These are the best Taupō cafes to visit for a taste of the local way of life. It’s here you can expect to see cafes with quaint garden seating, plentiful food cabinets and adventurous healthy breakfast dishes. Some are classic cafes while others are unique and a little adventurous. Find your new favourite smoothie combination, or nestle in a cafe with a lake view to enjoy the township. These are Taupō cafes to take your trip to the next level.
1. Montevidéo Cafe
Montevidéo is the ultimate setting for long lunches and catch-ups in Taupō. The welcoming atmosphere, kid’s play area and scrumptious food make it one of the best family-friendly Taupō cafes. Stroll off the street and into this home-turned-cafe, with outdoor seating and cosy indoor dining. Their cabinet is full of fresh and delectable goodies, and the full menu is available until 3pm. Lap up the Taupō sun at this lush cafe.
2. Double Shot Cafe
Right in the centre of town is Double Shot Cafe, one of the Taupō cafes that won’t disappoint. Grab a hot brew of Supreme coffee and explore the town streets, or hang around for brunch and indulge in bacon and egg croissants and chicken salad sandwiches. Simple and delicious. If you’re staying in Taupō for a while, this may become your new morning coffee and cafe destination!
3. The Storehouse
This wholesome cafe has been on the Taupō cafes scene since 2013. The Storehouse is off one of the main streets in Taupō town centre and is the perfect cafe to grab a coffee at before heading out towards the Huka Falls and more exciting North Island adventures. This is the cafe to meet at for morning coffees, bring the kids for lunch, and find a delicious all-day breaky. Try the Storehouse breakfast with kransky sausage, pulled pork, potato and herb rosti and loads more goodies!
4. Roots Waffle Cafe
Sweet waffles, savoury waffles, all kinds of waffles! Roots Waffle Cafe is the home of authentic Brussels waffles in Taupō, with light and fluffy waffles to delight the senses. Delve into a classic combo of bacon and banana waffles, or branch out and try their bobotie, a traditional South African dish with spiced beef mince on a waffle! Bring the kids along to enjoy the play area, and fur babies for a puppuccino. It’s a space for everyone to enjoy.
5. Cafe Baku
Perched right on the front line, this is one of the Taupō cafes that overlooks Lake Taupō. A large, open space with enticing cabinet salads, Cafe Baku is a staple in this adventure town. Keep everyone happy, with food options ranging from bacon and egg pie to berry granola. You can place an order on their website, making this a great option for takeaway coffee and food to enjoy with you outdoors.
6. Taste
Taste cafe serves up one of the best views in Taupō, sitting right on the lakefront. Soak up views of the big blue lake as you sip your morning coffee. This is a large cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s the perfect place for a lazy lunch on a sunny day, or to park up in a corner and enjoy a wholesome breakfast. Whether it’s a plate of tasty mushrooms or a steak sandwich and chips, you’ll find everything you need at Taste cafe.
7. Replete Cafe & Store
What’s not to love about a cafe and a store, all in one? Replete is the fantastic result of 30 years of hard work and passion. With the same owners still at the helm, this is one of Taupō’s most loved cafes, with locals and visitors flocking for the food and the atmosphere. With plenty of space for people to relax and wander, Replete offers cosy dining nooks, sells the best in kitchenware and food products, and boasts a full cafe cabinet (plus a full breakfast and lunch menu!) so customers always leave relaxed and replete.
8. Victoria’s
Victoria’s is one of the most stylish Taupō cafes that promises ‘good vibes only’. Everything from drinks to their full brunch is exciting and picture perfect. Pork belly eggs benedict may take your vote, or the perfect citrus pancakes if you’re feeling a sweet feast. Victoria’s has a tasty lunch menu and plenty of gluten-free options. Find this cafe right in the centre of town on Tongariro Street.
9. Tui’s Nest
The sweetest little stop to refuel and recharge in Taupō. Tui’s Nest is a small cafe just outside of the main town and a short stroll from the lake. This is the place to get your hands on a superb coffee in Taupō. Savoury omlettes, croissants with butter and jam and mince on toast, it’s the kiwi classics that are sure to hit the spot.
10. KEFI
Delicious keto breakies are a go at KEFI in Taupo. This popular cafe is known for its extensive options of salads, keto treats and low carb options. Think beef cheeks on cauliflower rice and vegan falafels for the perfect lunch in this North Island town. Not only are everyone’s dietary needs catered for, but KEFI also serve up the good vibes and classic friendly Taupō hospitality.
11. The Cozy Corner
Nourishing food is the aim of the game at The Cozy Corner. This is one of the best Taupō cafes for a balanced breakfast. Try their soy tofu scramble or the (not so) humble breakfast roll before a day of exploring the lakeside town. Their drinks menu is as enticing as the food, with superfood smoothies, dandelion lattes and even cocktails for those boozy brunch dates.
12. Body Fuel Cafe
If you’re looking for a satisfying feast in the heart of mighty Taupō, Body Fuel Cafe should be on the list. Korean-style stir-fried beef (bulgogi) is on the menu, and there’s always a hot soup on offer. Their cabinet is full of familiar treats like club sandwiches and sausage rolls, perfect for a snack while you’re on the go. This is a no-frills cafe with good, honest coffee and kai (food).
Cover image credit: The Storehouse
