10 Best Cafes on Rarotonga

Last Updated: 8 June, 2025

The Best Cafes for Breakfast, Lunch and Coffee on Rarotonga

Rarotonga might be an isolated island in the South Pacific, but when it comes to coffee it delivers! The island has a thriving cafe scene that may just trick you into thinking you’re back in Auckland (presuming, you know, you’re one of the many New Zealanders that flock here). Instead of being locked in an urban jungle, however, your morning coffee, cooked breakfast or Pacific-inspired lunch can be enjoyed with the alfresco ambience on the beachfront. Ah, paradise! We’ve listed the best cafes on Rarotonga, with a variety of tastes, vibes and budgets in mind.

Before you jump in, by the way, see what type of food to look out for in the 10 Foods to Try in the Cook Islands.

1. The Cafe

Sip on tea in vintage teaware and browse the oddities of the “Vinyl Revival Club” at the quaint courtyard cafe of “The Cafe“. Set among the historic Beachcomber Building with the Bergman Gallery just behind, there’s more than the smell of coffee to entice you here.

Meet the friendly dog, Cookie, relax with a book from the book exchange, and/or chat with friends and loved ones over their signature “Marlin Bagel” or homemade cake. The Cafe is open from 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday and until 12.20pm on Saturday.

Location: Beachcomber Building, Main Road (Ara Tapu), the eastern end of Avarua.

2. Beluga Cafe

Get your contemporary cafe experience in the heart of Arorangi at the Beluga Cafe. This trendy spot not only does great coffee (and the best hot chocolate on the island) but has a creative menu of Pacific and international fusion cuisine. Their seafood plates and even their vegan platter are enough to make you go “wow”, certainly elevating your lunchtimes.

Speaking of vegan food, check out more sustainable dining options in the Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for Vegans & Vegetarians + 10 Best Restaurants! Find the Beluga Cafe open from 2.30am to 2.30pm, Tuesday to Friday with reduced hours on Saturday.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi (between the Discover Marine Wildlife & Eco Centre and the Mormon Church).

3. Charlie’s

Charlie’s is a vibrant beachfront eatery that captures the essence of Rarotonga’s laid-back charm. Known for its casual atmosphere and live music, it’s a hotspot for both locals and tourists. The extensive menu caters to all tastes, featuring oversized sandwiches, burgers, seafood, pizzas, and island-style platters.

Quench your thirst with their varied drinks menu, ranging from smoothies and milkshakes to plunger coffee and mocktails. For those seeking something stronger, there’s a full bar offering bottled and tap beers, wines, and an impressive cocktail list.

The fun, family-friendly vibe extends from the indoor-outdoor seating to the darts area. Don’t miss the chance for a photo op at the iconic coconut tree hanging across the beach. With its lagoon views and relaxed atmosphere, Charlie’s is the perfect spot to while away an afternoon or evening in paradise.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Titikaveka, southern side of Rarotonga.

4. Kai & Co.

Kai & Co. offers a fresh and lively menu focusing on casual dining favourites. You’ll love their signature “Apollo” chicken salad, pairing juicy schnitzel with a modern Greek salad. Don’t miss their tempting cabinet treats, including banana bread, macaroons, and a range of cookies and desserts. We personally recommend trying their popular Biscoff Ice Latte or one of their tropical smoothies like “Master Mango” or “Berry Bebe”.

For lunch, their famous “Boujee Burgers” are a must-try, with options like “The Klassic”, “The Americano”, and “Fillay-O-Fush”. Kai & Co. is also a great choice for breakfast, which runs from 8 am to 11 am. They are open from 8 am to 2 pm, Tuesday to Friday, and until 1 pm on Saturday.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Avarua.

5. TLC Café

TLC Café is a charming daytime spot in Rarotonga, known for its creative coffee, home baking, and popular food truck-style offerings. You’ll love their full suite of hot drinks with plant-based milk alternatives and flavoured syrups. Don’t miss their iced drinks like “Tim Tam Slams”, “Bounty” shakes, and fizzy iced teas with tropical flavours such as lychee, watermelon, and passionfruit.

We personally recommend trying their standout savoury offering – the Tumutoa range. It includes umu pies (chicken, pork, rukau, or maniota & kuru varieties), burgers, and bacon & egg rolls. For a refreshing treat, go for their signature “Coconut Toa Delite” from the Toa Delite drinks line.

TLC Café is open Tuesday to Friday from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm. You’ll also find them at the Punanga Nui Market on Saturdays from 8:30 am, where their umu pies are a crowd-pleaser.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi, west coast of Rarotonga. (Just across the road from Manuia Beach Resort).

6. Bite Time Cafe

Bite Time Café is a colourful and casual spot on Punanganui Road, just before the Punanga Nui Market. This local favourite offers an all-day breakfast menu featuring classics like eggs on toast, a big breakfast plate, and pancakes with grilled banana and bacon.

For lunch, try their gourmet sandwiches, wraps, or the popular ika mata (fresh fish marinated in lime juice and coconut cream). Seafood lovers will enjoy the Fisherman’s Platter, combining sashimi, ika mata, carpaccio, cold seafood salad and rice.

