Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dumplings). The deli section is stocked with olive oils, marinades, relishes, jams and
chocolates.
Urbano Bistro
MAP
MODERN NZ, CAFE
$$
GOOGLE MAP
( 07-349 3770;
www.urbanobistro.co.nz
;
cnr Fenton & Grey Sts; mains breakfast & lunch $14-21, dinner $24-43;
9am-11pm Mon-Sat, to 3pm Sun)
This hip suburban diner, with mega-checkerboard carpet and
curvy wallpaper, is a bold move by reputable local restaurateurs. Try the beef, pineapple
and kumara curry - rich in flavour and well executed. Fine wines and five-star service to
boot.
Fat Dog Cafe & Bar
MAP
CAFE
$$
GOOGLE MAP
( 07-347 7586; 1161 Arawa St; mains breakfast & lunch $12-23, dinner $28-30; 7am-9pm; )
With paw
prints and silly poems painted on the walls, this is the town's friskiest and most child-
friendly cafe. During the day it dishes up burgers (try the Dogs Bollox version), nachos,
salads and sandwiches; in the evening it's candlelit lamb and venison. Takeway caffeine in
the shopfront next door.
MODERN NZ
$$$
Bistro 1284
( 07-346 1284;
www.bistro1284.co.nz
;
1284 Eruera St; mains $35-39; 5pm-late)
A fine-dining hot spot
on an unremarkable stretch of Eruera St, this intimate place (all chocolate and mushroom
colours) serves stylish NZ cuisine with an Asian influence. The lamb is always good, but
be sure to leave room for the delectable desserts.
Drinking & Entertainment
Brew
MAP
BAR, CRAFT BEER
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.brewpub.co.nz
;
1103 Tutanekai St; 4pm-late Mon-Thu, noon-late Fri, 11am-late Sat & Sun)
Run by the
lads from Croucher Brewing Co, Rotorua's best microbrewers, Brew sits in a sunny spot
on Rotorua's main eat-street. Sip down a pint of fruity pale ale, aromatic drunken hop bit-
ter or malty pilsener and wonder how you'll manage a sleep-in tomorrow morning. Good
coffee and pizzas, plus Friday DJs and Tuesday open-mike nights.
