What should I order at The Wharf Cafe?
The Wharf Cafe
Fish And Chips
The most frequently recommended item in the reviews; it’s repeatedly described as fresh, delicious, and among the best people have had, with standout batter and great seaside views making it even better.
Coffee
Mentioned many times as excellent, with reviews praising it as the best in town, well brewed, and enjoyable to drink while taking in the wharf and harbor atmosphere.
Snapper And Chips
Specifically called out by multiple reviewers as a favorite, including one group that ordered it for all four people and another who described a huge battered snapper portion as one of the best ever.
Flat White
Highlighted as a well-brewed coffee choice, with one reviewer calling it a top pick and enjoying it as part of the café’s relaxing harbor setting.
Loaded Wedges
Mentioned positively alongside lunch and described as very tasty, making it a popular side or snack option.
Salmon Cheese Quiche
Praised as outstanding in one of the reviews, standing out as a notable cabinet food item worth trying.
Mussel Chowder
Recommended for lunch and described as very, very good, showing it as another strong chowder option on the menu.
Fried Oyster
Specifically mentioned as delicious, making it a well-liked seafood choice among the reviews.
Gurnard
Called out as exceptionally fresh, with one review noting the supreme freshness and gluten-free crumb option.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8 AM to 3 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM to 7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM to 7 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM to 3 PM |
About The Wharf Cafe
The Wharf Cafe is in Thames, New Zealand. It is a cafe, bait shop, takeout restaurant, and seafood wholesaler with dine-in, takeout, and outdoor seating options. Reviewers consistently praise the fresh fish and chips, especially snapper and hoki, along with the waterfront location and views over the harbour and bay. Coffee, friendly service, and the ability to buy fresh fish to take home are also common themes in reviews.
Amenities & services
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Live performances
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- 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
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is The Wharf Cafe known for?
It is best known for fish and chips, especially snapper and hoki, along with fresh fish sold next door and cooked in the cafe. Reviewers repeatedly call out the waterfront setting, harbour views, and the ability to eat by the water while waiting for the order buzzer.
What dishes are most recommended at The Wharf Cafe?
The most recommended items are battered or crumbed snapper and chips, fresh hoki, chowder with warm bread and butter, and the salmon cheese quiche. Reviewers also mention mussels, gurnard, bacon and egg rolls, and a good coffee to go with the meal.
What is the atmosphere like at The Wharf Cafe?
The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and a bit trendy, with indoor and outdoor seating right by the water in Thames. It suits groups, tourists, and solo diners, and reviewers describe it as a pleasant place to sit outside, watch birds and boats, and have coffee, lunch, or a drink.
Is The Wharf Cafe good value, and what is the price range?
Yes, it is generally seen as good value, with a price range of NZ$10 to 20. Reviewers say portions are generous, the fish is very fresh, and the prices are low compared with what they expected for New Zealand.
When is the best time to visit The Wharf Cafe?
Reviewers suggest checking the tide if you want the marina boats to be floating, since high tide gives the best water view. It is also a strong stop for a sunny lunch or an early coffee, and the cafe is popular enough that orders are often picked up by buzzer.
Is parking available at The Wharf Cafe?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is The Wharf Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes, The Wharf Cafe is good for kids.
Restaurants like The Wharf Cafe in Thames
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