What should I order at Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe?
Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe
Beef Cheeks
Mentioned multiple times as soft, tender, and delicious, served with a nourishing gravy and complemented by sides like steamed potatoes and salad. It is described as hearty, comforting, and a standout dish.
Porterhouse Steak
Highly praised for being cooked to perfection, tender, flavorful, and beautifully presented. It is repeatedly recommended and appreciated for its quality and taste.
Blueberry Shortcake
Described as 'to die for,' this dessert is noted for its exceptional flavor and is one of the memorable sweet treats highlighted by guests.
Apple Cake
Recommended as a flawless dessert shared by diners, indicating it as a popular and enjoyable sweet option.
Licorice Tower / Licorice Ice Cream
Praised as heavenly and amazing, these unique dessert options stand out and are recommended for their distinct and delightful flavors.
Pan Fried Tarakihi Fillet
Highlighted as delicious and worth every penny, this fish dish is appreciated for its fresh flavors and quality preparation.
Lamb Shish
Mentioned as delicious and a worthwhile choice, indicating it is a favored meat dish on the menu.
Thai Fish Cakes and Salad
Noted for beautiful flavors and a smile-filled service, this dish stands out for its taste and freshness.
Aged Steaks with Mushroom or Peppercorn Sauce
Chosen by guests for their excellent quality, perfectly cooked nature, and accompanied by hand-cut chips and fresh salad, making it a highly recommended meat option.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 4 PM |
About Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe
Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe is a restaurant and cafe in Waihi, New Zealand, serving Mediterranean and New Zealand dishes. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly owners and chef, along with fresh, well-cooked food and desserts. Commonly mentioned dishes include baklava, lamb shish, beef cheek, and falafel, and the restaurant is described as quiet, cozy, and relaxed. It offers dine-in and outdoor seating, and is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe known for?
It is best known for Mediterranean-style dishes such as lamb shish, beef cheek, and baklava, with reviewers also calling out fish dishes and pasta. The food is repeatedly described as fresh, flavorful, and cooked well, with the friendly owners adding to the experience.
What dishes are most recommended at Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe?
Reviewers most often recommend baklava, lamb shish, beef cheek, falafel, and chef's pasta, along with fish dishes like blue cod, tarakihi fillet, and fish of the day. Desserts also get strong praise, especially apple cake, blueberry shortcake, and meringue.
What is the atmosphere like at Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe?
The vibe is described as quiet, cozy, relaxed, and rustic, with some reviews also mentioning a Mediterranean feel and veranda windows that make the space comfortable on warm days. It suits solo diners, couples, and groups, especially people looking for a calm sit-down meal rather than a rushed cafe stop.
Is Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe good value, and what is the price range?
The listed price range is NZ$20 to NZ$70, and reviewers often say the meals are worth every penny or worth the drive. People also note generous quality, fresh cooking, and strong service, which supports the value at both lunch and dinner.
Should you book ahead or expect a wait at Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe?
Dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant accepts reservations. Reviews also mention smooth timing between courses and a peaceful setting, so booking ahead is the safest choice for an evening meal, especially if you are visiting Waihi or coming with a group.
Is parking available at Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe have vegetarian options?
Yes, Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe offers vegan options.
Is Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes, Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe is good for kids.
Restaurants like Down Thyme Restaurant & Cafe in Waihi
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