Where to Eat in Aitutaki: The Best Restaurants and Bars

November 24, 2017 Enriqueta Cusson

This small island encased in a triangular barrier reef boasts incredible lagoons. Relax with a intimate picnic on the alabaster beach of one of Aitutaki’s minor islands, uninhabited and lined with swaying palm trees. Despite its heartbreaking beauty, Aitutaki isn’t (yet) flooded with tourists, due to its relatively difficult-to-reach location. For off-the-beaten-sandbar vacationing, Aitutaki is a prime destination, especially for those seeking unbridled romantic ambiance.
Things to do in Aitutaki

1. Rapae Bay

Amuri, Cook Islands Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, International, Polynesian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Dinner HK$110 - HK$392 +682 31 720
Excellent
63%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 248 reviews

Rapae Bay

Pacific Resort Aitutaki offers an array of dining options for both resident and non-resident guests wanting to enjoy a mouth-watering selection of local and international cuisine overlooking our stunning lagoon. Our main dining facility is at the Rapae Bay Restaurant, where we serve some of the finest seafood, Polynesian, international and fusion cuisine in the Cook Islands. All of our dishes are created fresh by our chefs from the plentiful produce that the Cook Islands offers. We also have a leading range of international wines which we can match with your menu to complete the ultimate dining experience. Let yourself be amazed by service that is unmatched in the South Pacific - whether you are staying with us or just dropping by, you will be in for a treat, however please note that Reservations are essential for non - resident guests.

Reviewed By Chapstar - Auckland, New Zealand

We dined here each day of our stay. We were never disappointed with any of our lunches or dinners. The chefs prepared my mahi mahi caught outside the reef superbly. The staff are really friendly and fantastic. Great views across the lagoon. Enjoyed watching whales swimming by most days.

2. Cafe Tupuna

Tautu Road, Cook Islands Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Seafood, Polynesian, International, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night HK$63 - HK$243 +682 31 678
Excellent
66%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 458 reviews

Cafe Tupuna

A la-carte Casual Fine Dining. Covered but in a garden setting. Fully Licensed. Open Monday to Saturday from 6pm. Major Credit Cards accepted.

Reviewed By Gongboy53 - Wollongong, Australia

Went there on the recommendation of another couple. It did not disappoint. Sensational food that would hold it's own in any major city. Small numbers and a lovely atmosphere. A must-do in Aitutaki.

3. Koru Cafe

Located on the way to Ootu beach, Cook Islands Delivery, Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa Cafe, New Zealand, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks HK$126 +682 31 110
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 935 reviews

Koru Cafe

Reviewed By amfarnham - Farnham, United Kingdom

We popped in for a drink whilst driving around the island. The Banana Fruit Smoothies were delicious and come with helpful advice on which restaurants were open that week and which weren't. We also picked up a recommendation for the Cultural night at Tamanu Beach. We acted on the recommendation and had a great evening out so thanks

4. The Boat Shed Bar & Grill

Popoara beach, Cook Islands Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Bar, Pub, Polynesian, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks +682 31 739
Excellent
34%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 575 reviews

The Boat Shed Bar & Grill

Reviewed By Terry77271138 - Melbourne, Australia

This is a gem. We had dinner there on several evenings to escape the unimaginative menu at our resort. The menu here is not large but will accommodate most tastes. You can sit outside in the 'cool" of the evening, on the veradah or inside. There is an very reasonable list of drinks including some very good wines. Prices are comparable to other places on the island. Try the deep fried susimi. Take a wander whilst waiting for your dinner and explore the surrounds. This is a very popular meeting place for local folk.

5. Tauono's

Amuri, Cook Islands Outdoor Seating, Seating, Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible Polynesian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Breakfast HK$8
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 135 reviews

Tauono's

Reviewed By custy_10 - New Zealand

We had arrived at our accommodation around lunchtime on Wednesday so after unpacking headed straight to Tauono's for lunch. It was very busy so we shared a table with another couple. A good variety on the menu including wahoo, mahi mahi, breadfruit lasagne and chicken schnitzel. It was all accompanied by very generous sides and salads, with most ingredients grown right there in the garden. Everything is organic and fresh. There was one waitress taking orders and serving so there was a bit of a wait but it was well worth it. Overall, it's delicious home cooked food. Nothing fancy - definitely home-style. Sonya was worried we wouldn't have enough food as we were among the last customers served that day, so she brought us out some breadfruit lasagne just in case we were still hungry - we weren't! it's not cheap, but is a nice experience sitting there in the garden eating fresh fish and vegetables.

