bit annoying. I've found a mix of quality here. Edit: added photos You can also walk around the area, your right next to the lake walk here. It's a decent area overall.

So much options to choose from! my favourite was Mac's steak house. quick service of food and venison dish waa really good with mushroom risotto! would recommend!

MAC STEAKHOUSE had fish and chips..and lamb shanks..very very nice...pleasant staff..will return

We went at lunch time during the week. It’s summer now. A la carte is always a vibe. Definitely a place to visit if you’re in Rotorua.

Mac’s steakhouse serve Delicious food , good price and live environment.

Eat Street Rotorua is a fantastic spot for dining and drinks in the heart of the city. There’s a nice selection of restaurants offering a wide range of foods to suit any taste — from casual bites to more refined meals. It’s also a great place to relax with a drink, with plenty of ales, wines, and creative cocktails on offer. The central location makes it easy to get to, and the lively atmosphere carries on well into the evening. A perfect place to enjoy good food, good company, and a vibrant Rotorua vibe.

Arun the manager was very welcoming. We came close to closing time but since their kitchen was still open they took our order which was so nice of them. Pizzas were delicious Chips nice and crunchy Garlic bread was dripping with garlic butter- super yummy

Best lamb shanks I've ever eaten. My wife has celiac and had no issues and great tasting food as well. I would definately go back.

Served by Lucky (I think), he was super friendly, and the food he suggested is also delicious including Cocktails. We ordered pasta for the kid and got it quickly, which makes my son happy.

Went here last week during school holidays. The staff were very welcoming. Our older boy ordered the Pepperoni Pizza and he said it was the best he ever had!!! We also ordered for the Tuscan Chicken Alfredo....even our youngest thought it was YUM! Mum ordered a cocktail and it came with 2 jelly sweets on the straw. Our boys were so excited looking at that and as usual they wanted to have it. But the very next minute the manager came in with a plate of those same jelly sweets for the boys to have. Now that is attention to detail!!!! As parents, we were happy that even something as small as the boys wanting a sweet was noticed and taken care of. We definitely will be going back again whenever we are is Rotorua as we loved both the service and food here. Definitely worth a try.

Highly recommend Order the pork porchetta and the rib eye. Perfectly cooked meat and large serving size. Wanted the crayfish and prawn ravioli but was sold out. Will come back to try next time Lovely wait staff. Clean tables. Nice atmosphere

We enjoyed our meal here. We dined around Saturday 6,30pm It was easy to get a table Our meals arrived quickly They were all delicious 😋 We had Kids Spaghetti Formaggi Pizza Insalata Rucola Followed by a Trio of Sorbet~ lemon🍋 orange 🍊 and mixed berry 🍓🫐 Service was lovely and attentive

Went there around 5pm on a Friday night, and had a quiet dinner before everything got busy. The environment is lovely with a good indoor-outdoor flow. Food was decent but nothing really stood out. (FYI Seafood chowder had bacon in it.) Spent over $120 with two entrees, two mains and one drink.

OMG it was very good. We didn’t think much of it. Came because the hotel recommended… We had Eggs Benedict and the Omelet of the day (spinach, onion, cheese and bacon). The bread tastes like it is homemade…Also 2 coffees. Everything was great and tasty. Price affordable. Definitely recommend.

Highly recommend this place to everyone who want to celebrate a special day! I had the lamb there and it was juicy, tender, and savory! Entree shrimp was fresh and bouncy as well. Their service was beyond the top! Christian is so professional and friendly! We had good time there and definitely will go back again!

It was pretty quiet when we went because we’re Mexican, so we eat dinner late, but I ordered the fish of the day and wow 🤩 delicious! The fish was perfectly cooked and the sauce was creamy and flavorful! Everyone else also seemed to enjoy their food with the exception of the pumpkin soup which lacked flavor. Good dining experience overall!

The prices are on the higher side, but the food was tasty and well presented. Service was good too.

Chose this place because it was very close to our motel. We both had scotch fillets. My husband's medium-rare one was delicious but my rare one was tough and had a reasonable amount of gristle through it - at over $50 I was not expecting that. It tasted good though and the accompanying diced mushrooms were exceptional. Our berry crumbles were delicious. The service was exceptionally friendly, attentive and refreshingly professional. I loved that there was no music.

We visited Urbano Bistro with our 7-year-old daughter hoping for a pleasant family meal, but left underwhelmed and frustrated. While the service was genuinely good—staff were friendly and attentive—that was about the only positive. My wife’s chicken dish was the sole highlight; it was well-executed and flavorful. Unfortunately, everything else fell flat. My tarakihi fish was painfully average, tasting like something reheated from a supermarket freezer section. The accompanying salad was equally uninspired: limp lettuce with a few haphazard chunks of apple. No dressing, no seasoning, no effort. The real letdown was my daughter’s kids’ menu beef nachos. What arrived was a greasy, stodgey mess—dripping in oil, heavy, and completely unappetatable. She took one bite and pushed it away. I tried it to see if it was salvageable and nearly gagged; it was that oily and dense. For a children’s dish, this was unacceptable. Portions were generous in size but not in quality, and the prices were frankly outrageous for such mediocre (and in some cases, inedible) food. We’ve had far better meals at nearby restaurants for less money. The restaurant itself was clean, but the atmosphere was nonexistent—sterile lighting, no music, no warmth. It felt more like a cafeteria than a bistro. Verdict: Skip Urbano Bistro unless you enjoy overpaying for supermarket-tier food in a soulless setting. There are plenty of better options for family dining in the area. One star for the service and my wife’s chicken—everything else was a miss. Fat Brothers in the CBD was outstanding.

