Places to Eat and Drink in Thames

Thames has a lively food scene for a small Coromandel town, packed mostly into Pollen Street — New Zealand's longest main street. You will find exposed-brick brunch cafes, a waterfront coffee house, Thai and sushi kitchens, a craft-beer gastropub and a Saturday market, all within a short walk. This guide rounds up where to eat and drink in Thames by category, with local favourites to try while you visit.

Key takeaways

• Where: most Thames cafes and restaurants sit along Pollen Street and around the Grahamstown end of town.
• Cafe culture: Thames is a strong brunch and coffee town — Cafe Melbourne, Sola and Belle and Bean are local favourites.
• Dinner: Gastronomics, Nakontong Thai and the historic Grahamstown Bar & Diner cover most tastes.
• Local produce: the Thames Saturday market is the spot for fresh Coromandel food.
• For the full, current list of members and opening hours, see the Thames business directory.

Best cafes and brunch in Thames

Thames does cafe culture well, with several long-running spots for coffee, brunch and lunch:

• Cafe Melbourne — a Melbourne-inspired cafe with exposed-brick walls, a high stud ceiling and a communal courtyard; a local go-to for breakfast and lunch.
• Sola Cafe — a well-known vegetarian cafe serving all-day plant-based food and good coffee.
• Belle and Bean — a cosy cafe in the heart of Thames for coffee and comforting food.
• Grahamstown Coffee Shack and Thames Bakehouse — reliable spots for a quick coffee, pastry or pie.

Restaurants for dinner

For an evening meal, Thames has a compact but varied line-up:

• Gastronomics Restaurant & Bar — one of the town's most popular restaurants, known for fresh food and a considered drinks list.
• Nakontong Thai Restaurant — long-standing Thai kitchen for dine-in and takeaway.
• Midami Sushi — Japanese and sushi for a lighter dinner or lunch.
• The Wharf Coffee House & Bar — a waterfront spot for a drink and a bite by the Firth of Thames.

Pubs, bars and craft beer

For a relaxed drink, the Grahamstown Bar & Diner (GBD) is a Thames institution — a craft-beer-focused gastropub in the historic Grahamstown quarter, pairing local brews with hearty plates. Punters Sports Bar and the Thames Workingmens Club round out the casual drinking options.

Markets and local produce

The Thames Saturday market on Pollen Street is the best place to pick up fresh Coromandel produce, baking and local goods, and it doubles as a friendly weekend meet-up. Just north of town, the coast road has more relaxed stops such as the Waiomu Beach Cafe, worth the short drive for a seaside brunch.

Where to eat in Thames at a glance

Find it on the map

Plan the rest of your visit

Fuelled up? Line up the rest of your trip with our guides to the best things to do in Thames and where to stay in Thames, or head back to the Visit Thames overview.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to eat in Thames?

For brunch, Cafe Melbourne and Sola are local favourites; for dinner, Gastronomics and Nakontong Thai are reliable choices; and the Grahamstown Bar & Diner is the pick for craft beer and pub food. Most sit on or near Pollen Street.

Does Thames have good coffee?

Yes. Thames has a strong cafe culture, with spots like Cafe Melbourne, Sola, Belle and Bean and the Grahamstown Coffee Shack all serving good coffee.

Where can I eat dinner in Thames?

Gastronomics Restaurant & Bar, Nakontong Thai, Midami Sushi and the Grahamstown Bar & Diner all serve evening meals in central Thames.

Is there a food market in Thames?

Yes. The Thames Saturday market on Pollen Street sells fresh Coromandel produce, baking and local goods each week.

Are there places to eat with a view near Thames?

The Wharf Coffee House & Bar sits on the Thames waterfront, and the Waiomu Beach Cafe, a short drive north along the coast, offers seaside dining.