Built on food, family and spaces that bring people together.
Our story
Our journey began more than 26 years ago at the Blue Baths, where a love of food, hospitality, and creating spaces where people feel welcome first took shape. Locally owned and led by Jo Romanes, the business was built from the ground up with family at its centre and a deep connection to Rotorua. Those early years shaped our approach to care, detail, and genuine connection, values that continue to guide everything we do today.
The site that is now Terrace Kitchen will be familiar to many locals as the old Pizza Hut. It was here that the space was first reimagined as Terrace Kitchen, a restaurant built on quality, consistency, and a genuine sense of hospitality, before evolving into the venue it is today. That evolution reflects our belief in doing things thoughtfully and allowing spaces to grow with purpose.
What began as a single restaurant has become something more considered and enduring. While the spaces have changed, the intent remains the same, to create places that feel welcoming, well cared for, and built to last. We’re proud of where we began, proud of what we’ve built, and committed to doing things well, with intention, integrity, and heart.
Our other ventures are woven naturally into the story.
What is now Terrace Catering began as Blue Baths Catering, delivering events and celebrations while the Blue Baths was still operating. When that chapter came to a close, the catering business continued on, anchored by Terrace Kitchen as it grew in profile. Over time, it evolved into Terrace Catering in name, while staying true to the same principles, thoughtful food, calm service, and a deep respect for getting the details right.
Today, Terrace Catering works across the Bay of Plenty, from private homes and family properties to some of the region’s most memorable venues. Each event reflects decades of experience and the same care and standards that define our spaces.
Eastwood followed as a place for everyday connection. Set beside the Redwoods, it has become a familiar stop for locals after a walk or a ride, somewhere to settle in, share good food, and feel at ease. Eastwood speaks to our belief that hospitality should be consistent, welcoming, and part of daily life.
Parc is our most recent addition and our most distilled expression of care. Positioned by the lake, it focuses on first impressions done well, serving great coffee, simple food, and real fruit ice cream to people on the move. It’s a small space with a big sense of warmth, designed for gathering, even if only briefly.
Together, these ventures reflect a shared commitment to quality, connection, and a strong sense of place, all grounded here in Rotorua..
“We had our wedding reception here and what an amazing time it was. The team really did the most amazing job, made us and our guests feel most welcome, and made our day feel effortless.”
—Wedding couple, Terrace Kitchen