Absolutely beautiful meal. My work colleague and I both had the lamb rump, it was perfectly cooked and accompanying vegetables were delicious. Special of the day dessert - rhubarb and strawberry crumble was a delicious blend of flavours. 10/10 on all counts. Thank you for a lovely evening

the atmosphere was great just walking into the cafe, very warm and inviting. the same can be said about the kind staff :) I had the creamy mushroom dish, with warm toasted ciabatta, and creamy mushrooms in a rich sauce and parmesan. the side of bacon is a nice touch; definitely a lot of rich, hearty flavours. the price is quite high for the meals but understandable in the current economy. definitely a nice place to visit while staying in rotorua with your family!

Another good outlet. Nice atmosphere and friendly service. The quality of the menu and food is great 👍 and I would recommend a visit for a meal. Enjoy 😉

I came here with my family and ordered three servings of the “fish of the day,” but the fish was extremely fishy and almost inedible. We gave feedback the first time and were completely ignored. After asking again, a tall man finally came over, and we even offered him an untouched portion to taste. However, after he took the plate away, we waited for over 20 minutes and no one came back to explain or follow up. Right before we left, we had to approach them again, and the man just coldly said, “The fish isn’t fishy — it’s fresh,” completely dismissing our experience. The whole situation was extremely disappointing — the staff were dismissive, unhelpful, and showed no respect for customer feedback. This was one of the worst dining experiences we’ve ever had. We will never come back and definitely do not recommend this place to anyone.

$9.40 for a large flat white with oat milk…now I understand why the coffee prices aren’t on the board. The coffee was excellent and breakfast was lovely, but I can’t get past the cost. Feels like daylight robbery. Sorry guys - I’ve been here before and remembered it being great, so I came back while in town, but that eye-watering price has lost me.

Walking through the doors, the setup and arrangement were inviting. There were great options to choose from, a relaxing atmosphere, and wonderful staff.

Fantastic food, and service. The pork belly was outstanding. We liked the food so much we came back a second day in a row. And we were staying in Taupo! The cakes and desserts are outstanding also. Definitely the best Eggs Benedict in Rotorua!

I only had a coffee today but the selection of cakes, eats etc.was fantastic. Coffee was Delicious. I had a cuppa into. Vibe was lovely!

Had been going to Brew Bar every time we’re in NZ since 2015. Nice vibe, great locally brewed beer (with some interesting guest beers on rotation), and good food.

Ever travel to beautiful Rotorua, don't miss eat street and once there, BREW restaurant. The pilsner I've had there was awesome, lager for my missus was perfect too. Beer is a high quality drink and the chips we had with it was perfectly fried and crispy. Very well treated staff, the guy with beard is very cool and friendly. Well ordered seats and nice atmosphere to enjoy meal and chat. And for the burger, im lost for words. It was unearthly, super thick, juicy with a perfect sauce and yummy nz cheese. Extremely recommended.

Ate here two nights in a row because everything was so good! Might come back for a third tomorrow because my son reckons the burgers were “amazing”.

Great spot to relax with a drink! 🍺 Chilled vibes, comfy seating, and good drinks. Perfect for a casual evening out. Will definitely come back.

Food and service was top tier, highly recommend this restaurant if you’re coming to eat street. We had the pork belly burnt ends, chicken wings, lamb rack and ribs!! delicious

Probably the best burgers ever. Kiwiburger, Pulled Pork Burger and the Americano burger. All were amazing. Pizza garlic bread was yummy as were the chicken tenders. Staff were friendly and their service was amazing. Wouldn't hesitate in going back.

Came in with a big group of people last night we got orders taken just after 7pm and then 30mins later waitress came back and had to retake our orders as they didn't go through to the kitchen we didn't receive our starters until 8pm and then mains didn't come out until closer to 9pm wasn't overly busy last night. Some of our table their food wasn't cooked properly or how they ordered it to be. Some plates were messy plated and couple of waitresses were quite rude. For the price we paid each last night the food and service could of been a lot better. There was also food being brought out that wasn't even ordered to our table as well but was put on our tables bill. Some orders even got mixed up as well. We had high hopes for this place but unfortunately it wasn't the case. Really disappointed overall

Hands down the best place to grab bakery treats and coffee in town! I love that it’s pet-friendly too, perfect for stopping by when I’m out walking my pup. The vibe is just awesome, super welcoming, and makes you want to stay longer.

We came in as a big group of 20+ and the team at Ciabatta Rotorua looked after us really well. The long dog is next level, the bread is mean – fresh and crunchy – and the cronuts were a good size and pretty tasty too. Awesome vibe, great food, and they handled a big crew with no hassle. Highly recommend!

Super good cafe. The ciabatta bread was the best I've eaten in NZ, so fluffy and flavoursome. The lamb was tender, and sauce matched well. Tried some of the salmon sandwich and croissant too, both of which were delicious also. Better than any cafe in Auckland, and will definitely come back when I visit Rotorua again :)

If you love bread like me, this is the place for you. I highly recommend this bakery, you can have a delicious sandwich or croissant here and buy delicious bread or something else tasty to take away. I'm sure you'll want to come back to this place again.

Tried the brekkie and the lammie sandwiches on 2 consecutive days.. both times were great..dine-in has lots of seats and privacy .. limited parking is available at the premises; gotta wait sometimes or drive further down the road.

