2 Best Restaurants in Rotorua, East Coast and the Volcanic Zone

The pleasing scent of spices may entice you into this large, open restaurant. Half of the space is a delicatessen that sells preserves and specialty foods, such as chutney made from kūmara (a local sweet potato) and a rub made from kawa kawa (a spicy native herb).The menu follows the seasons and is continually changing (always posted on the website); there are also seasonal events. After you eat, wander to the dessert cabinet and choose from goodies like the chocolate-cherry frangipani tart.

The eclectic style and fine food here attracts young, old, and everyone in between. The comprehensive menu features a mix of old favorites and seasonal additions. The psychedelic blackboard menu details the day's latest. For dessert, try the caramelized banana waffle with vanilla ice cream. If you are traveling with children, there is a kid's menu, too.