Tamarind House Restaurant & Ukulele Bar
Tamarind House Restaurant & Ukulele Bar
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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tamarind House Restaurant & Ukulele Bar
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
With delicious and world-renowned Pacific cuisine, superb cocktails, an evening with your loved ones or any occasion at Tamarind House and Ukulele bar is an extra special experience. Whether your requirements are large or small, we are eager to accommodate you with an occasion that you will long remember. Tamarind House Restaurant and Ukulele Bar is a versatile venue offering five different areas to suit any occasion. Situated on a large oceanfront property, with it's stately beautifully restored historic colonial house, huge verandas and french doors, and a lovely garden shaded by coconut palms and green lawns sweeping down to the ocean. Ukulele Bar on the beach open from noon daily is a great place to while away seagazing with a drink and light meal Tamarind is just a 3 minute drive from the town centre, and the round the island bus stops just by the entrance. You can enjoy a feeling of nostalgia for a bygone era in the peaceful seclusion of our truly unique tropical setting.
Features
CUISINES
Seafood, New Zealand, Polynesian
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Beach
Free off-street parking
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Highchairs Available
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Street Parking
Table Service
Visa
Waterfront
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Free off-street parking, Parking Available, Street Parking
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
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Hours
Open until 10:30 PM
Sunday
5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Monday
11:00 am - 10:30 pm
Tuesday
11:00 am - 10:30 pm
Wednesday
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Thursday
11:00 am - 10:30 pm
Friday
11:00 am - 10:30 pm
Saturday
11:00 am - 10:30 pm
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4.5
1,661 reviews
Excellent
1,130
Very good
353
Average
122
Poor
30
Terrible
26
JumboJetJohnny
Melbourne660 contributions
Sept 2024 • business
Dined here with two business partners during a recent conference and the meal and service were very good. I was greeted & seated by a friendly & helpful young waitress and soon after had a cold beer and some sparkling water. As my guests were running a little late, the waitress brought me a serve of house made focaccia with garlic butter.
The menu offers a great variety of local fish, lamb, beef and veggie options. I went for the pan-seared local fish which was perfectly cooked and had a delicious garnish of banana purée and salsas. My colleagues went for the slow cooked lamb and the chicken curry - both were very happy with their meals.
Tamarind House has an island-formal vibe, it’s laidback and opens out onto the beachfront but the decor and service put it a cut above most of the eateries in Rarotonga. There are definitely some other great restaurants around Avarua, but they are very casual. If you are looking for something a little more polished with fabulous food, give Tamarind House a try.
Written 7 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveller2australia
1648 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
This place is a definite on our list each time we go to Rarotonga. Last here in 2022 and the prices have sneaked up (like most places) and the wine is still overpriced but the food is just as good as it always has been. We each had a glass of prosecco ($13.50ea), bottled still water ($9.50!), and the seafood platter which this year was $135.50 as opposed to 2 years ago when it was $112. And a bottle of wine at $65.50 (available in Avarua for $19.90 retail) made for a reasonably expensive night. The ambience & sea views with excellent service assisted with making it a great night.
Written 13 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A.E.H
14 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
Great Spot, reviews don't lie! Really wonderful place, very laid back, nice atmosphere and decor, prices reasonable, food very delicious. We had the lamb shank, meat just fell off the bone, catch of the day pan seared and brownie ice cream sandwich plus 2 drinks which came to approx $130 NZD. Very happy with the service, highly recommend.
Written 28 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa G
Solomon Islands5 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
On our stay we had Ika Mata every day some times twice a day (when in Rome), but the serving we had on our shared seafood platter left 2nd place miles behind. What a sensational meal - a real dining experience. Food and atmosphere was nothing short of superb. A must for anyone chasing a special occasion. We finished our night at the on site cocktail bar next door which continued the exceptional high quality and service. Price was not cheap but definitely on point. Will recommend this restaurant to any friends or family visiting. Thanks for a great night!
Written 11 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jayne J
Mackay2618 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
Heard great things about Tamarind House and booked our night for dinner. The ambiance is there certainly. The drinks are extremely expensive a bottle of wine starting at $65.
The menu we all found lacking and again expensive for what was supposed to be fine dining. An example Fish and Chips were only $28.50 but didn't come with salad, with salad added the cost $40. Not ultra impressed.
