6 Great places to eat on the East Cape

The East Cape is wild and remote, and it’s a long drive between cafes. So to make sure you’re fed and coffee’d up we’ve put together our recommendations on where to stop and rest for a bite. There’s everything from paua pie to pizza – and plenty of warm local hospitality to boot!

 

Broad Bills food trailer, Tolaga Bay

If you want hot coffee, fresh smoothies or tasty pizzas, all while sitting on a bean bag right near the food of the famous 660m long Tolaga Bay wharf, you can’t go past Broad Bills Food Trailer. There’s a large grass area where the kids can play (with Kiwi Cricket, Swing Ball and Giant Jenga all on offer).

 

Aunty’s Café, Tolaga Bay

If you’re really hungry, the huge takeaway portions at Aunty’s Café in Tolaga Bay will make you very happy! Paninis, curry chowder, fish and chips, seafood fritters – it’s all here. The coffee is good and hot as well.

Café 35, Tokomaru Bay

The famous and must-try dish at Café 35 is the paua pie. You might have tried paua as a steak or patty, but have you had the experience of tasty creamy paua in delicate light pastry, straight out of the oven? According to one TripAdvisor reviewer, it’s “black gold wrapped in pastry”. If you’re not a seafood fan however, they have loads of other delicious homemade pies, and good scones. The coffee is also good by all accounts, and comes in quirky mugs. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, with a toilet at the bottom of the garden with a difference – you’ll have to visit to find out.

Hati Nati cafe, Ruatoria

Hati Nati’s fried bread is renowned up the coast – make sure you visit this Ruatoria gem for this local speciality! You’ll also love the roast kumara salad, salmon slaw and mushrooms on toast. The hosts are super friendly, the music’s good and the coffee is strong and hot. The café is popular in Ruatoria so you might enjoy a good chat with locals while you’re there. If you’re doing the Te Urunga-Tu Sunrise experience, we take you to Hati Nati for refreshments.

Yummy Dumplings food trailer, Te Araroa & Ruatoria

These dumplings have rave reviews all around the region, handcrafted crafted by an up and coming Te Araroa local – dumpling lovers can’t miss the opportunity to this: especially the pork & chive or creamed paua. You’ll have to check her Facebook page to see where her cute red trailer is parked up that day. Coffee and waffles are also on the menu.

East Cape Manuka Company Cafe, Te Araroa

East Cape Manuka Company Cafe is a great stop if you’re coming out of Hicks Bay. It has chatty staff and a gorgeous breakfast/lunch menu topped off by beautiful teas: try the kawakawa, ginger and lemon tea. This café is also a visitor centre for the world renowned East Cape Manuka Oil – and there’s a manuka honey extractor on site. You can learn about Manuka Oil and honey bees from the friendly staff, and taste a range of honeys and manuka teas, and purchase skincare products.