El Cafe
A vibrant cafe offering delicious Mexican-inspired breakfast and South American cuisine, with a focus on excellent coffee and a welcoming vibe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
El Cafe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant cafe offering delicious Mexican-inspired breakfast and South American cuisine, with a focus on excellent coffee and a welcoming vibe.
"Experience the best coffee and tasty dishes in Paihia at this hidden gem!"
Visit with a group
Go with friends to share and try more of the diverse menu offerings.
Don't skip sides
Order guacamole and corn chips to complement your meal.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican-inspired, South American
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+64 9 402 7637
Address
2 Kings Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Latin American Flavors
Experience a taste of South America with vibrant dishes like pulled pork sandwiches and flavorful quesadillas.
Exceptional Coffee
Sip on expertly brewed coffee, a highlight for many visitors, with a special mention for their flat whites.
Generous Portions & Great Value
Enjoy hearty meals with generous portion sizes that offer excellent value for money.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit with a group
Go with friends to share and try more of the diverse menu offerings.
Don't skip sides
Order guacamole and corn chips to complement your meal.
Explore hot sauces
Discover a variety of hot sauces available at the bar to spice up your dish.
Seek quieter times
Visit during weekdays or early mornings for a more relaxed experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit with a group
Go with friends to share and try more of the diverse menu offerings.
Don't skip sides
Order guacamole and corn chips to complement your meal.
Explore hot sauces
Discover a variety of hot sauces available at the bar to spice up your dish.
Seek quieter times
Visit during weekdays or early mornings for a more relaxed experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Cafe is praised for its excellent coffee, generous portions, and vibrant Latin American-inspired dishes, making it a great value. While many enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and friendly service, some have noted issues with outdated website information and concerns about the presence of flies and pricing.
"Great value for breakfast.
The egg & bacon burrito was filled with ham and bacon in a cream sauce. The breakfast sandwich is really big and for hungry folks. Both wonderful with a Mexican flare"
Charles Schinner
"Early lunch of absolutely divine fish tacos. Fish was soft, flaky and juicy. The slaw and sauce complimented the flavours of the fish and soft corn taco superbly.
Chai was a little sweet for me, but the tacos were so good, I had to give the meal 5*"
Max
"Loved the coffee so much. My husband and I have been driving around looking for a good coffee and ended up in this gem! Carla was a star & the beef nachos was a treat! Can’t be happier! Definitely going back to this place while we’re here for a week. Highly recommend this place. Absolutely a gem!"
MrandMrs Smithy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The pulled pork sandwiches, breakfast burritos with a Mexican flair, and quesadillas are highly recommended. Don't forget to try their excellent coffee!
Yes, El Cafe is known for its excellent breakfast options, including Mexican-inspired dishes and generous portions.
Absolutely! El Cafe is frequently praised for its excellent coffee, with many visitors calling it a highlight of their experience.
The cafe offers good vibes with music played by the chef/owner, creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
El Cafe serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and afternoon snacks, and is open all day and evening.
It's recommended to visit with a group to try more dishes, don't miss out on guacamole and corn chips, and explore the hot sauce selection.
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After I checked in at the hostel I went to locate coffee and a bite to eat. After a short walk I found El Cafe, a lovely little cafe restaurant not far from the hostel. My late lunch consisted of delicious pulled pork quesadillas and a soy flat white (if you didn’t know, the flat white was invented in New Zealand – a smaller coffee than a latte and with steamed milk rather than frothed).
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For more casual meals, El Cafe in Paihia has top-rated Mexican and Latin American fare, and the hearty meals at Kerikeri’s Rusty Tractor Café set you up perfectly for adventure activities. If you’re staying in Paihia, kickstart your day at Third Wheel Coffee.
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El Cafe is a blend of awesome latin style cuisine and refreshing selection of coffee. We cater to serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and afternoon snacks. Also, our place is homey, with a touch of Latin American decor as a theme.
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Great for lunch or breakfast and serves excellent Columbian coffee, healthy smoothies and cold drinks. Wide selection of burritos and South American cuisine.
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Small and cosy and just a stone's throw from the seafront, with breakfast burritos and delicious snacks that are raved about!. Open all day and evening.
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Best cafe in Paihia! Great coffee and a fresh selection of food prepared daily. Friendly, relaxed vibe and a perfect location right beside the beach....
Social
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