Best Cafes in Thames
For a town of a few thousand people, Thames takes its coffee seriously. Pollen Street, the longest main street in the country, hides a run of cafes that would hold their own in Auckland or Wellington, from exposed-brick brunch rooms to a vegetarian institution and a beachside legend up the coast. Here is where the locals actually eat.
Cafe Melbourne
The name is a promise, and Cafe Melbourne keeps it. Exposed-brick walls, a soaring stud ceiling and a leafy communal courtyard give it a big-city feel, but the welcome is pure small-town Thames. It is the default brunch spot for a reason: generous plates, proper coffee and a menu that wanders happily from eggs to bao buns.
Sola Cafe
Sola is a Thames institution and one of the best vegetarian cafes on the Coromandel. Even committed carnivores end up ordering seconds. Expect hearty all-day plant-based food, good cabinet baking and a relaxed, sunny room that fills with regulars. If you only have time for one long lunch in town, make it here.
Belle and Bean
Newer to the scene, Belle and Bean has quickly become a favourite for a tidy flat white and comforting, home-style food. It is the kind of cosy, unpretentious spot you duck into out of the rain and end up staying an hour.
Quick coffee and bakery stops
For a coffee on the run or a pie for the road, the Grahamstown Coffee Shack and the Thames Bakehouse deliver without fuss. Down by the water, The Wharf Coffee House & Bar trades on its Firth of Thames views, an easy spot for a coffee that slides into a wine as the tide turns.
The beach cafe worth the drive
Point the car north on the coast road and, about 15 minutes out of town, you hit the Waiomu Beach Cafe. Blue and orange, right across from the shingle beach, it is a Coromandel classic: big breakfasts, sea views and the Coast to Kauri walk starting almost from the door. It is worth building a morning around.
Where to find them
Nearly all of the town cafes cluster on or just off Pollen Street, so you can wander and take your pick. For the full food scene, including restaurants, pubs and takeaways, see our guide to where to eat and drink in Thames, and check current opening hours in the Thames business directory. Making a day of it? Pair brunch with a weekend in Thames.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cafe in Thames?
Cafe Melbourne is the go-to for brunch, Sola is the standout vegetarian cafe, and Belle and Bean is a favourite for coffee and comfort food. Up the coast, the Waiomu Beach Cafe is a local legend.
Does Thames have good coffee?
Yes. For its size, Thames has a strong cafe culture, with several long-running cafes and roasteries along Pollen Street serving excellent coffee.
Where can I get brunch in Thames?
Cafe Melbourne, Sola and Belle and Bean all serve brunch in central Thames, mostly on or near Pollen Street.
Is there a cafe near the beach in Thames?
Yes. The Waiomu Beach Cafe sits on the coast road about 15 minutes north of Thames, opposite the beach and beside the Coast to Kauri walk.
Are Thames cafes open on weekends?
Most Thames cafes open on weekends, and Saturday mornings are especially busy thanks to the Grahamstown market. Check individual hours in the business directory.