Written 19 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sweetpeapb1
Auckland Central146 contributions
Oct 2024 • friends
The venue is wonderful. Lovely atmosphere to sit and relax in. Staff all quite good also. WE have all been there last visit to Rarotonga and it was really good so headed back again. Meals were disappointing though. The sea food chowder was lots of potato chunks and the "crusty" bread was served laying half in the chowder which meant a rather soggy serving. Other 2 meals not up to standard either. Cocktails ok.
Written 18 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick M
15 contributions
May 2024 • family
Food was OK, the most disappointing thing was we rang about a nut allergy and were told that it would be fine to eat here.
The dinner was for 12 people, when placing the order the waiter said we can't help with the nut allergy. Pretty poor form
Written 19 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
taylorshimizu
25 contributions
May 2024 • couples
Had the absolute best time here dining for dinner at sunset for my birthday! The property is beautiful and well kept—it was gorgeous at sunset! The bartenders made some delicious drinks—Negroni, old fashioned and mai tais! We had garlic butter focaccia bread to start—A plus, so pillowy! Then we shared the seafood platter which had a little of everything! It was so fun trying everything—we loved the oysters, fresh shrimp salsa, ikamata and fish curry the most!! We also had a side chopped salad and a birthday surprise tiramisu! The manager came by and spoke with us—such a sweet man from Fiji, made us feel so loved and at home! Our waiter was fabulous and just a sweetheart! Overall our experience here was one for the books, an unforgettable birthday! Appreciate the fun spirits of the staff, excellent food and great atmosphere! We will be back!
Written 25 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karine
Auckland165 contributions
Jan 2024 • family
Good quality ingredients, very fresh fish Mahi-mahi and Tuna, curry still excellent, really interesting and fresh salads - took trouble with presentation and service was professional. Shame we couldn’t fit desert as they looked fabulous. And some terrific old school
desert coffees! Great smart beach vibe and a nice sense of ‘occasion’ … we will be back.
Written 3 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scenic27521440231
Silverdale2 contributions
May 2024 • family
This place is amazing!! Food was great, best Salad Nicoise I’ve ever had, very accommodating with us having a 3yr old with us as well, brought his food out before ours. Cocktails were sooo good as well, pina colada is a must!!
Written 10 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scenic635128
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • friends
We spoke with other tourists and this Restaurant was highly recommended. We required a lovely sea view and great food to celebrate a 50th birthday lunch for 10 people. We definitely found the right venue.
The staff were attentive and friendly. Indi was our bartender, took the orders, made the cocktails and other drinks whilst giving us time to view the lunch menu. 8 out of the 10 chose the Battered Fish of the Day, (Marlin) with chips and salad. Absolutely perfect, crunchy and not greasy. Beautiful. The other 2 also had fish dishes which they thoroughly enjoyed. Have no hesitation in recommending this Restaurant. Perfect food, host and venue.
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah A
North Island54 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
The worst of Rarotonga, the food here is so terrible! Fish and chip-deep fried marlin and chips: firstly you don’t deep fry marlin, anyway the batter was soggy, obviously put in an oven to keep warm while the rest of the meal was prepared, chips not crispy or particularly hot. No garnish, very basic.
Chicken curry: warm rice , floury roti, presented well but lacked nicely cooked chick.
Garlic bread soggy
Tuna was delicious and very well presented.
Waitress was excellent.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jwjg
290 contributions
Jan 2025 • family
We had a beautiful experience at Tamarind House. It’s not fine dining, but it is relaxed, elegant dining and the food is excellent. Highly recommended as one of the best options in Rarotonga. The location is special with a beautiful view, the service is friendly but unobtrusive. The ika mata was delicious, I had seared tuna for the catch of the day which was excellent, my wife’s chicken curry was delectable and my daughter’s steak was very much to her liking. A great place.
Written 9 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Salty
Wellington28 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
Tamarind House was recommended as a great spot to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and it did not disappoint. Beautiful location, super friendly and efficient staff and absolutely delicious food. I had the marlin croquettes and ika mata and both made me make embarrassing sounds of satisfaction.
Written 15 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zdaati
4684 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
Great place with a nice view and open terrase. Was quite busy so reservations are smart. Menu is not huge but nice selection and we went for the tuna Tatari and ika Mate as starters both excellent well Balanced and tasty and after that the grilled tuna and odd combination fish and chips with tuna but ended very tasty and closed with the cheesecake. Some wine and beer along with a total for us two was exactly 100 euro.
Very enjoyable dinner with excellent service.
Written 9 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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