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Fat Dog Cafe & Bar

1161 Arawa St., Rotorua 3201, New Zealand
64 7 347 7586
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Ranked #26 of 108 restaurants in Rotorua
Price range: RM18 - RM61
Good for: Child-friendly, Cheap Eats
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Takeout, After-hours, Dessert
Restaurant details
Good for: Child-friendly, Cheap Eats
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Takeout, After-hours, Dessert
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330 reviews from our community

76% Recommend
    130
    123
    43
    18
    16
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Rotorua, New Zealand
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2013 NEW

Staff and atmosphere were great but when paying for food you expect something half decent - meal was partially burnt and unpresentable. Taste was no better. Seems like a great place for a coffee. Great atmosphere but won't eat there again.

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See 2 more reviews by Michael O for Rotorua
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

The Fat Dog has always been popular. The servings are generous and the coffee good. Relaxing vibe on a raining afternoon if you would like to linger over coffee and a HUGE piece of cake.

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See 13 more reviews by Annie R for Rotorua
Waterloo, Canada
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

Ordered lunch: beef roast sandwiches, chips and some coffee. Coffee was excellent, nice pattern on the latte and good sprinkling of cocoa on the cappuccino- did not taste bitter or burnt. We got huge portions with the sandwiches being very nicely presented. Loved the ambiance and funny atmosphere of the joint (silly poem about a bulldog on the wall cracked... More

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See 2 more reviews by lvoloshin for Rotorua
Pukekohe, New Zealand
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

This is a wonderful restaurant, great food, service and value for money. We loved the surroundings, the warm fuzzies/quotes on the chairs and walls. There is a great variety of food, with something for everyone.

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See 5 more reviews by Feef738 for Rotorua
Auckland Region, New Zealand
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

I know its quite the Rotorua institution and I'm sure the crowds still come due to that status but there is much to be improved here. The food is average and the service well below... unfortunately in the most part due to the very poor handling of customers at the counter - incredibly slow, a lot of staff milling around... More

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See 3 more reviews by Angie W for Rotorua
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Seated promptly during lunch hours, service was prompt. Burgers are huge. Had one of the special fish burgers at the time and it was excellent.

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Hamilton, New Zealand
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013 via mobile

The Fat Dog used to be a must visit on a trip to Rotorua and has been around long enough to warrant its 'institution' status. However we found that standards had slipped considerably since our last visit. Everything (tables, children's high chairs, floor, glasses) was grubby. The food was average at best - the bacon was very poor quality and... More

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See 2 more reviews by JaneSteve70 for Rotorua
New Plymouth, New Zealand
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

We went here because of a voucher, so good value. Food was quickly served. Ended up spending our voucher saving on a big piece of CARROTCAKE yummy

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See 4 more reviews by Greg B for Rotorua
Auckland Central, New Zealand
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

Fun, relaxed and good for families. Our food was good but not exceptional. Perfect family fare. Lots of personality in the decor.

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See 4 more reviews by Nichole P for Rotorua
Whitianga, New Zealand
2 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2013

Cool funky place to eat, love the name!good prices, kid friendly,fast service,huge kids meals! Would go back again when in Rotorua.

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