It’s Sunday morning and you’ve enjoyed a sleep in. But now you’re famished and hangriness threatens. Or, you’re not really a morning person but want breakfast with the crew. Brunch is the perfect solution for times like these.
If missing breakfast really grinds your gears, options like eggs bene, Belgium waffles, scones, porridge, fruit and more are available. But if you’ve cut your losses and want to go straight to lunch, enjoy a juicy steak or a big, cheesy burger and a beer chaser.
Here are a few fantastic places to set your sights on in Rotorua.
Capers Cafe + Store
Capers offers fresh, quality food, both in the cabinet and from the menu. That’s their beautiful acai bowl pictured above. Service is fast and efficient, but don’t worry about rushing out after you’ve eaten. Order a second coffee and chat a while.While you’re there, check out the Capers store which is predominantly stocked with New Zealand artisan and organic goodies including oils, preserves, chocolates, T2 boutique tea and much more – sure to appeal to the everyday home chef, gift hunter and discerning foodie.
Capers is a recipient of multiple Café of the Year awards, and there’s a children’s playroom if you’ve brought the kiddos along.
Brunch daily from 7am to 2pm.
Pātaka Kai
Pātaka Kai might be the only place in the world where you can dine while overlooking an erupting geyser! Plus, a menu infused with New Zealand flavours and ingredients will make this a meal to remember.
Head to Te Puia for Sunday brunch and all-day breakfast where you’ll be tempted by one seriously scrumptious buffet of sweet and savoury dishes. There’s so much here, you’ll want to skip dinner Saturday night.
Some of the items you’ll find are homemade muffins, cinnamon buns and croissants; fried bread filled with blackberry and kawakawa compote, and topped with freshly whipped cream, or served with golden syrup and butter; hot smoked Akaroa salmon and hollandaise sauce; roast pumpkin and barley salad balsamic and horopito vinaigrette; sticky five-spice ribs with stir-fried seasonal vegetables; and much more. Their waffles with buttermilk fried chicken is sure to become a favourite!
Brunch on Sundays from 9am to 2pm.
Urbano Bistro
Up the road from Pātaka Kai is another award-winning restaurant, Urbano, a neighbourly, smart-casual and cosy eatery.Order their tried-and-true classics like French toast or bacon and eggs, or go for something different like a breakfast burrito, dumplings, open steak sandwich, or curry of the day.
Brunch daily from 9am to 3pm.
The Regent Room
If you’re looking for an upscale locale, have an occasion to toast, or just want to treat yourself, The Regent Room’s glamorous setting is perfect for brunch with the girls, the in-laws, or a special someone.
The Regent Room offers a delicious, award-winning international fusion menu of sharing and tasting plates as well as exquisite main meals and tempting desserts and cheeses. The black, white and bling interior and French style sofas are complemented by the view out to the swimming pool and courtyard.
Brunch daily from 7 to 11am.
Okere Falls Store
On the edge of Lake Rotoiti, Okere Falls Store is a general store, deli and beer garden. With an emphasis on organic and artisan products, “The Store” is known as much for its delicious food and coffee as it is for its ethical, sustainable ethos, so look out for the composting toilet, the dabchick project and the worm farm.
On the breakfast side of the menu, you’ll find berry crepes, homemade granola, breakfast bowl, tofu scram, smoked salmon bagel, breakfast tostadas and a few more items plus add-ons like kimchi, garlic mushrooms and German bratwurst. The all-day lunch menu offers bratwurst chilli dogs, kimcheese toasties, nachos, burgers, a sushi bowl and more.
Brunch on Sundays from 7am to 2pm (the lunch menu is avail until 4pm).
Abracadabra Café & Bar
Abracadabra is not only fun to say, but the café and bar itself is housed inside a fun, colourful and vibrant 1940s house decorated with beautiful, rustic brass and iron lamps shipped directly from Marrakesh.Their Sweet As cinnamon brioche French toast is a hit, as are the Gringo’s nachos, Moroccan dukkah scrambled eggs, open steak sandwich (pictured above), several salads, plus plates to share.
Their trademark slogan, “Good food, good vibes!” is accurate indeed, and the fully licensed bar, three private rooms, and a separate garden area offer additional options.
Brunch on Sundays from 9am to 3pm.
