If you want local, sized portions, this is the restaurant for you! I had half a kilo of ribs on my plate accompanied by potato wedges and salad. Friendly service and relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a beer and food during the day

(4.5 stars) Tucked in between the furniture warehouse and the Yamaha shop up behind the township of Avarua, Cafe Ariki is where the locals come to celebrate. The indoor-outdoor space is full of long tables of beautiful women with their hair pulled back into low buns under leaf and flower crowns. Raucous laughter rings out over the low throb of music and the swish of coconut palms stirred by the trade winds overhead. Fairy lights decorate most available surfaces, from the wrought iron gates to the specials board and the over-table shelters in the courtyard. They come for the dishes of kings, ariki, hefty plates of NZ ribeye steak (NZ$29.50) with more than 300 grams of great beef set under the best mushroom sauce I’ve tried so far on the island with wedges and ‘slaw. The catch of the day—tuna—can be taken barbequed (NZ$26.50) under garlic butter and a sweet chilli and pawpaw salsa with rice and salad. It’s cut thinly so not quite as raw in the middle as I like it. You can also eat your tuna raw, as sashimi (NZ$18.50) with a pot or their famous Ariki sauce. It was a bit thick and sweet for the fish but I gobbled it up on rice. Near the front of the restaurant you’ll find a huge collection of sauces in case what’s presented on the plate isn’t to your liking. You get your money’s worth here.

Island size portions, good island fare, and at a fair price. Fish and chips was the best we tried on the island. The mushroom sauce was great on the “steak platter” which came with 2 slabs of beef. Good salads with fresh ingredients. The only reason for 4/5 stars was the beef had more gristle and fat than a served steak should. Definitely worth stopping in, a hot spot for the locals.

Get more than your moneys worth here. food was amazing. Great service good venue. We ordered the pork belly, lamb shank, Ika mata and sashimi

My family decided to go out for our last night and l wanted steak. Not knowing the town well, google maps is a marvel. Grand-daughter saw her meal immediately, the Pork Ribs, son-in-law had the fish and daughter had the special Rib Eye steak. I had the steak and mushroom. The meals are large and if I had had room for dessert, would've gotten one of the many on offer. The service was friendly and she was very helpful. This is the first eatery I've been where when you order juice they sell it by the litre and you take what's left with you. We enjoyed the food and the service.

Out of all the places we went to for food in raro this was the nicest and the more affordable. Prices were good and portions were huge. Good hidden gem on the island

Loved this little gem tucked away outside the tourist areas. It's a popular local place with a slightly different homely taste. Friendly, relaxed and welcoming. Definitely worth a try if you have done the rounds with the other restaurants on the ring road. Will come back again.

Omg!! When in Rarotonga you must try this place. It's not on the main road, ask your resort or locals they will let you know. Everytime I come I always come here. Visiting 2022 still amazing- I had Ika Mata, Sashmi, prawn twisters fries.Food too good Lovely place for small and large gatherings (I was there 14/4/22)

Very popular and busy restaurant, need to book in advanced. We were lucky to walk in and get a table but had to share with others who also walked in. Miscommunication between staff almost made us pay the incorrect bill. Saying we couldn't split the bill. Overall the meal was average, the cheesy sauce over the steak was overpowering and wasn't delicious. The fish salad was much nicer, less heavy and just simply delicious.

Absolutely loved the atmosphere here. Other patrons were enjoying themselves, laughing out loud and simply being themselves - a truly raro experience. Food was delicious, worth the money paid for and staff were so knowledgeable of their products! Big ups to Kiana, Samantha and Angie for their wonderful service, smiles and professional attitude. Will definitely come here again on my next visit.

Went for dinner last week ordered the mains bbq steak. Was soooo delicious!! Would definitely recommend and visit again. Food didn't take to long to come out and the setup was spacious and pretty.

Loved this restaurant. Where the locals eat. Great service fantastic atmosphere and huge servings. Was like a home cooked meal thank you 🌸 oh and make sure you book