11 Cheap Eats in Rotorua That Won’t Leave You Cringing at the Check
David Harris
| Last Updated: July 2024 Ever tried to make a budget stretch only to end up eating instant noodles for every meal? That’s exactly what happened to me when I first visited Rotorua.
On my first night, after an exhausting day exploring geysers and mud pools, I found myself rummaging through my backpack for any sign of sustenance. To my horror, all I had was a solitary, squished granola bar.
So, since then, I’ve taken the time to find all the best cheap eats in Rotorua to avoid any more sad snack moments.
In case you ever find yourself in a budget bind and starving, here’s my list of the most delicious cheap eats I’ve found in Rotorua.
1. Devon Seafoods
Media from: devonseafoods
Address: 43 Devon Street, Glenholme, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 1:30 PM
Phone: +64 7 349 2490
Price Range: 3 NZD to 15 NZD
Devon Sea Foods is perfect for anyone craving crispy, golden fish and chips.
The fish is always fresh and cooked to perfection, with a light, crispy batter encasing it. The chips are thick-cut, seasoned just right, and retain that perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.
And the portion size is generous, ensuring you leave with a full belly and a big smile.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on their crack sauce. This house-made concoction adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that complements the fish and chips beautifully. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
2. Lotus Cafe
Media from lotuscafebakery
Address: 1124 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +64 7 349 1985
Price Range: 6 NZD to 15 NZD
Lotus Chef is perfect for anyone craving authentic Vietnamese food.
For starters, you can’t go wrong with their beef noodle soup. The broth is rich and deeply flavorful, simmered for hours to extract every ounce of goodness. The beef is tender, and the noodles are perfectly cooked.
Their BBQ pork roll is pretty good too. The pork is marinated and grilled to perfection, then wrapped in fresh rice paper with herbs and veggies, making it a light yet flavorful appetiser.
Don’t forget to save room for dessert! Their steamed banana with coconut is sweet and has a creamy richness that will leave you wanting more.
Pro Tip: Make sure you try their Vietnamese iced coffee. It’s strong, rich, and perfectly sweetened with condensed milk. It’s an ideal pick-me-up.
3. St Pierre’s Sushi + Bento Bowl
Media from: stpierres_sushi
Address: 1490 Amohau Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +64 7 350 3170
Price Range: 4 NZD to 20 NZD
St. Pierre’s Sushi + Bento Bowl is for anyone who loves fresh, high-quality sushi without the hefty price tag.
Their smoked salmon and avocado sushi roll is a personal favorite. The creamy avocado perfectly complements the rich, smoky salmon, making it both refreshing and satisfying.
The teriyaki chicken sushi roll is tender and flavorful. It’s coated in a sweet and savoury teriyaki glaze that pairs wonderfully with the sushi rice.
Pro Tip: For those dining with a group or simply wanting to try a variety of flavours, I highly recommend their mega sushi platters. They offer an assortment of sushi rolls, making them the perfect option for sharing and sampling different types of sushi.
4. Ali Baba’s Tunisian Cuisine
Media from food_diary_around_the_world
Address: 1146 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 7 348 2983
Price Range: 9 NZD to 20 NZD
Ali Baba’s Tunisian Cuisine is perfect for anyone craving Mediterranean and North African flavours without draining their wallet. I’ve had the pleasure of eating here multiple times, and each visit leaves me even more impressed than the last.
One of the first things I tried here was the Kascrute, a Tunisian sandwich. It was stuffed with fresh vegetables, flavorful sauces, and a scrumptious lamb.
Their kebabs are grilled to perfection and generously portioned. But if you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, go for their Ala Tunisia pasta. Their bearnaise pesto sauce will have you wanting seconds.
Pro Tip: Ask for their homemade harissa sauce on the side. It adds a spicy, authentic kick to anything you order on their menu.
5. Fresh Noodles
Media from tekowhai2
Address: 1186 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 2 PM & 5 PM to 8 PM
Phone: +64 210 422 885
Price Range: 15 NZD to 23 NZD
Fresh Noodle is for all you noodle lovers. The menu is extensive and incredibly affordable, making it easy to try a variety of dishes without breaking the bank.
The beef noodle soup is usually my main go-to. The broth is rich and packed with flavours, and the beef is tender and melts in your mouth. The noodles are perfectly cooked, adding that perfect chewiness to every bite.
But if you’re a fan of spicy food, their spicy chicken noodles will give you a warm, satisfying kick.
Pro Tip: Try their vegan dumplings. Trust me, you’ll be in foodie heaven even if you’re not vegan. They’re a delicious and budget-friendly option, making them perfect whenever you want something light yet satisfying.
6. Bailwalg Pure Vegetarian Restaurant
Media from: bailwalg
Address:1229 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +64 7 347 7111
Price Range: 2 NZD to 25 NZD
Bailwalg Vegetarian Restaurant is a fusion of South Indian, North Indian, and Indo-Chinese cuisine, making it perfect for anyone who loves a variety of vibrant and aromatic dishes.
