Cook Islands Restaurant Tips by catalysta Top 5 Page for this destination

The Cafe: Simple & Delicious Breakfasts

Simple open-air restaurant, simple but great breakfasts. Once we discovered it, my friend Darlene & I ate there every morning. Great food, friendly service, good fresh-ground coffee, and the music was always good too.

Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm, Sat 8:30am-1pm

Favorite Dish: Best French Toast I've ever had, with real maple syrup!

Address: Avarua

Comparison: about average

Directions: East of the deadly Roundabout I mentioned earlier...

Phone: 21-283

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 5

Theme: Breakfast

Maire Nui Gardens & Cafe: Relax in a lush tropical garden

Open for breakfast & lunch only, this cafe features organic produce grown right there. After eating, wander through the gardens, enjoy the lily ponds and mountain views...

Address: Along the road, in Titikaveka

Comparison: less expensive than average

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Vegan/Vegetarian

The Flame Tree: Unique and Delectable Fine Dining

The Flame Tree descirbes its unique combination of ethnic and gourmet selections as "Asian, Indian, Pakistani & continental European", so I won't try to embellish that any further.
If you want a wonderful exotic meal in a lovely garden setting, don't miss out on dining there - but do make reservations ahead of time!

Favorite Dish: Everything I tried was a taste treat delight, and they feature the delicious chutneys from Fruits Of Rarotonga. I wound up buying their cook book as well.

Address: Muri

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 5

Theme: Eclectic/International

Trader Jacks: Fresh Catch-Of-The-Day Overlooking The Reef

Go out deep sea fishing on a charter boat, then come back and eat fresh catch-of-the-day grilled par excellence, while enjoying the view of the harbor and reef.
Relax with a glass of wine, and as the sun sets, watch the local fishermen heading out through the channel to net fly fish once it's dark, to use for your bait on the charter boats.

Favorite Dish: Any grilled seafood is going to be wonderful here.

Address: Avarua

Comparison: about average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Seafood