Highly recommend, friendly staff, quick service and delicious food! We had a yummy pretzel and an amazing premium bacon & egg sandwich on a parmesan and garlic ciabatta! 🤤

Love this place! Sandwiches were outstanding! Back to basics and done well. I wish Auckland had something like this. I always come back to eat when I visit Rotorua! Can’t wait to come back again

Lime Cafe was exceptionally good. Located on Whakaue Street, Rotorua, we were greeted with smiles all around. The menu was limited but everything we ordered was immaculate. Toast & Preserves, I got ciabatta with apricot & raspberry jam. Exceptional. Got a blueberry muffin. Fresh and soft and fruity. Got fried eggs 🍳 too. The cappuccino was good too.

Fantastic food and location, great coffee, had the eggs benedict and a lemon cookie. Quality across the board.

Amazing service. Superfast service and getting your coffee. I ordered the tank mango and found it to be quite sour so I couldn't drink it. Pancakes were lovely however the Bananas would of probably been more nice if they were cooked with the pancakes rather than raw.

This place has the best French toast I’ve had in a very long time!! Everything was absolutely delicious including the coffee. You can’t go wrong with anything you order here. Hope to have the opportunity to come back.

The Lime Cafe in Rotorua presents a mixed experience. While the menu and food quality are commendable, the service standards leave much to be desired. The primary concern lies in the service delivery. Drinks were served with significant delays between them, disrupting the dining flow. Futhermore, the staffs demeanor was notably unwelcoming. The lack of interaction and absence of smiles created a less than inviting atmosphere. The staffs customer skills need improvement. The staff member delivering drinks should focus on providing a more personable service, while the other staff member delievering the food should handle the plates with more care. Overall the Lime Cafe's sucess hinges on improving service quality to match its culinary offerings. add: Music was also terrible. I dont think the majority of older people i seen in the cafe want to listen to the horrible "gen a" music.

Fairly small place, limited space though they have some tables outside. Very popular with the locals it seems, staff friendly and efficient. Pricing was fair. Food very good in the snacks, didn't have a meal, but what I could see from other customers, looked very nice indeed. Go check it out when your in Rotorua next time

We spent the weekend in Rotorua and had breakfast here three mornings in a row. The food was fantastic, very generous portions and brought to our table quickly. Our little 3-year old foodie was thrilled with the mini-bene option. Coffee was great and always friendly staff. We’ll be back for sure!

A good brunch venue with a unique flavour profile that was delicious. We were the first here on a Wednesday morning, and the service was good. We had two flat whites which were very tasty alongside the eggs and bacon on toast, and the French toast with bacon. The chef had forgotten the bacon but this was cooked and corrected within minutes. This had been recommended both in a blog and a visit New Zealand book, and we certainly would recommend a visit. The French toast came with coconut yoghurt and homemade compote which had an Indian spice taste. These were great additions to breakfast!!

Staff were lovely and sweet. Our food was so yummy and the presentation was 10/10. We went back again next day for drinks for our drive back home and would definitely go back again. Lovely people and service, very welcoming.

Such quick service and some of the best South American/ Mediterranean style cuisine I've had EVER. Waitresses are very friendly and host quickly. The food is very reasonably priced and they give Huge portions. NZ Must Do check!

Really nice. Can't believe how cool the bar down the back is, and to have the enclosed areas outside at the back - great to bring kids. Coffee is good as well. Check out my photos- they had a ridiculously giant sausage roll for sale in the cafe...

We ordered entrées for dinner, it was a first time here. The Jalapeños were quite spicy but to my liking. We weren't really fond of the Chilli prawns.The meatballs and baby ribs were nice. The garlic cheese bread was YUMMY! I also enjoyed the Coconut Green Tea, good size pot.

Good food, good service. Took some time for food to be served, but it was still worth it. Ordered the fajitas which was awesome! (Waitress recommended chicken, another said prawns was her favourite, so up to you). I enjoyed the abracadabra steak as well. Lovely ambience and not too expensive, so try it!

Pretty nice food, good service and nice atomasphere. They cater to dietary requirements and have loads of gluten free options. 4/5 stars for the bitter coffee, other than that it was good.

What a delicious meal we had. Quick service and great food! We definitely recommend this place.

In late August, we arrived at 7:40pm and the kitchen closes at 8:30pm. We were the only diners but they made us a delicious meal. The reception area, bar and dining rooms were lovely and clean.

Excellent meal and drinks recommend Had the pork belly fantastic moist with the crispy crackle, seafood chowder plenty of fish and shrimp Excellent service

Great burgers and steak, service was wonderful the menu is not the same as website less options

Came to dine and was very pleased we did great food and service

Great food, weird vibe.

A beautiful hidden gem outer Rotovegas. Being local for many years but you guys were in my to do list. Finally ticked off 😁 Wow, that smash burger so mouthwatering and money worth. And your customer service is fantastic. The atmosphere gives the relaxing vibe. Also, the wee store sells local stuffs like locally made honey (I bought one already), hand made air freshners etc. And we brought some muffins and slices of cakes on our way. They were so yum. Quality of food at its best! Highly recommended as a local ❤️

The BEST coffee we’ve had on our NZ trip. Great food and super friendly staff and customers. A huge choice of local beers and gifts. Thanks for having us Okere Falls store ☺️

Stopped in today for lunch and my wife and I loved our lunch (Kimchi toastie and savoury muffin) with a great NZ craft beer. I have also been trying ginger slice every lunch time stop on the North and South Island. Big call here this little cafe had the best one yet!!!

