Best Cafes in Taupō – Lakeside Dining & Local Flavours

With coffee culture such a big part of life in Aotearoa, it’s no surprise that Taupō is packed with cafés that know how to do it right. As Taupō is our closest town, whenever we head that way we like to treat ourselves to a little something special — whether it’s a flat white by the lake, a wholesome brunch, or a sweet treat from the cabinet. From cozy corners to French-inspired kitchens, these are our favourite spots to enjoy Taupō’s café culture.

1. Industrie – French Kitchen (Our Favourite)

Tucked on Taupō’s outskirts, Industrie serves up French-inspired dishes and pastries with flair. From truffled polenta and cured salmon to flaky brioche and Fixation coffee, it’s a delightful surprise with something for every taste. Their pastries and cabinet food are a sight that makes it hard to walk past without choosing something.

• Opening Hours: 7:00am – 3:00pm (daily)
• Address: 1/200 Napier–Taupō Road, Taupō 3330, New Zealand
• Cuisines: Café, French, European
• Meal Types: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
• Special Diets: Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
• Features: French-inspired menu, Outdoor seating, Takeout, Free Wi-Fi, Wheelchair accessible

2. Kefi Café

Named after the Greek word for joy and passion, Kefi Café brings that energy to every plate. With creative Mediterranean-inspired dishes and excellent options for keto, gluten-free and dairy-free diets, it’s a crowd-pleaser for every type of eater. Their cabinet food is a feast for the eyes as much as the taste buds.

• Opening Hours: 7:30am – 3:00pm (daily)
• Address: 47 Horomatangi Street, Taupō 3330, New Zealand
• Cuisines: Café, Mediterranean, Greek, Healthy
• Meal Types: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
• Special Diets: Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Keto options, Gluten free options
• Features: Central location, Outdoor seating, Takeout, Free Wi-Fi, Wheelchair accessible

3. The Cozy Corner

A café with heart, The Cozy Corner focuses on wholesome and nourishing meals—low in refined ingredients yet rich in flavour. With gluten-free, vegan, keto and other dietary options, plus a cozy, welcoming vibe, it’s perfect for mindful food lovers.

• Opening Hours: 7:00am – 2:30pm (daily)
• Address: 19 Tamamutu Street Shop 15, Suncourt Plaza, Taupo 3330 New Zealand
• Cuisines: Café, Healthy, New Zealand
• Meal Types: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
• Special Diets: Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Keto options, Gluten free options
• Features: Cozy atmosphere, Outdoor seating, Takeout, Free Wi-Fi, Wheelchair accessible

4. The Storehouse

Set in an industrial-chic space, The Storehouse is loved by locals for its warm atmosphere and soul food classics. Expect excellent Flight Coffee, hearty brunch plates and a place where families and friends can gather comfortably.

• Opening Hours: 7:00am – 2:00pm (daily)
• Address: 14 Runanga Street, Taupō
• Cuisines: Café, New Zealand, Contemporary
• Meal Types: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
• Special Diets: Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
• Features: Industrial-chic design, Great coffee, Outdoor seating, Takeout, Family friendly

5. Espresso Cove

Perched lakeside, Espresso Cove offers brilliant views of Lake Taupō alongside a breakfast and brunch menu filled with cabinet treats and barista-made coffees. Friendly service and a spacious deck make it the perfect place to start your day.

• Opening Hours: 7:00am – 3:00pm (daily)
• Address: 1 Lowell Place, Taupō 3330, New Zealand.
• Cuisines: Café, New Zealand
• Meal Types: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
• Special Diets: Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
• Features: Lake views, Outdoor seating, Takeout, Wheelchair accessible, Free Wi-Fi

NOTE: ⏰ Opening hours can change seasonally and on public holidays, so it’s always best to check the café’s website or social media for the latest times before you visit.

Whether you crave lakeside views, healthy creativity, soul comfort or European flair—Taupō’s café scene has something for every palate. And somewhere between the lattes and cabinet food, you’ll find a place that feels like it was made just for you.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

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• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.