About Us – Number 8 Wire Restaurant

About Us

Located on Tutanekai Street in Rotorua, Number 8 Wire was born from a very specific New Zealand mindset. The name comes from the iconic farming wire, a historic symbol of Kiwi ingenuity, resourcefulness, and getting the job done right with what you have on hand. We apply that exact philosophy to our kitchen and our dining room every single day.

We believe the best food starts with honest, local sourcing. Instead of over-complicating our plates, we let the natural quality of the ingredients speak for themselves. From our signature wild venison carpaccio to perfectly cooked local lamb and fresh coastal catches, our menu is a direct reflection of New Zealand’s rich lands and waters. It is hearty, farm-to-plate cooking crafted with absolute respect for the produce.

But incredible food is only half the experience. We wanted to build a space that feels as warm and welcoming as a classic Kiwi home.

Our dining room pairs the rustic charm of native timber with a relaxed, contemporary energy. Whether you are grabbing a seat to enjoy the vibrant Rotorua streetscape, sharing a wild game platter, or exploring our curated selection of New Zealand wines, our goal is to make you feel completely at ease.

Led by Yogi and a team deeply passionate about genuine hospitality, Number 8 Wire is more than just a place to eat. It is a place to connect, share stories, and experience true Kiwi culture over a great meal.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 2169 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Sarah Shepherd 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a perfect last meal in New Zealand here at Number 8 Wire Cafe. Our steaks are perfectly cooked. All of the food was amazing. You can’t beat the quality of the food for the price. The space is cozy, rustic, and cute. The staff was friendly and attentive- shout out to our server Matthew who provided us phenomenal service along with owner Yogi. They both made our meal special and memorable. We definitely will come back anytime we’re in New Zealand.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Angie C 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. great food and prices, and really friendly staff, thanks!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sonam Chauhan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a good dinner with the meat platter for two (chose venison and lamb) and a beer. Had a pleasant conversation with Yogi, the owner.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anthony Justt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great food and a really cozy atmosphere. The venison carpaccio and sirloin steak were both excellent. Special thanks to Srijana for the warm and attentive service — she made the evening even better!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Karen liang 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Srijana is very good service
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Evgen Bel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Самые вкусные ребра которые я пробовал, ну и коктейли тоже на высоте. Большое спасибо.
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 140 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kathryn O 
 
 
 
 Verified Great Scallops and prawn entrees were great Lamb rack and scotch fillet steak were both cooked perfectly Excellent quality and prompt service Would recommend Kate
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   DayTrip39822421538 
 
 
 
 Verified Very average Very average meal. One steak was very raw instead if medium raw, the mushroom sauce was underwhelming, the salad just lettuce leaves, chips were cold. They were prompt to correct the undercooked steak, so can't fault service. Wasn't a difficult meal to get right first go.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   petti77 
 
 
 
 Verified Absolutely Fab Absolutely loved our breakfast. The meals were so generous and delicious. Topped off with great coffee. Will definitely be back and recommend to everyone looking for well priced delicious food.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Odyssey08700601970 
 
 
 
 Verified Best meal in Rotorua Simply the best meal we’ve eaten in years. Excellent service from the staff, meal full of flavour and cooked to perfection. No criticisms at all. Will be recommending to everyone.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   h00p67 
 
 
 
 Verified A must visit for breakfast. Excellent breakfast! One of the best places we have eaten at for breakfast so far. Very good coffee and generous portions. Highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Mobile25768783519 
 
 
 
 Verified Great food and service Great atmosphere and friendly staff at Number 8 Wire Restaurant. The food was tasty and well presented. A nice place to enjoy dinner in Rotorua’s Eat Streat. Would definitely visit again
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Bridget D 
 
 
 
 Verified Lovely meal Lovely meal. Very friendly staff.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Heather K 
 
 
 
 Verified Rotorua’s best kept secret Awesome service thank you Zien and fantastic quality of food. All meat dishes were excellent quality. Rotorua’s best kept secret. This is the second visit and we will definitely be returning.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lena M 
 
 
 
 Verified Great Lamb, Terrible Everything Else! From start to finish the service was hostile and brusque — staff were unfriendly and snappy. Small requests were met with attitude rather than help. The water tasted outright foul, like chemicals/sulfur — almost poisonous. My dining companion commented the same, yet the server seemed completely unconcerned. To make matters worse, we were charged for an item we hadn’t ordered; only after pointing it out did they reluctantly correct it. On the food side, the lamb was genuinely good, and honestly the only dish worth eating that night. Everything else was hit by poor execution or poor handling.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Pojken 
 
 
 
 Verified Modest outside hides a real culinary gem. Excellent ingredients finely prepared with knowledgeable friendly service. This restaurant looks unprepossessing from the outside. The food is exceptional, a fine venison steak cooked to perfection, with an excellent pepper sauce which complemented it well. This was a little to my surprise I must add as I would have normally chosen such a sauce with beef. The waitress Zian was charming, helpfully efficient and knowledgeable. They do marvellous crème brule as well and even provided a French waitress to serve it. Amazingly low prices for anyone used to London, where such quality would have cost double.
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Number 8 Wire Cafe & Restaurant