Best Rotorua Brunch Spots You Need to Try This Weekend – Featuring The Rusty Bros

Rotorua may be famous for its bubbling mud pools, geothermal attractions, and breathtaking lakes, but foodies know it for something else altogether: brunch. There's something about this relaxed city that makes weekend mornings feel slower, more friendly, and perfect for sitting around a table with good food and better people.

Whether you're a local seeking a new weekend tradition or a traveler inquiring "where are the best restaurants to dine on Rotorua?", this guide will lead you to the best brunch options in town. And at the head of the pack? The Rusty Bros Rotorua – a favorite among locals combining bold flavors, warm atmosphere, and seriously excellent coffee.


☕ Why Brunch in Rotorua Is Worth Getting Out of Bed For

Rotorua’s brunch culture has evolved into something special. Thanks to the city’s mix of local produce, creative chefs, and a strong coffee game, brunch isn’t just a quick bite — it’s an experience. Whether you’ve just returned from an early walk in the Redwoods Forest, had a morning dip in the Polynesian Spa, or are kicking off a lazy Sunday, brunch is how Rotorua does weekends.

For families, brunch is a wonderful chance to bond without the hurry of school or work. For tourists, it's an opportunity to experience the flavors of the region without committing to fine dining. And for locals? Well, it's just what we do.

🍳The Rusty Bros: Rotorua's Must-Try Brunch Spot

When individuals request family restaurants Rotorua residents actually visit, The Rusty Bros is invariably one of the first to be mentioned. Located centrally in the city, this quaint restaurant-bar-café combination is just what you wish for in a weekend brunch venue.

Here's why The Rusty Bros stands out.

✅ Relaxed, Stylish Atmosphere

With wooden tables straight out of the forest, warm lighting, and friendly service staff who learn your name by visit number two, The Rusty Bros is home. It hits that stylish-yet-relaxed balance just right, so it's as ideal for meeting with friends as it is for a peaceful breakfast on your own.

✅ Menu That Blends Comfort with Creativity

Now, let's discuss food. The Rusty Bros brunch menu is full of locally inspired meals, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices, and filling favourites. Some of the highlights include:

  • The Rusty Big Breakfast – Eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, grilled tomato, mushrooms, and toast. It's a Rotorua institution now.

  • Sweetcorn and Kumara Fritters – A Kiwi favourite, topped with avocado, chilli jam, and poached eggs.

  • Shakshuka with Halloumi – Middle Eastern spices and Kiwi produce come together in this comforting, spicy dish.

  • French Toast with Bacon and Banana – A sweet-and-salt flavour bomb, topped with genuine maple syrup.

  • Kids' Mini Brekkie – Toast, scrambled eggs, and a hash brown for the kids (because brunch should be enjoyable for everyone).


It's no surprise that it's one of Rotorua's top recommended family friendly restaurants Rotorua travelers love. Even finicky eaters leave in good cheer.

✅ Fantastic Coffee and Brunch Cocktails

Coffee is no joke at Rusty Bros. Baristas craft flawlessly balanced flat whites, silky smooth long blacks, and creamy oat lattes throughout the morning with beans sourced from an elite NZ roaster.

Want something more potent? Their brunch cocktails – such as the zesty Bloody Mary, fizzy Mimosa, or sweet Espresso Martini – provide just the right kick to begin your weekend.

Good for: Work brunches, low-key mornings, or meeting a friend.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦  Why Brunch at The Rusty Bros Is Great for Families

Rotorua is just full of energetic families—hiking, biking, and discovering the outdoors. After all that activity, The Rusty Bros is the ideal spot to refuel. Here's why families return again and again:

  • Ample room for strollers, with indoor and outdoor seating

  • A children's menu with nutritious, delicious choices

  • Friendly staff who actually converse with your kids

  • Convenient parking and close to major attractions

Whether your little ones are having pancakes or you teenager is ordering a full plate of eggs and bacon, everyone departs content. It really is worthy of a spot among the top family friendly restaurants in Rotorua.

🥂 Brunch Destination That Transitions to a Bar (When You Need It To)

Brunch sometimes becomes lunch. Or a catch-up turns into a celebration. That's where The Rusty Bros truly excels.

Later in the evening, it effortlessly converts into a friendly bar and relaxed restaurant, serving up one of the town's largest drink menus. Their local wine list, craft cocktails, and laid-back atmosphere easily qualify it as one of the top bars in Rotorua as well — although that's a tale for another blog.

So if you were here for eggs and then stuck around for a drink, or began with coffee and found yourself leaving with a burger, The Rusty Bros takes care of it all. 


🌟 Final Thoughts: Make The Rusty Bros Part of Your Weekend

If you’re planning your weekend around food (as many of us do), make sure The Rusty Bros is on your list. From its perfectly brewed coffee to its indulgent French toast and chill community vibe, it’s easy to see why it’s fast becoming a staple among places to eat Rotorua.

It's not only the food—it's the atmosphere. You come in and immediately unwind. You depart full, contented, and already making plans to return.

So the next time you're Googling "best brunch Rotorua" or searching out family friendly restaurants Rotorua has to offer, just go straight to The Rusty Bros. You'll be glad you did.

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