Cafe Awa

15 The Strand, Whakatāne 3120, New Zealand
+64 7 308 9500
$$$ Cafe
(293 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Welcome to Cafe Awa, a hidden gem situated on the vibrant Strand of Whakatāne, New Zealand. This charming café is not just about a cup of coffee; it’s an experience that combines warm service, delectable meals, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps locals and visitors alike coming back for more.

Cafe Awa offers a delightful array of options, making it perfect for anyone seeking a satisfying breakfast or a leisurely brunch. From the moment you step inside, the friendly smiles of the staff will greet you, inviting you to indulge in some of the best cuisine the region has to offer. Customer reviews reflect a unanimous consensus: the food here is simply outstanding!

Indulge in their popular Awa Breakfast, a hearty plate brimming with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Or perhaps, opt for the sumptuous Egg Benedict, perfectly poached eggs resting atop toasted English muffins, drizzled with hollandaise sauce that strikes a fine balance between richness and acidity. For a locally sought delicacy, try the corn fritters; they are often described as "next level good" and are accompanied by fresh salads topped with creamy dressings.

The coffee at Cafe Awa deserves a spotlight of its own. Brewed to perfection, every cup—whether it’s a frothy cappuccino or a rich mocha—invites you to savor each sip. As one patron affectionately remarked, the coffee is "absolutely beautiful," showcasing the café’s commitment to quality.

What truly sets Cafe Awa apart is its inviting atmosphere. With clean and tidy surroundings, it’s the perfect spot to unwind while enjoying the fresh air on their outdoor seating area. Many reviews highlight this tranquil setting, mentioning how ideal it is for a relaxed breakfast before embarking on local adventures.

The café prides itself on its customer-centric service. From the warm greetings at the door to attentive wait staff, guests leave feeling valued and appreciated, making it a truly local experience. One visitor noted, "the staff are lovley and friendly," which captures the essence of the hospitality at Cafe Awa.

Whether you’re staying at the adjacent Awa Motel or simply passing through Whakatāne, a meal at Cafe Awa enriches your visit with memorable flavors and friendly encounters. Come and immerse yourself in the community spirit while enjoying a meal that not only fills your stomach but warms your heart.

For those who appreciate local businesses and the culinary diversity they offer, Cafe Awa is not just a café; it's a destination that embodies the very spirit of its surroundings. Stop by, and see for yourself why it has earned such glowing reviews.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

293 Reviews
Char Rewiri-Ulufonua

04 Oct 2025

Wonderful food, service and setting. Always clean and tidy. Staff are lovley and friendly.. Always have a great experience here and love supporting local businesses.

Dianne

24 Sep 2025

Cute cafe attached to the Awa Motel we stayed at. Friendly service, yummy meals, generous portion size, plenty of options including vegetarian. Recommend dining in for breaky if you're staying at the motel.

Lynda from-Waiheke

27 Aug 2025

Really good breakfasts & so many delicious choices. Coffee excellent! Staff so friendly! Well priced. Plenty of easy parking. Totally understand why they have such great reviews. We will be back. Thanks.

Juergen Heinicke-Lindt

25 Jul 2025

Very good food (Egg Benedict), great cappuccino / moccacino for an absolute reasonable price combined with friendly service. You cannot ask for more :-)

Una Gallagher

28 Jun 2025

Popped in this morning for some breakfast before a little fishing trip we were greated with a lovely hello and a smile moment we walked in from all the staff! Ordered two eggs Benedict with bacon a cappuccino (absolutely beautiful, lovely and frothy also the young gentleman even made it to a perfect warm temperature that I had requested which was awesome) and a tea! delicious breakfast and fantastic value for money! Very clean and tidy all round! Would recommend to anyone will certainly be back when we visit again! Staff are a credit to the place! Unfortunately didn't get the names of any of the staff but we visited today Thursday 1 June thanks again!

Doron Semu

25 Jun 2025

Consistently good food. We’ve been here multiple times, every meal and drink has tasted great. An excellent (big) awa breakfast, the scones are so moist, and the mango sunrise smoothie (DF) was so yum. The staff are always nice too. Highly recommend!

ROS8215

22 Jun 2025

Amazing Cafe Awa!! Blown away by the outstanding service, mouth watering food and unbelievable value. Corn fritters were next level good and the halloumi, salad, and dressing were just the cherries on top. The Awa Breakfast was a beast of a brekky - everything on the plate was top notch delicious. Iced mochas were perfect too. Trust me when I say I’ll be coming back to Whakatāne for Cafe Awa - It’s just that good.

Liz Hakiwai

11 Jun 2025

Had scrambled eggs with creamy mushrooms as a side. Mushrooms were very tasty! 1 coffee was lovely and a tea Sat outsude in the fresh air out front Was lovely

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