Delicious Eats at These 10 Best Family Restaurants in Rotorua
Jessica McNamara
| Last Updated: February 2025 Finding a restaurant that caters to every family member’s tastes and budget can be challenging. The kids are whining, your partner wants something different, and you’re trying not to overspend.
While the food court at Rotorua Central is a convenient option with plenty of variety, there are many unique dining spots around town with exciting flavors and experiences.
To make your decision easier, I’ve put together a list of stress-free family dining spots that will please every crew member.
No more debates or second-guessing—just great meals and happy faces!
1. Cobb & Co.
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Address: 209 Fenton Street
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 7 347 0906
Price: $$
Cobb & Co. features a fantastic kids’ play area with toys, games, and even a fish tank. It’s a real lifesaver for keeping the little ones entertained.
High chairs and change tables are readily available. It’s a huge help for parents with young children.
For the kids, Cobb & Co. offers Tots and Kids Combos. It features familiar favorites like chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and coconut chicken. It’s a menu designed to please even the pickiest eaters.
They even have slushy mocktails. Their Bumble Dee dessert is also a fun twist on the classic banana split.
And for all the parents, you can’t go wrong with their steaks, burgers, or schnitzel—everything is delicious.
Pro Tip:
For a special treat, celebrate any birthday at Cobb & Co—the birthday guest will get to eat for free.
2. Fat Dog Cafe & Bar
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Address: 1161 Arawa Street
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 3 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +64 7 347 7586
Price: $$
Fat Dog Cafe & Bar’s extensive kids’ menu is a real blessing for parents. They offer generous portions of kid-approved favorites like fish and chips.
Outside of the kiddie menu, they serve burgers, gourmet sandwiches, and more.
Families will certainly appreciate the fuss-free dining, delicious food, and friendly staff.
Their quick service is a major plus. They ensure minimal wait times, which is a real bonus when dining with little ones.
Pro Tip:
If you plan to visit on a weekend morning, call ahead to book a table and avoid long waits with the kids.
3. Family House Korean BBQ Restaurant
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Address: 1147 Amohau Street
Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Monday – 4 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 21 775 700
Price: $$$
Family House Korean BBQ’s all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet is a major draw. They offer a fantastic variety of meat, seafood, and veggies to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, who doesn’t love grilling their food? It’s interactive and fun.
Beyond the delicious food, the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. The spacious layout easily accommodates large families.
And the best part? The prices are reasonable.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a fan of soup, be sure to try their take on shabu shabu. It’s very filling and comes with different broth combinations and toppings!
4. Lone Star Rotorua
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Address: 1/1182 Whakaue Street
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday- 4:30 PM to 9 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 7 349 4040
Price: $$
Lone Star Rotorua’s massive, vibrant outdoor area is a kid’s paradise—a fantastic place for little ones to burn off energy while parents unwind.
The menu is incredibly diverse. Kids will adore the Little Rangers menu, especially the fun Deputy Dogs (mini hot dogs on a stick!). Meanwhile, parents will appreciate the seafood and burgers.
And what’s not to love about the generous portions, plus a free drink and dessert with every kids’ meal? It’s a fantastic value that satisfies everyone.
Pro Tip:
Grab a table near the outdoor play area. Your kids will love it and thank you later for the extra space to play while you enjoy your meal.
5. Gengy’s Restaurant
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Address: 1272 Amohia Street
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Phone: +64 7 348 2022
Price: $$$
At Gengy’s Mongolian BBQ, you can build up your plate with a mountain of fresh meats, veggies, and noodles. Then, watch in awe as the chefs work their magic on the giant griddle—that’s always my favorite part!
The atmosphere is buzzing with energy, yet still relaxed enough for even the youngest diners.
The all-you-can-eat feast ensures happy tummies all around, and the best part is—it’s surprisingly affordable.
With so much variety, even the most selective eaters will find something to love.
Pro Tip:
Beat the rush and grab the best seats by arriving early!
6. Pig & Whistle
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Address: 1182 Tutanekai Street
Hours:
- Monday & Wednesday, Sunday- 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11:30 AM to 1 AM
Phone: +64 7 347 3025
Price: $$
Pig & Whistle is a kid-friendly pub with delicious food. The kids’ menu is simple but satisfying—my friends’ kids always gobble down their fish bites.
The adults’ menu features classic favorites like fish and chips, steak, brisket, and more.
Families love Pig & Whistle for the spacious atmosphere, patient staff, and lively energy. Plus, there’s live entertainment on weekends, adding to the fun.
Pro Tip:
Book a table in the courtyard. It’s the best spot to enjoy your meal with a great view and atmosphere.
7. Mamma Rosa Restaurant & Pizzeria
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Address: 1176 Pukaki Street
Hours: Monday to Friday- 4:30 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 7 347 7851
Price: $$
Mamma Rosa’s wood-fired pizzas are simply divine. The crust is crisp, the toppings are generous, and the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.
It’s no wonder families adore this place. The relaxed atmosphere is ideal for kids. The menu offers something for picky eaters and adventurous foodies.
Parents can relax knowing there are plenty of options, including vegan and gluten-free choices. Plus, they have high chairs for the little ones.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss their delicious dessert pizza—the Pizza Nutella. It’s loaded with rich chocolate sauce and gooey marshmallows, making it a hit with the whole family.
8. Mekong Buffalo
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Address: 1262 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 7 343 6233
Price: $$
Mekong Buffalo has a cute Baby Buffaloes menu. It features kid-friendly favorites like nuggets and chips, stir-fried noodles, and baby dumplings.
Adults will enjoy steamed buns, juicy grilled skewers, and noodle dishes.
Parents can customize kids’ meals, too. However, my favorite is the sharing-plate concept. It encourages everyone to try something new, making mealtime a fun and interactive experience.
Plus, they give you massive portions. It’s a good value for money, especially for families.
Pro Tip:
Check out their Instagram before you go. They often post photos of daily specials or limited-time dishes not on the regular menu.
9. The Fat Brother Rotorua
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Address: 1158 Whakaue Street
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +64 7 262 6055
Price: $$
The Fat Brother is where family fun meets seriously good food. The relaxed atmosphere is a breath of fresh air—kids are welcome and parents can relax.
They have kid-approved crispy chicken wings and mouthwatering burgers that will make all you grown-ups groan with delight.
Plus, it’s located in downtown Rotorua, making it the ideal pit stop during your New Zealand road trip.
Pro Tip:
Order ahead for pickup to skip out on the wait times!
10. JP’s on Jervis
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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—where burgers are legendary. Juicy patties, perfectly toasted buns, and toppings that don’t skimp—each bite is a delicious, satisfying experience.
Aside from that, the staff are always welcoming. They’re quick to handle your orders, which is a big bonus when you have hungry kids in tow.
The relaxed vibe makes it a great spot for families. Plus, the huge portions are perfect for sharing (or not!).
Pro Tip:
For the kids, the JP’s junior combo is a go-to. It includes a choice of a cheeseburger or tenders, along with fries and a drink.
