Savor delicious seafood and grilled favorites at this Rotorua restaurant, rated 4.2 stars. Discover fresh flavors and a vibrant atmosphere. Book your table now!
This popular Rotorua eatery, known for its surf and turf specialties, offers a satisfying dining experience at a reasonable price point. The atmosphere is lively, with features like outdoor seating and live music enhancing the ambiance. It's a favorite spot for groups, and reservations are recommended. Diners rave about the freshness of the seafood and the flavorful grilled dishes. According to reviews, the seafood chowder is a standout, and the steaks are cooked to perfection. Patrons also appreciate the friendly and attentive service. With a solid 4.2-star rating, this restaurant promises a memorable meal.
Restaurant Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
Meal Time (lunch)
This restaurant primarily serves lunch. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Live Music, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
Absolutely love it!! The special rump steak was juicy and full of flavour, and the prawn & mushroom gratin were buttery, fresh, and perfectly tender. The sauce was amazing.The staff were really friendly too! I totally recommend this place!! Just had a walk in dinner here, appreciated that they told us there would be a wait due to large groups already in. Wanted the seafood chowder so was happy to wait. All I can say is it was the best seafood chowder I'd had in years. Highly recommend. The staff were lovely. So worth the wait! Amazing service by the owner operator. Great recommendations and terrific service by Te. We will be back. Pork ribs were melt in your mouth. Seafood chowder was perfect.
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November 9, 2025
Absolutely love it!! The special rump steak was juicy and full of flavour, and the prawn & mushroom gratin were buttery, fresh, and perfectly tender. The sauce was amazing.The staff were really friendly too! I totally recommend this place!!
July 4, 2025
Just had a walk in dinner here, appreciated that they told us there would be a wait due to large groups already in. Wanted the seafood chowder so was happy to wait. All I can say is it was the best seafood chowder I'd had in years. Highly recommend. The staff were lovely. So worth the wait!
October 6, 2025
Amazing service by the owner operator. Great recommendations and terrific service by Te. We will be back. Pork ribs were melt in your mouth. Seafood chowder was perfect.
November 6, 2025
The waitress we had was amazing. From her smile to her attitude everything was great. The other half hasn't had a steak cooked correctly like that for so long no where seems to be able to get medium rare steak right but the chef here did! Could not recommend high enough. Definitely a perfect spot. Bar staff were fantastic and the whole place is good with children aswell.
May 10, 2025
We booked for 8 adults and 2 kids (toddler and baby) and they reserved a high table for us, not great for the toddler and elder we had with us but fine. Service was great, server was lovely and food and drinks came out in reasonable time. Wasn't too busy for 6pm on a Friday night. The food was okay, I ordered the fish & chips and the kids fish & chips for my toddler. The fish was ok, batter was light and seasoned, came with an average coleslaw, not convinced the tartar sauce was actually tartar since it tasted like mayo. Chips were nice and crispy though. The kids meal however was the same as the adult meal just with slightly smaller fish fillet and tomato sauce instead of tartar. Would have been better if they were fish bites or something, my toddler didn't want any of the fish even after I cut it up for her (and she's not super fussy). Partner got the mussel bowl, said the sauce was good.
Features and amenities that make SOBAR Surf special
Outdoor Seating
Live Music
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Everything you need to know before you visit
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