6. Tamanu Beach Resort

Tamanu Beach | Amuri Village, Cook Islands Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, Polynesian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Drinks HK$86 - HK$369 +682 31 810
Excellent
45%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 340 reviews

Tamanu Beach Resort

Tamanu beach has a beachside 60 seat Bar & Restaurant. We are open for breakfast lunch and dinner with a simple Island style menu. Our feature Island Nights every Thursday are a highlight of Aitutaki dining. Sunday is a relaxed family bbq buffet. The specials menu changes regularly with the freshest catch and seasonal fruits. We do pretty good coffee (getting better every day!) and our sunset cocktails are very tempting.

Reviewed By MTLinda - Polebridge, MT

We also stayed at this resort, but ate at this restaurant because it is excellent. And their Island Night is great with a great buffet. We ate at a couple of other restaurants nearby and Tamanu was the best.Kia Orana Thanks for the positive review - I will pass on your comments to our team in kitchen and restaurant. Meitaki atupaka, Nick

7. Puffy's

Main Road | Amuri, Cook Islands Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Reservations Seafood, Healthy Dinner, Lunch, Late Night HK$39 - HK$235 +682 31 317
Excellent
51%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 298 reviews

Puffy's

Reviewed By Luke B

Simple salads with fresh island flavours and perfectly cooked fish and chips.
We brought our own fish once and they cooked it up for us a treat for a very fair price.
Another time we had their fish. It is caught daily.
Nice outdoor setting. No table service. Mr Puffy works the bar. Puffy keeps the meals coming.
They don't pretend to be something they aren't.
They do what they do well.
Thanks Puffy

8. Samade on the Beach Restaurant & Bar

Ootu Beach, PO Box 75, Cook Islands Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Full Bar, Serves Alcohol Seafood, New Zealand, Bar, International, Barbecue, Pub, Polynesian, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +682 31 526
Excellent
45%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 165 reviews

Samade on the Beach Restaurant & Bar

Samade on the Beach Polynesian inspired restaurant and bar has stunning views and is located on the lagoons edge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is available. Our special dinner nights include: Tuesday’s Aitutaki island feast and cultural show, Sunday’s BBQ fish & chicken curry. For the rest of the week try our a la carte menu.

Reviewed By PoppaHopper - Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Informal dining with the most amazing views of Aitutaki Lagoon. Basic but nice food options with a basic menu so good for everyone

9. Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill

Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort Motu Akitua | Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa, Cook Islands Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Takeout, Private Dining, Serves Alcohol Bar, New Zealand, International, Fusion, Pub, Australian, Polynesian Lunch, Breakfast, Late Night, Drinks, Dinner, Brunch HK$71 - HK$235 +682 31 200
Excellent
40%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
10%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 47 reviews

Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill

Enjoy the very best views of Aitutaki Lagoon from the best location on Aitutaki while sipping a tropical cocktail at the Flying Boat Beach Bar & Grill at Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort.

Reviewed By PeterJT46 - Mandurah, Australia

Wonderful friendly staff and a fabulous view of the lagoon.
Modest but sufficient menu, which changes daily.
Reasonable wine list, starting at NZ$50 a bottle with Moet & Chandon at NZ$200 a bottle.

10. Black Rock

Amuri | Aitutaki Pacific Resort, Cook Islands Seating, Reservations, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards, Serves Alcohol Bar, International, Polynesian Drinks, Lunch, Dinner HK$110 - HK$228 +682 31 720
Excellent
57%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 46 reviews

Black Rock

Should you visit the beautiful Shores of Aitutaki, Black Rock is the perfect location to enjoy a refreshing cocktail or a casual poolside meal. Set amongst the black rock formations surrounding our stunning lagoon and property, you will be able to enjoy spectacular sunset views while indulging on our finest treats at our gorgeous beachside location. Please note that Reservations are essential for non resident guests.

Reviewed By Susan M - San Francisco, California

We stayed 12 days at the resort and ate most lunches and had afternoon cocktails at the Black Rock Cafe. Because the breakfasts were so huge, we split many dishes at lunch. I recommend the Wahoo fish and chips. The fries were really good. The burger was excellent, as well as fish tacos. I was expecting small tacos, but we were served 3 huge ones with 3 different sauces. They were more like soft taco/burrito combos - without the beans and rice that we are used to in the USA. I also tried the lobster salad from the restaurant, which was like a Waldorf salad of apples and lobster and it was very good. The bar made lovely drinks, although the specials of the day seemed more imaginative than delicious, but the staples were all on the menu, as well as beer and wine. The views of the lagoon and the sunsets were gorgeous, of course. Many people came from other resorts and said it was the nicest place on the island. We agree.

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