
The Storehouse
A charming cafe known for its soul food-inspired menu, exceptional coffee, and welcoming, pet-friendly atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

The Storehouse

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming cafe known for its soul food-inspired menu, exceptional coffee, and welcoming, pet-friendly atmosphere.
Visit Off-Peak
It can get busy due to popularity, so consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Try Seasonal Specials
Indulge in their seasonal soul food style menu for surprise treats and unique flavor combinations.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cafe, Soul Food
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Famous SH Fried Chicken and Waffles
Indulge in mind-blowingly good fried chicken and waffles for a flavor explosion. A must-try signature dish!

Top-Notch Coffee & Inviting Atmosphere
Enjoy expertly brewed coffee in a warm, cozy, and light-filled space. Perfect for relaxed mornings or afternoons.

Pet-Friendly Comfort
A welcoming spot where dogs are allowed inside on the main floor, making it a perfect destination for pet owners.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Off-Peak
It can get busy due to popularity, so consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Try Seasonal Specials
Indulge in their seasonal soul food style menu for surprise treats and unique flavor combinations.
Evening Tapas
Consider their tapas menu in the evenings for a different and delightful dining experience.
Enjoy Strong Coffee
The iced coffee is praised for being amazing and quite strong, a perfect pick-me-up.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Off-Peak
It can get busy due to popularity, so consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Try Seasonal Specials
Indulge in their seasonal soul food style menu for surprise treats and unique flavor combinations.
Evening Tapas
Consider their tapas menu in the evenings for a different and delightful dining experience.
Enjoy Strong Coffee
The iced coffee is praised for being amazing and quite strong, a perfect pick-me-up.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners consistently praise The Storehouse for its mind-blowingly delicious food, particularly the famous chicken and waffles, and its excellent coffee. The warm, cozy, and pet-friendly atmosphere is also a major draw. While most reviews are glowing, a minor critique mentioned fries being a bit soggy.
"This was a great place for brunch during our short stay in Taupo. Lots of healthy options, all of which were delicious and the cafe itself had a nice interior. The food was fresh, flavourful and reasonably priced. Definitely recommend."
Rebecca Waters
"We had loaded fries with pulled pork (~16$) and a chicken egg benedict (~25$) with two iced coffees (6,50$/each). The iced coffee was amazing and quite strong! The food was really rich in flavour with a good texture and the portion was just right! I just wish the fries would have been less soggy and more crispy, but all in all we loved it here and the ambience is amazing! So cozy! Thank you! 💕"
Hanni Shi
"Trendy little cafe in an old storehouse building. Awesome atmosphere and quiet background music for easy conversation over your meal. We had the Power Breakfast with bacon and a large coffee. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The place is clean and tables well stocked. The coffees arrived first and were perfect taste and temperature and the meal was a large serving with house made beans and the mushroom was delicious. The potato rosti was the best I’ve had. Bacon, sausage, poached eggs were perfection and the toast delicious with real butter. An amazing meal and well worth the price. All this for $72NZ is great value. Thanks and I hope I can return soon."
Neil Finley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, The Storehouse is pet-friendly and allows dogs inside on the main floor.
The famous SH fried chicken and waffles are a top recommendation. Many also rave about their coffee and seasonal specials.
It's recommended to visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, as the cafe is very popular.
Yes, the cafe offers plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options, with vegan choices also available.
The atmosphere is described as warm, cozy, inviting, light-filled, and relaxed.
Yes, they offer a tapas menu in the evenings for a different dining experience.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Top Taupo Restaurants
