North Island, New Zealand Food Guide: 10 European food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Rotorua

October 31, 2019 Yuk Petri

Find out what European restaurants to try in Rotorua. Bubbling mineral springs and pools promise maximum relaxation in Rotorua, on New Zealand's North Island. Therapeutic hot mud pools, dramatic geysers and a buried village are within easy reach of the city. What happens in the bubbling mud geysers of "Rotovegas"—the area at the top of Fenton Street—stays in Rotovegas. Once you've made the most of the mud, soar nearly 2,000 feet on the Skyline Gondola for views of Lake Rotorua, then zip back down to explore the lake by paddle steamer, fishing charter or WWII amphibious vehicle.
Things to do in Rotorua

10. Urbano Bistro

289 Fenton Street Glenholme, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand European, Soups, New Zealand Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +64 7-349 3770 http://www.urbanobistro.co.nz/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1079 reviews

Urbano Bistro

Located on the corner of Grey & Fenton Streets in Rotorua's "MOTEL MILE" for all day dining, allowing extensive use of the sheltered northerly aspect for alfresco dining in warmer months, through to the relaxed contemporary decor of the interior to suit a

Reviewed By shazka72

Dined here for dinner on Saturday 7th Sept. They were really busy but very welcoming and the service was great. Drinks came straight away and the food didn't take too long. We had the Chowder, Lamb and Venison. Absolutely devine! We would definitely recommend to others and would go back ourselves.

9. Le Cafe de Paris

1206 Hinemoa Street Cbd, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand French, Cafe, European Lunch, Brunch, Breakfast Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards [email protected] +64 7-348 1210 http://www.facebook.com/cafedeparisrotorua
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 341 reviews

Le Cafe de Paris

Being greeted with a friendly "Bonjour!" As you enter the Cafe de Paris is one of its unique charms. The French owners, Alain (from Lyon) and Valerie (from Pau) settled in Rotorua 12 years ago.They provide a wide variety of French cuisine and an all day b

Reviewed By Rich G

Came for breakfast before starting a day of tourism. Loved the fruit smoothie and french pastries and breakfast. More imporantly, I sat at a community table and a very friendly woman (the owner?) came by and talked with me, and gave me tourist advice and just shared information and stories. So friendly! Loved Rotorua thanks to this small french cafe to start my day!Bonjour, Merci beaucoup for taking the time to post this outstanding review on Trip Advisor following your recent visit to Le Café de Paris. We are thrilled that you enjoyed your French experience. Your review is very rewarding for my team. We always have pleasure to talk to our clients and help them to enjoy Rotorua and New Zealand.See you at your next visit, take care. Au revoir Valerie & the team of Le café de Paris

8. Pizzeria Imperfetto

1176 Pukaki Street, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean, European Dinner Outdoor Seating, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +64 7-347 7851 http://www.imperfettopizzeria.com
Food
Service
Value
Overall Ratings

4 based on 387 reviews

Pizzeria Imperfetto

Imperfetto is a small authentic Italian pizzeria. Pizza is made in the traditional italian way, baked in a wood fire oven served with a big side of love.

Reviewed By JimmyPops

We had 2 pizzas - both had tasty well cooked bases, toppings were excellent - the Italian sausage was delicious, good quality salami, tasty olives and a tomato sauce with real flavour...and it wasn't over cheesed so it was pizza as it should be. Nice people too.

7. Picnic Cafe

1174 Whakaue Street, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand Cafe, European, New Zealand, Contemporary, Fusion Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Wine and Beer [email protected] +64 7-343 9239 http://www.facebook.com/picnicaferotorua
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 674 reviews

Picnic Cafe

Picnic Cafe has excellent food, great service with a European ambiance. The menu has an extensive breakfast range as well as an a la carte lunch menu. If you would like something lighter, the cabinet provides a range of cakes and sandwiches all made on th

Reviewed By Annie S

we are a couple of locals who have two totally different palettes. i like a bit of spice but my partner most definately does not!picnic delivers a menu to suit all tastes. this was evident from the diverse range of customers all happily scoffing away, even children.this is our go to brunch cafe, consistently good, awesome staff and laid back environment. the eggs bene has to be THE best i have had anywhere, every component of the dish is amazing and all together just nomnoms.keep up the good work picnic, you've got it sussed!!!

6. Scope

1296 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand Cafe, European, New Zealand Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi, Table Service, Reservations [email protected] +64 7-282 2090 https://www.facebook.com/scoperotorua/?hc_ref=ARSwKQ1a1iCk5sLCjbXiE2HfoM94yIReos7tBakYNCLkKChTZc_iRiV03bAjk33Hl0Q
Food
Service
Value
Overall Ratings

4 based on 138 reviews

Scope

An oasis in the centre of town, close to banks, shops, museum and other tourist attractions. We offer a full ready to eat menu of cakes, savouries, pies, salads, all made by our amazing chefs on site. We are #wildaboutflavour, offering a full breakfast an

Reviewed By NZNana

Was looking forward to my first visit here but certainly won't be back. Pot of tea was lukewarm. Took it back to counter, and after staff member argued with me that it was the hottest they could make it, (yeah right..), they replaced it. Then the meal I'd ordered had a main item missing, according to description on menu. Again, returned it to counter and they got the kitchen to add the item to the plate. When going to relax in a cafe a customer shouldn't be put through this embarrassing process, not once but twice. I guess most people would not complain so they get away with it.Thank you so much for taking time to review our little cafe, NZNana, we appreciate all reviews, we take the time to thank our team for exceptional experiences and also learn from reviews such as yours. We are sorry Scope was not a cafe to your liking and your experience was not a satisfactory one. We understood both your concerns were addressed at the time of your visit a few weeks ago and have learned from this experience. We thank you again for your review and wish you a wonderful day in our beautiful Rotorua. Team Scope

