Must-visit restaurants in Tairāwhiti Gisborne
So many restaurants to visit with your family and friends - which one will you try first?
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WAKE UP AND SMELL
THE COFFEE
Six great spots to grab a cuppa
There’s nothing like a fresh brew of coffee in your hands – from your first cup in the morning to that afternoon pick-me-up, here are some of the best places for coffee in Tairāwhiti.
Mr Clifton's
n the heart of town, Mr Clifton’s is a specialty coffee spot that does one thing—and does it exceptionally well. Opened by the team behind Far East Coffee Co, it’s become a go-to for Gisborne locals seeking a top-notch brew. Open weekdays from 6.30am, this stylish café keeps things simple with expertly made coffee, a few sweet treats, and a side of fun (roll double sixes and your coffee’s free). The new fitout features clever, sustainable touches—like a speckled wall made from thousands of recycled plastics, proving great coffee can do good too.
Zephyr Wainui
Tucked just a stroll from Wainui Beach, Zephyr is a bright and welcoming plant-based café serving up feel-good food for people and the planet. Open year-round, it’s a favourite among surfers, tradies, young families and conscious eaters alike. Expect hearty burritos, colourful bowls, and indulgent plant-based treats made with organic, local ingredients, plus a sunny shop corner filled with eco-friendly goods. With retro couches, cheerful murals and a laidback outdoor space, Zephyr is a true reflection of the friendly community and the sun-soaked coast it calls home.
Raglan Roast
From first light, Raglan Roast on Wainui Road kicks into gear, fuelling Gisborne’s early risers with strong, no-fuss brews. A true local hub, it draws a colourful crowd of surfers, tradies, travelers and coffee lovers to its laid-back, rustic spot. With retro couches, second-hand surf mags, Māori carvings and sun-drenched outdoor tables, it’s as Gisborne as it gets. Pop in for your daily fix, pick up some Raglan Roast gear, and soak up the community buzz that makes this place a much-loved staple on the coast.
Curbside Kitchen
At 7am sharp, Curbside Kitchen fires up its coffee machine, welcoming a steady stream of regulars in search of their morning fix and perhaps a sugar-coated custard donut or brioche to go with it. Once a food truck at Tolaga Bay Wharf, Curbside has grown into a local favourite on Ballance Street, known for hearty classics like sausage rolls, toasties, and generous slices. The all-day breakfast menu highlights seasonal produce, while vegan and gluten-free options are always available. With its cheerful décor and a small retail corner full of eco-friendly goodies, Curbside is the perfect place to kick-start your day with good food, great coffee, and a sprinkle of nostalgia.
Flagship Eatery
Flagship Eatery, tucked behind a bright red-orange door on Childers Road, has quickly become a local favourite for coffee, breakfast, and leisurely lunches in Gisborne. With a focus on whole foods and locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, the café’s simplicity is its charm. Almost everything, from brioche to kimchi, is made on-site, with ingredients from local producers like Knock Knock Organics and Makaraka Veges. The warm, modern interior, refreshed in 2018 with a soothing peach and green palette, creates a welcoming atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Don’t miss the Vietnamese rice pancake—it’s a standout dish that’s been a crowd-pleaser since day one.
