The Cove - café, restaurant & bar
+64 9-432 0234+ Add websiteWrite a ReviewImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Mon
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Tue
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Thu
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sat
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Bar, Cafe, European, New Zealand, Vegetarian friendly
Special Occasion Dining, View, Groups, Bar Scene
Is this restaurant good for lunch?
Details
PRICE RANGE
$16.00 – $27.00
CUISINES
Bar, Cafe, European, New Zealand
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
545 reviews
Excellent
335
Very good
126
Average
43
Poor
24
Terrible
17
Bruce180852
Cornwall1156 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
What a fabulous place to find in such a small place as Waipu, a 20 mile beach and only 4 of us on it.
We’re staying at the Aurora B&B, which is superb, and they recommend eating here, so it’s only a few minutes in the car, it’s got a big car park, and a view of the ocean.
Staff really laid back and friendly, helpful with their knowledge of the types of food on the menu, we went for fish of the day, caught by local fisherman and sold to the restaurant, fantastic.
It was beautiful, and we could see the ocean, it gets very busy after about 19.00, so either book a table or eat early.
We couldn’t recommend this restaurant more highly, we’ll done to the management and staff.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wens H
20 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
Myself, my son and daughter and my grandchildren had dinner at The Cove on the first night of our three night stay at Waipu Cove. It was so good we went back on our last night. The service was friendly and efficient and the food was delicious. The kids were welcomed and they loved their meals. Great wine selection as well. Some of the mains were quite pricy for what was served but so delicious that was forgiven.
Written 2 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TuckMe
Auckland23 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
Booked here one evening whilst staying across the road, had us down as a family of 3 not 4 but no major issue - We were seated in the smaller room, not on the deck which was a bit of a shame as it was a hot evening. As always the place was packed which is generally a good sign.
Good selection of food and drink - the fish and chips looked awesome, but I had a buger craving ........and it was bloody good!! Wife had a chicken burger, also tasty and a good size and the kids had pizzas (kids) which were a very good size and value. Service was freindly and efficient.
All in all a nice meal at a resonable price considering the location and captive audience! We will will be back.....thanks
Written 11 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gazzacanta
Auckland11 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Went with group of 9 (4 children, 5 adults) at 7pm during January 2020 on a Thursday night. The food was very good. The seafood chowder was excellent! However service was not so good. Waited a very long time for drinks order and when we saw out order on the bar ready to come to us it sat there for some time. Then one of the bottles of wine was left on the bar after the rest of the drinks were brought to the table. Had to ask again to get it so we could have a drink. The waiters could have had another couple of more rounds of drinks if they only had come to the table and asked or even caught our eye!. Meals took forever to come. And when they did one was missing and that took extra time to come out. Also when seafood chowder entree came out had no spoon to eat it with. The place did acknowledge the not so good service and gave us a discount on the drinks
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wdboxall
Sydney2 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We go to The Cove often as we have a place in Langs just up the road and generally really enjoy it. Tonight we went for an early dinner for my mother-in-laws last night in the country before she heads back to the UK. I ordered steak medium rare and when it arrived I quickly realised the first part I cut into was over done. I reluctantly sent it back only to be told that chef had deemed it to be right so they would not do me another one. I was pretty disappointed with the response and ate the half that was less overdone and left the rest. We ended up not getting more wine and dessert on account of the outcome and will think twice about going back to what used to be one of our favourite restaurants. Overall left a sour taste on what was supposed to be a nice family night out.
Written 17 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil M
47 contributions
May 2021 • none
You know what they say about location, and this couldn't be much better, unless perhaps if it was right on the beach rather than across the road. Despite that it still has the beach vibe, and they could probably serve very average food and still be popular and a great place to eat. Sometimes places like this trade on their location (and monopoly status) and maybe feel they don't need to try that hard; this cafe has taken the their top location and added an extensive menu of tasty food (based on our selections) and excellent service as the icing on the cake. We were travelling south from closer to Waipu town after a lovely couple of days as an extended family, with a group of eleven for lunch on a Sunday. Arrived around 10.30, had a coffee and booked for 12.30 while we went off to enjoy the beach. On a lovely sunny day the place was busy, but we didn't feel packed in on the outdoor covered deck. The food was really very good; we can recommended the DIY breakfast burrito, the confit duck leg and the seafood chowder was declared 'best ever' status by my mother. Vegetarians and vegans in particular were well catered for. Some of the cocktails looked spectacular! Staff were friendly and helpful. It did take longer than perhaps expected for the food to come, but we appreciated we are a large group and that can be tricky.