Don’t miss their fresh cabinet treats and range of hot and cold beverages. Open all week except Sundays, it’s a convenient spot for a quick but filling meal at ultra-affordable prices.

Location: Punanganui Road, Avarua, northern side of Rarotonga. Near the Punanga Nui Market.

7. Lucky Rooster Eatery

A popular spot in Rarotonga, Lucky Rooster Eatery is open Monday to Friday from morning until early afternoon, and on Saturday mornings. They start takeaway coffee service bright and early, perfect for those early risers! With free WiFi and an accessible, casual setting, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.

The menu caters to a wide range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. Breakfast is served all day, featuring hearty dishes like sourdough with scrambled eggs, “Coconut Pancakes”, and fried potatoes with bacon and eggs. For lunch, try their daily pasta specials, “Falafel Wraps”, or “Poke Bowls”. Don’t miss their “Butter Seafood Curry” or “Chicken Mushroom Spaghetti” if you’re after something more substantial.

With coffee, tea, and smoothies available throughout the day, Lucky Rooster Eatery is the perfect spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal in Rarotonga. Check out more things to do while you’re in town in the 10 Best Things to Do in Avarua.

Location: CITC Shopping Centre, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Avarua.

8. Love Cafe

A good pitstop while road tripping around Rarotonga, Love Cafe is where to get your coffee-kart style beverages on Rarotonga.

With coffee beans from Papua New Guinea, the locally owned cafe has alfresco seating under a verandah where you can also treat yourself to freshly baked cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, croissants or whatever they can tempt you with. The cafe is open daily, 7am to 2pm.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Matavera.

9. Soul Café

Soul Café is a vibrant all-day eatery in Rarotonga, known for its wholesome menu and relaxed atmosphere. Start your day with hearty breakfast favourites like avo toast, spinach omelette with rukau and feta, or the “Big Breakfast” complete with eggs, bacon, chorizo, baked beans and hash browns. For a lighter option, try the tropical papaya granola bowl or one of their filling tortilla wraps like the “Chicken Fix” or vegan-friendly “Plant Fix”.

Lunch options include a range of salads, sharing boards, and veggie-friendly dishes. Wash it all down with their barista-made coffees, refreshing smoothies (we recommend the “Big Pawpaw”), or a fresh nu (coconut). From what we’ve experienced, their flexibility for vegetarians and lighter eaters is a real plus.

Open Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 2 pm for breakfast and lunch, and Thursday to Saturday from 6 pm to 9 pm for dinner. (You’ll find more details about their evening menu in our guide to Rarotonga’s best restaurants).

Location: Main Road, Avarua, northern side of Rarotonga.

9. Lazy Trout Café

Lazy Trout Café is a charming garden café in Avarua that’s a hit with the locals. Known for its elevated brunch and lunch offerings, this popular spot serves up a delightful array of dishes that’ll have your taste buds dancing.

Start your day with their famous breakfast waffle, topped with banana, maple syrup, whipped cream and smoked bacon. Or, go traditional with the UA Moa eggs on toasted varaao bread. For a heartier meal, try the Ika T’au’iaí fish cakes with poached egg and rukau, or Papa Tua’s Big Breakfast featuring chorizo and potato rost.

Lunch standouts include the Lazy Trout Fish Sandwich – a pan-fried Pacific fillet with citrus hollandaise and tartare in Turkish bread, served with fries. Don’t miss their island-style dishes like ika mata and pan-fried fish with salad. For dessert, indulge in freshly baked cakes or decadent made-to-order waffles (we personally love the butterscotch).

Before you leave, snap a photo with the famous trout and browse their branded merchandise. From what we’ve experienced, it’s a top pick for Sunday breakfast too!

Location: Main Road, Avarua, northern side of Rarotonga.

10. Café Puretu

Café Puretu is a delightful local eatery nestled on Rarotonga’s southern coast, overlooking the tranquil Tikioki Beach. Formerly known as Fruits of Rarotonga, this charming spot has been renamed in honour of the original owner’s mother, Puretu.

Open from Monday to Thursday (9:30 am to 4:30 pm) and Sunday (12 pm to 5 pm), it’s the perfect place for a relaxed mid-day meal. Whether you prefer to dine in or grab a takeaway to enjoy by the beach, Café Puretu has got you covered.

The menu features hearty home-style cooking with a Pacific twist. You’ll love their delicious fish burgers, freshly made toasties, and classic fish and chips. It’s the ideal spot to savour local flavours while soaking in the stunning beachside views.

From what we’ve experienced, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking for a taste of authentic Rarotongan meals in a laid-back setting.

Location: Tikioki Beach, southern side of Rarotonga.

More Cafes on Rarotonga

That’s it for our list of best cafes on Rarotonga. If your mouth is still watering for more, check out other recommendations in the following guides:

Finally, check out the hottest eateries across the country in The Food Guide to the Cook Islands: Places to Eat, Food Tours & Best Resorts for Food.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as the Cook Islands. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Raro’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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