Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
most child-friendly cafe. During the day it dishes up burgers (try the Dogs Bollox ver-
sion), nachos, salads and sandwiches; in the evening it's candlelit lamb and venison.
Takeway caffeine in the shopfront next door.
Bistro 1284
MODERN NZ $$$
$$$
( 07-346 1284;
www.bistro1284.co.nz
;
1284 Eruera St; mains $35-39; 5pm-late)
A fine-din-
ing 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
BAR, CRAFT BEER
(
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 bitter 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.
Pig & Whistle
PUB, BREWERY
(
www.pigandwhistle.co.nz
; cnr Haupapa & Tutanekai Sts; 11am-late)
Inside a former police
station, this busy microbrewery-pub serves up Swine lager, big-screen TVs, a beer
garden and live music Thursday to Saturday, plus solid grub (mains $19 to $32). The
menu runs the gamut from crispy pork-belly salad to burgers and vegetarian nachos.
Belgian Bar
BAR, LIVE MUSIC
(
www.facebook.com/pages/belgian-bar/137762819598058
; 1151 Arawa St; 4pm-late Tue-Fri,
2pm-late Sat & Sun)
The best bar in town for lovers of gigs and good beer. Half a dozen
Euro-beers on tap and 42 in the bottle accompany regular blues and acoustic acts
('Clapton is God' is spraypainted behind the stage). Garden bar out the back.
Basement Cinema
CINEMA
