Are you planning your trip to the Cook Islands and wondering where to eat on Sunday in Rarotonga?
The truth is that much of the island slows down and shuts down on a Sunday. But there are a handful of friendly and tasty places to eat in Rarotonga on Sundays that are well worth adding to your island itinerary.
1. Falafel Shack – Rarotonga on Sunday
Nestled in the heart of Arorangi and right on the beautiful beach, The Falafel Shack is a must-visit for lovers of Middle Eastern flavours, fresh ingredients, and that incredible beachfront Sunday vibe.
They offer mouthwatering doner kebabs, crispy falafel wraps, specialty mezze platters, island fries and deliciously fresh salads.
Go and say hello to owner Puretu and the team and enjoy a kebab in the shade of the coconut trees.
- Restaurant: The Falafel Shack
- Open: 12:00pm – 7:00pm
- Location: Arorangi
2. Nikao Social Centre Market – Rarotonga on Sunday
As far as where to eat in Rarotonga on Sunday; this market is an awesome discovery! The Nikao Social Centre Market is literally right in the social space above the beach in Nikao (opposite the tennis courts).
This small market opens late morning and fills with a bustle of locals after church in Rarotonga on Sunday. There is the semi-permanent Vibe Fish & Chips and Brews and Scoops which are there most days. Then on Sundays at the daytime market you can also find Boba Inu Bubble Tea, Fresh Fix Raro, Baby Pancakes and more.
- Restaurant: Nikao Social Centre Market
- Open: 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Location: Nikao
3. The Beach Hut – Rarotonga on Sunday
There aren’t too many really hidden gems on the island, but The Beach Hut in Muri deserves to be more widely known.
This is a relatively new place to eat on a Sunday in Rarotonga that opened in 2024. There are tables on the deck and spreading right down to the beachfront on the beautiful sands of the Muri lagoon.
The menu is extensive and family friendly. Our friends had the Mega BBQ plate with double lamb chops, chicken and sausages for $30 NZD. This is more than enough for two! Or I would recommend the mutton curry as the best curry I’ve had in Rarotonga!
The Beach Hut is located just past the Nautilus Resort heading towards Titikaveka.
- Restaurant: Beach Hut
- Open: Wednesday – Sunday 11:00am – 7:00pm
- Location: Muri
4. Rima’s Bakery Cafe
Originally Rima’s Bakery was just known for baked goods. Aunty Rima famously bakes her own breads and makes her own pies, sandwiches, toasties, sausage rolls etc. But then in recent years she’s expanded out to include cooked food. And because her husband is Indian, they’ve introduced curry’s onto their menu.
Rima’s Bakery Café offers a full and affordable menu with various dishes of chicken, fish and pork as well as burgers and pizzas.
- Restaurant: Rima’s Bakery Café
- Open: Sunday 9:00am – 3:00pm
- Location: Muri
5. Lil G’s – Rarotonga on Sunday
We had a delicious Sunday lunch with good friends at Lil G’s on our first week back on the island – and it was fantastic.
This cafe has been open since the end of last year and is located on the south side of the island in Titikaveka. Lil G’s serves seriously delicious lunchtime specials with ribs, fries – and a now famous seafood chowder!
A special shout out to the very welcoming owners, Nooroa and Gordon Nia. If you are looping the island on a Sunday this is a brilliant choice for taste, atmosphere and value!
- Restaurant: Lil G’s
- Open: Sunday 11:00am – 6:00pm
- Location: Rutaki
6. Rarotonga Sailing Club
The Rarotonga Sailing Club’s beachfront bar and restaurant offers all-day service. During the daytime the restaurant offers a casual café-style dining then transitions to an a la carte menu after 6:00pm.
The restaurant features fresh Cook Islands seafood, burgers, wraps, and a kids’ menu. Plus it is situated right above the beautiful Muri Beach and lagoon.
The Rarotonga Sailing Club Café and Restaurant is open to eat in Rarotonga on Sunday.
- Restaurant: Rarotonga Sailing Club
- Open: Monday – Sunday 9:00am – 9:00pm
- Location: Muri Beach
7. OTB – On The Beach – Rarotonga on a Sunday
On The Beach (OTB) Restaurant at Manuia Beach Resort in Arorangi is on the west side of the island and quite literally, right on the beach. It is a beautifully polished but casual dining experience with the restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Albeit it is further from the main road so you can’t see that it is open as a place to eat in Rarotonga on a Sunday. But OTB is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a tempting snack menu during Happy Hour.
If you are heading out for dinner we recommend their NZ $69 three-course fine dining dinner special. This has standout dishes like vegetable terrine and indulgent desserts. But on Sundays, the evening dinner special – On The Beach – includes a BBQ, dessert buffet, and the island’s largest fire show.
- Restaurant: On The Beach
- Open: 8:00am – 11:00pm
- Location: Arorangi
8. The Lazy Trout Café – Rarotonga on Sunday
The Lazy Trout Cafe in Avarua is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 8:00am to 2:00pm, for breakfast and lunch.
It is a hidden gem located in the Avarua District at the back of town, just a short walk from the Avarua waterfront.
- Restaurant: The Lazy Trout Café
- Open: Wednesday – Sunday 8:00am – 2:00pm
- Location: Avarua
Read More About Travel to Rarotonga
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- All About The Rarotonga Bus.
- Hiring A Scooter In Rarotonga.
- Renting A Car In Rarotonga.
- How To Buy A Car In Rarotonga.
- Finding & Renting A House In Rarotonga.
- Rarotonga Reef Explorer Tour With Ariimoana.
- Is Dengue Fever A Worry For Travel To Rarotonga?
- Transport & Getting Around Rarotonga.
Travel Planning for Cook Islands & Beyond
These are the companies we use 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. Easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for.
- 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 including those who have already left home. Make sure you have travel insurance before holidaying to Rarotonga!
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.
