Karaka Cafe & Summer Bar
+64 27 916 8369+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Mon
7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Tue
7:30 am - 8:00 pm
Wed
7:30 am - 8:00 pm
Thu
7:30 am - 8:00 pm
Fri
7:30 am - 9:00 pm
Sat
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Ratings and reviews
4.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$5.00 – $29.00
CUISINES
Cafe, New Zealand, Polynesian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Does this restaurant specialise in New Zealand style food?
Details
About
Karaka Café is a beautiful, modern, fully licensed 100-seater café, and summer bar open Mon-Sat. Brought to life by the summer sun and fresh ocean sea, we boast the tastes and aromas of traditional New Zealand cuisine. From our modern style Hangi and Eggs Benedict with our signature smoked hangi hash brown. Whether you're looking for casual dining for breakfast or lunch, or a delicious selection of platters and drinks for those fabulous summer afternoons and early evenings - Karaka Café is where it is at. Enjoy the ambiance of our beautiful indoor environment or the outside bistro dining or relax on the terraced grassed areas on Whairepo Lagoon. We are an iconic piece of Wellington's waterfront. Come and dine with us and live the 'Karaka Experience' with us!
PRICE RANGE
$5.00 – $29.00
CUISINES
Cafe, New Zealand, Polynesian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.0
465 reviews
Excellent
234
Very good
117
Average
44
Poor
33
Terrible
37
Patrick F
Greater Wellington20 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
My son and family (wife and two twins (boys), flew from Auckland North Cote, and my daughter (husband and 2 boys), came to join us from lunch, first time we were all together. We were nicely greeted, and we knew we would appreciate the reunion (just good vibes!). French from Tahiti myself, I opted to share the raw fish/crab + Rewena, and the traditional Maori Hangi (steamed), with my son (reminded me of the same in Tahitian soil). My wife opted for the mussels and prawns, my daughter-in-law went for the chicken liver pate and fried chicken (as mains), so did my daughter and her husband. All kids had fish and chips, poached eggs. Also added were kumara chips and a small slaw salad for one of the boys. Drinking sensibly, we had a couple glasses of wine and beers, but, were too full for dessert. Since my son was flying back to Auckland by four PM, we had 2 hours to spend and did so by visiting Te Papa Museum (a real NZ beauty, not to be missed! Service was excellent, not pushy, helpful, could not be better. Prices vary between $20 - $29 dollars for mains, $12 for kids. Drinks vary between $9 and $12, depending on beer and wine. Overall, an enjoyable experience, highly recommended.
Written 31 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarakaCafe
So glad you enjoyed, we hope to see you all again.
Written 4 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ntflady
San Marcos628 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
After taking a long-canoe ride, we had lunch at this cafe and couldn't be more delighted. The food was fresh, diversified and very good. There were 15 of us and the staff handled our orders in a very orderly manner and with smiles at all times. The staff was also very knowledgeable about the menu and assisted with choosing our meals.
Written 25 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo P
16 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
We came across Karaka cafe walking around. Loved the cultural music and the fact that the menu was in te reo maori with english underneath. Our waitress was able to explain to us how to pronounce what we were eating. Friendly and the food was great.
Written 15 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Garry E
4 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
Visited for lunch, got the chicken burger and calamari which were pretty standard for the price. They forgot my daughters fish and chips however so cancelled. I would avoid the kumera wedges which were actually just big hunks of kumera that we’re not cooked in the middle... disappointed.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ymt888
Petaling Jaya1816 contributions
Nov 2019 • none
We had our lunch here before the canoe ride session which is just next door. We pre-ordered the Hangi Maori food which is a polynesian dish of chicken and sweet potato stew that had been cooked underground for long hours. The chicken was meltingly tender and delicious with a bread dip. Portions were really huge. The bread however was too oily as it seemed to be deep fried. Very indulgent feast indeed. Service was good and friendly overall. Restaurant was well decorated and had a nice ambiance.
Written 7 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaz_019
Hamilton & Waikato Region142 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
I was visiting Wellington & had already made the decision to eat at Karaka Cafe. I was not disappointed. What a fab place. I had the Karaka French toast with strawberries & mascarpone. The presentation was pretty special so I took my time admiring the food before devouring. Washed down by a lovely cup of tea. Great service I must add. Such a great experience after I had finished walking around the waterfront & Te Papa, I went back & ordered a takeaway lunch for my sister - treated her to the hangi croquettes ... lovely presentation again & she enjoyed that. Thank you Karaka Cafe.
