You know what they say about location, and this couldn't be much better, unless perhaps if it was right on the beach rather than across the road. Despite that it still has the beach vibe, and they could probably serve very average food and still...be popular and a great place to eat. Sometimes places like this trade on their location (and monopoly status) and maybe feel they don't need to try that hard; this cafe has taken the their top location and added an extensive menu of tasty food (based on our selections) and excellent service as the icing on the cake. We were travelling south from closer to Waipu town after a lovely couple of days as an extended family, with a group of eleven for lunch on a Sunday. Arrived around 10.30, had a coffee and booked for 12.30 while we went off to enjoy the beach. On a lovely sunny day the place was busy, but we didn't feel packed in on the outdoor covered deck. The food was really very good; we can recommended the DIY breakfast burrito, the confit duck leg and the seafood chowder was declared 'best ever' status by my mother. Vegetarians and vegans in particular were well catered for. Some of the cocktails looked spectacular! Staff were friendly and helpful. It did take longer than perhaps expected for the food to come, but we appreciated we are a large group and that can be tricky. Overall a very pleasant lunch, highly recommended at a beautiful seaside location. Don't drive by without stopping in.More

Watch the surf while you eat! This cafe is almost waterfront and offers wholesome, fresh meals, as well as appealing cabinet items. It's a great place for lunch, and, although it was busy, the staff was attentive, friendly and the service was prompt. Our waiter...was especially helpful and knowledgeable about the lovely vegan options. The dishes were colourful, fresh and delicious. A friend recommended this place, and it exceeded expectations. If you are at Waipu, make sure you go to the Cove cafe.More

The food was yummy! My husband loved his slow cooked lamb. Our granddaughter loved her waffle. Their affogato is the best we have had to date. The staff were very accommodating, giving us cushions for our granddaughter so she could sit higher at the table....Our waitress was lovely ( Italian young lady, sorry forgot your name, but I know it was unusual) was very helpful. Thanks guys, had a great day 👍More

We ate almost every meal here! From humble beginnings when we first visited over a decade ago, the restaurant is a bubbly, busy hot spot for locals and tourists. Excellent menu diversity and super friendly wait staff. Try the Plant Papi cocktail on a hot...day, and make sure you grab a slice of the passion fruit cheesecake for dessert; it's to die for!More

Has anyone ever had any decent service in this place or its sister 'restaurant' the Dune, been several times spent my hard earned, good food, but the service is shocking, yes i'm local, and have been for many years, not some fly in fly out...Jaffa, just sick of crap service not associated with this level of ingredients and effort from the kitchen, sort out the service and the food will be worthy of client expectations.More

I really like the Cove, it was very busy as always. Wait staff are great, they do incredibly well as its super busy! Our sharing platter was beautiful- very tasty for a snack with a drink. I did have to wait a little time for...a coffee.... but again it was busy, so understandable!More

everything started well, friendly staff, good food till I came across a “ hair” in my salad. when you pay 39 dollars for a main you don’t expect to find extra protein in your plate! apart from an forced apology , I was told that...they would have given me another meal if I had told them earlier , as if you are supposed to look in your plate for a hair before starting your meal!More