A warm, home-like cafe offering a seasonal soul food style menu, with a delicious tapas menu in the evenings, you can be sure that you can’t get enough of this hidden gym. Storehouse is also well known for providing some amazing coffee options including espresso, filter and cold brew as well as an amazing range of organic cold drinks. This homestyle cafe is sure to delight and provide you with plenty of surprise treats for you to indulge your taste buds.
Fun Activities and Things to do in Taupo
If you are looking for a breakfast to fill you for a day spent adventuring, the delicious eats at The Storehouse will do the trick. From fried chicken waffles, tropical smoothie bowls and secret recipe sandwiches you are spoilt for choice!. If you are planning on kicking off your morning with an early morning ride or walk along the Great Lake Trails, be sure to leave time to stop off at The Tipsy Trout for a wholesome morning brekkie and great coffee.
12 Best Breakfast Spots in Taupo | Brunch in Taupo
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Taupō town is the Storehouse, where you’ll find good vibes, great food and a cool, laid-back atmosphere. With plenty of seating upstairs and down, it’s ideal for a crowd, and kids are most welcome too, with a little play area down the back. Fried Chicken Waffles are a firm favourite for many, but if you’re after gluten-free and vegetarian options, there’s plenty to choose from here.
Where to find the best restaurants in Taupo
Since opening in 2013, the Storehouse cafe has become a go-to place for a morning coffee fix—and often another one later in the day!. It is perfect for families, offering a kids’ menu and a space where everyone can relax and enjoy their time together. Located just off one of the main streets in Taupō town centre, The Storehouse is a great stop before heading out to explore Huka Falls and other North Island adventures.
What To Do In Taupo, Where To Eat And Where To Stay
Ever wanted to try fried chicken with waffles for breakfast?. No matter if you are an adventurous eater or prefer the more conservative breakfast variation like eggs on toast, you can get either at the Storehouse Cafe. The cafe’s a bit of a hidden gem as it’s located a few streets away from Taupo town centre, but it’s an absolute favourite with the locals for their coffees and brunch menu.
12 of the Best Cafes in Taupō
This wholesome cafe has been on the Taupō cafes scene since 2013. The Storehouse is off one of the main streets in Taupō town centre and is the perfect cafe to grab a coffee at before heading out towards the Huka Falls and more exciting North Island adventures. This is the cafe to meet at for morning coffees, bring the kids for lunch, and find a delicious all-day breaky.
The Insiders Guide to Food and Wine in Taupō
The Storehouse food is seasonal and soulful and ranges from delicious menu items such as Ranchers Eggs, sliders and waffles to fresh baking that’s better than grandma’s. Their Kokako coffee is pretty good too. Victoria’s Cafe Kitchen Bar consistently serves up delicious food and excellent coffee in a friendly, relaxed surroundings.
A Foodie's Guide
The Storehouse: Located in the heart of Taupo, The Storehouse is a must-visit for breakfast enthusiasts. Known for its famous chicken waffles, this trendy establishment combines delectable cuisine with an edgy interior and a cool vibe. Their 'Flight' coffee is a delight for coffee enthusiasts.
A List of the Top Child Friendly Cafes in Taupo
There is a dedicated space for indoor playing at The Storehouse. The area has been styled beautifully and children can play inside it. Please don’t leave Taupō without having tasted the Fried Chicken waffles with melted herb butter and sweet yet spicy sauce sitting on a scrumptious waffle.
Unusual Cafes - The Curious Kiwi
If you like a reuse and recycle vibe with your coffee and are looking for somewhere a bit different to dine, you'll find Storehouse on Runanga Street, a little off the beaten track in an industrial part of town.
Food & drinks
This cool café is a 10-minute walk away, serving great coffee and their amazing chicken and waffles!. They also have a variety of tasty sliders on their lunch menu. Definitely worth the walk!
Taupo’s Adventure Playgrounds | NZ's most visited natural attractions
Huka Prawn Park is the place to go for fresh prawns cooked to order. There’s outdoor seating overlooking the Wairakei River, activity sheets and crayons, and a playground for kids.
Dining in Taupō | Café, Bars & Restaurants
Start your day in the best way possible with freshly brewed flight coffee, wholesome cabinet food, and a diverse menu of mouthwatering breakfast and lunch dishes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit