Driving in Tauranga is fun with scenic views and plenty of sunshine. But if you’re looking for a quick bite, their diverse cafes have scrumptious menus and incredible-tasting coffee.

Skip making your own breakfast or packing your lunch for one day, and head down to the amazing cafes Tauranga has to offer.

How about a slice of a vegan carrot cake? With options for special diets, not only will you feed your body the right food, but you’ll also leave feeling very content.

Anyway, we’ve done the work and picked out only the best cafes in Tauranga that are worth your money.

The Best Cafes in Tauranga

Without further ado, we now round up the very best cafes in Tauranga below!

1. Cafe Eighty-Eight

BEST FOR	Delectable, generous food and cakes, along with lovely latte art
SERVICES	Breakfast Lunch Brunch
WEBSITE	https://www.facebook.com/cafe88mount/?ref=page_internal
ADDRESS	88 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand 3116
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 7-574 0384 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Sunday: 7.00 AM – 4.30 PM *Note that the kitchen closes at 3.00 PM Christmas Day: closed Boxing Day and other public holidays: open
PRICES	Kindly refer to this photo here

The telltale sign of a great cafe is having many customers daily. And just by looking through the window, you can tell that Cafe 88 is one of the best cafes in Tauranga.

Whether you’re going for a healthy granola cereal with fruits and yoghurt, a fantastic omelette, or an artistic latte, you’re in the right place.

Their cabinets are filled with goodies with surprisingly large portions. It’s hard to resist their vegan brownies, carrot cakes, and Tofu Quiche with spinach, tomato, and onions.

How do you like your coffee to be made? Just tell the barista your preferences—for instance, less foam or sugar—and they’ll expertly craft it to your liking.

Customer Reviews

Though the cafe is bustling, the staff can still provide each customer with friendly and professional services. Additionally, customers love their delicious food and relaxing courtyard space.

One diner, Frankie M., wrote of Cafe 88:

“Highly recommend this place for coffee. Ordered an almond milk flat white with no foam and it was made perfectly. Great barista who understands different milks and needed. Staff were friendly and the place was busy and bustling. I didn’t get food but every meal I saw that came out looked tasty.”

A customer named Esther left a comment as well:

“My boyfriend and I went in for breakfast and were very pleased with what we found! A huge selection of cabinet food freshly baked. Delish eggs benny off the menu. Coffee was ok.”

2. Grindz Cafe

BEST FOR	Iced coffee and yummy vegan selection served quickly
SERVICES	Breakfast, brunch, and lunch Drinks Functions Catering
WEBSITE	https://www.facebook.com/grindz/
ADDRESS	50 First Avenue, Tauranga, New Zealand 3110
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 7-579 0017 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday: 7.00 AM – 4.00 PM Saturday: 8.00 AM – 3.30 PM Sunday: 8.00 AM – 3.00 PM
PRICES	Please view their menu rates here

Grindz Cafe is a family-friendly spot with a vast range of food choices. Their cheery and friendly staff will take your orders, while your food is prepared with care and detail.

Kickstart your day by having the Chef’s Special Breakfast with bacon, beef pattie, hash browns, spinach, onions, smashed avocado, or hollandaise—great for sharing!

For a lighter meal, opt for bacon and eggs or porridge with pears and dates, or mixed berries. Also, you can go to their cabinet with tasties like quiche or chicken panini.

Their iced coffee drinks keep you cool on a hot day. Other than coffee, they offer tea, smoothies, and protein shakes. For something different, try their Matcha and turmeric latte.

Customer Reviews

Grindz coffee stands out from the rest of the pack, thanks to their winning customer service and consistent quality of food.

One customer, Jassy, stated of the cafe:

“I went there today, ordered hot chocolate and food. they have very quick service. Nice manager and staff very friendly. i had a much laugh with staff.”

Also, a customer named Alberto said this:

“I was there to have lunch and be able to do some work I needed on the computer! I’ve heard very well of this coffee. Everything was wonderful great food and salad many options for vegans and gluten free, it was a hot day I ordered an iced coffee and was amazing. Nice atmosphere with sofas and table to reunite with friends and friendly staff. Definitely I’ll be back.”

