Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe
+64 7-863 8980+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Tue
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wed
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Thu
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sat
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, European, International, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Does this restaurant specialise in New Zealand style food?
Details
About
Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe is a family business. It's come from our shared passion to provide simply delicious food, great service and a warm and inviting Mediterranean ambiance. We called to each other "chefette & chef" Together, we have a combined experience of over 70 years in hospitality. We love to cook using only the best ingredients. Down Thyme Restaurant&cafe, fully licensed. Our challenge to provide tasty food, the best coffee, cold drinks also gourmet ice cream and home made variety of cake all day long to all age group, local people, passing by from Waihi all travelers by car or by bicycle. DOWN THYME RESTAURANT SETTING WITH AMPLE PARKING. And We specialize in party functions for up to 55 people. We are OPEN ALL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND LONG WEEKENDS WITH NO SURCHARGE :)) Well come to all! and spend a great time with us!
CUISINES
International, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
275 reviews
Excellent
227
Very good
32
Average
7
Poor
3
Terrible
6
L_DTravellers
Whangarei212 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
While doing the Hauraki Rail Trail, we ended up eating here for dinner. It's a little on the pricey side, but we did enjoy our food, and they use the highest quality ingredients. Lovely interior with lots of Turkish style rugs for decoration and to help insulate the windows. Owners were lovely and kind people who took the time to visit with us. Overall would recommend :)
Written 14 August 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.
Marion V
2 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Two different new zealanders friends from Waihi (I am French) told me that if I wanted to eat well I should go to Down Thyme, and I can say they were right! The sauce of my fresh shrimps for starter was delicious and the lamb I got then was the best I had in a very long time. And it was copious. And the people working there were all absolutely nice. Voilà!
Written 11 February 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.
JoyGAuckland
Auckland37 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
We had lunch here on a day trip and now wish we lived closer so we could come more often. The restaurant is only a few minutes drive from town and is in a quiet country setting.
Mufide and Roland are wonderful hosts who genuinely care that their customers have an enjoyable dining experience. Their passion for serving out top quality freshly made food with their own grown products and locally sourced ingredients is obvious.
It is rare to get beautifully cooked and perfectly seasoned seafood but it is clear Roland knows his stuff. The garlic prawns were simply the best I’ve ever had. Generous but perfectly sized portions meant we had room for a couple of the most delicious and light cakes to accompany a great cup of coffee.
I can’t wait to come back, everything was just so good and when we do, I’ll buy another bag of their divine Turkish Delight.
Written 19 September 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.
Steve B
Brisbane6 contributions
Jul 2020 • family
Down Thyme is a little off the main track but we were glad we came here for dinner. We had 3 kids with us ranging from 3 to 9... they considered the kids burger the best meal of their trip! The pan fried fish and lamb shish were also exceptional. It was a bit quiet which meant we received personalised service from the owners and a great chat about how they came to be in Waihi! Overall it was a great meal, great atmosphere, and next time we will be sure to leave room for dessert as well :)
Written 8 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.
ChefRoland
thank you for your comment we do appreciate when our customers leave a comment
kind regards
Chefette and Chef
Written 16 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rei88
Auckland73 contributions
Feb 2021 • family
This is such a cute place and I was excited to eat some nice Turkish food. We were already a bit dissapointed as the service was really slow, only one person doing everything and I think it is the owner lady but she was really really nice. Food was ok but my partner ordered a steak to be cooked rare but it was way overdone, did not bring it back as we would have waited another 30 mins...but we did told the lady it was overcooked. I believed food is slow as it looks like there is only 2 in the kitchen the husband who is cooking and a sous chef. This place can be so much better if there was one more waiter and maybe more people in the kitchen so it run a bit faster.
Written 7 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.
ChefRoland
thank you for your comment and true about the short staff but we have been trying for a year to get a trained person it is nearly impossible in Waihi
Chefette and Chef
Written 24 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mslover83
South Portland10 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
We stopped in after biking the rail trail and even though they were extremely busy they still found us a seat and made us comfortable. The food was through the roof amazing and the atmosphere made you feel like you were eating surrounded by family. Very welcoming.
Written 26 April 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.
ChefRoland
thank you for your comment
Kind regards
Chefette and Chef
Written 23 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Twc622
Auckland Central109 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
I would love to wax lyrical about this place as others have and obviously wanting so much to support the small eateries, so perhaps I was expecting too much when we dined recently. The egg burger was a grey mix of egg and veges- no beetroot dip/ tomatoes or red onion rings to be seen but then I suppose they might have run out of ingredients but for $21.50 I could have done better to have supported the local takeaways. My husbands Moroccan shish was good but for $38.50 we get better food at our local kebab shop so this was so sad to see overpricing happening.
The owners are lovely so I suppose you are paying more for the cheerfulness and kindly welcome but do not expect fine dining otherwise you might be disappointed at the quality of food and the prices commanded.
