Ohau Cafe

3 Muhunoa East Road, Ōhau 5570, New Zealand
+64 6 368 0187
$$$ Cafe , Family restaurant , Restaurant , Wedding venue
(21 Reviews)

Ohau Cafe sits quietly along Muhunoa East Road, serving as a crossroads for locals and travelers alike seeking a relaxed café and family-friendly restaurant experience. Its offering stretches beyond casual dining, doubling as a wedding venue, which hints at a versatile, spacious setting that can adapt from a laid-back coffee stop to a celebratory gathering.

The atmosphere carries a warm, approachable vibe, reflecting the friendliness locals often mention. It’s the kind of place where you can expect to be welcomed by staff who know their regulars and will readily accommodate special dietary needs, including plant-strong options that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Most visitors come here during the day—whether it’s for a quick breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a coffee break while catching up with friends or passing through the North Island countryside. Outdoor seating is likely available given the rural setting, making it comfortable in fair weather to take in Ōhau’s calm surroundings.

The menu mixes classic café comfort food with some more robust options, like pork riblets and lamb burgers, which reflect a stronger meal than what some standard cafés offer. Lighter items such as corn fritter stacks, paninis, and slices provide a balance for those popping in for a quick bite or something sweet to go with their coffee. The coffee itself has a solid local reputation, often noted as better than other regional cafés, which would appeal to anyone prioritizing a quality brew to accompany their meal or just for a stand-alone pick-me-up.

Ohau Cafe works well for families, small groups, and road trippers who value efficiency and friendly service without the fuss of city cafés. The venue also suggests a space that can host larger events, making it useful for locals planning milestone occasions or travelers wanting to celebrate in a quieter rural setting. With its approachable menu and personable service, it serves as a reliable spot to refuel, linger, or convene midway through longer journeys.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
What they serve
Coffee
Quick bite
Best for
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Parking
Free of charge street parking
21 Reviews
Jo Jones

23 Dec 2025

Service was quick and friendly and the food was delicious. I had the corn fritters which were light and fluffy and the mango chutney and salad that came with them were both really tasty. I highly recommended the slices if you enjoy the sweet side of life, my sister & I shared a plum slice & caramel slice & we couldn't get enough of either

graeme galley

01 Dec 2025

I love the chips, and I would rate the coffee better than the other cafes in the region. The staff are friendly and appear very diligent. Great place to stop.

Christine Frieze

30 Nov 2025

We were traveling through the north island on November 1, 2013 and happened upon the Ohau Café. The owner Mark Cohen could not have been friendlier and his food was outstanding. The lamb burgers were to die for. He was also very helpful in giving us advice for a restaurant in Wellington as well as ideas for the south island. I can't say enough about our experience there. Cheers........... Christine Boston, MA USA

woiwoi williams

27 Oct 2025

Very yummy, the food was amazing.. Friendly staff as well..

Radha Sahar

09 Oct 2025

The chef is very friendly, skilled and accommodating - he offered to create something especially to suit our plant strong diet. It is easy to catch his enthusiasm for all things culinary.

Maxien Chand

07 Oct 2025

Came all the way from Levin to find a nice coffee and got alot more than we bargained for. Friendly people and 10 out of 10 for coffee. My sister was also very happy with everything she ordered. I had a bite of her Afghan and she finished it before we got back, happily. It was lush, everything was. I hope to have time to sit and enjoy the peaceful scenery next time

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