Set right on the Hātea Loop alongside the river, this Māori-owned waterside café and restaurant pairs traditional manaakitanga with modern cooking and an airy gallery space where original artworks line the walls and are available to buy for your whare. The kitchen runs breakfast and lunch from Tuesday to Sunday, 7:30 am to 2:00 pm, turning out generous portions with solid gluten-free choices, including beef and cheese burgers, gluten-free pork belly burgers with chips, and baking like blueberry crumble slice alongside a thoughtful wine list. The venue also takes group bookings for corporate events and private gatherings, with pre-ordered mains and sharing platters.
Visitors stepping off the Loop walk find a calm, welcoming atmosphere with seating spread across spacious indoor areas and veranda tables overlooking the water. Ordering is handled at the front counter, where staff give you a number and set up your table with water and utensils, keeping service attentive and easy-going whether you drop in for a hot drink or sit down for a full family meal. You will find it on Lower Dent Street in Whangārei. Our pick on the Loop for a restorative brunch with genuine Northland hospitality.