Sometimes, the best fix for a rough day is sneaking away to a cosy cafe. There’s just something about that warm, laid-back vibe—and when you add a good drink and a tasty snack, it’s pretty much perfection.

New Plymouth is packed with great cafes, and we didn’t want you stressing about which ones to try. So our team did the fun part: visit a bunch of them to check out the atmosphere, food, and overall experience.

Now we’ve rounded up our top picks that we think you’ll absolutely love!

1. Elixir Cafe

Address: 117 Devon Street East, New Plymouth, NZ

Phone: 06 769 9020

Business hours:

• Monday – Friday 7am – 4:00pm
• Saturday 7.30am – 5:00pm
• Sunday 8am – 4:00pm

Website

Elixir Cafe in New Plymouth has been serving the community since February 2006, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere that appeals to both locals and visitors. Its casual dining experience is complemented by a menu that focuses on value for money without compromising quality.

The cafe is both BYO and fully licensed, allowing guests the flexibility to bring their own beverages or enjoy selections from their licensed offerings. This makes it a versatile spot for different occasions, from casual coffees to relaxed meals.

Elixir prides itself on its barista-led coffee culture, ensuring that only the very best coffee is served. The staff’s dedication to quality and consistency makes it a go-to spot for coffee enthusiasts.

Their kitchen emphasizes sustainability, using fair trade, locally sourced, free-range, and seasonal ingredients whenever possible. This commitment reflects a conscious approach to food that appeals to ethically minded diners.

Every morning, fresh muffins, cakes, and biscuits are baked in-house, guaranteeing both freshness and quality. The front-of-house staff taste-test all baked goods, adding an extra layer of quality control.

Qualified chefs at Elixir bring passion and creativity to the menu, offering dishes that feel like a “home away from home.” The simple yet fresh ingredients make each meal comforting and memorable.

Overall, Elixir Cafe delivers a balanced combination of great coffee, fresh food, and a welcoming environment, making it a top choice for casual dining in New Plymouth. The cafe’s long-standing reputation is supported by its dedication to quality and community-focused values.

Fabulous cafe!

““Fabulous cafe! Found this gem of a cafe on a trip to New Plymouth. Staff were super friendly and helpful with my daughter’s food allergies. We loved it so much we went back 4 days in a row … and I bought the Elixir coffee cup!”

– Rosina Walker, Google Reviews

Amazing food and service

“Amazing food and service. Went here today for my grandparents anniversary (first time we’ve been) the food was incredible and Halayna looked after us so well and made us feel so welcome, the chicken and waffles my god!!.”

– Santana Baldwin, Google Reviews

2. Emmalou Macaron & Coffee House

Address: 61/69 Devon Street East, Central

Phone: +64 6 757 5972

Business hours:

• Monday: 7 AM – 2 PM
• Tuesday to Friday: 7 AM – 3 PM
• Saturday: 8 AM – 2 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Website

Emmalou Macaron & Coffee House has a very casual vibe. The staff greet you like old friends, and the baristas know the regulars’ coffee orders. One of our researchers, who’s a regular, recommended we visit.

Coffee and drinks are equally on point. The coffee is bold without being bitter, and the hot chocolate is rich enough to feel like a hug in a mug.

The menu is like an exploration in balance and flavour. On our first visit, the lamb dish stole the show for us: tender, perfectly cooked meat paired with creamy hummus and tangy tzatziki.

On another visit, the rhubarb oats with sourdough toast offered a lighter, refreshing contrast. The subtle tartness of the rhubarb cuts through the heartiness of the toast in a sophisticated way.

Service here is friendly and fast, even when the cafe is busy.

That said, Emmalous is on the smaller side, so it’s not great for big groups. 

The staff were very welcoming and friendly as well!

“​​We came here twice during our trip, and both times were fantastic. First day, I had the lamb which was perfectly cooked, and it was served with delicious hummus, tzatziki and flatbread. Second time, I had the rhubarb oats with the sourdough toasts, which were great as well. Coffee was good too. We also tried one of the macarons, and my French partner loved it. The staff were very welcoming and friendly as well!”

– Claudia Benito, Google review

The food is absolutely delicious

“I‘ve already been to Emmalou several times. The staff is always outstandingly friendly, and the food is absolutely delicious. I definitely recommend coming here for brunch or to try the famous Macarons – they taste incredible!”

– Annelie Hellinger, Google review

3. The Federal Store

Address: 440 Devon Street East, Strandon

Phone: +64 6 757 8147

Business hours:

• Monday to Friday: 7 AM – 4 PM
• Saturday to Sunday: 8 AM – 4 PM

Website

There’s a quirky, beachside charm in The Federal Store’s decor. It’s bright, playful, and inviting, which can immediately set a relaxed tone.

Brunch and lunch feel like the heart of the menu. The eggs Benedict with bacon is hearty and satisfying, while the cabinet food and freshly baked cakes look almost too good to eat (but we ate them anyway).

Portions are generous without being intimidating. There’s also enough variety to cater to small or large appetites.

