The Best Places to Eat on Rarotonga: 14 Best Restaurants

Falafel Shack is a laid-back beachfront eatery tucked right on the sand in Arorangi, serving up casual Middle Eastern and fusion fare with your toes literally in the sand. It's the kind of spot you stumble upon and then keep coming back to.

The menu is more extensive than you might expect, with döner kebabs served in toasted pita with hummus and house-made sauces, iskender bowls, fattoush salads, fresh fish plates and sharing platters. Protein options span falafel, chicken, kofta beef, lamb, fish and prawns, with strong vegetarian and gluten-free choices throughout.

Worth noting: cash only, so come prepared. On Fridays through Sundays, Aunty Dolly's sets up on-site, adding Vietnamese spring rolls and a seafood platter to the mix. Direct beach access and a calm swimming area round things out nicely.

Location: Ara Tapu, Arorangi, west side of Rarotonga.

Kikau Hut is one of Rarotonga's most authentic dining experiences, where the food does all the talking.

Named after the kikau (palm) leaves woven into the décor, this locally styled restaurant skips the fire shows and live music in favour of something far more satisfying: genuinely fresh, locally inspired cooking.

Chef Mata, a Rarotongan with 12+ years at the restaurant, leads a Cook Islander kitchen team with a simple philosophy: everything is cooked fresh, nothing pre-cooked, and the fish has barely left the ocean before it hits your plate.

Standout dishes include the "Rarotongan Style Fish" (pan-fried fish of the day with grilled banana and tropical sweet chilli salsa), the classic ika mata "Ika Mata" (local tuna marinated in lemon and coconut cream) and the creamy "Kikau Chowder" with a citrus hint.

The restaurant is also notably coeliac-friendly, with a dedicated double fryer - see The Gluten-Free Guide to Rarotonga & the Cook Islands. Bookings are recommended at least a day in advance, particularly for groups. Open from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, six days a week (closed Sundays).

The Waterline Restaurant and Outrigger Beach Bar is a beloved adults-only beachside hangout on Rarotonga that has been drawing locals and visitors alike for more than 20 years, and it's easy to see why people keep coming back.

What started as a home has evolved into one of the island's most characterful dining spots, with a relaxed nautical theme, beach seating and a genuinely personal atmosphere that's hard to replicate.

Dinner is where the kitchen really shines, with a menu leaning heavily into local delicacies and fresh seafood. Highlights include the ika mata (raw fish marinated in lemon and coconut cream) to start, and mains like the "Fish of the Day" with chimichurri and creamy lemon capers sauce or the "NZ Rib Eye Steak" with your choice of peppercorn sauce or red wine jus.

The bar is equally impressive, with three signature cocktails made using real local fruit (no syrups or mixes in sight), plus live music on Wednesdays and Sundays to round things off nicely.

Opening hours at The Waterline are from 5:30 pm onwards, from Tuesday to Sunday, and open from 12 pm, Saturday and Sunday.

Sitting right on the beachfront of the Manuia Beach Resort in Arorangi, On the Beach Bar and Restaurant (OTB) is best known for three things: its stunning beachside setting, its three-course fine dining menu and its legendary Sunday night fire show.

The restaurant serves breakfast (from 8 am to 10 am) and dinner (from 5:30 pm to 9 pm), with cocktails crafted from fresh local and imported ingredients flowing throughout. The three-course fine dining menu (NZ$69) is the real draw here, featuring locally inspired dishes that highlight the flavours of the Cook Islands.

On Sundays, OTB hosts what is widely regarded as the largest fire show on the island, paired with a barbecue, dessert buffet and live string band. It's the kind of evening that sticks with you. Reservations are essential, so book ahead.

Location: Manuia Beach Resort, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi.

Pizzeria Italiana is the real deal: wood-fired pizzas that don't just claim authenticity but actually deliver it, right in the heart of Avarua.

Established in 2024 and already a popular spot, the menu spans classic antipasti, fresh insalata, handmade pasta and, of course, the pizzas themselves, divided into traditionale and contemporanea styles.

Traditionalists will love the "Margherita" and "Capricciosa", while the more adventurous can go for the "Quattro Carne" loaded with porchetta, salami, pepperoni and salsiccia, or the "Feta, Beetroot Confit, Grilled Vegetables, Mushroom, Olives and Rocket" from the contemporary menu.

Save room for dessert; the "Tiramisu" and "Affogato" round things off the way only Italian dolce can. Seating is intimate indoors or more relaxed outside around the car park area.

Open from 4 pm to 9 pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

Location: Te Ava Tapu, Avarua, Rarotonga. Across the road from the historic theological college.

When it comes to fine dining on Rarotonga, Antipodes is the name on everyone's lips. Perched on the hillside of Black Rock, this Mediterranean-inspired villa offers a feast for the eyes and the palate. With three levels of dining areas, you'll be treated to breathtaking views and unforgettable sunsets (trust us, they're amazing).

The upmarket atmosphere is reflected in both the price and the exceptional service. You'll love the first-class recommendations from the knowledgeable wait staff, guiding you through a menu that perfectly matches the Mediterranean theme. And let's not forget the extensive wine list!

