When I think of cafes that are a vibe, I always think of Central Perk from Friends—a place where you can go to get a damn good cup of coffee (or tea) and take a breather from the reality of life. 

But not all cafes meet the vibe check. For example, one time I went to this spot in Wanaka. What I got was a lukewarm latte that tasted pretty close to dishwater, and their stale scones could double as paperweights. 

That’s why, when I went to Gisborne, I did the digging so I could avoid cafes that were coffee nightmares. 

Here are the best cafes in Gisborne I found, where the food is delicious, the drinks are refreshing, and the vibes measure up!

1. Zephyr Wainui

Address: 4 Oneroa Road, Wainui Beach

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 2 PM 

Website

Zephyr Wainui is the cafe for people who like plant-based, all-organic goodness. They cater to gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free diets too. 

I like that they keep things good for the planet by using sustainable, eco-friendly products. They also have a selection of plant-based grocery products, ranging from hemp apparel to their house-made aioli.

But their coffee is really where it’s at. I like how Zephyr serves fair-trade, organic coffee roasted locally by Far East Coffee Co.  

I’m particularly fond of their specialty mugs. The Mocha Maca Mug comes with a double shot of espresso that wakes my brain up and raw organic cacao, organic nutty maca, and creamy oat milk. 

Foodwise, I’m a big fan of their Mediterranean Hummus Bagel. It’s a New York-style bagel topped with a generous layer of creamy hummus, toasted cashews, and tamari seeds. It also comes with microgreens and a sprinkle of cracked pepper and salt. 

The only real con? The cafe can get quite busy, especially during the mid-afternoon 12 PM lunch break rush. 

The coffee was great 

“What a great find this cafe was on our weekend to Gisborne – the coffee was great and the smoothie bowls were so good we had them both mornings

The cafe was busy with locals which is always a good sign – very nice  atmosphere and the staff were very friendly”

• Morven Booth Google Reviews 

The coffee is some of the best I’ve tasted

“The vibe is relaxed and calming, the food is incredibly yummy and the coffee is some of the best I’ve tasted. Appreciate that I was able to work out of this space while I was last in Gisborne. I will definitely be going again and will recommend to all of my friends”

• Rhonda Tawhai Maindonald-Baldom Google Reviews 

2. Exhibit Cafe

Address: 10 Stout Street, Whataupoko

Contact Details: +64 6 867 3832

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 2 PM 

Exhibit Cafe is inside the Tairawhiti Museum, so anyone who is a Friend of the Museum member can enjoy a 10% discount on their purchase simply by presenting their membership card.

Although the lines can be a bit of a drag sometimes, this cafe still made my list because of the fantastic atmosphere. I liked that there’s room to sit outside on the deck, under the shade of the trees, and with a pleasant view of Kelvin Park. 

Coffee-wise? Exhibit Cafe serves up FarEast Coffee, which is roasted right in Gisborne, so each cup is fresh and flavourful. 

During my visit, I appreciated how the barista added an extra shot of espresso to my mocha. The coffee itself was not bitter but rather a little on the sweet side.

For tea lovers, they have unique blends like Sencha Tea and Lemon Sorbet. 

The menu also has a good mix of sweet and savoury treats. Their cinnamon and nut brioche has a buttery texture, and the cinnamon lingers on your taste buds. 

I also heard plenty of praise about their lemon tarts, with many saying they’re refreshing and tangy. Their smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels are equally satisfying.

Great iced latte

“Great iced latte, and baked goods! Super lovely atmosphere with the outdoor seating and fresh flowers on each table.”

• Justin Hauber Google Reviews 

Tea for two topped our experience off nicely

“We dropped in as the cafe was closing but Eugenie kindly rustled up a bagel for me and a toasted GF sandwich for my friend.  Tea for two topped our experience off nicely.”

• Terry Trail Google Reviews 

3. Curbside Kitchen

Address: 9 Ballance Street, Whataupoko

Contact Details: +64 6 863 3916

Operating Hours: 

• Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 2:30 PM 
• Saturday – 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM 

Website

Curbside Kitchen has exceptional service, with very attentive staff. I got a friendly greeting as I walked in, and the staff served my coffee just the way I liked it. 

I came here during their brunch hours from 7 am to 2 pm during the week. Although they have plenty of delicious choices, I ordered the Curbside Breakfast Bap. 

This breakfast sandwich had crispy streaky bacon, a perfectly cooked egg, and their tangy house-made mayo. I liked how they toasted the ciabatta bun, and their apple slaw was refreshing. 

I also appreciate the excellent variety of drinks on offer. Their coffee menu includes all the classics: that bold Flat White, a healthy Turmeric Latte, and more.