3. Elizabeth Cafe and Larder

BEST FOR	Satisfying lamb and steak and a range of local wines
SERVICES	Breakfast, brunch, and lunch Drinks Functions Catering
WEBSITE	https://www.elizabethcafe.co.nz/
ADDRESS	247 Cameron Road, Tauranga, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	07 579 0950 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday: 7.00 AM – 3.00 PM ​​Saturday & Sunday: 8.00 AM – 2.00 PM Public Holidays: 8.00 AM – 2.00 PM
PRICES	Click here to see their breakfast and lunch rates Wine and beer menu can be viewed here Hot and cold drinks can be found here Catering menu can be viewed here

Nestled in the heart of Tauranga, Elizabeth Cafe and Larder serves up a classic menu with a twist. It also caters to vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto diets.

Their goal is to create taste-worthy food with the highest-quality produce. Equalling the quality of their food is their coffee sourced from the veteran roaster, Kokako Organic Coffee Roasters.

While their breakfast menu is limited, they offer tasty meals like smashed avocado on multi-grain bread and perfectly textured Lizzie waffles. Breakfast is available all day.

Getting a quick lunch? The gluten-free prawn and salmon salad, salt and pepper squid, and savoury steak sandwich with tomato and baby spinach are all fantastic choices.

To help enhance the flavour from your lunch, the cafe also offers the taste of NZ in their wines. They have wine choices, such as Riesling, Chardonnay and more.

Customer Reviews

Despite some waiting time during peak hours, Elizabeth Cafe and Larder more than makes up for it through their superb dishes and friendly staff.

One satisfied client, Jan, wrote a review of one of the best cafes in Tauranga:

“We had breakfast here on a Sunday morning, not too busy when we arrived. The food was just beautiful along with the coffee. We had the house made waffles and they were so very light and beautifully crispy unlike anything we had encountered before, as we believe waffles should be! Will visit every time we are in Tauranga. Great atmosphere with the friendliest staff. A winning combination. Great location within walking distance of the best accomodation at Tauranga on the Waterfront in Second Ave.”

Also, Adam said of the urban eatery:

“A truly exceptional experience. With helpful service, a bright and welcoming location and simply delicious menu items. I just have to highly recommend this place! The lamb, the fritters and the green smoothie were just the best.”

4. The Med Cafe

BEST FOR	Scrumptious and affordable gluten-free meals and tasty nachos
SERVICES	Breakfast, lunch, and brunch Drinks
WEBSITE	https://medcafe.co.nz/
ADDRESS	62 Devonport Road, Tauranga, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: 07 577 0487 Text: 022 369 2335
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday: 7.00 AM – 3.00 PM Saturday & Sunday 8.00 AM – 3.00 PM *Please note that their kitchen closes at 2.00 PM, but the cabinet food is still available till 3.00 PM
PRICES	Check out their menu prices from their site

Hunting for a cafe that will give you value for your dollars? Try The Med Cafe for delish food and amazing portions at affordable prices.

Situated at 62 Devonport Road, this cafe is very accessible from the city. With a caring and prompt staff, your coffee is sure to arrive hot and on time.

They have a relatively simple menu, but all the essentials are pretty much here. For breakfast, try their mushroom on toast or buttermilk blueberry pancakes.

Freshly squeezed juices, coffee, and tea will complement your meals. You can also order their special soup or salad of the day.

They also have outdoor seating if you prefer. For your kids, there are vegetarian nachos, fresh fruit salad, and yummy desserts like chocolate sundae and banana split.

Customer Reviews

Negative reviews are at an all-time low with this company. In summary, customers are raving about the excellent service and food quality of The Med Cafe.

Check out this review from one satisfied client on Tripadvisor:

“Visited for a late brunch, based on TA reviews. A truly wonderful experience, that other cafes could learn from. Wait staff delightful and attentive, brought menus & water, and were happy to take coffee orders so we could consider the truly awesome menu.