Needless to say, you'll want to book a few nights ahead for this culinary hotspot. For more upscale dining options, check out the 5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Ara Matua (inland road), Nikao, western side of Rarotonga. Just opposite the hospital road.

For a night of Pacific cuisine done right, head to The Anchorage Restaurant Bar & Cafe. Nestled in gardens beside the Sunset Resort, the restaurant offers a relaxed undercover dining atmosphere, as well as staff with smiles.

Their seafood options are a highlight, especially the sesame-seed-crusted tuna with coconut rice, but there's plenty on the menu to suit all tastes. The restaurant on Rarotonga is an excellent option for couples, adult groups and families with older children.

Location: Sunset Resort, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi.

Let's get this one out of the way early! Trader Jacks has been the island's main watering hole and social meeting place since 1986, and is on everyone's lips when you mention Rarotonga. But does it live up to the hype? Well, the restaurant offers so much on the menu for it not to!

Pop in for lunch for their fresh fish sandwich or indulge in "Jack's Big Burger" or local-favourite, the "Catch of the Day" for dinner. The restaurant is set above the bar offering an elevated view of the ocean and the Maitai Shipwreck, while the bar is on a lower level with the "Pizza Shack" keeps punters well fed.

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

The restaurant of the Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Sandals Restaurant & Barefoot Bar, is open to everyone, and well, everyone should go! Dine alfresco by Muri Beach, in an elegant dining hall or in the casual Barefoot Bar. Either way, you have access to the same Pacific and internationally inspired menu, with something for everyone.

We recommend the "Pacific Sizzler", before you inevitably see (and hear) the sizzling hotplate go past you in a cloud of steam in the hands of the wait staff. Additionally, the "Shrimp and Pawpaw Salad" is a refreshing take on a shrimp cocktail that's worthy of an Instagram shot.

Location: Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri.

Nestled behind a colourful shipping container on the roadside, Charlie's Cafe is a popular beachfront eatery that's hard to miss. Known for its casual vibe and live music (even on Sunday mornings!), Charlie's offers an extensive menu that'll satisfy any craving. From oversized sandwiches to burgers, seafood, pizzas, and island-style platters, there's something for everyone.

Quench your thirst with their impressive drinks menu, featuring smoothies, milkshakes, plunger coffee, and even mocktails like virgin mojitos. For those after something stronger, there's a full bar with beer, wine, and a broad cocktail list.

The fun, family-friendly atmosphere extends from the indoor-outdoor seating to the darts area and the Instagram-worthy coconut tree hanging across the beach. With lagoon views and irresistible prices, Charlie's is perfect for meals together or a relaxing drink between adventures.

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

Home of the Rarotonga Sailing Club, RSC Beachfront Bar & Brasserie offers a casual setting for a relaxed meal with friends and family. While the general crowd is catered to with burgers, wraps and some decent vegetarian options, the dishes that really "wow" are the seafood, meat-lovers and antipasto platters.

With an elevated deck overlooking Muri Beach, the fantastic location is another reason why this is one of the best places to eat on Rarotonga.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri (next to Captain Tama's).

You'll love the location of Vaima on the Beach, and the food is just as impressive. This casual beachfront restaurant offers a delightful toes-in-the-sand dining experience on Rarotonga's southern coast, perfect for catching those stunning sunsets.

Open for dinner from 5 pm to 9 pm, Vaima caters to all tastes with both outdoor beach dining and a more formal indoor setting. We personally recommend trying their "Vaima Yellow Seafood Curry" – a mouthwatering dish featuring local fish, scallops, and prawns in a yellow curry sauce with all the fixings.

The menu also includes hearty options like slow-roast pork belly and beef wellington, as well as a pizza menu and kids' options, making it an excellent choice for families. Don't miss this culinary gem on your Rarotonga adventure!

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

Castaway Beach Bar is a must-visit casual beachside eatery in Rarotonga, known for its broad island-style menu, stunning location and free "Island Night".

When it comes to food, start with snacky starters like ika mata, sashimi, nachos and guac for that laid-back Pacific tone, then work your way through tacos, pizzas, skewers and salads before diving into something more substantial.

Mains cover local fish, curries, prawns, steak and surf and turf, and the skewer platters are a solid pick for groups. Beer buckets, cocktail jugs and happy hour make this a natural destination for a long, lazy afternoon session.

A free Island Night every Saturday is the cherry on top, and with a kids' menu available at the bar, it's genuinely inclusive for all ages. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan diners are all well catered for too.

Takitumu Tapas is a world-travel-inspired restaurant in Muri where the chef, Paul, cooks exactly what he loves, and the result is an affordable, wide-ranging menu that punches well above its price point.

The signature "Sesame Seared Tuna" (with pickled cucumber, wakame, ginger and wasabi mayo) is reason enough to visit, but the menu spans beef tenderloin tataki, ika mata, garlic prawns, bao burgers, tacos and desserts inspired by Paul's travels around the world.

The "Tasting Platter" is the standout order: six tapas plus a dessert of your choice, making it one of the best-value meals on Rarotonga.

Individual dishes are very reasonably priced, and there are vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options throughout the menu, along with a kids' menu.

Open from 11 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm, Tuesday to Friday and Sunday; from 5 pm to 8 pm, Monday. Closed Saturday.

Location: Muri, Rarotonga, east coast of the island.