The Fainting Goat
Rated 4.5 stars! Experience delicious food and a cozy vibe at this Rotorua restaurant. Enjoy unique dishes & cocktails. Book your table today!
About The Fainting Goat
Located on Tutanekai Street in the heart of Rotorua, this popular eatery earns its impressive 4.5-star rating with a winning combination of delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere. A favorite for both locals and tourists, the $$ price range makes it an accessible option for a satisfying meal. Patrons rave about the innovative menu, with the beef brisket spring rolls being a particular standout – so good, many order a second round! The cozy and clean bar area adds to the appeal, offering a cool vibe to enjoy alongside the restaurant's diverse menu and cocktail selection. With friendly staff, a central location, and options for outdoor seating, it's a great spot for groups. Reservations are recommended.
Restaurant Analysis
Restaurant Characteristics
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. 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, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Dog Friendly, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Why Travelers Love The Fainting
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
This was so delicious! Our favorite was hands-down the beef brisket spring roll - holy cow that was so so so good. We went on an odd time so it was really empty and easy to find a seat. The bar is really cozy and clean and has a cool vibe. The staff were super friendly :-) but again the brisket spring rolls were amazing. We literally ordered another round. Do yourself a favor and try them! Looking for food in the centre of Rotorua then this is a good place to try. Decent variety on the menu u were as a party of three we ordered the buffalo chicken and blue cheese pizza, pulled lamb sliders and tarakihi fish tostadas. A nice vibe and buzz about the place and the food was yummy. Had the $99 platter that we shared between 7 of us, plus a pizza. - If you're a hungry bunch. I'd suggest getting 2 of these platters or getting a couple of extra pizzas on the side - Great value for money - Food was exceptionally good. Nothing was left, it was that good!!!👌🏼🤤 - Friendly service - We did have to wait a while but it was a Fri night & we didn't pre- book. They were busy the whole time we were there which was a good sign - a very popular place - absolutely recommend to all!💯👌🏼
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Recent Reviews
Chiara W.
September 26, 2025
This was so delicious! Our favorite was hands-down the beef brisket spring roll - holy cow that was so so so good. We went on an odd time so it was really empty and easy to find a seat. The bar is really cozy and clean and has a cool vibe. The staff were super friendly :-) but again the brisket spring rolls were amazing. We literally ordered another round. Do yourself a favor and try them!
Shaun L.
November 4, 2025
Looking for food in the centre of Rotorua then this is a good place to try. Decent variety on the menu u were as a party of three we ordered the buffalo chicken and blue cheese pizza, pulled lamb sliders and tarakihi fish tostadas. A nice vibe and buzz about the place and the food was yummy.
Ngere P.
May 28, 2025
Had the $99 platter that we shared between 7 of us, plus a pizza. - If you're a hungry bunch. I'd suggest getting 2 of these platters or getting a couple of extra pizzas on the side - Great value for money - Food was exceptionally good. Nothing was left, it was that good!!!👌🏼🤤 - Friendly service - We did have to wait a while but it was a Fri night & we didn't pre- book. They were busy the whole time we were there which was a good sign - a very popular place - absolutely recommend to all!💯👌🏼
Delaney K.
April 24, 2025
Amazing food!! Will definitely be coming back. We got the seafood platter for three people and everything was beautiful!! The squid, smoked fish and the ceviche style fish was incredible. The tostadas were flawless and the cocktails were great too. Would highly recommend sharing the board !!
Kelli B.
October 8, 2025
Not the most enjoyable lunch we have had. Lamb Sliders were OK but seemed to be just thrown together with salad intertwined between all sliders and they were only warm and not that enjoyable. The tostados were OK but not the best we’ve had. All in all was OK but we probably won’t be back.
What to Expect
Features and amenities that make The Fainting special
Outdoor Seating
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Dog Friendly
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you visit
Payment Options
Parking
Accessibility
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Plan Your Rotorua Trip
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Transportation Tips
Walking is perfect for the town center. Organized tours include transportation, and car rental is useful for exploring.
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