Sink Your Teeth into the 11 Best Burgers in Rotorua
David Harris
| Last Updated: March 2025 Spending cash on a terrible burger will give you wallet remorse and a profound sense of existential dread. I admit—I have experienced this dread on more than one occasion.
I’ve eaten far too many hockey puck patties disguised as “gourmet,” endured soggy buns that disintegrated like a sandcastle at high tide, and suffered through toppings that tasted like they’d plucked from the back of the fridge circa 2012.
So, having eaten my way around the city’s best burger shops and even checking out Rotorua Central, I have compiled a list of my favorites—places where I would grab a burger any day.
1. The Fat Brother
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Website: http://thefatbrother.com
Address: 1158 Whakaue Street
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +64 7 262 6055
Price: $$
The Fat Burger is where you go for a nonnegotiable pinkies-out burger. Here, you get honest, flavor-packed burgers that leave you nearly waddling out.
Go for their namesake, the Fat Father burger. Its juicy beef patty, crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and “Fat sauce”—all on a soft brioche bun. They’re very addicting, trust me.
The Fat Boyfriend sandwich is another solid choice for chicken lovers like me. It features delicious fried chicken and their signature sauce.
Pro Tip:
Want the perfect sides? Get their curly fries or the mac and cheese bites. Both will have your tastebuds watering.
2. BurgerFuel
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Website: http://burgerfuel.co.nz
Address: 5 Tarawera Road, Redwood Centre
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +64 7 348 4860
Price: $$
BurgerFuel is the place to go when you crave a grass-fed gourmet burger. Their aïoli sauce ties their burgers together. They also offer chicken and plant-based burgers, thick shakes, and various sides.
I always go for the C.N. Cheese because I like the rich parmesan and truffle mascarpone blend.
But their Bastard burger is another close call. The pineapple complements the saltiness of the bacon and creamy avocado. Plus, the chia and grated beetroot on it always lessen my calorie guilt.
Pro Tip:
Try their Motobites. These crumbled pumpkin bites are delicious when dipped in their chipotle aioli sauce. You can even get them made vegan.
3. Cobb & Co
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Website: https://www.cobb.co.nz
Address: 4 Thomas Crescent, Western Heights
Hours: Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +64 7 216 1210
Price: $$
Cobb & Co delivers on that hunger with burgers that are just satisfying.
Take The Coach burger, for example. It’s a solid, no-nonsense Angus beef patty piled high with bacon, cheese, and that aïoli and relish pairing that always wins me.
The Schnitty Bang Bang burger is a fun twist worth trying. It takes their original schnitzel and stuffs it with beef, ham, and cheese. It sounds too much, but trust me, it works.
No matter what you get, all their burgers come with classic fries.
Pro Tip:
If you are coming with a group of four or more, skip the individual orders and use the group set menu. You can sample several of their different burgers, including the plant-based herbivore and the chicken BLT burger.
4. Fat Dog Cafe
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Address: 1161 Arawa Street
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 3 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +64 7 347 7586
Price: $$
Fat Dog Cafe is where you go for a filling burger that doesn’t skip out on quality. The burgers here aren’t just thrown together—I like how they use quality ingredients.
My go-to burger is the Dog’s Bollox burger, which has a juicy beef patty weighing 250 g. I especially appreciate the crispy, battered onion rings and the subtle kick from the red pepper aïoli, which brings it together.
But if you want a chicken burger, get their satay chicken burger. The chili lime marinade on the chicken is spot on, and their satay sauce is rich and nutty.
Pro Tip:
Have little ones in tow? Fat Dog Cafe has them covered with a kids’ menu featuring mini cheeseburgers so they can join in on the burger fun, too!
5. Pig & Whistle
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Website: https://www.pigandwhistle.co.nz
Address: 1182 Tutanekai Street
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11:30 AM to 1 AM
Phone: +64 7 347 3025
Price: $$
Pig & Whistle is a solid bet if you’re looking for a classic pub vibe but still want a delicious burger.
I usually get their lamb burger because I love how tender they cook the meat. It retains its juiciness in every bite.
The beetroot relish adds a touch of sweetness that compliments the richness.