Finally stopped by this café we always pass on the way to Tauranga , and so glad we did! It’s a cozy little spot by Okere falls. The whole experience was awesome. The food was delicious with big portions and good prices. Coffee was perfect, and the customer service was friendly and welcoming. Such a nice, peaceful vibe.

Heard about this little gem from a few locals and it did not disappoint. The food was delicious and great value for money. I added salmon to my chilli scrambled eggs, some places charge $6 and give you barely anything, but here the portion was generous and totally worth it. Highly recommend!

Friendly staff, good food and it's a vibe. Plenty of seating and the food was out in good time. The kids enjoyed coloring in as well.

Unexpectedly the best ham and cheese toasties ! Toasted sourdough with fresh mozzarella was divine. Delightful experience for our weekend trip. Dr Bucha was so nice too.

Absolutely incredible! The place was packed when we arrived but we were offered to go for a walk and have a table reserved when one became available- with a text letting us know. We went for a walk and less than 5 minutes later we were told our table was ready. Every person we spoke to was friendly and warm. Our coffees were delicious! And our meals (French toast and open steak sandwich) were even better! “That was outstanding!” “That was glorious” - fiance who does not give praise lightly! We both barely spoke while eating because we just wanted to keep eating! I could not recommend this place enough!

Really great coffee and the carrot cake was the best I've ever had. Also had the eggs benedict with mushroom. It was delish. Really lovely and friendly staff. Would highly recommend 😊

Went here for breakfast and ordered their bush tukka mince on toast (?) with a side of curly fries and it was sooo delicious! The staff were also really friendly and kind, witnessed them do a kind act and help someone out. The atmosphere was nice actually, there was alot of people but it didnt feel crowded. Really glad I tried this place out 😊

Travelling from Canada, my partner and I have been trying to find a good breakfast place. We spotted this restaurant and we were not disappointed! The food was a little pricy compared to our usual diner food, but it was so worth it! Delicious, we had the Bacon Eggs Benedict and the staff were so nice and accommodating when we also wanted to share a single waffle with syrup! I would recommend to anyone travelling through if you wanted just good quality food. Eggs Benedict: creamy, savoury, filling! By far the best bene i’ve had since living here for the past 6 months. Waffle: sweet almost like a cinnamon roll without the cinnamon (if you know what Cinnabon tastes like- thats what it was- so good! Coffee: served with a caramel fudge cube-super sweet! Coffee was delicious (Mochaccino & Cappuccino).

I ordered the dragon smoothie which was nice but also didn’t have much taste to it. I got the bene with salmon and it was perfect the eggs were nice and running perfectly poached. It came with hash on the side which was nice and crunchy as well as a decent amount of salmon on the bene. I had a look at the food in the cabinet and the sweets and savouries looked very nice. Service was great and the lady was very nice and friendly. the cafe itself was quite nice would come back & definitely recommend!

Visited 3 days in a row during a short stay in Rotorua. The staff were welcoming and friendly, the coffee was delicious and the food was cooked on point every time. Poached eggs and bacon were bang-on each morning and the granola was incredibly tasty as an alternative to an egg breakky.. Will definitely return if I come back to Rotorua. 5 stars!

The inside of the cafe and more inviting than its exterior. Coffee was ok. Mince on toast was awful: no taste to the mince, egg was overdone, toast is cheap processed bread. Very disappointed and certainly not worth $35. Thanks for the speedy response. Sorry, but if that is foccatia, I am a Dutchman. The mince was plain bland, no item on the plate had any flair or love; that is not something that you can address and remedy on the spot; so I don't think that raising the issue would have done any good at all! Your defensive stance indicates that you are quite sure that everything you do is good and acceptable to everyone else and that my experience is unique and therefore the problem is me. If you do not own the feedback given, there is little point in engaging, face to face or online. Quite right, the mince was $28, $35 was the cost of experiencing your offering.

This is truly one of the best Vietnamese restaurants I have visited in recent times. The dishes are authentic, full of flavor, and prepared with great attention to detail. I was impressed by the wide range of menu options, which makes it easy to find something for every taste. It is clear that the restaurant has a strong sense of competitiveness, not only in the quality of the food but also in the overall dining experience. The only minor downside is that the WiFi connection does not actually work, even though the signal is visible. However, this small inconvenience is easily overlooked when compared to the pleasant atmosphere, the welcoming ambiance, and the excellent service provided by the staff. Everyone was attentive, friendly, and made the dining experience even more enjoyable. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and I am already looking forward to coming back for another visit.

This was a nice place to have dinner after a long day, we had a group of about 6 people and it went super well. The food was nice, atmosphere as well, but even if it's really authentic, it in general wasn't the best it could be. Four stars, not bad!!

Introduced to this place by my sister-in-law, who really loves it—and I have to say, she was spot on! The customer service was excellent, and they were very accommodating with dietary requirements. The food was delicious, portions were generous, and prices were good. I especially enjoyed the pancake tofu, noodle salad with tofu, and the egg coffee.

For lunch, we ordered egg coffee, fried rice, beef pho, spring rolls with seafood, and crispy eggs with seafood for three people. The portion sizes are quite large, so I highly recommend the pho and the crispy eggs. However, I don’t recommend the seafood fried rice.

