Patrick's Boutique Bakery — Restaurant in Bay of Plenty

About a week ago, my nephew Alex took my wife and me on a day trip to Rotorua to enjoy the hot springs. We drove through the stunning New Zealand countryside and arrived in Rotorua around 10 AM. After exploring a few geothermal parks, we spent a relaxing morning soaking in the warm waters of the Polynesian Spa. The pools were incredibly soothing, easing not just our tired feet but our whole bodies.

By around 1 PM, hunger set in. Alex suggested we try a classic Kiwi lunch—meat pies. Driving around, we stumbled upon a charming little café, Patrick’s Boutique Bakery, located at 49 Lake Road. Famished, we stepped inside and were immediately drawn to a glass display cabinet filled with an array of tempting treats: pies, tarts, rolls, and more—all of them looking utterly delicious. The inviting aroma of freshly brewed Izon coffee added to the atmosphere.

After a bit of deliberation, we ordered chicken and beef pies ($12.50 each) as our main course, followed by Vanilla Bean Cheesecake ($9.50 each) for dessert, and flat white Izon coffees to accompany the meal. The pies, freshly made by the chef and owner, Mr Patrick Rattigan, were absolutely delightful—flaky, well-seasoned, and satisfyingly hearty. The Vanilla Bean Cheesecake was a standout: rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced in sweetness. The coffee, however, was average and not quite up to the standard of the food.

The bakery has a few outdoor seats—enough for about six people—on a shared verandah with the neighbouring shop, Juniper. Parking is relatively convenient, with space for two cars directly in front of the bakery and additional spots for about four more vehicles across the street.

An added bonus is that the bakery is within walking distance of the Ōhinemutu Māori Village, making it a great stop during a day of...

This is absolutely a hidden gem! Just a hop, skip and jump from Kuirau Park, and tucked right under the hospital on Lake Rd. Parking wasn’t a problem at 1pm. There is a small ramp as you go into the premises. Just something to be aware of that first time. This place is a must visit for when you want that special treat for yourself or a loved one. We tried the ham croissants (toasted), the cinnamon and current pinwheel, and the chocolate donut thingy. Oh my! Utterly delicious. The cabinets and shelves had an array of interesting nibbles that I’ve not seen elsewhere. And those cakes!!! Wowee, what beauties. And that’s what makes me want to go back! Want somewhere different and interesting? Try Patrick’s. The only drawback to this wee gem is that there is currently nowhere to sit down and eat your tasty morsels. But the lakefront is only a minute’s...

Patrick’s Boutique Bakery is a hidden gem! The puff pastries are absolutely amazing—flaky, buttery, and perfectly crafted every time. It’s also a treat to walk in and see the pastry chef at work, creating fresh pastries right before your eyes. The quality and attention to detail really shine through in every bite.

What’s even better is the value for your money. The prices are very reasonable for the high quality of pastries you get, making it an excellent choice for both indulgence and budget-friendly options. Plus, there’s free parking, which is a huge bonus in a busy area.

Overall, this bakery offers a fantastic experience from the delicious pastries to the welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend...