Away To Rarotonga

Best Cafes, Restaurants & Places To Eat In Rarotonga On A Sunday.

Sarah Steiner

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. 

The Falafel Shack in Arorangi is a great place to eat in Rarotonga on Sunday.
With the very friendly owner Puretu at The Falafel Shack on Sunday in Rarotonga.
We love the Doner Kebab at The Falafel Shack!

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. 

The team at Baby Pancakes on Sunday in Nikao.
The Nikao Social Centre Market is open in Rarotonga on Sunday.

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.

Tables right on the beautiful Muri beachfront.
Fish and chips and the mutton curry are what we recommend any Sunday!

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.

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!

Owners Noora and Gordon are known for delicious food and seriously great service.
The ribs dish was a highlight of discovering Lil G’s on a Sunday!

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.

Heading to a BBQ event at the Rarotonga Sailing Club.

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.

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. 

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