Best Places to Eat in Rotorua

Rotorua’s dining scene is as diverse as its landscape from Māori-inspired dishes and geothermal hāngī to international flavours and cosy bakeries. Whether you’re looking for fine dining with a view, a taste of authentic Aotearoa cuisine or simply the best pie in town, Rotorua has you covered.

Here are five of the best places to eat in Rotorua, each offering something unique:

1. Atticus Finch – Shared Plates with Local Flair

📍 1106 Tutanekai Street, Eat Streat

Located in the heart of Eat Streat, Atticus Finch has built a reputation as one of Rotorua’s most loved restaurants. The menu is all about shared plates — designed so you can try a little of everything and it changes often to reflect the seasons. Expect fresh, locally sourced produce presented with a modern twist on classic Aotearoa flavours.

Highlights include:

• Creative Seasonal Menus – Dishes that showcase what’s fresh and local.
• Vibrant Atmosphere – Warm, buzzing energy right in the middle of Rotorua’s famous Eat Streat.
• Local Drinks List – Pair your meal with New Zealand craft beers, boutique wines and inventive cocktails.
• Perfect for Sharing – Ideal whether you’re dining as a couple, with friends or in a group.

For us, Atticus Finch is a must-visit every time we’re in Rotorua. It’s never failed to impress, whether we’ve gone for a casual evening meal or a celebratory night out. If you’re looking for a restaurant that always delivers on flavour, atmosphere and service, this is the spot.

2. Pātaka Kai at Te Puia – Māori Cuisine

📍 Hemo Road, Rotorua

Pātaka Kai is more than a restaurant — it’s a place where geothermal wonders and Māori flavours meet. Perched within the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, diners enjoy a backdrop of bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and the mighty Pōhutu Geyser erupting just beyond the windows. It’s a setting unlike anywhere else in Aotearoa.

The menu blends traditional Māori ingredients with modern culinary techniques, creating dishes that are both familiar and surprising. Think kai infused with indigenous herbs, horopito pepper, kawakawa leaves and other native flavours that bring a cultural twist to contemporary dining.

Highlights include:

• Spectacular Views – Watch the Pōhutu Geyser erupt while you dine.
• Signature Dishes – Meals designed to highlight the unique flavours of Aotearoa produce and Māori culinary traditions.
• Local Ingredients – Fresh herbs and spices drawn from the land give each plate a distinctive taste.
• Modern Māori Cuisine – Traditional hāngī influences reimagined with contemporary flair.
• Cultural Setting – Located in the heart of Te Puia, where culture, art and geothermal landscapes come together.

Dining at Pātaka Kai feels like stepping into the stories of the land and its people. It’s a Rotorua experience that stays with you long after the last bite.

3. Saigon ’60s – Vietnamese Favourites

📍 1176 Pukuatua Street, Rotorua

It might not be traditional Rotorua kai, but Saigon ’60s has become a favourite for those who love Vietnamese food. We especially enjoy the story on the wall about how the owners started their business in Rotorua — it gives the place a welcoming, personal touch that matches the food. The décor nods to 1960s Saigon, creating a colourful, cosy spot to enjoy something a little different in Rotorua’s dining scene.

The menu is packed with authentic Vietnamese flavours — fresh herbs, fragrant broths and perfectly balanced sweet, sour and spicy notes. From pho noodle soups and crispy spring rolls to lemongrass chicken and banh mi baguettes, everything is made with care and generosity.

Highlights include:

• Authentic Dishes – Traditional recipes crafted with fresh herbs and spices.
• Egg Coffee – A must-try here, this Vietnamese specialty is rich, creamy and unforgettable.
• Warm Atmosphere – A place where the food feels homely and the service comes with a smile.
• Vegetarian Options – Plenty of flavourful meat-free dishes, making it inclusive for all.

For those who want a break from classic Kiwi flavours, Saigon ’60s offers a taste of Vietnam in the heart of Rotorua — and it’s always worth the stop, especially for that egg coffee.

4. Ngāpuna Bakery – Legendary Pies

📍 24 – 26 Vaughan Road, Rotorua

Sometimes the most memorable food in Rotorua isn’t found in a fine-dining restaurant but in a humble local bakery. Ngāpuna Bakery has earned a reputation for serving some of the best pies in Rotorua, and it’s the kind of place locals recommend without hesitation.

Step inside and you’ll find a line-up of freshly baked pies, each one golden, flaky and packed with flavour. While you’ll spot the classics like steak and cheese or mince and potato, it’s their mince and jalapeño pie that has become our firm favourite. The perfect balance of heat and savoury richness, it’s worth making a detour for.

Highlights include:

• Our Personal Favourite Pies – The mince and jalapeño, a true Rotorua treat.
• Local Atmosphere – A no-frills bakery where the food speaks for itself.
• Quick & Affordable – Perfect for grabbing something tasty before hitting the road.
• Freshly Baked Goods – Alongside pies, expect savouries, breads and sweet treats.

Ngāpuna Bakery proves that sometimes the simplest places deliver the biggest flavour hits. If you’re passing through the Ngāpuna area, make sure you stop in — it’s a slice of everyday Rotorua life wrapped in pastry.

5. Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar – Dining with a View

📍 178 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua

For a dining experience that combines panoramic views with a feast of flavours, Stratosfare is hard to beat. Perched high on Mount Ngongotahā, the restaurant is reached by a scenic gondola ride, setting the tone for an unforgettable meal before you’ve even sat down.

Stratosfare is best known for its extensive buffet, where you can sample everything from freshly shucked oysters and prawns to roasted meats, crisp salads and international dishes. The dessert selection is just as impressive, with decadent cakes, slices and a chocolate fountain that’s always a hit.

Highlights include:

• Outstanding Views – Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Rotorua and the surrounding hills.
• Seafood Selection – Fresh oysters, prawns and salmon dishes served daily.
• International Buffet – A mix of Kiwi favourites and global flavours to suit all tastes.
• Family Friendly – Plenty of options for kids alongside gourmet dishes for adults.
• Unique Arrival – The gondola ride to the top adds a touch of adventure.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a meal with the best views in Rotorua, Stratosfare delivers on both flavour and atmosphere.

✨ These are just a few of Rotorua’s dining highlights. For more local favourites and hidden gems.