Overall a very pleasant lunch, highly recommended at a beautiful seaside location. Don't drive by without stopping in.
Written 2 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cat H
7 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Casual lunch and dinner restaurant with very creative menu items. Desserts are over the top! Great open air patio seating with views of the beach across the road. Indoor dining as well. The atmosphere is lively, the wait staff is fairly attentive, but the food compensates for wait times. The arancini that day with mushrooms and brie was delicious, excellently prepared. The fish of the day, served with quinoa and citrus butter sauce was divine. Is definitely a local favorite, with many tourists as well. Would be my favorite, for sure!
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike Ferrand
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • none
We are locals and have been going to the Cove Cafe since the guys took over. For the first time ever we had to return our steaks as they were not up to their normal standard. Within 2 mins they had heard us, taken our steaks and following a chat with Chef, returned to the table with 2 freshly cooked steaks which were superb.
This is what we call excellent service and the 4 of us left feeling amazing.
Highly recommend a visit. Llyod and Mike and their team are superb.
Written 30 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
epicure49
Brighton515 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Just across the road from a stunning beach, this popular eatery has a great buzz and really decent tucker to satisfy the most discerning trenchermen. Choose from a nicely shaded terrace or comfy and pleasingly-decorated interior. Young and efficient staff complete the well-run package. We will certainly keep coming here on our way to the Bay of Islands.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
batchhen2017
Timaru98 contributions
May 2021 • solo
I came here looking forward to nice glass of wine and good food after a long day travelling. It was the only place for food near the holiday park. I asked to be seated inside as it was very cold early evening. I got the impression this was an inconvenience to the young waitress. From them on the service was bad. Waited a full 5 mins for water and menu to arrive. She was busy clearing tables and ignoring me waiting. I called her over to take my order. It was a further 5 mins to get glass of wine. The wrong type of wine came and waitress realised when she put it down but I accepted it anyway. A further 5 to 10 mins to get the meal which was quick from ordering it. I had the calimari & salad entree. Also a side dish of salad . Fish was quite nice. Salad was average. Took the unfinished salad with me. Got thrown out next morning all mushy.
Would not return to this restaurant if this is how they treat paying customers.
Written 24 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil the tourer
Maidstone67 contributions
Feb 2020 • friends
We visited the Cove on three different occasions: early evening drinks, lunchtime meal, and takeaway fish and chips.
The staff are efficient and polite, the range of drinks is good (alcoholic and non), the food quality is excellent and the location is perfect. Sitting with evening drinks looking towards the beach car park watching the surfers come and go with sunshine and a pleasant breeze...heaven!
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RodneyAuckland
New Zealand117 contributions
Dec 2021 • friends
Lovely setting to have lunch or morning coffee after a walk along the shore. The staff are great and there’s lots of seating.
Been here twice for dinner and don’t recommend, the menu is much too large trying to be far too many different styles of food. As a result meals are average. Create a one sided menu and do all of it really well, less waste & better quality.
Written 28 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil B
Christchurch32 contributions
Dec 2020 • couples
The carrot cake was especially good but the coffee was luke warm and just drinkable. It was not a surprise. I had watched the young man make a flat white. He was confident and his customer service excellent but he was sorely in need of training in the art of coffee making. Let's hope he gets it.
Written 4 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robtane
Stockholm946 contributions
Jan 2022 • friends
This restaurant is a favourite of the friends that I went there with. This was my first time and I would hope that it isn’t my last. From the start when we were greeted well to the time we were farewelled it was so good and professional. I ordered a menu item and was told by the waiter that the changes I wanted were not possible and they suggested an alternative that was even better. My friends were also happy with their choices and it was so good.
Written 19 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ross or Penny G
3 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
Thanks for helping us again with our Whole Food Plant Based meals. We've been multiple times and the chefs always take care to make meals that suit our quite tricky diet. Fabulous place.
Written 1 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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