Wondering where to go for dinner with kids in Rarotonga? This is our round-up of the best family-friendly restaurants in Rarotonga, where parents and kids can have fun at the same time!
One of the great joys of a family holiday in Rarotonga is the food. The island’s dining scene is incredibly relaxed and welcoming, and you’ll find plenty of options that not only serve delicious meals but also genuinely cater to families with kids. The atmosphere is always casual, and the service is always friendly. So you don’t have to worry about your little ones being too loud or getting restless.
Rarotonga and the Cook Islands is a truly fabulous place for a family holiday!
Hey! We are Away With The Steiners. Wondering about living in Rarotonga, Cook Islands?
Our Top 10 Picks for Family-Friendly Dining in Rarotonga
While we love the flexibility of self-catering, we also believe that eating out is a huge part of the holiday experience.
But did we mention that we live here in Rarotonga as a family?
So, after countless meals, sunsets, playgrounds and beaches – and a lot of happy little tummies – we’ve put together our list of the best family restaurants in Rarotonga.
Ready? Let’s eat!
1. Muri Night Market
Have you heard of the Muri Night Markets in Rarotonga? We can’t talk about family dining without starting here. It’s an absolute must-do.
Held multiple nights a week, the markets offer an incredible variety of food stalls. The kids will love the freedom of browsing and picking their own dinner, from hot island chips to fresh seafood and grilled steak to noodles, curries, and tropical smoothies.
The atmosphere is electric, and the prices are incredibly affordable. It’s a guaranteed win for everyone.
- Read Muri Night Markets in Rarotonga to find out which nights the market is on – and what to try!
2. Vaiana’s Bistro & Bar
Located right on the beach, Vaiana’s is perfect for a relaxed dinner with kids in Rarotonga. (Plus; I know we shouldn’t pick favourites – but this has always been our go-to ever since we moved to live in Rarotonga as a family!).
The kids can play on the sand while you wait for your food, and the menu has plenty of options, including classic burgers and fish and chips. The views are unbeatable, and the laid-back vibe makes it a great spot to watch the sunset.
Every Thursday evening there is a complimentary fire show on the beach. Or before dark there is a beautiful sunset to take in tropical paradise right there on the beach every evening!
- Try the Ika Mata (adults) or the Popcorn Chicken (kids). Our kids love the Popcorn Chicken and Cheese Burger at Vaianas!
3. Falafel Shack
This tiny roadside eatery is a delicious and healthy alternative to standard kid’s meals. The falafel wraps and platters are fresh, flavourful, and filling, and kids who love a good kebab will be big fans.
It’s quick, affordable, and a great place to stop for a no-fuss meal. Plus, I have to add that this is one of the best spots for watching whales in Rarotonga!
The Falafel Shack is open until 7:00pm on Wednesday – Friday plus open on Sunday.
- Try the Doner Kebabs – highly recommend!
4. Trader Jacks
A true Rarotonga institution! Situated right on the harbour in Avarua, Trader Jacks offers a lively, nautical-themed atmosphere that kids will love. The view is stunning; and the chances are that on a weekday evening at Trader Jacks you can see the Vaka Ama (canoes) coming in from a paddle around the island.
The menu has a wide range of pub-style food, including pizzas and burgers, and the view of the Vaka in the harbour is always a fun distraction. Not to mention the reef isn’t too far away for whale spotting either!
On Friday night you can hear the amazing Kura Happ playing live on the main deck. This is even cooler if you have already done one of the Ariimoana Walkabouts or tours with Kura and Jack during the day. They make it a beautiful evening out at Trader Jacks too!
It’s a lively spot that never feels too formal.
5. The Slipway
Another gem located on the water; The Slipway is a great place for a casual lunch or dinner. The menu is simple and tasty, and the location is stunning. It is right on the Avatiu Harbour where all the boats, ships, fishing vessels and yachts are lined up.
It’s a great spot to grab a bite after a day of exploring the island.
6. Palace Burgers
Sometimes, all the kids want is a good burger, and Palace Burgers delivers. This is a simple, no-frills takeaway joint that serves up some of the best burgers and fries on the island.
It’s perfect for a quick, cheap, and satisfying meal that you can take back to your accommodation. Or stay and try the very famous ‘Wet Burger’ that makes Palace Burgers the most iconic!
Palace Burgers has a $3.50 Happy Hour on Wednesdays where five types of burgers are only $3.50 NZD.
7. Villis Burgers
A well-known local favourite, Villis is another top spot for a classic burger fix. Their food is consistently good, and their milkshakes are a big hit with the kids.
It’s a great option for a casual lunch on the go or easy dinner with kids in Rarotonga.
8. Charlie’s – Dinner With Kids in Rarotonga
Located right on the beach in Titikaveka, Charlie’s Cafe is a total win for families.
Not only do they have a great menu with plenty of kid-friendly options, but the water right in front of the restaurant is teeming with fish. It is a beautiful spot for a relaxing evening right on the beach – and the food is fab!
9. Castaway Restaurant
This is another great option for dinner with kids in Rarotonga as the Castaway Bar and Restaurant is right on the beautiful Arorangi Beach! There is a stunning sunset view from Castaway – and yup; it is another spot that is great for whale watching during the season.
Our kids enjoy the Castaway Kids Menu and milkshakes in a beaut spot on the beach.
10. Pacific Fish and Chips
For a classic, casual dinner that’s guaranteed to be a hit with the kids, you can’t go past Pacific Fish and Chips. This humble takeaway spot in Arorangi is famous for its massive portions of fresh, local fish cooked to perfection.
With outdoor picnic tables and a relaxed, no-fuss vibe, it’s the perfect place to grab dinner and watch the sunset.
Don’t be surprised if you’re joined by a few friendly local dogs and chickens! It’s a super affordable and authentic island dining experience.
11. Bonus – Pizza Shops
You’ll find a few pizza places scattered around the island, and they’re a perfect fall-back option for a fussy eater or a tired evening.
Kai Pizza and Pizzeria Italiana in Avarua are both easy takeaway and dine in options. The pizzas are delicious, and it makes a great shared meal.
Our Final Thoughts
Rarotonga is truly a paradise for families, and its dining scene reflects that. The best part is that you don’t have to sacrifice a good meal for a family-friendly atmosphere.
From the vibrant energy of the night markets to the peaceful, beachfront dining, there’s something for every family and every budget.
Read More About Travel to Rarotonga
- All About The Rarotonga Bus.
- 10 Unforgettable Walks In Rarotonga.
- 10 Historical Sites You Must See In Rarotonga.
- Hiking The Needle Cross Island Walk.
- Hiring A Bike In Rarotonga.
- How To Get Your Scooter License In Rarotonga.
- 15 Essential Tips On Visiting Rarotonga.
- Rarotonga Reef Explorer Tour With Ariimoana.
Accommodation Options in Rarotonga
There is a great range of accommodation options in Rarotonga, with resorts, hotels and motels, holiday homes and self-catering AirBnB’s:
Resorts in Rarotonga
- The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, Aro’a
- The Edgewater Resort & Spa, Arorangi
- Club Raro, Tupapa
- Nautilus Resort, Muri
- Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Muri
Hotels and Motels in Rarotonga
- Magic Reef Bungalows, Arorangi
- Coral Sands Apartment, Arorangi
- Black Pearl at Puaikura, Aro’a
- Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel, Titikaveka
- Muri Garden Lodge, Muri
Holiday Homes and AirBnB
- Cooks Oasis Holiday Villas, Arorangi
- Lagoon Breeze Villas, Aro’a
- Muri Lagoon Beachfront Villa, Muri
- Ariki Bungalows, Muri
There are loads of amazing options when choosing accommodation in Rarotonga. There is a fantastic range available and each option has different qualities that will make your trip suited just to you.
Travel Planning for Cook Islands & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads including those who have already left home. Make sure you have travel insurance before travelling to the Cook Islands!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.