The diverse menu ensures there’s always something new and exciting to try, yet I find myself returning to a few standout dishes that are simply too good to pass up.
If you’re new to Bailwalg, I highly recommend starting with their Aloo Tikki Chaat. The tangy tamarind chutney adds a sweet and sour flavour that perfectly complements the savoury aloo tikki.
Pro Tip: Ask about their mint chutney. It’s not always listed, but they usually have it available if you ask.
7. Curry Mehak
Media from: hangrilyeverafter
Address: 381 Te Ngae Road, Ōwhata, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +64 7 345 6423
Price Range: 2 NZD to 25 NZD
Curry Mehak is a haven for anyone who enjoys rich and authentic Indian flavours. One dish that keeps me coming back is their lamb jhalfrezi, which features tender pieces of lamb accompanied by vibrant red capsicum, all simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce.
The balance of spices is impeccable, making it a good choice for anyone who loves a bit of heat.
Another favourite of mine is the malai kofta. These deep-fried potato and cottage cheese dumplings are seasoned with a blend of spices and served in a luxurious creamy sauce. The koftas are crispy on the outside while remaining soft and flavorful on the inside.
Pro Tip: Try their salted lassi and mango chutney. The salted lassi is incredibly refreshing and a perfect way to cool down if the spices get too intense.
The mango chutney, on the other hand, adds a sweet and tangy contrast that complements their spicier dishes.
8. Delhi Hut
Media from: delhi.hutt
Address: 3/4 Pererika Street, Victoria, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 8:30
Phone: +64 210 422 885
Price Range: 2.50 NZD to 25 NZD
Deli Hut is for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful Indian cuisine.
Their Deli Hut combo, which includes three curries, three roti breads, and an onion salad is an absolute steal and a must-try. It even comes with a drink, so you don’t have to shell out more money!
For those who love a good vegetarian dish, their aloo gobi is fantastic. The potatoes and cauliflower are cooked to perfection and seasoned just right with turmeric, cumin, and other spices.
Pro Tip: If you have a few more bucks to spare, get their mango lassi. It’s the perfect sweet, refreshing complement to the spicy flavours of your meal.
9. Pita Pit Rotorua
Media from:pitapitrotorua
Address: 1542 Amohau Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Phone: +64 7 346 0008
Price Range: 14 NZD to 25 NZD
Pita Pit is perfect for health-conscious individuals or anyone who simply enjoys a tasty and satisfying meal.
One of my top recommendations is their chicken Caesar pita. It’s not just the usual grilled chicken and crispy bacon wrapped in a warm pita. It offers endless customisation options, allowing you to add as many toppings and sauces as you want!
For those looking for a lighter yet equally delicious option, the chicken teriyaki salad bowl is a must-try. It’s a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise taste.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave Pita Pit without trying their green energy smoothie. It’s a vibrant blend of various fruits, such as banana, mango, and kiwi—perfect for a refreshing boost of energy.
10. Yamato Japanese Restaurant
Media from thingstodoinnz
Address: 1123 Pukuatua Street, Hillcrest, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 2 PM, 6 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 7 348 1938
Price Range: 3.50 NZD to 36 NZD
Yamato Japanese Restaurant is for anyone who appreciates authentic Japanese cuisine crafted with care and finesse. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or someone who loves a balanced meal in a bento box, Yamato has something for you.
During my visits, I indulge in their Create Your Own Lunch Box. My go-to combo includes the cold tamago salad, udon noodles, and their beef sirloin steak. Their rolled sushi is another must-try, especially the California roll.
For an adventurous appetiser, don’t miss the takowasa, which features grilled octopus with wasabi. This dish packs a punch with its zesty, spicy flavours and tender octopus.
Pro Tip: Ask for their house-made ponzu sauce. It adds an incredible tangy depth to any dish, especially the teriyaki salmon and the takowasa.
11. JP’s on Jervis
Media from: jpsonjervis
Address: Shop 3/37 Jervis Street, Hillcrest, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 7:30 PM
Phone: +64 7 343 6927
Price Range: 8 NZD to 50 NZD
JP’s on Jarvis is for anyone who loves classic American-style burgers and loaded fries. With their juicy burgers, crispy fries, and laid-back atmosphere, they’re a must-visit for anyone looking for comfort food.
Their double burger is the ultimate burger for meat lovers. It’s packed with double beef patties, crispy bacon, and more. Every bite is a savoury delight, perfect for satisfying those heavy hunger pangs.
Another fantastic option is the BBQ double beef and bacon burger. This has crunchy onion rings, and the smoky BBQ sauce ties everything together.
Pro Tip: If you’re really hungry, get their cheeseburger-loaded fries. They’re loaded with beef, bacon, cheese, and JP’s special sauce. You’ll have all the flavours of a cheeseburger in fry form—it’s absolutely amazing.
