Where to Eat for Breakfast or Lunch on Aitutaki (+ Where to Get a Coffee)
Don’t neglect your stomach for breakfast and/or lunch on Aitutaki. The small selection of cafes and the larger selection of local takeaways have got you covered. You might be surprised by the European style of cafes that have made their way onto this tiny South Pacific island that might have you thinking you’re back in Auckland. The takeaways here might cater more to the local market but anyone looking to save some dough while holidaying on the island would be a fool not to try at least one! Find out which ones with this list of the best cafes and takeaways on Aitutaki!
While you’re here, you might also want to open The Food Guide to Aitutaki: Places to Eat & Food Tours for more food recommendations.
1. Koru Cafe
Sustainably minded, Koru Cafe offers a delicious range of meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week! They bake their own bread, use free-range eggs from a farm on the island, use ingredients from a local aquaponics farm and an organic plantation: what’s not to love? As for the food itself, enjoy well-presented plates of hot breakfasts and the “Mega Mezze” platter that can’t help but “wow”. Their coffee is pretty damn fine too.
Location: Ootu Beach.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com2. Avatea Cafe
A little out of the way but well worth the venture, Avatea Cafe serves up contemporary fusion food with an island twist. Try “fish and chips” with a curried pawpaw salad and fried tropical vegetables, local fish tacos or a vibrant vegetarian smoothie bowl. Enjoy the alfresco atmosphere at its secluded inland location near the village of Tautu. They are open 9am to 2pm for brunch/lunch and 5pm to 8pm for dinner, every day except Sunday. See more recommendations for vegetarians in The Cook Islands for Vegans & Vegetarians + 10 Best Restaurants.
Location: Tautu. On the inland road near Gina’s Garden Lodges.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com3. Mouarii Cafe
One of the best (and only) cafes in Aitutaki’s main town, Arutanga, Mouarii Cafe is a great place to go for a feed on generous portions that will keep you going all day. Try local dishes like ika mata served with fried tropical vegetables or indulge in a hearty cooked breakfast. Some even argue that Mouarri Cafe brews some of the best coffee on the island.
Location: Arutanga. Up the inland road at the crossroads in the centre of town.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com4. Aquila Takeaway
The first of our recommendations of takeaways with a great local vibe and pleasing food to match, Aquila Takeaway offers plenty of burgers, salads, curries and wraps for under NZ$15. All of which use fresh salad ingredients and irresistibly naughty fried favourites. The takeaway is impossible to miss, set in front of a grocery store adorning pink and purple stripes.
Location: Amuri.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com5. Aunty Odeez
For a truly local experience, head to Aunty Odeez located on Amuri Beach. The modest cafe serves up cheap local fish dishes, including ika mata, as well as burgers, wraps, salads and smoothies. All of which are served on “raurau” (woven plates) making for some stellar social media shots! The cafe is open seven days a week from 9am to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm.
Location: Amuri.
© David Kirkland - Cook Islands Tourism6. MVA’s Tunu2nu
A worthy takeaway or dine-in option in the town centre of Arutanga, MVA’s Tunu2nu is one of the top cheap eats on Aitutaki. Dine on the garden picnic tables under the shade or inside the open-air cafe that serves the likes of burgers, fish and chips, fries and more hearty steak meals. Although their choice of ingredients is not as good as other cafes and takeaways on Aitutaki, their convenient location, friendly service and cheap prices leave not much else to complain about.
Location: Arutanga town centre.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com7. Kai Tari Takeaway
Easy to miss but you’ll be glad to spot it on your drive through Amuri, Kai Tari Takeaway offers affordable meals on their blackboard menu. Burgers, fish and chicken meals make up the majority of their menu but more local delights like ika mata, fried fish and coconut cream and sashimi sometimes make an appearance. They are open Sunday to Friday from 10am to 2pm then 6pm to 9pm. They are also one of the limited cafes/takeaways open for breakfast on Sunday morning.
Location: Ureia. On the inland side of the main road.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com8. Mango Takeaway
At the northern end of Amuri, just a short walk or cycle ride from many of the resorts, Mango Takeaway provides a welcome well-priced relief from some of the pricey resorts nearby. Not only does the takeaway make popular Italian and Asian dishes, but they are also known for their cakes. Either sit at their picnic tables set back from the road in a mini shopping mall or take away to eat at the beach. Mango Takeaway is open Monday to Saturday, 11am to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm.
Location: Amuri.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com9. Neibaa’s Takeaway
Just about your only option for takeaway food on the eastern side of the island, Neibaa’s Store has a takeaway window at the entrance with picnic tables to dine under the verandah. Choose from affordable hot dogs, burgers, fish and chips, hot pies, slushies and ice cream. Neibaa’s is also one of the limited takeaways and stores open on a Sunday.
Location: Vaipae.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com10. Mongolian Barbecue
And for the weirdest breakfast you’ll ever likely have, head to the Mongolian Barbecue on a Sunday morning located next door to Naibaa’s Store north of Vaipae village (unless they have moved to the airport already). Your takeaway container will be packed to the brim with a choice of three meals (yes, all in the same container) and rice – all for NZ$10. Get there early because they usually sell out by 10am!
Location: Vaipae, next door to Neibaa’s Store.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comMore About Cafes and Takeaway on Aitutaki
Now that you know about the cafes and takeaway on Aitutaki, how about the other eateries the island has to offer? Check out the following guides:
- The Best Places to Eat on Aitutaki: 10 Best Restaurants on Aitutaki
- 5 Best Bars in Aitutaki
- The Gluten-Free Guide to the Cook Islands
Finally, plan a whole foodie affair using The Food Guide to the Cook Islands: Places to Eat, Food Tours & Best Resorts for Food.
