SOBAR Surf & Turf
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!
About SOBAR Surf & Turf
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
Restaurant Characteristics
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
Set your restaurant preferences in your profile to see how well this restaurant matches your dining style.
Why Travelers Love SOBAR Surf
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.
Find the Restaurant
Where to Find Them
Opening Hours
Sign in to boost this restaurant with your daily points
Sign In to PromoteInstant Boost Packages
One-time purchase — points apply immediately to this restaurant
💡 Tip: Subscriptions are 90% cheaper per point!
Recent Reviews
Ellen K.
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!!
C L.
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!
Corrine T.
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.
Megan W.
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.
Mel C.
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.
What to Expect
Features and amenities that make SOBAR Surf special
Outdoor Seating
Live Music
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you visit
Payment Options
Parking
Accessibility
Other Popular Restaurants in Rotorua
Build your own culinary trail—save these spots for future nights out in Rotorua.
Silk Road
Momo Bird Rotorua (Nepalese Authentic Cuisine)
Sabroso Restaurant
Classic dishes from Latin America & the Caribbean offered in a warm, intimate atmosphere.
View RestaurantNumber 8 wire
Bold Flavours Bistro, Café & Restaurant
Okareka Restaurant
Poco.
Black Label Barbecue
Grill N Roll
The Krab | Rotorua
Mr Wolf Eatery
Atticus Finch
Swanky bistro with a mod vibe & sidewalk seating offering eclectic local mains & nibbles to share.
View RestaurantWhite Tiger Restaurant & Bar
The Rusty Bros Rotorua
The Fainting Goat
Urban Gusto
Terrace Kitchen
Eat Streat
Atrium Restaurant
Plan Your Rotorua Trip
From transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in Rotorua.
Transportation Tips
Walking is perfect for the town center. Organized tours include transportation, and car rental is useful for exploring.
Car Rental Deals in Rotorua
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Where to Stay
Find the perfect accommodation for your Rotorua adventure. From luxury beachfront resorts to boutique hideaways, we highlight the best basecamps for food lovers.
Best Hotel Deals in Rotorua
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Expedia USA.
Popular Tours in Rotorua
Pair dinner at SOBAR Surf with these top-rated experiences in Rotorua.