Rotorua Weekend Itinerary: What to See, Do and Eat

Silk Road in Rotorua offers a modern twist on a rustic dining experience. With a warm, inviting allure, Silk Road is a humble, casual spot perfect for takeaway or a family night out. The menu is catered for a range of palettes, featuring dishes including prawns, cheese sticks, butter chicken puffs, and a range of delicious cocktails. Order a range of sharing plates and tuck into a cosy meal with loved ones in the heart of Rotorua, perfect for refuelling after a day of fun activities.  

Urbano Bistro has been a culinary allure for visitors and locals alike since its establishment in 2007. By day, it’s a trendy cafe perfect for a casual lunch. By night, it transforms into a sophisticated modern restaurant with alfresco dining. Celebrating the very best of New Zealand cuisine and its finest ingredients, Urbano Bistro craft a range of mouth-watering dishes with rich and aromatic flavours that pair perfectly with a crisp white wine. Warm fairy lights and yellow outdoor umbrellas add to the ambience.  

The White Tiger is an Asian fusion restaurant with a Māori-inspired twist. Its menu offers dumplings, bao buns, meats, sides, and a range of seafood with aromatic flavours. They are also popular amongst locals for their invigorating cocktail menu. Vegetarians are also included on the menu. With warm hospitality, quick service, and plenty of dining space, the White Tiger is a great place for a family-friendly dining experience, even when the restaurant gets a little busy.  

For traditional Italian cuisine crafted with love and passion, dine at Leonardo’s. This family-run restaurant has created a menu from a vast selection of “mum’s” and “grandma’s” recipes. Classic Italian flavours meet fresh, locally sourced ingredients, where each dish pays homage to a family legacy and takes guests on an adventure. Featuring pastas, 12-inch pizzas, risottos, and a range of mains, you will leave with warm and fuzzy insides. Dietary needs are also featured on the menu with plenty of vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, including gluten-free pasta.  

El Mexicano Zapata Cantina whisks guests away to the vibrant and bustling street food scene of Mexico. This award-winning Mexican Cantina is consistently recognised by diners across Aotearoa and ranked among the best Mexican restaurants in the country. So, if you seek a dining experience with a spicy twist after your day exploring Rotorua, be sure to book a table here. Capturing the heart of Mexico, this establishment offers a blend of passion and authentic flavours. Dishes are from generational recipes, served within an energetic atmosphere. Sizzling fajitas, handcrafted burritos, tacos, and a range of cocktails await!  

Atticus Finch, established by two sisters, blends a speakeasy with a metropolitan bistro. It’s a destination where playful plates and thoughtful flavours host lively conversation and relaxation. Their dining menu is designed to share, whether you are spending the weekend with family, a group of friends, or your romantic partner. Carefully selected ingredients and flavours are perfect for passing around the table while you sip on local craft beer, wine, or cocktails made with the restaurant’s own syrups, fresh fruit, and herbs. Atticus Finch is the place to dine after a packed day of Rotorua activities.  

The Rusty Bros is tucked into a 1940s building, and bursts with colour. With vibrant hues on the walls and chairs, greenery and the warm light of lanterns, the Rusty Bros is a fun Rotorua restaurant. Come for brunch, lunch, or dinner and tuck into its diverse and inclusive menu, from lamb shank with creamy mash to the Vegan Baked Burrito, and falafel salad. If you’d prefer to order a couple of sharing plates, enjoy passing around the jalapeño poppers and chermoula calamari. Yum!