Why Not Cafe
A beloved Kaikoura cafe offering homemade Kiwi classics, great coffee, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a casual bite.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Why Not Cafe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Kaikoura cafe offering homemade Kiwi classics, great coffee, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a casual bite.
Avoid Peak Times
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid waiting for a table.
Outdoor Seating Option
On sunny days, choose outdoor seating to enjoy the weather.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cafe
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Homemade Kiwi Classics
Savor authentic, homemade Kiwi fare, from hearty pies and toasted sandwiches to delicious seafood chowder.
Scenic Outdoor Seating
Enjoy your coffee or meal al fresco on sunny days, soaking up the atmosphere with outdoor seating.
Perfect Flat White
Experience a truly superb flat white, praised by reviewers as one of the best in New Zealand.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Avoid Peak Times
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid waiting for a table.
Outdoor Seating Option
On sunny days, choose outdoor seating to enjoy the weather.
Try the Flat White
Coffee lovers, don't miss their highly recommended flat white.
Signature Pies & Fish
Don't miss specialty items like mushroom and steak pie or fish and chips.
Tips
from all over the internet
Avoid Peak Times
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid waiting for a table.
Outdoor Seating Option
On sunny days, choose outdoor seating to enjoy the weather.
Try the Flat White
Coffee lovers, don't miss their highly recommended flat white.
Signature Pies & Fish
Don't miss specialty items like mushroom and steak pie or fish and chips.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Why Not Cafe is lauded for its homemade, honest Kiwi food, with many praising the seafood chowder and flat whites. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff are also frequently mentioned. However, some diners have experienced inconsistencies in food quality and service, with a few reporting issues with their orders.
"If you want homemade, good, honest kiwi food, then Why Not Cafe is the place!
All food is homemade in house( apart from the GF range)- everything from fresh and hot homemade pies, mince on toast, superb toasted sandwiches to seafood chowder.
My husband had the seafood chowder and proclaimed it to be the best he’s had since Cape Cod in Massettuchetts ( USA) two years ago. Big hunks of fresh blue cod, mussels and prawns in a delightful chowder( the roux was perfect - very smooth with no graininess!)
I always say a good toasted sandwiches is the sign of a cafe that knows what it’s doing! There should be no scalding hot fillings to burn your tounge( yet the filling should still be warm), a little bit of s and p and not overly cheesy or greasy.
I ordered the cheese onion and tomato. Onion was brunoise cut( finely diced) and not overly done, and tomato chunks of even size so none over cooked. Absolutely delicious.
La affare coffee which was also superb. We ordered two flat whites and they came out quickly and were perfectly presented, creamy and went down a treat.
The owners proudly let us know they make everything in store - and our super hospitable and lovely.
What a rare find these days in times where good, honest home cooked food is hard to find.
Menu selection is wide and they cater for dietary needs.
We will be back!
Jo Fanning
Hamilton"
Johanna Fanning
"Old school kiwi cafe with both menu and cabinet food . A bit dated, both decor and food but hit the spot. The front of house staff wore quite strange black shirts with palm trees and toucans on them ? I’m sure if you asked the reason they would shrug and say “Why Not?”
Not many options for vegetarians but we made it work. Happy they offered oat milk for coffee"
Natalie A
"Popped in for a mid-afternoon coffee and sweet treat. Old fashioned style tea room, featuring classic items with modern twists, if not on the pricier side.
Staff were friendly and accommodating. Indoor seating area could do with a bit of a spruce up, but matches the general vibe."
K A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviewers highly recommend the seafood chowder, homemade pies (like mushroom and steak), fish and chips, and the salmon quiche. Don't miss their highly-rated flat white coffee.
Yes, Why Not Cafe offers outdoor seating, which is particularly enjoyable on sunny days.
While options might be limited for vegetarians, the cafe aims to accommodate dietary needs. It's best to inquire about specific choices.
The cafe is typically open daily from 7 am to 4 pm, offering a full day of service.
With its relaxed vibe and variety of food options, it's a suitable spot for families looking for a casual meal.
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How To Spend 48 Hours In Kaikoura, New Zealand
Some of the nearby eateries include The Craypot and the Why Not Cafe; there’s also a Four Square supermarket down the road if you’re feeling a bit conscious about your food expenses. You can then walk to the modern museum premises to browse the interesting photographs and historic relics that line its stunningly decorated interiors.
15 Best Places To Eat In Kaikoura
Situated on Kaikoura’s main street, the Why Not Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee with a delicious plate of fresh and tasty eggs while you watch the world go by. Expect to find plenty of seating and a reasonably priced menu that includes all the breakfast basics, plus toasted sandwiches, hotdogs, burgers, fish and chips, of course, and yummy seafood chowder!. The Why Not Cafe is open daily from 7 am to 4 pm.
Kaikoura Restaurants and Takeaway Menus
66 West End, Kaikoura, Kaikoura, Canterbury, 7300, New Zealand. Why Not Cafe in Kaikoura has no menu available, but can choose from many other options such as Aloo Mutter or Veg Samosa (2 pieces) from Curry Junction. Wendy's Hamburgers offers many options including Chicken Club and Avocado Bacon Supreme.
The Travel Guide to Kaikoura on a Budget
For that classic Kiwi cafe vibe with tons of cabinet goodies and hearty breakfasts, brunches and lunches, check out Why Not Cafe (66 West End) or pick up a Kiwi savoury pie from the Kaikoura Bakery (69a Beach Road).
The best restaurants in Kaikoura with menus (updated in February 2025)
We had our first taste of New Zealand Crayfish here and it did not disappoint. The crayfish with lemon was delicious and it tasted so fresh. The fish...
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