Elm Cafe is a cafe and restaurant at 283 Fitzherbert Avenue in West End, Palmerston North. It has a 4.4 rating from 529 Google reviews. Its website lists hours of 7:30am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday and 8am to 3pm on weekends, so it is closed Monday. It describes a relaxed atmosphere, an all-day menu, a boutique wine list, Arrosta coffee and a sheltered garden courtyard, and says it hosts weddings, functions and work get-togethers. The site notes several Manawatu Hospitality awards from 2008 to 2012. The menu includes a brunch brasserie with brown butter granola, French toast, a chilli croissant and fish of the day, with gluten-free and nut-free options on request.
A good restaurant that serves brunch and lunch handles eggs and fish well, so those are a fair test. A garden courtyard is pleasant in fine weather, but fills first, so book or arrive early on weekends. If you have a dietary need, say so when you order, as the kitchen can adapt on request. For functions, ring ahead about menus and numbers, and a boutique wine list is worth asking staff about for pairings.
For brunch, lunch and a courtyard coffee in West End, Elm Cafe is a long-running Palmerston North favourite.