Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

food recomandation on rarotonga?

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Cook Islands

is there anyone with a local recomandation for some great local food on the westside of rarotonga?

No recommendations for the West side, but you can always catch the bus to other parts of the island. Take the clockwise bus to the north, to the area where the farmer's market is. Walk clockwise from the market, and you'll see several small food shacks. Near the children's playground, there is a yellow/blue colored one that I think has the word "bites" in it that had the absolute best seafood platter for $15 (which was almost big enough for 2 people). It had smoked marlin (which was incredible), the best ika mata, and other delicious things. I wish I had discovered it at the beginning of our stay. I never would have eaten there had it not been for a local couple that told us about it. I saw it open on non-market days. Sorry for the incredibly vague directions.

Muri (south side) has a night market where local establishments sell plates of food. We had good taro with coconut cream and other local dishes there. Because it is at night, you would need a rental car or scooter to get there.

Obviously, the main farmer's market is a great choice. Get there early! We really enjoyed the Manahiki-style bread, and various traditional coconut dishes.

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Oceans restaurant at Crown Beach has theme nights, presenting local dishes as well as their a la carte menu with raw fish and Pacifc rim cuisine on their menu. You can also order a bespoke menu with local dishes and local catch included.

Lovely spot overlooking the lagoon and reefline.

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