Away To Rarotonga

Chasing Flavours, Not Sunshine: Your Guide to Rarotonga’s Best Rainy Day Eats.

Sarah Steiner

Rarotonga, with its postcard-perfect beaches and endless sunshine, is undeniably a tropical paradise. But even in paradise, the skies can sometimes open up, bringing a refreshing tropical shower.  Though despair not!  There are some great places to eat in Rarotonga on a rainy day. 

Rarotonga on a rainy day 

While a rainy day might temporarily halt your lagoon adventures, it certainly doesn’t mean your culinary journey has to pause!  In fact, a little rain often enhances the cozy ambiance of the island’s best eateries. It invites you to linger longer, savour every bite, and truly immerse yourself in the warmth of Cook Islands hospitality. 

Forget the umbrellas and embrace the opportunity to discover Rarotonga’s diverse and delectable dining scene from the comfort of a charming cafe or a vibrant restaurant. 

Here are 11 fantastic places to shelter from the rain and treat your taste buds on a drizzly Rarotongan day.

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1. Beluga Cafe (Arorangi) – Rarotonga on a rainy day

Nestled on the western side of the island in Arorangi, Beluga Cafe is a stylish and contemporary haven that feels like a slice of urban chic transported to the tropics.  In Rarotonga on a rainy day, its inviting indoor seating and relaxed ambiance make it an absolute standout. 

Beluga is renowned for its exceptional coffee. It is often cited as some of the best on the island.  Which makes it the perfect spot to warm up with a perfectly brewed flat white or a rich hot chocolate. 

Their menu features creative Pacific and international fusion cuisine, with beautifully presented dishes that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. Think gourmet breakfasts, vibrant salads, and delectable seafood plates! 

It’s a popular meeting spot for both locals and visitors, offering free Wi-Fi and a chance to browse local artworks, making it ideal for lingering as the rain falls outside.

Coffee at Beluga in Rarotonga on a rainy day is a great idea.
Coffee at Beluga in Rarotonga on a rainy day is a great idea.

2. The Islander (Avarua) – Rarotonga on a rainy day

While The Islander Hotel & Spa is famous for its spectacular oceanfront cultural shows and fire dancers, their dining areas offer a fantastic option for Rarotonga on a rainy day.  Their indoor restaurant provides a vibrant and sheltered setting where you can enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring a wide array of local dishes.  

It’s a great way to experience Cook Islands culture through food and entertainment.  Even when the weather isn’t cooperating for outdoor activities.  The lively atmosphere and the warmth of the staff make it a perfect escape from the rain.

A rainy day coffee date at The Islander is a winner.

3. The Cafe (Beachcomber Building, Avarua)

‘The Café’, located in the historic Beachcomber Building in Avarua, is a quaint courtyard cafe that offers a delightful escape on a rainy day.  Beyond the enticing aroma of coffee, this spot is known for its unique “Vinyl Revival Club” and a friendly dog named Cookie.  

It’s a cozy place to relax with a book from their book exchange.  Or chat with friends over their signature ‘Marlin Bagel’ or homemade cakes.  The sheltered courtyard provides a charming ambiance, allowing you to enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch in comfort while the rain falls outside.

It’s raining outside but there is tasty coffee and a funky atmosphere in The Cafe.

4. LBV Bakery (Muri) – Rarotonga on a rainy day

For those seeking freshly baked goods and a casual, comforting bite, LBV Bakery in Muri is a local favourite.  This bustling bakery offers a fantastic selection of pastries, breads, and savoury items that are perfect for a rainy day treat.  

Grab a warm sausage roll, a freshly baked scone, or a delicious sandwich, paired with a hot coffee or tea.  While primarily a bakery, they often have some sheltered seating where you can enjoy your goodies and watch the world go by.  

Plus there a huge kids playground out the back.  I think it might be the only one; but our boys reckon that this is the best playground for kids at any café in Rarotonga!  

It’s an excellent spot for a quick, satisfying meal or a delightful snack when you’re looking for warmth and comfort.

Sweet treats and a great selection of homemade cakes and pastries.

5. Te Ara Museum Cafe (Arorangi)

Combine a dose of culture with a delicious meal at the Te Ara Museum Cafe, located within the Te Ara – Cook Islands Museum of Cultural Enterprise in Arorangi.  

This cafe offers a bright and welcoming space, providing a perfect indoor activity on a rainy day.  After exploring the museum’s fascinating exhibits on Cook Islands heritage and enterprise, you can settle in for a meal or a coffee.  

The menu often features light lunches, snacks, and refreshing beverages, making it a thoughtful and engaging stop when the weather keeps you indoors.  It’s a chance to nourish both your mind and your body.  We rate this as a great place to eat in Rarotonga on a rainy day. 

6. Love Cafe (Matavera)

For a charming and laid-back experience on the eastern side of the island, Love Cafe in Matavera is a delightful find.  This locally owned cafe operates with a coffee-kart style, offering excellent coffee made from Papua New Guinean beans.

