Hayes Common
A beloved neighborhood eatery offering creative, ethically sourced wholefood cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Hayes Common
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved neighborhood eatery offering creative, ethically sourced wholefood cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Book Ahead
Secure your spot by booking in advance, especially for weekend brunch or special occasions.
Chef's Selection
Consider trying the chef's selection for a tailored and amazing dining experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cafe, Wholefood
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+64 27 537 1853
Address
33 Jellicoe Drive, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
Website
hayescommon.co.nz/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Unique Dutch Baby Pancake
A delightful Dutch baby pancake, served with fruit and meringue, offers a unique and satisfying brunch experience.
Creative Wholefood Cuisine
Ethically sourced ingredients and vibrant flavors shine in their seasonally curated menu, from brunch to dinner.
Fantastic Coffee & Cocktails
Enjoy expertly crafted coffee, including a standout Vietnamese espresso martini, and a thoughtful wine and beer list.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Secure your spot by booking in advance, especially for weekend brunch or special occasions.
Chef's Selection
Consider trying the chef's selection for a tailored and amazing dining experience.
Weekend Brunch Star
The baked pancake is a popular repeat order for weekend brunch.
Dinner Delights
For dinner, don't miss the lamb ribs or the unique Vietnamese espresso martini.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Secure your spot by booking in advance, especially for weekend brunch or special occasions.
Chef's Selection
Consider trying the chef's selection for a tailored and amazing dining experience.
Weekend Brunch Star
The baked pancake is a popular repeat order for weekend brunch.
Dinner Delights
For dinner, don't miss the lamb ribs or the unique Vietnamese espresso martini.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hayes Common is lauded for its delicious, creative wholefood cuisine and fantastic coffee, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. While many praise the food quality and friendly service, some find the portion sizes small for the price and occasionally experience longer wait times for their orders.
"First time visiting this place.
We stopped by on our way to another city with two friends, and it turned out to be a great choice.
The atmosphere was lovely, the staff were friendly, and the food was delicious. One of my friends who loves taking photos especially enjoyed the place. There was also plenty of street parking, which was a bonus. Highly recommend!"
ALEX
"My friends and I went here for brunch on a Saturday. As expected, the place was quite busy and full of customers. Luckily, we got seated in one cozy corner after about 5 minutes. After our orders were taken, our coffees came in 20minutes. However, the rest of our orders were served after an hour. We did not complain though because we tried to understand and we really wanted to try their menu. I was wondering if all the diners had to wait for an hour like us. I hope the restaurant would try to improve on this aspect of their service. Because If I am a hungry customer I think I couldn't wait for that long.
The food was tasty and well presented. Apparently, the pancake was not the traditional and fluffy one we imagined. But it's really nice and unique, a must-try."
Honey Lou Almojera
"We had brunch on a very busy day. Reserved a table and was called back around 10 mins. Venue is close to the river and playground, we had a short walk while waiting. We specifically request a table which was shaded, however we were placed in a partially shaded table, making us seated away from each other just to avoid the sun which was shining at the middle of the table, Before ordering, we requested to move once we saw a table wherein customers we just finishing and getting ready to leave, but was declined because the lady cleaning the table said it's already reserved which we think were not really reserved yet since customer hasn't left yet. Anyway ordering food and hot chocolate drink was served within 10 to 15 mins. Food was good."
Homer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular choices include the Dutch baby pancake, Agria Gnocchi, crispy pork belly, and chili scrambled eggs with bacon. The Vietnamese espresso martini is also a unique cocktail to try.
Yes, the restaurant is known for excellent vegan and plant-based options, and happily accommodates other dietary needs.
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend brunch, as the restaurant can get very busy.
It offers a lively, inviting, and relaxed vibe, described as a cozy and homely neighborhood eatery perfect for casual brunches or celebrations.
The restaurant is typically open Wednesday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, and also for private events.
Yes, it's described as kid-friendly with easy parking nearby, making it a good option for family outings.