Written 13 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina T
Maramarua263 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
Ordered chips for my son and a steak open sandwich. Food was delicious. Milkshakes were made in the old fashioned metal cup. Iced coffee was nice too. This is a favourite spot if mine when down the waterfront.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina T
Maramarua263 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Totally worth a visit. So many delicious options to choose from. Coffee was great and the food was outstanding. The Hangi hash under the eggs Benedict was delicious. Poached eggs cooked perfectly. The Hollandaise sauce was delicious. Definitely check this place out.
Written 5 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarakaCafe
Tēnā koe Tina - thank you for the review, we appreciate you taking the time. We look forward to seeing you again.
Written 6 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nyah
Wellington2 contributions
Oct 2021 • family
This cafe was absolutely breathtaking when entering. The attention to detail and beauty of the surrounding Maori decor is well done and really helps to immerse you in the beautiful Maori culture of New Zealand with Maori music setting the tone in the room and Maori menus. The food and service was wonderful. The staff were attentive and patient with us and were very friendly and happy to be there it seemed. The food was served hot and fresh with the unique Hangi style flavours being a family favourite. Overall this cafe is a breath of fresh air from the average cafe because it has personality and is very hard to forget. Will definitely be coming back here!
Written 7 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wellyeats
25 contributions
Jul 2020 • friends
Delicious food! We got the hangi salad, fish tacos, hangi burger and fry bread - all were delicious and filling. Cocktails are super good and strong too, worth the money definitely. Nice atmosphere, really nice on a nice afternoon sitting outside in sun.
Written 19 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarakaCafe
Ka pai, loved reading this, thank you for taking the tine to write it, we are very happy to pass this onto the team to read. Hoki mai ana!
Written 21 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TJJapan
Clayton296 contributions
Mar 2023 • none
This place is advertised as Maori but we weren't impressed with the menu - only a couple dishes were Maori, the rest were standard cafe dishes. The hangi was average. The raw fish was delicious. The service was very slow, but that is becoming more and more common due to the lack of workers in the restaurant industry.
Written 6 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keri Retimanu
Sorry to hear we didn't meet your expectation. Yes we do advertise as "Mâori & Pacifica owned" business, with signature dishes that reflect that kaupapa and we do use Te Reo Māori on our menus. Other than that point of difference we do offer alot of other cafe styled foods, this is true. We hope to see you again.
Written 22 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelsey F
Waiuku137 contributions
Jul 2020 • solo
I was wondering around the waterfront and just thought I’d pop in for breakfast - best decision! The staff was super friendly and the place itself was really homey. I ordered the eggs Benedict and it was the best I’ve ever had. The hash was made with kumara, potato, pumpkin and onion which tasted delicious, there was A LOT of bacon and the eggs were wonderful. It was filling and delicious. I will defiantly be coming here for breakfast each time I come back to Wellington!!
Written 11 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarakaCafe
Ka pai, thank you for taking the time to write your review. ITs so nice for our team to get recognition for their mahi/work. We look forward to welcoming you again :)
Written 12 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ali_Hawkins
Melbourne1949 contributions
May 2020 • friends
I came here with a friend only two days after NZ moved to Alert Level 2 for Covid-19. Their processes regarding hygiene and physical distancing are excellent. They are professional, but friendly and informal. Everything was great. Seating is well managed, coffee is good, there’s lots on the menu and the staff are lovely. My companion enjoyed a really delicious looking Spinach & Feta muffin - I wished I’d had one too. Very relaxed and enjoyable place. Thank you.
Written 16 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarakaCafe
Kia ora - firstly thank you for coming to our cafe and we truly appreciate the feedback above, so awesome to be able to share this with our team. Ngā mihi, we hope to see you again.
Written 21 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JayRae1
Glasgow1603 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
My wife and I were only in Wellington for one night, before travelling onwards to South Island, and found this place after a short walk from our hotel (Travelodge). Is it situated on the edge of Whairepo Lagoon and, as it was a nice sunny afternoon / evening, it provided the perfect place to eat and have a few beers. The food we had was very good and I also sampled all of the different beers on draught, all of which were excellent. Definitely a place worth visiting if your looking for a great spot to eat and/or drink, especially on a sunny afternoon.
Written 22 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqui T
Wellington69 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
Really great menu, superb location. Love the use of te reo throughout the cafe as well as some interesting New Zealand flavours in the menu. And friendly service makes the place sparkle. Enormous and delicious cheese scones!
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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