In Rarotonga on a rainy day, their alfresco seating under a veranda provides a cozy and sheltered spot to enjoy your beverage.  Then beyond the great coffee, Love Cafe tempts with freshly baked cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, croissants, and other sweet treats. 

It’s a perfect pitstop while driving around Rarotonga on a rainy day, offering a relaxed vibe and delicious comfort food from early morning until early afternoon.

7. Charlie’s (Titikaveka) – Rarotonga on a rainy day

Charlie’s, located in Titikaveka, is a vibrant beachfront eatery that perfectly captures Rarotonga’s laid-back charm.  Even on a rainy day, their ample covered seating ensures you can enjoy the lively atmosphere and the sounds of the ocean without getting wet. 

Known for its casual ambiance and often featuring live music, Charlie’s is a hotspot for both locals and tourists.  We lived not far away for our first year of living in Rarotonga.  Of which I can promise you that Charlie’s was a huge feature in our weekly itinerary living in the Cook Islands!  Even in Rarotonga on a rainy day, Charlie’s is a good spot to eat and escape the rain. 

Their extensive menu caters to all tastes, featuring irresistible prices on oversized sandwiches, juicy burgers, fresh seafood, and island-style platters.  

It’s a fantastic spot for a relaxed lunch or a fun dinner, where the friendly staff and delicious, generously portioned food will brighten even the greyest of days.

8. Trader Jacks (Avarua Harbour)

An iconic Rarotongan institution, Trader Jacks is a must-visit, even in Rarotonga a rainy day.  Located right on Avarua Harbour, it offers a lively atmosphere and, crucially, ample covered seating that still allows you to feel connected to the waterfront. 

While its outdoor deck is famous for sunsets, the indoor and sheltered areas provide a fantastic vantage point to watch the weather roll in over the ocean, perhaps with a cold local beer or a tropical cocktail in hand.  

Trader Jacks serves a simple yet delightful menu of Polynesian and international favourites, with fresh seafood, pizzas, and hearty pub-style meals. 

It’s a bustling spot where locals and tourists mingle, and the vibrant energy ensures that even a rainy day feels full of life and island spirit.

9. The Lucky Rooster Eatery (Avarua)

Located in the heart of Avarua, The Lucky Rooster Eatery is a popular cafe and meeting place.  It is particularly cherished for its consistently great coffee and delicious kiwi-style brunches. 

When rain clouds gather, its casual and accessible indoor setting provides a warm refuge.  The Lucky Rooster offers an all-day breakfast and lunch menu, perfect for a leisurely start to a damp morning or a relaxed midday meal.  Their deli-style options, fresh sandwiches, and cabinet treats are always a hit.  

With free Wi-Fi available, it’s a fantastic spot to catch up on emails, read a book, or simply enjoy the vibrant local scene while sipping on excellent coffee.  It’s a testament to Rarotonga’s growing cafe culture and a reliable choice for quality comfort food.

Inside the Lucky Rooster Cafe in Avarua.
Coffee on a rainy day in Raro is a great idea.

10. The Spaghetti House Pizzeria & Grill (Arorangi)

Craving Italian comfort food in Rarotonga on a rainy day?  The Spaghetti House Pizzeria & Grill is conveniently located at The Edgewater Resort’s entrance.  As a daytime café it offers air-conditioned comfort and a menu dedicated to homestyle Central and Southern Italian cuisine.  

This is the place for delicious pasta dishes, expertly prepared pizzas, and other signature Italian specialties.  There is a great kids menu that kept our boys happy.  Even when we first visited on a rainy old evening upon arriving in Rarotonga! 

The cozy indoor environment makes it an ideal spot to settle in for a hearty meal as the rain patters outside.  

With a good selection of New Zealand, Australian, and Italian wines to complement your meal, The Spaghetti House provides a satisfying and familiar dining experience.  Perfect for a relaxed evening or a long lunch when the weather isn’t cooperating!

11. Cafe Puretu (Tikioki) – Rarotonga on a rainy day

Originally known as ‘Fruits of Rarotonga’, Cafe Puretu is a charming, locally owned café.  It is situated across from the iconic Tikioki Beach.  

While its proximity to a popular snorkelling spot suggests sunny days, Cafe Puretu also offers a delightful indoor space that’s perfect for a rainy retreat.  They serve up delicious family favourites, including hearty burgers, classic fish and chips, and daily potluck specials that showcase local ingredients. 

The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious.  Making it a great spot for a casual meal or a comforting coffee and a sweet treat from their cabinet. 

It’s a testament to the simple, honest flavours of Rarotonga and a lovely place to watch the rain fall while enjoying good, wholesome food.

Embrace the rain, savour the flavours

In Rarotonga on a rainy day it is not a day lost.  Rather it is an invitation to slow down, relax, and explore the island’s incredible culinary landscape.  From cozy cafes serving aromatic coffee and comforting treats to elegant restaurants offering gourmet Pacific fusion. There’s a delicious escape waiting around every corner. 

So, next time the heavens open up, don’t despair.  Instead, grab your loved ones, pick one of these fantastic spots, and let the flavours of Rarotonga turn a grey day into a wonderfully memorable dining adventure.  Kia Manuia!

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