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

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

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

If you’re looking for an elevated but casual dining experience, you'll need to hire a space for you and your friends at Terrace Kitchen (they cater for groups of 1-500).  You won't want to miss a plate of their TK-marinade fried chicken complete with chickpea crumb and lemon mayo and totally gluten-free. Bonus: The space has been designed with a huge attention to detail, (we’re talking white tiling, natural tumbled, and tons of natural light), so be prepared to feel impressed just stepping in the door.

The cassava parmesan croquettes with chimichurri mayo at Sabroso make the perfect appetizer to start your meal on the right foot, and are, in our opinion, a must-order. For your main, you can’t go wrong with a chimichanga—a cheese filled fried flour tortilla that will put you into a food coma in the best way possible. We would be remiss not to mention that you should wash all of this down with a margarita—they’re well-loved with regulars and it’s easy to see why.

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

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

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