Around Rarotonga

Rarotonga is one of the South Pacific’s true foodie paradises and dining around the island is one of life’s great pleasures. The quality of food generally ranges from good to great, and the portion sizes range from just-right to humungous. As for style, you can go from simple to haute, and flavours range the full gamut from island fare to Asian, Mexican to New Age, seafood to steakhouse, café to casual restaurant, burger joint to fine dining, dawn market to night market. We haven’t tallied it up but it’s quite possible that Rarotonga may hold the world record of more diverse international-style eateries per capita than anywhere in the world. Take your taste buds on a trip around the island and feed your thirst for the new to your heart’s content.

Some restaurants offer a pick-up/drop-off service, you can walk to nearby eateries, take a hire car, a cab or the island bus. Revel in discovering your favourite authentic dining experience on Rarotonga. The island’s your oyster!

CLICK HERE to view our walk-along the beach map 

Here’s just a few notable island dining spots to look out for as you eat your way around Rarotonga:

Beluga Café

Beluga is a combination of local cafe cuisine and smooth rich coffee located in the heart of Arorangi. Browse the giftware and artworks or just sit back and enjoy the stylish casual ambience.

Antipodes Restaurant

Perched above the Pacific Ocean in Blackrock is this Mediterranean style villa offering lunch or dinner and sunset views as the whales or the boats cruise by.

Charlies Beachfront Café 

Charlies Café & Bar is on the edge of the Akapuao Marine Reserve. Enjoy light meals of chicken teriyaki cheese melt paninis tuna cheese melt paninis, fresh fish sandwiches, island infused fruit smoothies, beef, chicken and fish burgers, fresh salads, teas, milkshakes. Try the cocktails, Charlies lager on tap- brewed by the Rarotonga Brewing Company, Matutu Ale and lager, Vaima still water and a selection of beers- corona, Heineken, Speights, Steinlager, wines- Sav, pinot gris, chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz and merlot. Kayaks and paddleboards

Trader Jacks

The Cook Islands' iconic dining destination. Stunning views over the South Pacific Ocean. Dine on the al fresco deck or at the Vaka Bar for an icy cold tap beer or tropical cocktail. 

Vaima Polynesian Restaurant

Situated right on the beach. Imagine sitting on the beach with the sun setting, sipping your favourite cocktail and enjoying tropical Polynesian cuisine.  Pizza take away service.  

Tamarind House 

Tamarind House Restaurant is situated on a large oceanfront property, with its stately beautifully restored historic colonial house, huge verandas and French doors, and a lovely garden shaded by coconut palms and green lawns sweeping down to the ocean. You can enjoy a feeling of nostalgia for a bygone era in the peaceful seclusion of our truly unique tropical setting and world-renowned Pacific cuisine. 

Waterline Restaurant & Beach Bar

Casual beach dining. Enjoy tasty cocktails and the breathtaking sunset before dining on Pacific style international cuisine. Extensive wine list.  Live music. 

Kikau Hut 

Kikau Hut in Arorangi. Relaxed atmosphere, local art and tropical garden setting.  A la carte European style menu with island flair. Free transfers by arrangement.  

Muri Night Market 

The Muri Night Markets offers various food trucks, stalls and stands offering a variety of dishes from local BBQ meals, seafood, fresh drinking coconuts, chicken curries, wok fried noodles, pizza, desserts and more.

Lonely Planet's local flavour dining favourites https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/what-to-eat-cook-islands