Maranui Cafe

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Reviews

1. Philip Lim ★☆☆☆☆

   My daughter and I went to Maranui on a wet Tuesday afternoon…a convenient place to go just before a drop off at the Airport. Service was a bit slow, they were busy but not full. I ordered the big breakfast and my daughter the Maranui Magic Mushrooms. To cut a long story short…my daughter had terrible food poisoning from the ‘magic mushrooms’ that day. Very disappointing meal from one of our favourite cafes. Refer the photo…please at least try to make the mushroom dish look more appetizing when you serve this out.

   almost 5 months ago
2. Simon Povey ★★★☆☆

   We were told a 5 minute wait but that turned out to be 20. And people that arrived after us and in queue were seated before our group. (Same number of people in the groups). Not impressed. The service was good and the food arrived faster than expected. However, the food was clearly rushed and was very bland. I had the burger Wellington- sandman. Disappointing. I normally receive good food from the maranui so I was quite disappointed with this visit.

   almost 7 months ago
3. Peter K ★★★★★

   Calling Maranui Cafe iconic isn’t hyperbole; it’s simple truth. Perched right on Lyall Bay in its historic surf club building, this place is Wellington cafe culture. I’ve been coming for decades, through sun and storms, and it never loses its magic. The vibe is pure Wellington: buzzing, unpretentious, and anchored by that jaw-dropping view. Sweeping windows frame the wide beach, surfers catching waves, and planes gliding low just across the bay, it’s pure coastal energy. Weekends get busy (expect a wait, but grab a coffee, it’s part of the ritual), yet the staff stay friendly, and the crowd is a perfect mix of salty locals, families, and wide-eyed visitors all sharing the space. The food nails Kiwi classics with heart, legendary thick milkshakes, a solid Big Bay Breakfast, and great vegan options. Come early on a weekday to soak in the view sans crowds, or snag a sunset beer on the deck. Sure, it gets loud when packed, but that’s the sound of a place truly loved. If you visit only one cafe to feel Wellington’s heart? Make it Maranui. Decades on, it still tastes like coming home.

   almost 7 months ago

1. Ben Payne ★★★★★

   Unbelievable cafe! Super busy though so plan to wait, but totally worth the wait. Staff are amazing at juggling tables and customers, a very well run team. Amazing food! I got the big breakfast and added hollandaise, a Vienna coffee and takeaway too as coffee was so good! Hands down one of the best cafes around. Plus it’s on the beach so you can go for a walk on beach afterwards! Will be back for-sure!

   almost 8 months ago
2. Michael & Nina in NZ ★★★★★

   The best seaside cafe by far imo - we were lucky enough to land a window table, and the views are just stunning! Food is quite decent as well and very friendly and helpful staff.

   almost 2 years ago
3. Anne M ★★★★★

   The queue in the stairs looks daunting but you get a table pretty quick (15 min max). Service is awesome. Friendly and quick staff. Ordered big breakfast and had the right amount everything. Great atmosphere and scenery of the beach.

   almost 2 years ago

1. Ben W ★★★★★

   Delicious food - amazing pancakes and the big breakfast was yummy too (although I'd prefer real sausages over the cheesy ones). Friendly and efficient service. Turned up at 10.30am on a public holiday and had no wait. Left at 11.30 and there were around 10 people waiting. Great views. Great for a walk post meal. Dog friendly.

   almost 2 years ago
2. Isabella Clague ★★★★★

   Probably the best cafe in Wellington! (I know it’s a big call). Always had the loveliest upbeat atmosphere. The staff are fantastic, as is the food. Like how everything is a decent portion and there’s a lot of variety to the menu. Would be good if everything in the cabinet was priced though (makes it a bit hard to compare options). Overall, 10/10, If you haven’t been to Maranui, you need to go.

   almost 2 years ago
3. #Hashtag Lads ★★★★★

   A really special and amazing place! We came on an amazing sunny day, it was quiet and we managed to get a window seat. Luckily enough we could see a large pod of dolphins from the cafe! Great view, great food and really awesome vibe to be in!

   almost 4 years ago

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