What should I order at The Wharf Cafe?
The Wharf Cafe
Fish and Chips
Mentioned repeatedly as the standout dish, praised for its freshness, excellent batter, and great quality fish (notably snapper). Customers highlight it as some of the best fish and chips they've ever had, making it the main attraction of the restaurant.
Snapper and Chips
Specifically noted multiple times with high praise for portion size and quality. Customers consider it among the best they've ever had, emphasizing freshness and value.
Mussel Chowder
Recommended for lunch by at least one reviewer who described it as 'so so so good,' indicating it is a flavorful and satisfying option.
Paua Fritter
Mentioned as a delicious seafood option, recommended alongside the fish and chips, indicating it is well-liked by patrons.
Smoked Salmon Bagel with Pesto and Arugula
Noted for using smoked salmon from the adjacent fish market and paired with excellent muffins, this dish is highlighted for its freshness and flavor combination.
Loaded Wedges
Frequently mentioned as a popular side dish, often paired with nachos or fish and chips, appreciated for adding a tasty and satisfying complement to meals.
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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