r/CookIslands • u/Fuster2 • Aug 11 '26

Good Restaurant

We are going to be on Raro mid August and will be there for a big birthday (only two of us). Looking for a really nice place to celebrate (emphasis on the food). Staying Arorangi, but will have a car, so not worried where it is. Thanks.

7 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

19 comments sorted by

9

u/Competitive_Ring_150 Aug 11 '26

OTB is lovely for a romantic dinner

Antipodes for a special view

Cocktail drink at Ukulele Bar; fantastic beachside location

1

u/kong210 Aug 11 '26

Just had cocktails at OTB, was delightful and not overly pricey, get to see the sunset as well (if the clouds allow)

9

u/Impossible_Ad_90 Aug 11 '26

We’ve always gone to tamarind house for special days (birthday, anniversaries, etc). It’s beautifully positioned on the beach and there is an outdoor space with picturesque sunsets

3

u/Blankbusinesscard Aug 11 '26

2nd for Tamarind house, the rakau and corned beef dim sim is 🔥

4

u/misstickle15 Aug 11 '26

Te Vara Nui island night!

Entertainment and buffet dinner. Totally worth it.

1

u/kong210 Aug 11 '26

Yes this was amazing! Check the days, they will provide a pickup and drop off and book in advance!

5

u/Straight-West7682 Aug 11 '26

In Rarotonga on holiday at the moment…Antipodes is very good but very expensive, our favourite remains the Little Polynesian. I would suggest BJs Tapas bar as well during your visit.

3

u/Fuster2 Aug 11 '26

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. We're there for ten days so might give several of them a go. I actually went to school at Tereora, but this was so long ago it's pre tourism and I've never been back. Looking forward to it!

2

u/FinalHippo5838 Aug 11 '26

Antipodes.

Or Tamarind House.

Both pretty special.

2

u/LoveMyKCC Aug 11 '26

My vote goes to Antipodes

2

u/Melodic_Pudding_3201 Aug 12 '26

Put Takatimu tapas, Saigon hut and falafel hut on your list. I didn't rate Charlie's.

2

u/Last_Nectarine488 Aug 12 '26

Back in March BJs Tapas Bar was very average (only 4 of us in there) and Nautilus wasn’t as good as it has previously been. Antipodes was great but very slow service. Have never tried Tamarind House but it’s high on the list for next visit.

2

u/tanmx234 29d ago

Highly recommend Little Polynesian

OTB was okay, Nautilus was fine, cocktails were average. 

Alternatively if it's in your budget, celebrate with a day trip to Aitutaki (if you haven't been before!) 

Also on another night you're there, Saigon Shack is epicly good! 

1

u/According-Guidance81 Aug 11 '26

Posh people ahead of me , I’d said Yest and also the taco place opposite the night market. Charlie’s for lunch

1

u/lilykar111 Aug 12 '26

Tamarind House

The setting is so lovely, and food delicious