Rotorua Foodie Itinerary: Begin at The Rusty Bros

Everyone who imagines Rotorua imagines bubbling mud baths, steaming geysers, and rich Māori heritage. And yes, all of that is totally worth visiting. But here's something every foodie traveler needs to know: Rotorua has a top-notch food scene, too. From craft coffee to comforting brunches and creative cocktails, this town is full of some seriously great eats.

If you’re wondering where to start your food journey, there’s no better place than The Rusty Bros. Nestled right in the heart of Rotorua, The Rusty Bros is a welcoming, down-to-earth spot that combines the best of three worlds — it's a restaurant, bar, and café all rolled into one. Whether you’re fueling up before a Redwoods hike, sipping cocktails with friends, or looking for a relaxed family meal, this place ticks all the boxes.

So, let’s dive into a Rotorua foodie itinerary — and yes, we’re starting where the locals love to go: The Rusty Bros.


Morning: Brunch and Coffee at The Rusty Bros

Start your day slow and savoury. Rotorua mornings often begin with mist over the lakes and a crisp breeze — it’s the perfect excuse to linger over a hot flat white and a big breakfast.

The Rusty Bros knows brunch. Think free-range eggs cooked your way, creamy mushrooms on toast, avocado done just right, and stacks of pancakes for the sweet tooths. If you’re looking for something more substantial, their buttermilk fried chicken and waffles is a fan favourite. It's the kind of dish that balances comfort and indulgence with just the right hit of maple syrup and crunch.

Obviously, the coffee competition here is steep. Employing locally roasted coffee beans and pouring everything from espresso to oat milk lattes, The Rusty Bros is a destination point for coffee addicts.

For families traveling with young children, this place is a treasure. There's a kids' menu full of kid-friendly choices, high chairs, and staff that truly love to serve families. It's no surprise it's one of the most highly recommended family friendly restaurants Rotorua locals talk about repeatedly.

Mid-Morning: Time to Explore Rotorua

Now that you’ve had your fill, it’s time to walk it off. Luckily, Rotorua is packed with places to explore that are just a short drive or stroll from The Rusty Bros.

  • Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest: With towering trees and family-friendly trails, it’s a natural wonderland.

  • Kuirau Park: Free geothermal sights with bubbling pools and steaming vents.

  • Government Gardens & Rotorua Museum (Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa): A peaceful stroll across manicured lawns and cultural value.

These are all convenient to visit and pave the way for your next dining adventure.

Lunch: Eat On-the-Go or Sit and Savor

Depending on your agenda, Rotorua has a variety of tasty options for lunch.

Option 1: Go back to The Rusty Bros

Can't get enough? We don't blame you. The Rusty Bros' lunch menu veers towards comforting fare with a dash of excitement. Towering burgers piled high with locally harvested ingredients, fresh salads with zesty dressings, and loaded fries ideal for sharing — all comfort food in its truest form. And there are always vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free alternatives on the horizon.

Option 2: Try Other Local Gems

Rotorua has plenty of restaurants worth visiting. Some of the best for variety are:

  • Capers Café + Store: Family-friendly and famous for fresh food with an emphasis on healthy options.

  • Third Place Café: Cheap, delicious, and one of the best views of Lake Rotorua.

  • Urban Gusto: A local Italian restaurant for pasta and pizza enthusiasts.

Each of these venues is casual, tasty, and fits well within the theme of family friendly restaurants Rotorua is known for.

Afternoon: Sweet Treats or Local Sips

Once the afternoon slump hits, you’ve got two solid options: something sweet, or something a little stronger.

Sweet Cravings?

Head to Ciabatta Bakery for something warm and baked, or grab a scoop at Lady Jane’s Ice Cream Parlour — a Rotorua institution. Hokey pokey, anyone?

Looking to Relax?

Back at The Rusty Bros, the atmosphere begins to change in the afternoon. The espresso machine is relegated to the backseat as the bar comes into its own, with craft beers, NZ wines, and signature cocktails flowing.

Order a Smoked Old Fashioned or a Gin Smash and sit back on the patio while you decide your next move. This nighttime shift from day café to laid-back bar is one of the reasons locals call it one of Rotorua's top bars.

Dinner: Unwind with Great Food and Better Company

Dinner in Rotorua can take a lot of different turns, but we suggest you stick with what's proven — and that's The Rusty Bros. By night, the venue is aglow with soft lighting and easy vibes.

The dinner menu includes:

  • BBQ Brisket Burgers

  • Fish Tacos with Slaw and Lime Crema

  • Vegan Buddha Bowls

  • Loaded Fries with House Aioli

The portions are generous, the flavours bold, and the service always welcoming. Whether you’re dining with kids, your partner, or a group of mates, it’s a great way to wrap up the day. Plus, it’s rare to find a place that does breakfast, lunch, AND dinner this well — which is why it’s one of the top places to eat Rotorua visitors keep coming back to.


After-Dinner: A Nightcap or Something Sweet

If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, hang around for a nightcap. The Rusty Bros often hosts live music on weekends, and the bar stays open late enough to enjoy one last drink before heading back to your accommodation.

Or, if you’re after a sweet note to end the day, try their Salted Caramel Cheesecake or one of their daily desserts. Trust us — worth it.

Final Thoughts: Start and End at The Rusty Bros

Rotorua is a city of adventure, culture, and nature — and it's also a highly underrated foodie destination. From the initial coffee to the final dessert, there are just so many flavours to choose from. And at the heart of it all is The Rusty Bros, a restaurant that captures the spirit of everything wonderful about Rotorua hospitality.

So, if you’re putting together your Rotorua foodie itinerary, start here. It’s casual enough for brunch with the kids, cool enough for evening drinks, and tasty enough to earn a spot on every local’s list of best places to eat Rotorua.

Warm service, fresh food, killer cocktails, and that welcoming New Zealand charm? You’ll find it all — at The Rusty Bros.

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