Dining
Local Café Gems in Rotorua
Located at 1181 Eruera Street, Rotorua, Capers Café + Store offers a warm, welcoming environment where locals and visitors alike can enjoy delicious food, top‑quality coffee, and a wide selection of curated goods. Open 7 days a week from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, it’s the kind of place to drop in for breakfast, linger over lunch, or grab something “to go.”
THIRD PLACE CAFE
Nestled at 35 Lake Road, Rotorua, Third Place Café is your cozy haven away from home. Whether you’re popping in for your morning brew, seeking a relaxed lunch, or planning a special event—this is the place to unwind, connect, and enjoy. Café menu available daily from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm (closed on public holidays).
ZIPPY CENTRAL CAFE
A vibrant, retro‑style café in the heart of Rotorua, Zippy Central Café is a local favourite where character meets comfort. Bright colours, mismatched wallpaper, classic Formica tables, and funky decor set the scene for a relaxed eat‑and‑hang‑out atmosphere. Serving a range of food, from Muffins to Bagels to an ever changing menu of main dishes. Coffee is roasted by Coffee Supreme. Open 7 days from 7am - 7pm.
AROMA CAFE
Aroma Café is the go-to spot for relaxed all‑day breakfast and lunch in Rotorua. Open daily from 7:30AM (with kitchen closing at 2:00 pm), Aroma offers a warm, casual atmosphere where you’re welcome to dine in or takeaway.
LIME CAFE
Lime Café is a relaxed, contemporary eatery situated just minutes from Rotorua’s lakefront, offering both indoor and al fresco dining. With its bright modern décor and roomy layout—including both large group‑tables and cosy nooks—it's a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Lime Café in Rotorua opens every day at 7:30 am and closes at 3:00 pm.
LE CAFE DE PARIS
A charming French-style café in the heart of Rotorua’s CBD, Le Café de Paris has been serving authentic crêpes, croissants, organic and gluten-free options, and Kiwi‑favourites with French flair for almost 20 years. Owned by Alain (from Lyon) and Valérie (from Pau), it’s a cosy spot where visitors and locals alike can enjoy breakfast and lunch in a warm, French‑infused atmosphere. Open Tuesday - Saturday from 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM.
Must-try Restaurants in Rotorua
Nestled in Rotorua’s CBD at 1262 Fenton Street, Mekong Buffalo brings a vibrant Asian fusion experience to the city. With creative blending of flavors from across Southeast Asia, its sharing-plate concept, calm ambiance, and unique cocktails make it a go-to spot for dinners with friends, couples, or groups.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
STRATOSFARE RESTAURANT AND BAR
Perched atop Mount Ngongotahā at Skyline Rotorua, Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar offers an award-winning buffet featuring fresh seafood—including mussels—prime cuts from the grill, seasonal salads, and a decadent dessert bar. All of this is served in a stylish setting of marble, timber, and David Trubridge lighting, with sweeping 180° views over Lake Rotorua, the city, and Mt Tarawera.
Opening hours:
- Every day: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
Leonardo’s Italian Food & Wine, located on Eat Street at 1099 Tutanekai Street, offers a cozy, authentic Italian dining experience in Rotorua. With a menu inspired by family recipes and a commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients, Leonardo’s blends comfort and elegance for lunch, dinner, or a special evening out.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Hennessy’s Irish Bar sits in the heart of Rotorua on Tutanekai Street, offering a warm, authentic pub experience with hearty fare like bangers & mash, steaks, stews, and house-made desserts. With cozy booths, private tables, large screens for live sports, and a function space for up to 200 guests, it’s ideal for casual evenings, group events, or simply enjoying a perfect pint in good company.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: from 11:00 am until late
- Closed Mondays
Urbano Bistro, tucked on the corner of Grey & Fenton Streets in Rotorua’s Glenholme neighbourhood, is a warm, inviting café by day and a modern bistro by night. Expect fresh, locally-sourced New Zealand ingredients, innovative dishes, an award-winning dining experience, and a relaxed atmosphere that suits everyone — from leisurely brunch or lunch to sophisticated dinner.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9 am – 9 pm
- Sunday: 9 am – 3 pm
Indian Star Tandoori Restaurant, located on Eat Street at 1118 Tutanekai St, Rotorua, offers an award-winning Indian dining experience in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. From sizzling tandoori classics to mouthwatering curries and fresh desserts, everything is crafted with care by experienced chefs. Whether you’re after a relaxed lunch, family dinner, or special night out, Indian Star makes every visit memorable.
Opening hours:
- Open 7 days a week
- Lunch: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
- Dinner (Mon-Thu): 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
- Dinner (Fri-Sun): 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm