Ambrosia Cafe is an inviting, licensed cafe in the centre of Richmond near Nelson, New Zealand, sitting just outside the Queen Street entrance to Richmond Mall. Open since around 1998 and owned and managed by Mishael since 2001, it takes its name from a word meaning 'something with an especially delicious flavour or fragrance' — and sets out to live up to it every day with freshly brewed coffee and delicious daily fare.
The kitchen, run by qualified chefs, serves brunch until 3pm and snacks until 5pm: think Eggs Benny with house-made hollandaise, the Big Grill, Apple Crumble French Toast, Chicken Laksa, tofu Pad Thai, Kumara Fritters, Korean Fried Chicken Focaccia and Vegetarian Nachos. Dietary needs are well covered, with gluten free and vegetarian options across the menu, keto-friendly dishes and a dedicated gluten free cabinet section. A large range of delectable cakes and slices is baked fresh each day, and the cabinet also holds favourites like the panini, keto quiche and salmon frittata.
Choose between comfortable indoor or outdoor dining — both with a free wireless internet connection — whether you want a quick coffee and something sweet, brunch with friends, a business lunch or a glass of wine with a snack. Catering has been a core part of the business for over 18 years, gift vouchers and a loyalty program are available, and reviewers consistently praise the friendly, efficient staff who know regulars by name and how they like their coffee.
On Queen Street in the centre of Richmond, just outside the Queen Street entrance to Richmond Mall, Ambrosia Cafe has been part of daily life near Nelson for the better part of three decades. The cafe opened around 1998, and in 2001 Mishael took over ownership and has managed it ever since. The name is a promise: ambrosia means 'something with an especially delicious flavour or fragrance', and that is the vision the team works to every day.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee sets the tone the moment you step inside. Ambrosia is licensed, so it covers the whole day — a quick coffee and something sweet, brunch with friends, a business lunch, or a glass of wine and a snack. Qualified chefs add gluten free and vegetarian options across the menu and bake a large range of cakes and slices fresh each day. The only problem, as the cafe itself puts it, is how to choose.
Reviews tell the story of a cafe people come back to — some every holiday. Regulars mention that the staff know them by name and remember exactly how each of them takes their coffee. The baristas draw praise, the cafe is described as very clean and tidy, and there is plenty of space between the tables. The newer outdoor dining area earns its own fan mail: one brunch visitor called the space amazing and Ambrosia 'a local institution'. Reviewers also note that it is pet friendly, and recommend the mixed berry smoothie and a corn fritter that was 'delicious — full of flavour'.
The kitchen serves its brunch menu until 3pm. Highlights include the Eggs Benny and Hash Benny with house-made hollandaise, the Big Grill with cheese kransky, streaky bacon and roasted mushroom, Eggs Any Style, and the Apple Crumble French Toast with house-made caramel sauce. There is a Strawberry Matcha Chia Pudding that is gluten free, dairy free and vegan, a tofu Pad Thai with mung bean sprouts, herby Kumara Fritters with hot honey and whipped ricotta, a house-made Chicken Laksa, a Korean Fried Chicken Focaccia on house-baked focaccia, and Vegetarian Nachos — with extras ranging from smoked salmon to gluten free bread.
From the snack menu, served until 5pm, come fries and wedges, Korean Chicken Strips, Pork Dumplings with chilli oil, and Garlic Focaccia straight from the oven. Alongside the printed menu sits a well-stocked cabinet, including a dedicated gluten free section with savoury options. Reviewers single out the panini, the keto quiche and the salmon frittata — and warn that the white chocolate macadamia slice is 'too good'. The chalkboard in the cafe lists specialty drinks and lunch specials.
Catering has been a core part of the business for over 18 years: the team can supply a full set menu designed around your event, priding themselves on quality and exceeding what customers ask for. Gift vouchers cover the 'cheeky treat' occasions, and a cafe loyalty program rewards the regulars. Anyone with allergies should simply let staff know when ordering — all food is prepared in the cafe's own kitchen and dishes are subject to availability.
Ambrosia is open seven days: Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5pm, Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 9am to 4pm. Both the indoor and outdoor dining areas offer a free wireless internet connection. Tables can be reserved online, and while weekends get busy — one reviewer described a relaxed Sunday buzz with many tables taken — the wait was not too long. Note that a 15% surcharge applies on public holidays.