If you are a self-proclaimed foodie like Jacqui in the Spacifica Travel Product Team, you will appreciate the best hints and tips for eating your way around this small island in the South Pacific. Whether it's just-caught seafood you are after, freshly husked coconuts, or vibrant paw paw salads, boy do we have some tips for you for eating in Raro.

Embarking on a Cook Islands holiday is not only an exploration of picturesque landscapes and tranquil beaches, but also a gastronomic journey that transcends the ordinary. From traditional delicacies to fusion cuisine, Rarotonga offers an eclectic blend of flavours that are sure to satiate every palate. It's the perfect place to embark on a culinary adventure while basking in the breathtaking views of the South Pacific.

Cook Islands travel is about more than just the sights; it's an immersion into a culture that values freshness and quality in their cuisine. As you traverse through the local markets brimming with fresh produce or sit down at a beachfront restaurant to feast on the catch of the day, you'll find yourself enveloped in the warm, welcoming spirit of the island and its people.

At Spacifica Travel, we believe in curating experiences that not only showcase the best a destination has to offer but also make it accessible to our customers. Our Cook Islands holiday packages are carefully designed to provide a balanced mix of cultural discovery, relaxation, and of course, a rich culinary exploration.

Whether you're a seasoned traveller looking for your next unique food destination, or planning your first of many Cook Islands holidays, Rarotonga is the food paradise that should not be missed. Stay tuned as we uncover the best places to satisfy your cravings on this gem of an island, proving that the finest dining experiences often come in the most unexpected locations.

Antipodes

Long thought to be the best restaurant in Rarotonga, Antipodes sits upon a high hill on the sunset side of Rarotonga (Western side).

Specialising in a fusion between South Pacific fare and Lebanese style food, you will be lost with the expansive menu of decadent options. The kitchen is open air, showcasing fresh caught seafood preparation, and freshly baked breads and tapas style food.

Not to detract from the food, but I couldn’t decide what was better – the fresh shucked oysters & scallops or the magnificent view over the ocean at Sunset on a clear day. Make sure you book! You won’t want to miss out here.

Waterline Restaurant

Waterline Restaurant redefines the term ‘beachside dining’. This casual dining nautical themed beachfront restaurant is anything but basic when it comes to their food and cocktail offering. Situated right on the ocean on the Western side, I highly recommend booking here to watch the sunset over the ocean, and you may be lucky enough to see some turtles mulling around in the lagoon.

At Waterline, you will often see the owners working hard, chatting to their many customers late afternoon. With an expansive cocktail menu on offer, featuring many local fruits, you would be forgiven for nearly missing the equally impressive food menu! Fish curry is a specialty, and boy was it delicious. Like most reputable places on Rarotonga, Waterline restaurants’ Ika Mata (raw tuna prepared in lime juice & coconut milk) was to die for. I will be thinking about this special dish for months!

The Lazy Trout

A casual lunchtime option situated in Avarua town on a back street, you’ll be immediately impressed by this quaint café offering an awesome selection of local produce. Paw paw featured heavily on this menu (and if you know anything about Raro, you know the paw paw is out of this world!) After having a parrot fish and paw paw salad, I was ready to drink a few Rarotonga Brewery lagers and lounge by the pool at the Lazy Trout Café.

Punanganui Markets

Looking for a local bite on the go? A must visit to all travellers is the Punanganui markets every Saturday morning. Here you can find so many local delicacies, great coffee and lots of treats. Smoked Marlin crepes were very popular and utterly delicious! If your tastebuds aren’t so adventurous, there was also omelettes cooked over open fire, homemade pies and meringues, burgers and more. A great way to grab a bite to eat while shopping for a local black pearl or hand crafted drum!

Ray’s Fish Hut

Now, this place is a TRUE hidden gem, and such a standout fish curry!

Forget the pretence, this local favourite is found behind the Game Fishing Club on Tupapa Beach, cooking island style favourites from a converted shipping container, serving customers in simple surroundings on the beach. The menu is fresh, fast & super tasty. Don’t miss Ray’s Fish Hut if you are after a truly local bite.

Island night at Edgewater

For something different, or if you want to try a bit of everything on the menu, I recommend going to Edgewater Resort Island night, a themed buffet dinner hosted every Thursday night which features a cultural dance, music and storytelling. Not to mention the food is amazing! All the favourites including roast pork and crackling, a huge selection of fresh seafood, and a local delicacy Rukau (Taro leaves cooked in coconut cream with caramelised onions – delicious!)

Ok! I am drooling! Send me to Rarotonga!

Our team at Spacifica Travel can help you there, simply contact our team on 1800 800 722 or send us an email and we will put together your foodie dream in Rarotonga with one of our specialised packages.

We love to travel at Spacifica Travel, and want to make your travel dreams come true! To read more tips on travelling in the Cook Islands, read more of our travel blogs here.

Photos from Jacqui at Antipodes, Waterline Restaurant & Ray’s Fish Hut