Whangārei’s Best Known Cafes
Whangārei is home to plenty of coffee lovers and the city has plenty of cafes for a catch-up with friends or to meet the locals. Here are a few options to get started as you work your way around the city, looking for the most flavourful coffees in town.
Acropolis Cafe Bar & Grill
You may accuse us of being biased but it’s hard to go past the coffee at Acropolis Cafe Bar & Grill, and the friendly service, handy location and stunning views make it even better. In the heart of Port Nikau, Acropolis makes amazing coffee and we would definitely recommend heading back for lunch or dinner to try their authentic Greek cuisine.
Sabio
You’ll find this coffee lover’s cafe on Lower Dent Street, a stone’s throw from the Hātea Loop. They roast their own beans and sell a selection in-store, so why not grab a bag of locally roasted beans to take away with you? The Sabio kitchen works magic on an all-day breakfast menu or you can opt for delicious cabinet options with regular keto and paleo favourites and plenty of sweet treats.
Hello Pickle
Serving Supreme Coffee, this is a local favourite and ideal if you’re on the road. Hello Pickle make their own pickles and relishes on-site, and are well-known for great coffee and a tasty range of sandwiches, so we recommend popping in for coffee and a delicious bite to eat.
Mrs Kwacka’s Coffee Shop
Mrs Kwacka’s daily selection of decadent sweet treats, savouries and pies sell out quickly, so it’s lucky they have two locations in Whangārei. Even so, we recommend arriving early to take your pick! You’ll Mrs Kwackas’s inside the Huanui Fresh produce store on Ngunguru Road in Glenbervie, (a great stop-off on your way to or from the Tutukaka Coast) and on Vine Street, central Whangārei.
Kafe
Attached to Waterman’s World surf shop on Riverside Drive, Kafe makes the best iced coffees in town. Get one to go while you walk the Hātea Loop or grab a table out the back overlooking the river. Further along the Loop Walk, you’ll also find an awesome coffee cart in the carpark next to the Te Matau A Pohe Bridge.
Manaia Espresso
Why not support local and buy a bag of local Tutukaka-based roasting company Manaia Espresso’s beans or try a cup at Smith & Local at Parua Bay – they make awesome pizzas too if you happen to visit around lunchtime.
Fat Camel Cafe
Fat Camel offers moreish Israeli cuisine and is modelled after a typical Tel-Aviv Café, where the café is the centre of social life. Serving great coffee and generously portioned main plates, this is a real local favourite. On sunny days, sit outside on the cobblestones and people-watch. It’s right in the centre of town on Quality Street.
Biggie Bagels
Biggie Bagels is a favourite for brunch or lunch with sourdough bagels starting from under $10. Keep it simple with the Fresh Prince, with mozzarella, tomato and basil, or sink your teeth into the Beastrami Boys, with pastrami, mustard, gherkin and melted swiss cheese.
Mean’s Vietnamese
Mean’s Vietnamese is loved by locals for fresh, tasty and healthy options, all based on – you guessed it – Vietnamese food. There’s indoor and outdoor dining, so if the sun’s out we recommend grabbing a table outside and ordering an authentic Vietnamese beer to go with your summer roll. Mean’s is known for its speedy service and always with a smile!
Gopal’s
Gopal’s is Whangārei’s only 100% vegetarian and vegan restaurant, based on Hare Krishna flavours and principles. With combo meals starting at around $5 it’s super cheap! Stop in and try the vegan sausage roll when you’re next on Vine Street – this food is absolutely delicious.
Turkuaz Cafe
Turkuaz Cafe is a great spot for a fresh, authentic, tasty meal including all your favourites like Spanacopia, Pita bread, Falafel, fresh salads, meat on fried, grilled plates, delicious vegetarian options and so much more. You’ll find them in Okara Park Shopping Centre, just a short drive from Port Nikau.
Hare Krishna Community Cafe
Visit Hare Krishna Community Cafe on Saturday morning when the Whangarei Growers’ Market is on and you’ll see lines around the corner for their baked goods and samosas. Well worth a visit for freshly baked banana bread, chickpea fudge, spinach and feta rolls and chocolate croissants so big you’ll need both hands!
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