Coffees were wonderful – especially mine, the almond mocha – the best I’ve had in a long time.

Between us we enjoyed the fish of the day, the chicken salad, a toasted ham sammie & kumara fries. The food was all beautiful – even more so since we were all able to have gluten-free options, which can often be boring & limiting. Now, I have to warn you, the portions are amazing, so sharing may be a good idea. But, when the food is this good, why limit yourself?”

5. Patio Rose Cafe

BEST FOR	Fresh cabinet food with savoury and sweet choices
SERVICES	Breakfast, lunch, and brunch High tea
WEBSITE	https://www.patiorosecafe.co.nz/
ADDRESS	528 Cambridge Rd, Tauriko, Tauranga 3110, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	(07) 543 1096 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday: 7.00 AM – 4.00 PM Saturday – Sunday: 8.00 AM – 4.00 PM * Brunch menu finishes at 2.00 PM
PRICES	Kindly check their menu on their site

Come and dine at a lovely garden setting at Patio Rose Cafe. They have a cosy indoor and outdoor seating—so pick your favourite spot for your brunch or high tea!

Inside, their homely cafe features a nice patterned wallpaper and a fireplace to warm the diners. While outside, you can sit under the tree shade or by the morning sun.

Their specialty is cabinet food with daily specials, savouries, and treats. Using premium coffee beans, they brew aromatic and great coffee for you to enjoy.

Want a grand dessert? Order their buttermilk waffles with grilled banana, stone fruit compote, creme fraiche, and chocolate sauce.

Patio Rose Cafe is a great spot to catch up with friends over coffee. Also, if you’re a dog person, you can take your dog with you on their wonderful patio.

Customer Reviews

Among the best cafes in Tauranga, Patio Rose Cafe is housed within the Garden Centre amid beautiful plants and flowers. Customers greatly appreciated the wonderful ambience of the cafe.

One client, Paul, said of Patio Rose Cafe:

“Very good garden centre with a wonderful coffee shop. Great coffee and a good selection of delicious naughty cakes. Very pleasant outdoor seating surrounded by plants. Highly recommended.”

Furthermore, another left this comment:

“My wife and I stopped in for brunch – a mandatory flat white (or 2) and we shared the Eggs Bene (one muffin/egg combo each – perfect!). Coffee was perfect and the food was bang on. This place is a great spot to sit in the morning sun amidst the garden and chill out. Staff busy but friendly and attentive.”

6. The Raft

BEST FOR	Wide varieties of Expresso
SERVICES	Breakfast, Lunch, Catering, Dinner, Board Room Rentals
WEBSITE	https://theraft.co.nz/
ADDRESS	The Raft, 65 Chapel Street, Tauranga 3110
CONTACT DETAILS	07-5770831
OPERATING HOURS	MON-THU 7:00am – 4:00pm FRI 7:00am – 6:00pm HAPPY HOUR 4.00pm – 6.00pm SAT 8:00am – 5.00pm SUN 8.00am – 4.00pm
PRICES	https://theraft.co.nz/food-menu/

The Raft is an eatery and bar that offers a plethora of breakfast to dinner choices along with an equal variety of beers, wines, and expressos where customers can choose from. With various events lined up weekly, they are among the locals’ favorite places to hang out for a good meal and companionable experience.

We find their website to be highly accommodating and very easy to use since it is straightforward and all information that the customer might need to know is already stated for easier inquiries.

Another thing we like about them is their menu wherein they have gluten-free options available for some dishes so customers who have conditions related to this can still enjoy a delectable dining experience.

Clients can also readily reserve a table easily at their website along with special instructions regarding the dishes so that they can be aware of the clients’ needs and readily accommodate them afterward.

Overall, their past clients have commended them for their consistent and outstanding dishes, prompt service, and friendly staff which is why we recommend that locals in the area should give them a try and experience it for themselves.

Customer Reviews

Here are some reviews from their clients:

“Perfect homemade pizza bases for Rosemary & Parmesan Pizza Bread, lightly battered, non-greasy and lovely coffee!” – Tom Casey

“Been there several times, fast service and the food has been amazing. If you’re like me and just like good old faves, try their mince on toast, it was yummy.” – Julia McCabe

7. Classic Flyers New Zealand

BEST FOR	Learning About New Zealand Aviation
SERVICES	Flights, Aviation Museum, Conference Centre & Cafe
WEBSITE	https://www.classicflyersnz.com/
ADDRESS	9 Jean Batten Drive Mount Maunganui Bay of Plenty New Zealand 3116
CONTACT DETAILS	Telephone:+64 7 572 4000 Fax: +64 7 572 4005
OPERATING HOURS	Museum Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 9.00am – 3.00pm Friday – Sunday 9.00am – 4.00pmCafe Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 7.00am – 3.00pm Friday 7.00am – Late Saturday & Sunday – 8.00am – 4.00pm
PRICES	All Day MenuFriday Night Menu

Classic Flyers New Zealand aims to preserve the country’s rich aviation history, while serving good food in the process. They offer freshly cooked meals paired with perfectly brewed coffee.

Their All Day menu features dishes of with various kinds of meats and bread. They also have a Friday night menu, perfect for welcoming the weekend with a night of quality drinks paired with tasty snacks.

Their extensive range of drinks include New Zealand’s finest wines, beer, and more. As a licensed cafe, you can count on them to offer only the best when it comes to food and service.

8. Decor Gardenworld 

BEST FOR	Fresh and locally sourced ingredients
SERVICES	Plants and products, garden accessories, furniture, breakfast, lunch, snacks
WEBSITE	http://www.decorgardenworld.co.nz/
ADDRESS	165 Moffat Road, Bethlehem, Tauranga 3110, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	(07) 576-4777
OPERATING HOURS	Daily: 9am–4:30pm
PRICES	Contact Décor Gardenworld for the menu list

Enjoy the beautiful view Décor Gardenworld has as you relax in their bloom café! Considered to be one of the best in Tauranga, the Bloom Café has a lot to offer aside from the beautiful garden; amazing food at great prices is also another thing they’re loved for.

Their menu consists of freshly brewed coffee, seeping hot tea, and scrumptious cakes everyone needs to try!

It’s never too early or too late to eat delicious food, make sure to check out Décor Gardenworld’s Bloom Café and you surely won’t be disappointed.

Customer Reviews

Read some of the feedbacks for Decor Gardenworld:

“A lovely place for coffee,lunch and beautiful plants to entice you.” – Carol Parsons

“Went for lunch & coffee. Service was good. Food choice average. Gardens & gift shop great.” – Margaret Campbell

“Lovely lunch and great selection of plants to choose from.” – Glenda Bayliss

9. Kaimai Cafe

BEST FOR	Homemade Cuisine
SERVICES	Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea
WEBSITE	https://www.kaimaicafe.co.nz
ADDRESS	1603 State Highway 29, Lower Kaimai, Tauranga
CONTACT DETAILS	Email: [email protected] Phone: 07 543 3136
OPERATING HOURS	Wed – Sun 8 am to 4 pm
PRICES	Full Set Menu

Kaimai Cafe offers a place for diners to enjoy various homemade cuisine. They provide that, and more, in a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere. 

They have various menu suited for breakfast, lunch, and tea. Diners with dietary needs won’t need to worry about finding something to eat here — Kaimai Cafe also has gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes available.

If you’re looking to try something new, their Daily Specials might just be what you need. No matter what you order, Kaimai Cafe will make sure that you get a meal that is delicious and well worth the price.

10. The Terrace Cafe

BEST FOR	Freshly Made Sweet and Savoury Breakfast
SERVICES	Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
WEBSITE	https://ttc44coffee.wixsite.com/theterracecafe
ADDRESS	19/43 Devonport Rd. Piccadilly Arcade Tauranga 3110
CONTACT DETAILS	07-578-9744 022-311-3020 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Saturday: 07:00 – 15:30
PRICES	https://ttc44coffee.wixsite.com/theterracecafe/menu

Next on our list is The Terrace Cafe, a multi-cultural, family-run cafe that has been praised by many ever since it first opened its doors to the public.