For coffee lovers, rejoice: their classic americano hits the spot. Lattes and flat whites sometimes come with foam that’s a little thicker than expected (more cappuccino-style), but it’s not a dealbreaker for us. 

What stands out most is the staff. They’re thoughtful, friendly, and know how to handle little mix-ups with a wink and smile. 

It’s a good cafe, overall. But if you’re someone who’s looking for an absolutely quiet cafe, the buzz from happy chatters and street noise might feel a little distracting.

This place is always busy, and for good reason

“This place is always busy, and for good reason: the food is fantastic (and such a range!), the service is great, and the vibe is perfect. I’ve been here just a handful of times this week, and by the third time, the barista had remembered not just my order but my name as well. Very impressed.”

– Samuel Harris, Google review

Friendly staff and great atmosphere

“Great selection in their cabinet. Hard to choose, but I went with the delicious salmon bagel. All the cabinet mains came with salad. Hubby had the vegetable fritatta which was lovely. Friendly staff and great atmosphere. Highly recommend.”

– Lois Rodler, Google review

4. The Backyard Cafe

Address: 44 Barrett Road, Whalers Gate

Phone: +64 6 751 0335

Business hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 AM – 3 PM

Website

If you’re in the mood for a little sun-soaked cafe moment, The Backyard Cafe is a winner. The space is bright, airy, and drenched in natural light. 

With outdoor seating, it’s a treat on a sunny day. Plus points for being super pet-friendly, so your furry friends are very much invited to join your brunch. 

At first glance, the menu might feel a little overwhelming, but that’s only because everything looks so good. There’s a wide variety to suit all tastes, and even a dedicated kids’ menu.

We tried the homemade waffles, and they definitely set a new standard for us. Fluffy and golden, these waffles beat any store-bought versions we’ve come across, hands down. 

The iced vanilla latte was also impressive. It’s smooth, balanced, and perfectly refreshing. 

On the other hand, the tea comes in generous pots, allowing for multiple refills. It’s perfect for lingering and chatting over a slow morning.

That said, a few of our researchers mentioned that the chai could be stronger. It leaned more toward hot milk with a hint of cinnamon than the full-bodied chai flavour you might be craving.

There were also a few moments when things moved a little slowly. It didn’t ruin the experience, but if you’re in a rush, it’s something to keep in mind.

Very generous portions and beautifully presented

“We came to the Backyard Cafe for brunch on a Saturday. We were welcomed and greeted enthusiastically. The menu was tricky to choose from because it all looked so good! Service was quick and friendly. A lovely, clean, bright, airy and upbeat space with lovely music. The meals were absolutely divine. Very generous portions and beautifully presented. We ate every last bite. Can’t wait to come back with our kids. Thanks, Backyard Cafe!!”

– Kelly Edwards, Google review

I would order the waffles over and over again

“Really enjoyed my homemade waffles at “the backyard cafe” after having waffles at multiple NP locations and being disappointed (as they were store bought), I’d go back in a heartbeat and yep, you guessed it, I would order the waffles over and over again. Ohhh, not to mention my iced vanilla latte, a big green tick. My friend had the omelette, which looked beautiful, and you guessed it, she would order it again. Plus the warmth of the sun whilst waiting/ enjoying your drink/ food is so nice this time of year.”

– Rikii-Lee Ross, Google review

5. The Teahouse

Address: 10 Fillis Street, Brooklands

Phone: +64 6 757 2061

Business hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 3 PM

Website

There’s something almost cinematic about The TeaHouse in Pukekura Park. It’s tucked beside the main lake, so it’s the kind of spot that makes you want to pause and take a deep breath after a busy day.

We found both the indoor and outdoor seating thoughtfully arranged. Indoors is warm, clean and cosy. Meanwhile, the outdoor umbrellas make it easy to enjoy the park even in light showers.

Their Teahouse Breakfast offers good value for money. It’s a generous plate of creamed mushrooms, cheese kanksies, streaky bacon, and more. Even the eggs are cooked just the way you like them.

Coffee here is also impressive. It’s well-balanced and exactly the kind of fuel you need to spend a few hours wandering the park. 

Even a simple mocha is a little treat since the chocolate and espresso are perfectly harmonised. 

It’s a little on the pricey side. But when you factor in the unbeatable location, welcoming staff, and quality food, it’s well worth every penny.

We enjoyed the food and setting so much

“I went to the tea house twice while I was in New Plymouth, and both times I ordered the Teahouse Breakfast – we enjoyed the food and setting so much on the first day that we went back the next day. The staff were super friendly and efficient. I’d definitely recommend this place to friends and family visiting New Plymouth.”

– Lisa L, Google review

It’s such a wonderful cafe situated in a park

“What a gem! It’s such a wonderful cafe situated in a park. You get to enjoy good food while taking in a beautiful view. It is quite pricey, but it is definitely worth it. You have an option of indoor or outdoor seating. They do have a good selection of cooked meals and cabinet food. The hot drinks were really good too. The staff were accommodating and attentive too. The place is clean and well-decorated. Even the toilet was well thought out. It looked elegant! I would highly recommend!”

– JC, Google review