Last night we ended up having an unimaginative, stodgy meal in our hotel. We went looking for something better tonight, and found Saigon '60s. Spicy lemongrass noodles with tofu was delicious - full of flavour and a generous serve. The roast pork pho was also excellent. It's mid-winter, so not a lot of fresh herbs around, but they still got great flavour and freshness. Staff were lovely - a real family feel. Will come back again next time we're in Rotorua.

Great place for pho if you are craving for Vietnamese rice noodles. Tasted good. However, we would like to see a bigger portion for the price you pay and also like to see hot tea served as standard as you see in other authentic Viet restaurants.

My favourite place to eat in rotorua. Lots of vegan options. Food is always fresh & flavorsome, never been disappointed. Great value for money. Staff are lovely. Wish I could dine here everyday.

Eat here!!!! When visiting Rotorua, we wanted to try food that featured ingredients from the area. Ani’s Gin Bar and Tapas delivered!!! We had comfort foods like arancini (Italian rice balls with cheese), fries, and chicken wings and local foods we had never tried like kahawai, a delicious smoked fish that they fried in a croquette. I’m not a big fish person but I LOVED it!!!! My husband’s favorite was the cream paua and pancetta ravioli. Paua is a local abalone like shell fish. We got vegetarian croquettes made from kumara, a local root vegetable. They were delicious and had a great red pepper and cashew sauce. For dessert we had the cinnamon spiced fried bread bites! They were amazing beignets like desserts with caramel and crème pat!!!! I’m not a big gin person and has a delicious glass of wine. Everything was sooooo wonderful that I got the deconstructed bao to take home for breakfast. The service was amazing too!!! Our waiter was the nicest and explained things we had questions about. The food came out fast but was clearly made to order and super fresh! This is probably the best place I’ve eaten all year and was definitely the best place we ate on our trip. The price point is incredible for the quality of food. The tapas style is great because it allowed us to try lots of things. This experience made our trip. Thank you to the amazing cook and the wonderful waiter!!! We are so filled with gratitude for the food and the whole experience. I’ve put a picture of the menu below with red marks by the items we got. Definitely go here!!!!

This place is a real hidden gem, all the food was amazing and delicious, and the cocktails were also amazing! It’s in an unassuming location away from the central restaurants but it is 100% worth it, if you are ever in Rotorua please go! I really hope this place gets the recognition it deserves, it’s a local Māori family owned business serving up the most amazing food.

The food, staff and vibes at Ani's were outstanding. The kai was incredibly flavoursome and great for sharing, and the selection of gins from Aotearoa extensive. The pork belly was crunchy and crispy on the outside but melted in the mouth, the beef cheek was so tender it could have been broken apart with a spoon, and the pikopiko and watercress pesto was delicious. Everything was amazing, perfectly cooked and beautifully seasoned. Staff were friendly and cheerful with great sense of humour.

Exceptional dining experience tonight with my partner! All meals we had were delicious, but their pan fried fish sliders took the prize tonight - and that’s even from a partner that doesn’t normally like fish (sorry forgot a photo as was that tasty)!! Hats off to the ladies here for a great experience and tasty meals!! Would highly recommend and also re-visit.

Have just had an amazing dinner. Shared beautiful tapas smoked fish croquettes and mushroom and cheese arancini chicken nibbles and then pork ribs. Desserts were great fried bread finger licking good. My brother and sister in law tried several of the gin flavours and enjoyed all of their choices favourite bring the grapefruit gin.

Small intimate place off the main road. At first unassuming but you quickly recognize the good service and fantastic food. Recommend trying the cocktails which are $17 each from 5:00pm - 6:30, very tasty and boozy. The garlic bread was so soft and plenty of it, crispy heihei to die for, arancini is a must for cheese lovers, and the kumara croquet are delightful with the red pepper paste and micro greens. These chefs know what they are doing! The cheesecake and mousse for dessert will not disappoint with great presentation. Ani's gin bar is a wee gem you will find if you look beyond the usual eat streat location. I hope they continue to grow and nab themselves bigger premises to host more patrons as this wee secret is uncovered. Will definitely be going back!

I recently visited ANIs with some friends, and although there was a bit of a wait due to limited staffing, the experience was well worth it. The food was exquisite, and the passionfruit mojito was exceptional. The atmosphere added to the experience, providing a relaxing and enjoyable setting.

Very impressed with the mains here. Both the spicy lemongrass beef and the grilled lemongrass pork vermicelli salad was of high standards. The broth from the noodle soup was so good and especially nice in cold weather. The beef pieces were tender but slightly lacking in flavour by itself but luckily the broth makes up for the flavour. The lemongrass pork was so yummy and tender, cannot complain about that dish at all. The vermicelli tofu roll was a bit underwhelming for me. Plain flavour and relies on the sauce too much. Overall though, one of the better Viet restaurants I have been to in NZ.

Second time ordering food from here. i am always impressed with the quality and flavour. I did an order through Uber eats and both dishes arrive hot and yummy. I ordered the Grilled Pork Baguette and Pork Fried Rice both tasty but the baguette was my favourite.

Great friendly service. Food was delivered quick and was super tasty. Great flavours and option to add your own spice to the level you want from the table sauces. The grilled chicken noodle soup was really good.

Delicious food and great service! Everything we ordered was super tasty and came out really fast. The staff were friendly and attentive, prices are really reasonable and awesome quality. Definitely recommend if you’re craving Vietnamese food!

