The Cafe

K Karen R Shepherd 43 reviews · Local Guide 22 July 2026

This was a serendipitous find and it took our 6th visit to Rarotonga to find it but it's likely we'll be back. Friendly service, a small but tasty sounding menu, and a funky retro feel of spaces in times gone by, with real records playing and also for sale. And the food, which on this occasion was scrambled eggs with smoked marlin/bacon was simple and delicious, enjoyed by us both. Thank you.

P Pip Matthews 16 reviews · Local Guide 17 July 2026

Wonderful coffee! The second day in a row..The best on the island and we have been out lots of cafe's since here ...great smoked Marlin bagel to. The real fruit smoothie was also very nice.

P Peter Turner 379 reviews · Local Guide 28 May 2026

We have returned once more to Rarotonga, and our first stop, after picking up our "Rent a well Dented car" from Rarotonga Rentals at the Airport, was "The Cafe", for Ian's fabulous long black coffee, and enjoy the delightful taste of smoked marlin on Turkish bread, prepared by Claire while we wait. This place, as I have stated in an earlier review, is a must visit. I have commented before that I rarely if ever, give a 5 star rating, as it infers that they cannot improve or do better, however "The Café" maintains its 5 star rating with my reviews. It is a little out of the way but once you visit here, you will return. It commands its rating as the the number one cafe in Rarotonga. Many visits by us to come on our return to Raro this year for sure. ******* "The Café" is outstanding and confirms their recent number one rating of all the cafés in Rarotonga. With all of my reviews, I will always endeavour to be accurate, honest and detailed, if is not up to standard, I will say so, and visa versa. We have returned again to Rarotonga, and our first stop for the best coffee and a lunch meal, that we knew would be first class from previous experience, was "The Café" and we were not disappointed. This café of the many cafés that we have visited, makes the number one rated coffees especially "long black" coffees, that I have enjoyed. The aroma and crema, combined with the after taste is superb. You have to ask why can't other café outlets make a good long black coffee like this one. "The Cafe" uses Cook Island roasted coffee beans, and therein lies the answer, plus the Barista Ian, he knows what he is about. I had one of Clare's smoked marlin in toasted Turkish bread sandwiches, and it was precisely the same as I remembered from last year. Not even slightly smaller, just perfect. Last year I found the background noise a little too loud for my ears, so I gave it a 4 star atmosphere rating, based only on the noise aspect, this year the music is a little more sedate, so I have made a correction to 5 stars. Between Ian and Clare, you guys at "The Café" have found real success in what you offer and then supply. Perfectly brewed coffees dead right, fabulous food, with the right amount of tasty fillings, consistent and just great. This place has to be on your list to visit, and we will be back again many times for sure. **** I rarely if ever give a Café a 5 star rating, because it indicates that they cannot do better, well this place with regard to their food, coffee and service, they just cannot do better, it is truly first class. I ordered a toasted turkish bread smoked marlin sandwich, my wife ordered a ciabatta bacon, egg, lettuce and tomato sandwich both of which could only be described as meals not sandwiches. The photos do not do justice to either of them. They also make the best tropical smoothie and long black coffees of any of the ones we have had here in Roro, cannot be beaten. My only criticism was with the atmosphere, their music is a little too loud, however I am just being a bit picky here. The toilets were the cleanist we have seen in town, and well looked after. I must visit, we will return again. We will be coming back

R R T 6 reviews 4 April 2026

We really enjoyed our visits here. The place was very open and airy with a view of the sea and well protected from the rain and the wind that we were getting at that time. The building itself is very interesting - history is posted on a sign outside. The coffee was good. We enjoyed the smoked marlin sandwich and a tasty piece of cake as well. Very friendly owners. A quiet place to relax just on the edge of town after the busyness of the Saturday market.

M Martin Tetard 8 reviews 30 March 2026

Very good foods and croissants, very friendly atmosphere, sometimes with cats or dogs, very friendly staff, and good music!