Top restaurant eats in Rarotonga

Top restaurant eats in Rarotonga

The Mooring - Don’t bother organising another lunch or afternoon snack on the trip, your sorted with this place. Of the 7 nights we were there, we had their famous fresh fish F.O.B sandwich 4 times. I know, I know, we were obsesssed. It comprises of freshly battered Mahi Mahi (local white flesh fish), lettuce and mayonnaise all packed into a fresh focaccia style sub. For those of you who like it spicy, the Tijuiana Sub is grilled Tuna coated in hot spices such as cajun, chilli and paprika. Beware when they mean hot, they mean hot. The rest of this simple menu (all they do is subs and salads) includes other fish such as Tuna, and chicken for those non fish lovers. Its a simple outfit that focuses on doing one thing really well, out of a old shipping container. Sit outside under an umbrella on a sunny day and enjoy the views of the lagoon. They serve delicious icecream floats, we had a fanta one, and if you are keen to sip a drink of the alcohol kind, they are OK with you bringing a couple of beers or bottle of wine to enjoy with your lunch. BYO? Whats not to like! Make sure you check this out at least once, you wont be disappointed. 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mooring-Fish-Cafe/292444140776946

View from The Morring Restaurant - Rarotonga

Nautilus - fresh on the scene, this is a new 4 star resort complex near complete on Muri Beach. This is the only place to get a fine dining style meal on the island. One thing you will get used to is service like everything else on the island is slow, but thats OK you are on holiday! The service was really friendly and attentive, and food was fabulous. The kiwi chef in the kitchen knows his stuff, and has placed a real importance on sourcing local ingredients and incorporating them into fine dining style dishes. I would recommend the Coconut Crayfish, and the Citrus Duck salad.

The setting is beautiful, in a large bure style room overlooking Muri Beach beyond their infinity pool. Get there a little early and enjoy a cocktail or two on their terrace watching the sun go down over the islands, and as the evening sets in the garden lights turn on a very romantic scene. We treated ourselves to the Nautilus on our final night in paradise we only wished we tried it sooner! 

http://www.nautilusresortrarotonga.com/dining/

The Tamarind House - An oldie but a goodie, Tamarind House is a firm favourite in the Rarotonga. Its a little tired and the menu is a little lack lustre, but the food is honest, and the service is attentive. We tried their seafood platter (more than enough for two) and the steak with garlic butter. 

http://www.tamarind.co.ck/

Trader Jacks - In the heart of Avarua township, you can’t come to Raro without having a drink at the Trader Jacks Bar. Situated on the wharf, its a favourite hangout where locals and tourists mix. Spend a rainy afternoon (it will rain at least once on your trip!) sipping on Mojitos (made with local mint) or the local beer. Spark a conversation with the person next to you (mine was a kiwi chick living in London meeting her family in Raro for a holiday) and watch time slowly drift by. If you are peckish the ribs are juicy and dripping in barbecue sauce, and the fish cakes are tasty. 

Address: 

Ara Tapu, Avarua District, Cook Islands +682 25 464

The Rickshaw - It is easy to get tired of the usual resort food, Rarotonga restaurant scene has developed over recent years to include international flavours seen here at The Rickshaw. Serving up Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, give your taste buds a refresh with this cute little restaurant. A pretty setting a night with fairy lights and candles, this casual beauty is great for a romantic night out. The specials board is packed with options, Try the coconut caramel pie it is to die for! 

https://www.facebook.com/TheRickshawRarotonga

La Casita - Who would of thought you would get great Mexican on a tiny South Pacific island? Sister to The Rickshaw and right next door this Mexican joint packs a punch. 

https://www.facebook.com/LaCasitaRarotonga