Their tea selection is also filled with fine-grade teas in flavours like ginger, liquorice, and citron green.

Another thing I like about this place is that they sell a range of curated products like Frank Green bottles, artisanal candles, and flavourful jams and pickles. Their granolas are especially good, so I recommend trying them. 

My only gripe about this cafe is how hard it was for me to find parking. 

We loved the helpful and friendly staff 

“What an amazing little breakfast and brunch place in Gisborne! I would put it on a “do not miss” list for when you visit the area. The menu here is great, with many options for any dietary needs, including vegetarian or vegan. We loved the helpful and friendly staff and their really amazing coffee drinks and chai lattes. They had several milk options, instead of just the “usual” dairy or soy. The food was delicious, and the donuts, pastries, and brioche were very fresh and absolutely yummy. Probably the best donut that I have ever eaten….and I love donuts! The space was roomy with indoor and outdoor seating. There were also local organic foods, preserves, etc, for sale and some locally made pottery and gifts, too. We would definitely recommend this place to everyone and will definitely eat here again!”

• Mark Pitts Google Reviews 

This is our favourite spot in Gisborne by far

“We live in Auckland but are regulars to Gisborne. This is our favourite spot in Gisborne by far. We visit every time we come down. The food is consistently great, the items in the shop are beautiful & the staff are so friendly.”

• Carmen Google Reviews 

4. 8888 Cafe

Address: 88 Grey Street

Contact Details: 

Operating Hours: 

• Tuesday to Friday – 7 AM to 2 PM 
• Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 2 PM

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8888 Cafe serves up affordable, fresh, and wholesome kai for everyone to enjoy. The aroma of their freshly brewed AllPress Coffee fills the air the moment visitors walk through the door. 

Everyone I spoke to raved about their coffee, and I can see why. The espresso I ordered had that rich, smooth kick.

They have a delicious lunch and snack menu too. Their paua fries and paua pies are perfect for fans of that distinct, slightly briny, and utterly delicious taste of paua (abalone). 

For those with a sweet tooth, I’d say try their loaded cookies. The chocolate chip one I tried didn’t crumble after one bite, and it wasn’t overly sweet. 

Their Benedict Brekky Burger with Fries is perfect for a hearty brunch and breakfast. I loved how they piled high perfectly crispy bacon, a fried egg, hash browns, and cheddar cheese. 

Honestly, my only issue with this place is that their service is a bit on the slower side. It took me about 15 minutes to get my order. 

Value for money and is sooo good!

“The most friendly and helpful people.  Food is great! Value for money and is sooo good!

Just passing through but when I come back to Gisborne, I will definitely be eating here again.

• Maddie Kelly Google Reviews 

The best cafe in gisborne 

Travelled from Te Araroa for Tamararo and Google searched for the best cafe in gisborne and this one come up. They did not dissapoint at all!

Amazing staff, soo personable and lovely, great efficient service and the food… the food was top notch 👌  our puku’s left sooo happy and ready to conquer the day. Thankyous soo much for a beautiful start to our day.”

• Daynah Olliver Google Reviews 

5. Waikanae Beach Cafe

Address: 285 Grey Street, Awapuni

Contact Details: +6468241129

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 5 PM 

Website

I love how Waikanae Beach Cafe is just steps from the beach. The ocean views are beautiful and very tempting to take a dip in. 

This does mean they get quite crowded, though. When I came here, I could hardly find anywhere to sit down, so I had to wait like 10 minutes for a free table. 

But when I got a seat, I jumped into their breakfast menu. I tried their Big Breakfast with poached eggs, but you can get scrambled or whatever. 

The sausages were juicy, the bacon was crispy, and the golden hash brown bites and crispy sourdough toast were addictive. 

If you stay long enough for lunch like I did, definitely try one of their burgers. I got the Works, and it came with a juicy 100% beef patty and oozing, melted Swiss cheese. I liked how they were generous with the crispy bacon and crunchy onion rings too. 

Drink-wise, I liked the freshness of their strawberry smoothies and their strong, dark roast espresso options. 

The coffee and kai are excellent

“Out with the old and in with the new! Waikanae Beach Café has completely transformed — it now feels like stepping into a relaxed Gold Coast café. The beachy wooden vibe is spot on, the coffee and kai are excellent, and the staff are super friendly and welcoming. It’s our new go-to spot for wrangling the kids… and pretending we’re on holiday 😎”

• Rachel Hogan Google Reviews 

Hands down my favourite place to grab coffee

“This is hands down my favourite place to grab coffee and something to eat. The food is exceptional. Its such a huge improvement and has definitely payed off.”

• Dezire Google Reviews