I came here about a year ago and loved the pho and other dishes — everything was really tasty back then. Tried it again recently because I remembered how good it was, but this time was really disappointing. The noodles were overcooked, short, and broke apart easily, and the portion was much smaller than before. Later, I talked with a friend and they said they had the same experience too. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be coming back again.

Worst food. I ordered a salad. Recieved my salad drowning in a weird tasting liquid. Ordered salad. Not soup. My son ordered lemon grass chicken on rice. Don't buy it. You pay just under 20 bux and get mostly rice a lettuce Wheres the actual chicken. Way over priced for the quantity you receive and really is not that great at all.

It was our first time in Rotorua and tried this Vietnamese restaurant because of the good reviews. And oh boy, we really loved their food that we ate there twice! We tried their Lemongrass Pork Chop + Crispy Chicken + Fried Noodles with Chicken / Pork and all were good and portion was big. Would love to go back here when we visit Rotorua again.

⚠️ NEW OWNERS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely phenomenal. Genuinely one of the best meals we’ve had all year. Every single dish delivered, but the standouts were the sticky garlic chicken bites and the grilled mussels — the sauce on those mussels was unreal. The duck curry was also sensational. The drinks were just as impressive! Loved the pink peace cocktail. What truly elevated the experience was the service. They had one superstar chef in the kitchen and one manager running front of house ensuring the manaakitanga was top tier, the standard of service was so impressive. Couldn’t rate this experience any higher. Will absolutely be back. 3rd time - Back at Mekong Buffalo and honestly, it just keeps getting better. ⭐️ Standouts this round: Calamari, Teriyaki Salmon Amok, the legendary Garlic Chicken Bites, and Mussels (as always). If you haven’t been, you’re missing out. And if you do go, drop my name from the review 😂

This my first time come here.. I order Pork Belly, soft shell crab, pad Thai, Laksa.. All the food was delicious, fresh, and well-prepared.. Everything tasted really good..! The best thing when I need some hot sauce, they made some green chili sauce and the taste was very delicious.. We are very love it.. Recommended.

We had a great experience dining at Mekong Buffalo. We started with the yummy Pork dumplings, followed with the fantastic Sesame Caesar Chicken, then they served the Calamari with exceptional chilli green sauce, followed by the tasty Seafood noodle soup, and finished with the nice and tender Duck curry. The manager and the staff are very friendly and accommodating.

The service was amazing, staff were very attentive. The food was scrumptious, delicate but really tasty. Was a delight to find this place. Would definitely recommend giving them a go. Dumplings and tuna were really good but the glazed tofu was a yummy surprise.

Beautiful restaurant, excellent service and the food was divine. As a vegan family the menu was great and there were so many options to choose from. The Buddha bowl was my favourite. Can't wait to return again.

My husband and I visited this restaurant for the first time for a light lunch today. We ordered the fresh summer rolls and the spicy salmon bites to share, both were very delicious. The summer rolls were large and had lots of vegetables. We specially enjoyed peanuts sauce. The spicy salmon bites were not too spicy and so flavorful. Service was excellent! We will definitely be back.

Probably the best restaurant in Rotorua. Along with great cocktails and delicious dishes, the service was outstanding from start to finish. Huge thanks to the whole team who took care of us tonight. We’ll definitely be back.

Really friendly staff. Really good food. If you love spice i will definitely recommend it. Small shop but great taste. I especially loved the momo( dumplings) which i had heard great things about and definitely was not disappointed. The size and the quantity didn’t disappoint.

⸻ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Truly Authentic Indian Flavors! Absolutely delicious! The food tasted just like homemade Indian cuisine – rich in flavor and perfectly spiced. Every dish was aromatic and full of depth, especially the kadai paneer and malaikofta. The naan was soft and fresh. You can tell they use real spices and traditional recipes. Highly recommended for anyone craving authentic Indian food!

One of the best decisions we made on our trip was to take a quick stop at this restaurant. The food was amazing and so was the gentleman at the counter. We loved it so much that we ordered the next day as well. Dear Mr Bhandari, please keep up the good work and spreading smiles with the wonderful food. Cheerios

Delicious butter chicken! We loved every single bite 🤤 It was a dinner for two for just $28 and we have plenty of leftovers 🙌🏻 Thanks! -Kristian & Alina

Excellent Aloo pratha, had little spice, tangy and perfect for my test buds. I never eat like this taste pratha in my whole life. It was compliment with nice home made youghart. If you visit ask for customised as your test. Keep it up the nice work.

The service here is always so friendly and welcoming everyone’s smiling and happy to help, which makes the place feel really inviting. It always smells amazing as soon as you walk in, and the food never disappoints. Everything I’ve tried has been delicious, but the curries with garlic naan are definitely my favorite. The honey chicken and butter chicken are both incredible — full of flavor and perfectly cooked. Definitely worth stopping by if you haven’t been here yet, you’ll end up coming back for more just like I do!

My all time favourite! Always love coming here for my Indian fix of food. Totally worth it and would recommend anyone to come here and try it! Most people that I know I’ve told. They too come with great rave of reviews. Will be back again soon for my next Indian curry fix.

Amazing food and service!! (whenever I see a place so highly rated I usually am sceptical, but this place is legit). The fish was light (best crumbed fish I’ve ever had) and battered was so crispy. Perfectly cooked. The potato fritters were crispy fresh. Amazing selection of sauces. If in rotarua, would definitely recommend this. Amazing!

Food was amazing - we ordered the Rivers smash which had a home made sauce which was really yummy. All the fries option we got were just delicious especially the kūmara fries! Dessert was also amazing the pineapple 💯 Service was amazing - they even got the heater going on outside. Such an awesome experience.