Nevertheless we felt it was important to support the local eateries during Covid times.
Written 20 March 2022
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.
Sherry
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • couples
Only in Waihi at Down Thyme in Waitete Road can we get unforgettable meals with a warm atmosphere and friendly hosts.
Roland and Mufide, Chef and Chefette, are truly gracious hosts, making us feel very welcome, and then serving delicious meals.
Lunch today was spectacular, and my birthday treat was made especially memorable.
As a coeliac, I am able to trust them implicitly with getting it right.
Thanks once again, Chef and Chefette 🙂
Written 16 July 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.
ChefRoland
our pleasure , and thanks for your comment
Chefette and Chefe
Written 23 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tracey W
22 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
We loved this “off the beaten track” restaurant and would certainly come back. Chef & Chefette love what they do and the food is delicious. We loved the fact they both had time to come & have a chat with us. Our plates were as clean as they could be on finishing our lunch without licking them so that’s always a good sign.
I had scallops on rice with salad and the good husband had the beef skewer with rice and salad.
Try it out for yourself - lovely inside and beautiful views of the hills. It just felt welcoming from the time we walked in.
Written 6 October 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.
ChefRoland
Thank you for your comment
Chefette and Chef
Written 24 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Zaccarat
Wellington68 contributions
Dec 2020 • couples
The food was average to good (duck breast overcooked, lamb shish very tasty), but the prices were way over what we’d typically expect for the quality. At $40 I’d expect very high quality duck breast, and at $11 for side vegetables I hoped for more than zucchini sautéed in butter and garlic. with a smattering of grayed carrot.
Written 16 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.
ChefRoland
thanks for your comment and sorry you where not totally satisficed on your visit.
Chefette and Chef
Written 24 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Holly
1 contribution
Apr 2021 • family
Had lunch at Down Thyme today and had the best meal ever. Mufide and Roland were so lovely and accommodating. They were so nice and amazing cooks, would 100% go back again and highly recommend to anyone. Great for family’s and a great selection of food. A member of our group had an allergy and they were easily able to cater for them, providing a great meal that they were able to eat. The food tasted amazing and fantastic service. 👍👍👍
Written 21 April 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.
ChefRoland
thank you for your comment and rating
Chefette and Chef
Written 24 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kevin D
Belfast13 contributions
May 2021 • couples
We’re so glad we found this place! The food was absolutely amazing. Beautiful handmade pasta and a steak cooked to perfection. The desserts were a delightful way to finish with a Turkish coffee on the side. Great selection of wines and beers too. Roland and Mufide were wonderful hosts and it’s great to see people who take such pride in their work which shows in their food and hospitality. We will definitely be back next time we are in the area….looking forward to it already!
Written 28 May 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.
ChefRoland
Thank you for your comment
Chefette and Chef
Written 23 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KiwiScotsTauranga
Auckland7 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
A Mediterranean style menu with plenty of choice. Warm and friendly, great service and a fantastic meal. Homemade burgers served in homemade Turkish bread buns a big hit with our teenage son. Fish of the day perfectly cooked and the lamb kebabs also delicious. The restaurant also has a selection of homemade chutney's, tapenades and Turkish delight for sale. Their baklava is a speciality. The owners take real pride in what they are doing which comes across in the standard of food and service. Whether you are a local or need somewhere to stop when travelling through like us, Down Thyme is definitely worth supporting.
Written 2 July 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.
ChefRoland
thank you for your comment
kind regards
Chefette and Chef
Written 23 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Compass472283
New Zealand4 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
Down Thyme is the hidden secret of Waihi but only a few hundred metres off the main highway through Waihi.
Went to Down Thyme today for lunch - visiting from Tauranga.
I hadnt been there for years but its even better than before. The food is very very good and made inhouse from the best quality ingredients. The owners are very involved in the restaurant and such nice people. They communicated and were a real laugh but also didn't impose on us. The setting and decor is very clean and impressive in a mediterranean way. Today was a rubbish day weather wise but on a fine day with the bifold windows open it would be even better..
The coffee was also very good
I wouldn't hesitate recommending this restaurant/cafe
Down Thyme is the best restaurant by far in the Waihi, Waihi beach area by a long way.
So when you are travelling through Waihi make a minor detour of a few hundred metres off the main road for the best food and service in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty. It is well worth it and family friendly during the day.
Written 23 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.
Conny507
Opotiki38 contributions
Feb 2021 • couples
thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at 'Down Thyme' last week. We had Lamb Shish and Fish.of the day, fresh and delicate flavours, well balanced. Great menu, not sure how they manage to provide such a range on a Tuesday when it is quiet. The only criticism would be that the drinks are rather expensive. But a great place to visit for a special occasion. Lovely proprietors who take excellent care of their guests.
Written 24 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.
ChefRoland
thank you for your comment
Chefette and Chef
Written 24 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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