Down Thyme Restaurant and Cafe is a Mediterranean restaurant on Orchard Road in Waihi, in the Southern Coromandel, with Turkish-inspired mains alongside New Zealand favourites. The chef, Roland, has cooked for more than 50 years, and co-owner Mufide, who was born in Turkey, runs the front of house and brings the Turkish side of the menu. The kitchen cooks with seasonal produce and offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Diners on Google praise the portions, which are generous without being huge, and the lamb and Moroccan shish plates. Visitors say the chef-owner comes to the table to check on guests, and one visitor on a drive between Auckland and Tauranga called it an amazing stop for dinner. Opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 4pm for lunch and 4pm until late for dinner, with Sunday lunch from 11am to 4pm. Takeaway is lunch only and must be phoned in on 07 863 8980. The restaurant can cater for up to 50 people, and it recommends calling ahead for a table, especially at weekends.