For one, The Terrace Cafe’s menu is one of the most scrumptious and diverse on this list, featuring an all-day breakfast and brunch menu with vegan and gluten-free options as well as sweet and savoury dishes. Some of the dishes we recommend include Blueberry Pancakes, Roasted Kumara and Pumpkin Frittata, Turkish Sandwich, and Eggs Benedict.

Coffee, hot drinks, and other beverages are also available for refreshments. Each and every menu item is made with the finest ingredient available, ensuring freshness and quality.

Another thing worth noting about The Terrace Cafe is its staff, which comprises highly professional individuals who are friendly and quick on their feet. They strive to make The Terrace Cafe experience memorable for every customer that comes.

11. The Nourished Eatery

BEST FOR	Plant-Based Meals
SERVICES	Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Coffee, Catering
WEBSITE	https://www.thenourishingbaker.co.nz/
ADDRESS	114 Willow Street Tauranga, New Zealand 3110
CONTACT DETAILS	[email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday: 07:30 – 15:00 Saturday and Sunday: 09:00 – 15:00
PRICES	https://www.thenourishingbaker.co.nz/menu

The next entry on our list is a humble cafe with one simple goal in mind: To serve kind, good food and great coffee to the community.

The Nourished Eatery may be more recent compared to other cafes, but it has definitely made a name for itself in current times by consistently delivering mouthwatering healthy meals and smoothies that simply cannot be missed while in the Tauranga area.

The menu featured at The Nourished Eatery offers various plant-based dishes that will no doubt fill one’s stomach while providing the necessary nutrients to keep healthy.

One of these dishes is the Nourished Fryup, which comes with turmeric loaf, hash-brown, mushrooms, roasties, avocado, herby beans, cashew hollandaise, pickled onions, and toasted nuts and seeds — all for $19.

If you’re looking for something tasty to drink, then we recommend trying out the Raspberry Passion smoothie, which is made with Peter Rabbit Juice, banana, passionfruit, raspberries, and coconut. This can be purchased for $10.

It’s worth noting that each and every option on the menu, be it something to eat or drink, are made with locally sourced, organic if possible, produce.

12. Flaveur Breads

BEST FOR	Slow-Rise, Artisan Breads
SERVICES	Freshly baked goods, Coffee
WEBSITE	https://flaveur.co.nz
ADDRESS	31 Totara Street Mount Maunganui, New Zealand 3116
CONTACT DETAILS	[email protected] 07 5757161
OPERATING HOURS	Totara St 7:30-2pm Mon – Sat 2nd Ave 7:30-2pm Mon – Fri
PRICES	Online Shop

For quality baked goods that will no doubt leave you wanting for more, we recommend Flaveur Breads.

Flaveur Breads is a food establishment most known for their slow-rise, artisan breads. They have a wide selection of baked goods to choose from, ranging from sweet to savoury.

Some to note are the Multigrain Organic Loaf, Black Gold Sourdough Round, Focaccia Slab, Pain Au Raisin, Cinnamon Bun, German Soft Pretzel, Croissant, and Lemon and Poppy Seed Loaf. The shop also offers various whole beans that pair well with their breads.

It’s worth noting that Flaveur Breads is dedicated to producing quality baked goods for the community, so it’s not at all surprising that they use organic ingredients to ensure that the bread is free from chemicals, additives, or artificial flavours.

Moreover, their slow-rise breads, particularly their sourdough breads, are fermented for up to 24 hours, resulting in nutrition being fully harvested from the ingredients.

To top things off, Flaveur Breads can be purchased in other locations, such as the Tauranga Farmers Market on Saturdays.

And that finishes the best cafes in Tauranga list! Anytime you need a break or just want to enjoy a full breakfast or brunch, you can swing by at these spots.

Any questions or comments regarding our list? If you have one, kindly leave us a message, and we’ll get back to you in a jiffy.

Other than that, you may want to read about the best Italian restaurants in Tauranga. What’s better than a well-cooked spaghetti, pizza, and a glass of delightful wine for supper?