A Rarotonga Restaurant Guide

    by Karen Jeffery, previous owner & food enthusiast.

I have a passion for the culinary arts! As you will discover, there are many wonderful restaurants on this lovely island…and there are some dogs. I’ve decided to just mention my favorites here, on the chance you get out a few times.

 Naturally, being a cook (and former restauranteur), I love to play in the kitchen…and I hope you do to. It can be a challenge here since we’re limited in ingredients, but don’t let that put you off. Get down to the Market on Saturday mornings (early for the best produce and fish) and see what kind of island dishes you can come up with. Towards Muri is a butcher with good meats and best of all: fresh fish! (not ‘fresh frozen’ like so many of the markets). If you need some help, there are a few cookbooks in the kitchen …one of my favorites is Sue’s Flametree Cookbook…from her former restaurant. Ambala and Portofino are other formers, and she now indulges her love of island foods at

 Tamarind House on the historic Union Steamship Verandah…just out of town…towards Muri. I’m absolutely wild about her curries, especially her fish curry which is often a special. Lunch can range from great little sandwiches to…well, her curries! Dinners are spectacular! She also turns out the best pavlova in the country…so go ahead and indulge! Luke (at the bar) makes a lovely pina colada…and other great cocktails. 26486

 Right on Muri Beach is Sails Restaurant…and home to our Rarotonga Sailing Club (Saturdays for all you sailors). Sails serves wonderful lunches and romantic dinners, looking over Muri’s stunning lagoon. Their Sails Classic fishcakes over curried pawpaw are divine (and my personal favorite any time of year)…as is nearly everything they serve. They’re the only place on the island to pour Cloudy Bay, one of New Zealand’s most prestigious wineries, so enjoy! Wonderful food, an intelligent wine list, young and energetic staff and an enviable location make Sails a great dining experience.  27349

 Heading East towards town, just past the Pacific Resort (not yet recommended for food) is a little pasta place called That’s Pasta. I’ve actually never eaten there since I like to get their homemade pasta or ravioli’s and bring them home to cook up with my own fish, chicken and/or sauce. But friends tell me it’s always good. 22232

 Next stop would be town…and The Café. Just East of the theatre, Neil and Janet serve up fabulous coffees (and roast their own beans ~ get some for later)…and great lunches. Drop in for a smoothie (I like them with the spirolina added), superb cakes and desserts, and enough variety with daily specials to make your way to The Cafe almost anytime you’re in town. Their meatloaf special is so much better than Grandma’s, and their veggie burgers wonderful. Muffins and toasted panninis are sheer bliss!  If I’m too full for dessert, I’ll take home a slice of carrot cake or something chocolate to enjoy later with tea.  21283

 Trader Jacks…a legend in these parts… Sited at a sensational seaside location Trader Jacks succumbed to one of the five (yes, 5) cyclones, which hit during the summer of 2005. You just can't keep Jack down for long though, and the rebuilt facilities are better than ever ... so are the meals. 26464

If you have a hankering for Chinese, Hopsings is the only place. Busy most of the time, but you can call ahead for take-out too. I love their mussels in oyster sauce, the lemon chicken and their bar…which is where I hang out, waiting for an order to go or a table. 20367

The Outrigger replaced the former Moko Café in Arorangi, right next to Island Car (for the best rental car prices). Tony and his wife offer a nice dinner menu with lots to choose from…and specials too. Linger here over a fun, tasty meal, nice wine and more.  27632