Review Poco Tapas & Wine - Rotorua

The food was stunning. Beautifully presented, well balanced and the portions sizes were great for two. We ate the cheese fondue, broccolini salad, tamarind pork ribs and the honey tart. The tastiest food I’ve had in a long while and the staff were lovely too. I couldn’t recommend this place more highly!

Already had a few sips of my delicious cocktail before taking this pic, when my food had arrived. Some of the most beautifully plated dishes I’ve ever had. The cocktail and dishes I had were exceptional. Lots of creativity in marrying different flavours on the plate. Highly recommend to anyone who wants an innovative dining experience. The staff were friendly as well and the whole place felt like a well kept secret despite the many great reviews here.

Our first time visiting this restaurant. We can see why it has such good reviews. The service staff are attentive and friendly. The food and cocktails are divine. We were welcomed when we entered the restaurant, and the waitress explained the restaurant’s concept - All food listed on the menu are sides (hence the name tapas). The chef will decide the order in which the food arrives, based on your orders. ALL food ordered were good, the fried chicken in particular was hot and crispy, with a unique flavour I have not encountered. The cocktails were so good that we each ordered two (quite unusual for us). We were considering a dessert/cocktail (sorry I forgot which, I was on an alcohol high by then) with caffeine in it but we were told the coffee machine wasn’t working. They were proactive and suggested alternatives but those options had more alcohol in it, which we were not keen for. Overall a great dinner experience. Highly recommended if you’re in the area.

Excellent tapas, highly recommend the Chef’s Menu, and the wine list is extensive and unique. Plus when I messed up and needed to move my reservation, they were so accommodating.

Absolutely excellent, “no cap” as the kids say. Quiet cozy place, with a tight menu that really makes you want to keep ordering, and was told it often changes. If in this town, stop here to try a drink and one dish and you will likely not leave.

Amazing!! Bathroom is clean. Food is quite nice, I would recommend the Chickpea Broccoli, Fried Chicken or Lamb Shoulder. Lamb was the most tender lamb I’ve ever tasted (in a good way) and Chickpea Broccoli was refreshing. The atmosphere was earthy and green. Service was great, although the price was quite high for a low portion. I would say it good for special occasions with not many people.

The best restaurant we have been to in New Zealand so far. Beautiful atmosphere, decor, cleanliness. But the food is outstanding! The chef was very friendly too. We would even go all the way to Rotorua from Auckland just to eat here it was that good!

Went to Poco for New Years 2022 with a friend, we normally meet in Auckland but she couldn't leave Rotorua this year. We weren't familiar with Rotorua at all so after a search came across Poco. They were busy and the service was a little slow, but it's to be expected on New Years Eve. The food was amazing, the Coffee Rubbed Beef Sirloin was definitely the runaway winner. I wasn't convinced but I curious and it was a definite winner. The staff were amazing and very friendly, despite being busy they took the time to be so nice and have a chat. For cocktails, we ordered Old Friend, Poco 75 & a Mojito. The drinks were amazing. Overall, this is my new go to dinner place in Rotorua. Strong recommend if you want a small place with a lot of vibe. A jewel of Rotorua in my opinion.

When my family first arrived in Rotorua we stopped into a coffee shop to refuel after traveling from Auckland. When we asked our barista for dinner recommendations, he strongly encouraged us to check out Poco and we’re so glad we did!! The restaurant is tucked away up a flight of stairs and had a modern yet cozy feel. The staff was really friendly and attentive, and every dish we ordered was incredible. For our savory dishes we ordered: marinated olives, beet hummus + flatbread, harissa roasted carrots, pork floss green beans, goat sliders, and lamb ribs. For dessert we ordered: the sticky date pudding and basque cheesecake. If you’re looking for a unique and tasty dinner experience look no further!

We unexpectedly spent a night in Rotorua and came across Poco! What a treat. Service was so personable, food was outstanding, and cocktails & wine both delicious. Goat bocadillos were a standout, as was the venison terrine. 10/10 would recommend !