Best fish and chips in NZ. By far! We drove an hour just to eat here and was worth it. Fresh, thick, and crispy fish. Adobo tacos were also delicious.

10/10. Likely the best fried fish I’ve had anywhere. And the grilled fish tacos were amazing!!! Highly recommend getting both dishes if there is two of you. The Asian slaw - YUM!! nice outdoor seating too. don’t miss this place!!!

The fish was fresh and nicely battered — crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Chips were golden and tasty, not too greasy. Portion sizes were generous and definitely value for money. Friendly service and clean premises.

First time from Auckland. Google which fish and chips is the best. The best I ever had in NZ since I moved from USA. Service was fabulous. Fast and friendly. Thank you. Tino pai!

LOVED IT! Came expecting a 5 star place because of amazing reviews, but left with a 10 star restaurant. Food was sooo good, the fish was incredibly fresh, crispy, and not greasy at all. Chips were also not greasy, and very generous on potato :) The River Smash burger was terrific, mustard sauce was perfectionnnn. And goodness dont even get me started on service and atmosphere... It was the coolest little place, and the server was as jolly as ever. Music sets vibeesss, it was way too cool. Must come, it was such an amazing experience, and we are definetly coming again before we leave Rotorua. Keep this up, its so great!!

The breakfast items were great. Everything was great. They have great coffee, food, and some table games to help you spend time.

The reviews did not disappoint. I ordered a large mocha - love it. The sweetness is just right, and the coffee doesn't taste milky like some of other mocha I've had. Perfect coffee for me - thank you to the lady barista on duty. 👍😊

I come here every morning for my iced coffee and it is 10/10. Every single staff member is lovely, professional and efficient. The toasties are also delicious😋

Exceptional coffee, espresso (short black) reminiscent of Melbourne. The games table, book exchange, cheese scones and the babycino (fluffy) were a win with the kids. Staff were lovely too.

Chill after a walk in the city with a good coffee, this place offers great coffee with their own coffee blend. And if you enjoy reading, this place offers a corner for that too

The best place to come to before hitting the road back to Gizzy.... Thank you for the most delish coffee❤️🙏

One of the best coffee shops in Rotorua. Own roast coffees, a dedicated staff who make a great cup, polite and friendly, peaceful enough for the odd laptop worker, rowdy enough to enjoy the buzz. All are welcome. Good food too. All in all take no notice of this review or I may not find a seat for me next time. ** I have just read other reviews, so please note... They are approachable and knowledgeable. If the coffee is not to your liking...talk to them. They use a medium roast to deliver a sweeter, less bitter coffee for the average person. Ask if you want a stronger taste, don't just add more shots, it doesn't work that way. These are seriously good people. Nope, I don't know them, don't get free coffee and travel all over the country.

Beautiful brunch with my Mum. Old building which was the very old post office. Lovely pleasent decor. Staff very friendly and accommodating. A place that's newly open but a very cool environment. Definitely my go to place for Kai.

Lovely environment; the patio seating is fantastic. Great views but you're protected from the cold and rain. I love a place that gives a dish of softened butter on the side rather than a packet. It's one example of how this place does little things (which are actually big) well and with a lot of care.

Situated next to the tourist transport hub in Rotorua, you’d expect outstanding service and food. Sadly this is not the case. The young lady at the counter was dismissive , my food barely warm when I asked for it to be heated. I’ve not been here before and will not again. Sad as there is so much potential.

Wow Rotorua what an experience and destination!Thoughtfully restored Rotorua icon now a great meeting place for coffee, breakfast ,and celebratory bubbles,in that order.The staff made the experience delightful.Highly recommended ,didn't get to the cabinet food but next time.

Good food and friendly staff. They were short on beef patties so they offered fried chicken which was an awesome substitute. Came with a large serving of fries.

This is a lovely Cafè, boy do they have delicious food! It's not that well signposted, it's in the Info building where the buses stop. If you're at the library it's just right next door. The staff are lovely, friendly and welcoming. It's the kind of place you want to keep coming back to.

The smash burger is delicious, fries were a little over salted. Wife had the squid which was cooked perfectly. Great atmosphere, felt quite spacious. Coffee was tasty too.

We went for the hāngī lunch buffet for $60pp and it was well worth it. The Hāngī selection was super tasty, meats not overcooked, and native ingredients like kawakawa and horopito were incorporated. Their selection of non-hāngī food was also good and tasty, eg buttermilk fried chicken, prawns. I commend their creativity when it came to the green ice cream, which was kawakawa flavoured. The desserts were nothing special though. Service was prompt and friendly. Views of the geyser were great.

The lunch buffet is not bad, although everything is lukewarm at best, but it's definitely not worth $60. Loved the ham, though. And the view from my table, it's rare that I get one of the best rather than one of the worst table as a single traveler but here the tables with a view are for 1-3 people and the larger tables are further back. Well, it helped that not much was going on today, so plenty of tables were empty.

Excellent buffet. Probably the best buffet in the area. Great views.