If you appreciate a good mushroom and bacon combo, like I do, you’ll be licking your finger after eating their beef, bacon, and mushroom burger.
Pro Tip:
Their vegan burger is actually not that bad! The basil pesto and tomato jam combo works incredibly well with their Beyond Meat patty.
6. Sobar
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Address: 1096 Tutanekai Street
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 2 PM to 2 AM
- Thursday to Sunday- 12 PM to 2 AM
Phone: +64 22 122 1001
Price: $
Sobar is where you go for a fusion of seafood and a classic burger in one.
What I appreciate about Sobar is that they focus on bringing out the flavors of their ingredients.
I’m not usually a fan of fish burgers, but their Surf & Turf burger is surprisingly delicious. I thought the shrimp added an interesting briny counterpoint to the beef patty, and the tartar sauce wasn’t bad, either.
Pro Tip:
Try their sticky date pudding. It’s sweetness balances out the flavor of the Surf & Turf burger.
7. JP’s on Jervis
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Website: http://jpsonjervis.co.nz
Address: Shop 3/37 Jervis Street, Hillcrest
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 7:30 PM
Phone: +64 7 343 6927
Price: $
JP’s on Jervis’s menu is packed with options, from veggie to chicken to beef—they have it all.
My usual is JP’s Triple Triple—it’s definitely not for the weak. This burger is layered with three beef patties: bacon, cheese, tangy mustard, and sweet bourbon barbecue sauce.
It always hits the spot for me.
Another favorite of mine is the Vegas burger. The runny egg and crispy onion rings with the cheese and JP’s special sauce make this burger super satisfying.
Pro Tip:
Eating gluten-free? JP’s on Jervis offers gluten-free buns—just ask, and they’ll swap them for you hassle-free.
8. CBK
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Website: http://cbk.nz
Address: 1115 Tutanekai Street
Hours: Monday to Sunday- 9 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 7 347 2700
Price: $$
CBK has nailed the balance of quality ingredients without any unnecessary fuss. When faced with their burger menu, it’s easy to get stuck between the CBK Smashburger and the brisket beef burger—I know I do every time.
The Smashburger is almost perfect in its simplicity: two beef patties with that satisfying smash, bacon, double cheese, and your favorite toppings, all held together by a fluffy brioche bun.
I particularly like the sweetness of their caramelized onions, and the old bay aioli sauce on top of the fries is addicting.
Then there’s the brisket burger—12-hour slow-cooked brisket leaves you with tender melt-in-your-mouth meat.
The melted cheddar and CBK barbecue sauce add a rich, smoky depth. I appreciate that the barbecue sauce isn’t too sweet, and they don’t skip out on the pickles, either.
Pro Tip:
If you’re trying to cut back on carbs, you can get any of their burgers wrapped in lettuce.
9. Foodies Bar
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Website: https://foodiesbarrotorua.co.nz
Address: 1299 Tutanekai Street
Hours:
- Monday – 8:30 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday- 10 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 21 144 7970
Price: $
Foodies Bar nails that casual come-as-you-are vibe with burgers that seriously leave you thinking about it for days.
The burger game is strong, and they clearly put some thought into their menu.
Their savory lamb burger is delicious, thanks to the Mediterranean twist of the tzatziki.
They also make an excellent vegetarian falafel burger. The homemade falafel patty is moist, and the Tahini dressing adds more flavor.
Pro Tip:
You have to try their little American Orbit doughnuts. They’re fluffy, warm, and have that perfect hint of cinnamon sugar.
10. River’s Catch
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Website: http://riverscatch.com
Address: 14D Pandora Avenue, Sunnybrook
Hours:
- Monday – 3 PM to 8 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Phone: +64 7 347 1993
Price: $
River’s Catch is usually the go-to spot for finger-licking good fish, but they have a smash burger on their menu that blew me away.
Their River’s Smashburger has earned its masters in simplicity and delicious flavors. You’ve got two 100% smashed beef patties with those irresistible, crispy, caramelized edges.
The double cheese coats both patties, reaching the bottom brioche bun. It’s juicy, satisfying, and done right.
Pro Tip:
Try out their pineapple fritters. They’re coated in cinnamon sugar, which surprisingly compliments the sweet tanginess of the pineapple.