5. Stratosfare Rotorua

178 Fairy Springs Rd Skyline Rotorua, Rotorua 3201 New Zealand Italian, Seafood, International, Mediterranean, Sushi, European, Grill, Contemporary, New Zealand Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi, Reservations, Buffet, Seating, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +64 7-347 0027 http://www.skyline.co.nz/rotorua/ssr_restaurant/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1547 reviews

Stratosfare Rotorua

Where to look first, outwards, upwards or at the live chef displays... Set high on the side of Mount Ngongotaha, Stratosfare is the newest hot spot on Rotorua's burgeoning foodie scene. Luxurious Italian marble, granite, schist stonework and timber set th

Reviewed By gemmasreviews

Fantastic birthday dinner for my mother with exceptional service provided by Sophie and perfect cocktails mixed by william.The food was not only cooked and presented beautifully there was also so much variety, and it goes all the way around the corner!The view is stunning!and if that wasn't enough towards the end of the night Sophie gifts my mother a birthday card signed by all the staff with a birthday dessert. Thank you all so much for making my mother's birthday surprise such a success!!!!That is fantastic to hear! I am so glad you had a amazing time and we are always honoured to be a part of our guests special days!

4. The Brook Bar and Bistro

4 Barnard Road Best Western Braeside Rotorua, Rotorua 3015 New Zealand International, European, New Zealand Dinner Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service, Full Bar [email protected] +64 7-347 9497 http://www.bestwestern.co.nz/rotorua/hotels/best-western-braeside-resort/restaurant
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

5 based on 103 reviews

The Brook Bar and Bistro

The Brook is situatated within the Best Western Braeside Resort. Serving fresh seasonal menus with ever changing blackboard specials. Al fresco dining overlooking the stream. Also catering for conferences, group bookings and special occasions

Reviewed By 404jaaps

We had a fantastic diner tonight at the Brook bar and bistro. We had the Vingisgrassi ( delicious!!!) and the Smoked Salmon Linguine ( the Italians would be jealous of this recipe). The wine was delicious. The dessert was a Bonet (choc, coffee, amaretti and caramboles. You should try this!!!!Last not least, the couple that served diner and wine. The are the best host and hostess you could wish for.!Absolutely worth it!!Jacob and DorotheaThe Netherlands

Where to Eat in Rotorua: The Best Restaurants and Bars

3. Ciabatta Cafe and Bakery

38 White Street, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand Cafe, European, New Zealand Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Takeout, Accepts Credit Cards, Live Music [email protected] +64 7-348 3332 http://www.ciabattabakery.co.nz/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

5 based on 770 reviews

Ciabatta Cafe and Bakery

A range of continental breads and pastries baked fresh daily. Also a great lunch menu featuring "The Long Dog". More than just a bakery, we have amazing coffee aswell, plenty of cafe style seating and great ambience.

Reviewed By JennyA2603

We had a wonderful brunch here with a large group. The food was delicious and they coped well with all of us. The food was lovely and the service was very good. We would definitely come back.

Top 10 Things to do in Rotorua, New Zealand

2. Picnic Cafe

1174 Whakaue Street, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand Cafe, European, New Zealand, Contemporary, Fusion Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Wine and Beer [email protected] +64 7-343 9239 http://www.facebook.com/picnicaferotorua
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 674 reviews

Picnic Cafe

Picnic Cafe has excellent food, great service with a European ambiance. The menu has an extensive breakfast range as well as an a la carte lunch menu. If you would like something lighter, the cabinet provides a range of cakes and sandwiches all made on th

Reviewed By Annie S

we are a couple of locals who have two totally different palettes. i like a bit of spice but my partner most definately does not!picnic delivers a menu to suit all tastes. this was evident from the diverse range of customers all happily scoffing away, even children.this is our go to brunch cafe, consistently good, awesome staff and laid back environment. the eggs bene has to be THE best i have had anywhere, every component of the dish is amazing and all together just nomnoms.keep up the good work picnic, you've got it sussed!!!

Where to eat Pizza food in Rotorua: The Best Restaurants and Bars

1. Papa Tazio

1122 Tutanekai Street Cnr Tutanekai and Pukaki streets, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand Italian, Pizza, European Lunch, Dinner, Drinks Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Takeout, Highchairs Available [email protected] +64 7-348 1122 http://www.papatazio.co.nz
Food
Service
Value
Overall Ratings

3 based on 148 reviews

Papa Tazio

Provincial Popular Italiano Fare Pizza and Pasta our speciality Lunch and afternoon special menu -- winter price just $13.90

Reviewed By Anita F

Papa TazioRotoruaSurprisingly good686625092We did not expect good Italian food in New Zealand, but found it. The city closed a portion of a street to pedestrian-only access, consisting mainly of restaurants, and named it Eat Streat (the word "street" purposely misspelled). We decided to try Italian for lunch, and Papa Tazio did not disappoint. The food was very good, even for my Italian-descended spouse. We were a threesome, and we all had something different; all of us were happy with our individual choices. The restaurant is modern in design and offered a lot of menu choices. The atmosphere is pleasant and comfortable, and the prices were reasonable. The spaghetti Bolognese was VERY meaty and tasty. If we were to ever go back to Rotorua (unlikely), we would definitely go back to Papa Tazio.

Most Popular Italian food in Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand

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