Left me thoroughly impressed, and I cannot recommend it enough. The value for money is exceptional, offering a delightful array of cuisines that cater to diverse tastes. Remarkable reception experience. No unnecessary hassle or tedious checks; a smooth entry. This streamlined approach set a positive tone for the entire visit, emphasizing efficiency without compromising on hospitality. The staff at Pataka Kai deserve special commendation for their incredible friendliness and attentiveness. Empty plates didn't linger for a moment; they were promptly cleared, reflecting a commitment to maintaining a clean and inviting dining environment. The buffet lunch itself was a culinary delight, boasting a range of dishes that pleased every palate. The value for money was evident in the diverse selection and quality of the offerings. I wholeheartedly recommend Pataka Kai to anyone seeking a delightful and seamless culinary journey.

Kia ora, I want to say I have been visiting many restaurants in NZ, This is the best buffet in Aotearoa NZ. I try most things. Food is extremely high quality, tasty, and cooked prefectly. Especially, Hangi and raw fish is wonderful tastes, like home cooked as same as aunty cook at Marae. Service is great and staff are so nice and friendly. The atmosphere is cozy and clean. However, I don't like to sit in a communal table. Prefer more room but Ka pai, that's a personal preference. Overall, Highly recommend. Well done, Chefs.

Stopped after our Te Puia tour for some drinks and pananis which were excellent and very fresh. Lots of seating in the cafe area or there is the main restaurant too. A nice place.

Best lunch we have had during our trip so far, great buffet selection of hāngi meats, seafood, salads and desserts. The prawns were so fresh! We had an incredible view overlooking the geyser. The staff were all absolutely fantastic too, very kind and professional. Well worth the price. Would highly recommend!

3rd time back at treetops, absolutely love it here, met the owner last time who was such a lovely guy! Nice get away from the world we all live in now. 3 days holiday here feels like a week away. Great to switch off and relax, with the huge options of activities that are also available to do. Great to get on the lake with the kayaks, horse riding, shooting, estate tour and walks through the native bush, this place has it all! Staff here are amazing, and makes the experience that much better! See you next time, cheers guys! Will be back

Driving into the estate is just the beginning of the experience. Keep going even though after a day on the road you may think you missed a turn. Eventually you will arrive at a most exquisite lodge. And then you are greeted by the staff who were very friendly & accommodating. The Lakeside villa was great and the meals were exceptional. We stayed 2 nights & 4 would have been better. Highly recommend the hike to Bridal falls. Beautiful water fall that you are up close to.

I stayed in November 2023 and the honey that they provide expired in Aug 2021, 2.5 years ago!!! Also know before you book: there’s no in room dining whatsoever. If you want dinner/breakfast, you will need to make reservations 24 hours in advance. You can only have dinner and breakfast at a specific time. You can’t get food whenever you want. If you don’t make reservations, the chef will not be working. Also you can only eat in the main lodge. If you stay at the cottage, it’s ~2km down the hill from the main lodge and you have to drive a 4WD car up the steep hill. They don’t provide any transportation between your room and the main lodge. Also the pheasant cottage is more like a random airbnb, it’s in no way relevant to the word “luxury”.

Treetops is very expensive (NZ$2835 per night, that’s US$1800) I can stay in the Four Seasons in Manhattan for significantly less. So these guys are charging top of the market rates. However, what you get is not even worth half that. The hotel was obviously built with some care 20 years ago, but now it’s tired. The picture is the entrance; your first impression. On top of the dilapidations, they tries to run the whole place with about six staff while we were there. The staff were friendly and helpful but they couldn’t possibly deliver a first rate service. Service is mostly nonexistent. The food is ok but nothing special (breakfast and dinner is included). Breakfast was pretty good but dinner was way short of a luxury experience. Don’t waste your money at this place.

This place is pricey but worth it. The owner was having an event on our target days but it turns out there is a get 5 days when you buy 4, if you are willing to stay at Kinloch, which we did the first 2, then it really works out. We loved Kinloch and it is a very different experience than Treetops. We started with 11 of us, then went to 9 for the remainder of the stay. The ladies did horseback riding one day while the gents went fly fishing. There is an amazing Bridal Veil falls hike with picnic tables at the falls. As opposed to most great water falls, we were the only ones there due to it being on the estate. The food was great. Since we had so many people they would bring our happy hour canapes to our room, Lakeview. Plenty of golf carts to get around. They have a glow worm hike. If you get out to walk there are many herds of wildlife to be seen. It was a 28 minute drive to the ROT airport. Overall a great stay and highly recommended.

Absolute paradise. Pricey but well worth it for the accommodations--architecture is beautiful and guests are made to feel at home in every capacity. The lodge is located on 2500 acres of well-managed land with hunting and fishing opportunities as well as numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. Staff are friendly and attentive and the guest cottages are beautiful, well-appointed and very private. Best lodge I've ever been to. Would also like to note that we arrived in a minivan, no 4WD needed for the gravel roads that some other reviewers have mentioned, and although there is minimal cell service in this remote area Wi-Fi was speedy and reliable at the main lodge and our cottage. Can't recommend this place enough!

We stayed 3 nights at Treetops but it felt like a week long holiday. The luxurious villa and lodge, beautiful surroundings with forest and mists, eclectic artwork in every nook and cranny, and the absolutely fabulous food made this an unforgettable experience ! Of course ,like most things in life,the ultimate make or break factor in any experience are the people you meet. We were quite blown away by the warmth and hospitality of each and every staff member- Kim, Dave, Lola, Ash, Sandeep, Sharday, Chef Felipe Ponce ( thank you for lending me the spice book) and Chef Lauren Moore ( I will never look at a truffle without thinking of you!) . Thank you, too, Colin , for giving my husband bragging rights on catching those huge trout! Arohanui you wonderful people- and thank you for a wonderful holiday!