Little Dove Cafe is a cozy Mediterranean eatery situated in a charming white corner house right off the banks of the Maitai River in Nelson. Inspired by the vibrant culinary traditions of the Levant—encompassing Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan—the cafe crafts wholesome, aromatic dishes infused with fresh herbs and authentic regional spices.
From early-morning cheese scones and flaky house-baked burekas to rich shakshouka pans and spiced egg dishes, everything is prepared with care and paired alongside specialty coffee from Revive Espresso. With inviting indoor seating and sunny outdoor tables set near the river, it offers a relaxed, welcoming neighbourhood setting for breakfast and lunch.
Tucked into a distinctive white corner house just steps from the banks of the Maitai River, Little Dove Cafe offers Whakatū Nelson a distinctive culinary escape rooted in the Levant. Drawing inspiration from the rich food traditions of Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan, this neighborhood spot shifts away from standard cafe fare in favor of vibrant spices, house-made condiments, and comforting scratch cooking.
The setting balances quaint interior dining with sunny outdoor seating, enhanced by quirky vintage details like charming old silverware cutlery. Whether patrons gather inside the cozy cottage rooms or sit outside in the Nelson sunshine near the riverbank, the atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and community-minded.
At the heart of the kitchen's approach is a commitment to fresh, bold Levantine cooking. Rather than everyday breakfast staples, the menu leans into dishes layered with fresh herbs, seeds, and fragrant spice blends. The bubbling shakshouka brings together tender poached eggs in a deeply spiced pepper and tomato salsa, served piping hot alongside thick slices of artisan sourdough for dipping.
Another breakfast favorite is the zhoug eggs, infusing scrambled or poached eggs with a vibrant, herbaceous green chili paste that packs both aroma and gentle heat, accompanied by crispy streaky bacon. For those seeking a wider sampling of classic Levantine mezze elements, The Little Dove Plate pairs toasted sourdough with sliced avocado, select olives, and a generous portion of creamy, tang-forward house-made labneh.
Baking is central to daily life at Little Dove. Early risers are greeted by freshly made cheese scones alongside savory burekas—golden, flaky puff pastry turnovers generously filled with spiced lamb and toasted pine nuts, then topped with sesame seeds. Fresh loaves of artisan bread are also baked in-house and often snapped up quickly by locals.
Complementing the kitchen is a full espresso program powered by Revive Espresso beans, turned out by skilled baristas alongside an authentic spiced chai latte brewed using steeped spices rather than sweet syrups. Open Tuesday through Saturday, Little Dove Cafe stands out as a unique morning and midday haven on Collingwood Street.