Mentioned in
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Journey across to Hamilton East to this bustling eatery in a former garage. Thoroughly unpretentious, Hayes Common's versatile menu stretches from smoothie bowls for breakfast to chilli-butter-fried eggs or a... Top ChoiceMuseum in Hamilton
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Consistent overachievers (in the best possible way), the team at Hayes Common seem to have perfected the art of the endlessly tempting menu, from casual brunch offerings (the baked pancake is a repeat offender) to daytime and evening meals with a strong focus on ethically sourced ingredients and excellent vegan and plant-based options. Tucked away in Hamilton’s historic Hayes Paddock suburb, it overlooks Waikato River and is just minutes away from Hamilton Gardens. Open Wednesday to Sunday 8.30am to 3.30pm and for private events.
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Sometimes after a busy week at work, the last thing you feel like doing is facing the city again for an evening meal or afterhours drink. But the suburbs of East Hamilton now have a hub of their own- Hayes Common is bringing delicious, wholefood cuisine right to your neighbourhood with flair, style and uncommon good taste. Their menu is seasonally curated, with fresh produce and free-range meat, and a range of New Zealand and overseas wines and beer, all thoughtfully chosen to complement their delicious flavours.
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Down by the Waikato river, nestled away in the quiet back streets of Hamilton East, is the cafe that everyone is talking about, Hayes Common. Their tagline is ‘your neighbourhood eatery’, your home away from home. And they succeed in this aspiration, stepping into Hayes Common feels rather homely, from the cosy decor to the smell of breakfast wafting out from the kitchen to the kind staff who welcome you with a warm smile.
Land of the good grove - Cuisine Magazine
Hayes Common is that daytime neighbourhood eatery we all wish we had just down the road. Creative food with great flavour combinations, craft beer, a well-chosen wine list and excellent coffee. Food is seasonally and locally focussed – some of it even from their kitchen garden – and it’s one of those places you just keep going back to for its bold global flavours and welcoming vibe.
Taste of Hamilton: Where to Find the Most Delicious Food in the City
If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, Hayes Common is a great option. This hip and trendy eatery is located in the bustling Victoria Street dining precinct and serves up delicious comfort food with a twist. Their crispy pork belly and grilled lamb ribs are highly recommended, and their cocktails are also excellent.
Hamilton East Food Precinct - Dining
On Clyde Street you’ll find Two Birds Eatery where the owners say there’s ‘dam tasty food that’s good for you’, and a short distance away on the corner of Plunket Terrace and Jellicoe Drive is the Hayes Common neighbourhood eatery offering creative, robust dishes featuring honest flavours and seasonal produce.
The Best Bottomless Brunches in Hamilton
Hayes Common sets the stage for an unforgettable brunch experience that will transport you to a world of culinary bliss. Saturdays are the best day to visit, where you'll savour every bite of the thoughtfully crafted dishes, revel in the trendy atmosphere, and raise a glass to the art of bottomless brunching.
Waikato names its top places to dine
Lisa, a key figure in Hamilton’s culinary scene, co-owns Hayes Common and Weave Eatery with her husband Brent. They are known for their breakfast, lunch, and casual evening dining, drawing inspiration from global flavours. Lisa is celebrated for input into the Waikato hospitality scene.
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Just a stone’s throw from the river, Hayes Common is tucked away in Hamilton East. This quiet retreat is perfect for a relaxed coffee, brunch or dinner. The cafe caters for all dietary requirements and offers a dedicated vegan menu.
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Hayes Common is a highly regarded eatery in Hamilton, known for its delectable cuisine and brunch cocktails. The locals consider this friendly establishment their go-to spot for the best breakfast in Hamilton.
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Pick up a coffee and filled donut before a morning stroll, or bring the troops and park up for a hearty breakfast. The ‘uncommoner’ is a must-try!. Hayes Common is also open for dinner.
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A big thank you to Dylan and the team at Hazel Hayes for the great job they did with the catering for our staff Christmas party recently. We had rave...
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A neighbourhood eatery offering creative robust food, craft beer and great coffee. It s a place to drop into for a bite or hang out for the evening.
Top 45 Gluten-Free Cafes to Discover in Hamilton
I am coeliac and can always be 100% confident my meal will be perfect. Staff are fabulous coffee and food amazing
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit