Overslept? Not a morning person? Brunch is the perfect solution.
If you have a bit of a sleep-in (And why not? You're on holiday, after all!) but still love breakfast foods like eggs benedict, Belgium waffles, scones, porridge and more, you can still find them after 10am. On the other hand, if you’ve cut your losses and want to go straight to lunch, you can enjoy a juicy steak or a big, cheesy burger and a beer chaser.
Here are a few fantastic places to set your sights on in Rotorua. We advise checking days and hours before you go, and whether you need reservations.
Capers Cafe + Store
Capers offers fresh, quality food, both in the cabinet and from the menu. That’s their beautiful acai bowl pictured above. Service is fast and efficient, but don’t worry about rushing out after you’ve eaten. Order a second coffee and chat a while.While you’re there, check out the Capers store which is predominantly stocked with New Zealand artisan and organic goodies including oils, preserves, chocolates, T2 boutique tea and much more – sure to appeal to the everyday home chef, gift hunter and discerning foodie.
Capers is a recipient of multiple Café of the Year awards, and there’s a children’s playroom if you’ve brought the kiddos along.
Pātaka Kai
Pātaka Kai might be the only place in the world where you can dine while overlooking an erupting geyser! Plus, a menu infused with New Zealand flavours and ingredients will make this a meal to remember.
Head to Te Puia for Sunday brunch and all-day breakfast where you’ll be tempted by one seriously scrumptious buffet of sweet and savoury dishes. There’s so much here, you’ll want to skip dinner Saturday night.
Some of the items you’ll find are homemade muffins, cinnamon buns and croissants; fried bread filled with blackberry and kawakawa compote, and topped with freshly whipped cream, or served with golden syrup and butter; hot smoked Akaroa salmon and hollandaise sauce; roast pumpkin and barley salad balsamic and horopito vinaigrette; sticky five-spice ribs with stir-fried seasonal vegetables; and much more. Their waffles with buttermilk fried chicken is sure to become a favourite!
Urbano Bistro
Up the road from Pātaka Kai is another award-winning restaurant, Urbano Bistro, a neighbourly, smart-casual and cosy eatery.The brunch-to-lunch menu includes a selection of breads, soups, and tried-and-true classics like French toast, eggs benedict, bacon and eggs, and more, as well as special creations like Urbano Big Boy, Ubano Hobo, Urbano chicken burger, and others. The dessert menu is fantastic, and there’s even a dessert menu specifically for your little ones.
The Regent Room
If you’re looking for an upscale locale, have an occasion to toast, or just want to treat yourself, The Regent Room’s glamorous setting is perfect for brunch with the girls, the in-laws, or a special someone.
The Regent Room offers a delicious, award-winning international fusion menu of sharing and tasting plates as well as exquisite main meals and tempting desserts and cheeses. The black, white and bling interior and French style sofas are complemented by the view out to the swimming pool and courtyard.
Okere Falls Store
Near the edge of Lake Rotoiti, Okere Falls Store is a general store, deli and beer garden. With an emphasis on organic and artisan products, “The Store” is known as much for its delicious food and coffee as it is for its ethical, sustainable ethos, so look out for the composting toilet, the dabchick project, and a worm farm.
On the all-day menu you’ll find waffles, Turkish Eggs, Meze Bowl, Tofu Scram, OFS Bene and more items plus loads of add-ons like garlic and thyme mushrooms, streaky bacon, kranskies, haloumi and more.
Barrel & Co. Bar and Grill
Located on the ground floor of the five-star Pullman Rotorua hotel and overlooking Arawa Street, Barrel & Co. has a modern atmosphere with an open kitchen and welcoming service.The cosmopolitan brasserie menu that showcases the best of the region’s produce through creative grill dishes, seasonal sides and divine desserts.
Barrel & Co. offers all-day dining from a spectacular buffet breakfast to dinner brimming with local delicacies.
Abracadabra Café & Bar
Abracadabra is not only fun to say, but the café and bar itself is housed inside a fun 1940s house in the city centre.Their Sweet As cinnamon brioche French toast is a hit, as are the Moroccan dukkah scrambled eggs, open steak sandwich, several salads, plus plates to share.
Their trademark slogan, “Good food, good vibes!” is accurate indeed, and the fully licensed bar, three private rooms, and a child- and pet-friendly garden area out back offer additional options.
