New

Bangkok 2026 Street Food Guide is live — read the full guide

Food Place Passport

Beach Cafe and Bar in Nelson

A relaxed cafe and bar by Tahunanui offering a casual dining experience with a focus on atmosphere and good food priced $20–30.

4 521 reviews $20–30 Cafe American · Southern

Tahuna Beach Reserve, Tahunanui, Nelson 7000, New Zealand

FoodPlacee Passport New Zealand · Nelson · 35332
Verified

Beach Cafe and Bar

Nelson, New Zealand

Savoury Scones Iced Coffee Sausage Eggs Chips and Beans Chicken Caesar Salad
Rating★ 4 / 5
Price$20–30
CategoryCafe
Today 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

Set within the picturesque Tahuna Beach Reserve, Beach Cafe and Bar blends casual vibes with a scenic coastal backdrop in Nelson. This welcoming cafe offers a variety of dining options that cater to breakfast, brunch, and lunch crowds, featuring great coffee, tempting desserts, and an excellent tea selection.

Visitors can enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating along with takeaway and delivery services. With a reputation for accommodating solo diners to groups and tourists, this spot presents a relaxed atmosphere complemented by a thoughtfully curated menu including fresh quick bites, small plates, and a selection of alcohol and wine.

Gallery

Photos from Beach Cafe and Bar

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

View all photos

Local favorites

Why People Come Here

This casual cafe at Tahuna Beach Reserve offers a delightful spot for breakfast, brunch, or lunch with an inviting atmosphere and convenient amenities.

Great Coffee & Tea Selection

Visitors can savor expertly brewed coffee and a wide array of teas, perfect for a relaxing solo break or a catch-up with friends.

Family Friendly & Accessible

Features like high chairs, a kids' menu, and full wheelchair accessibility make it welcoming for all ages and needs.

Outdoor Seating with Scenic Views

Enjoy meals outdoors next to Tahunanui Beach, a perfect place for groups, tourists, and those working on laptops.

Quick & Flexible Service Options

Offering dine-in, takeaway, delivery, and outdoor seating, the cafe fits varying schedules with typical visits lasting 25 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Popular Breakfast and Lunch Dishes

Menu favorites include savory scones, sausage eggs chips and beans, chicken Caesar salad, and tasty kids' options.

Reasonable Price Range

Enjoy quality food and drinks with typical prices between $20–30, making it a great value for the coastal dining experience.

Convenient Parking & Location

Free street and lot parking close by simplifies visits, combined with a prime beachside location at Tahuna Beach Reserve.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

There’s no wrong time to visit Beach Cafe and Bar, whether fueling up with breakfast or enjoying a casual lunch by the beach. The versatile service options and relaxing ambience invite both quick stops and leisurely meals.

With plentiful outdoor seating facing the beach, this cafe is perfect for soaking in New Zealand’s natural beauty while indulging in hearty scones, refreshing iced coffee, or the popular salmon rosti. Accessibility and family-friendly amenities make it an inclusive spot for everyone. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Morning Fuel

Start the day here with an all-day breakfast offering like Eggs Benedict or the Brunch Stack, paired with quality coffee or chai latte to energize the morning.

Family Outing

Thanks to a kids' menu, high chairs, and safe outdoor spaces, families will find this a convenient spot for relaxed meals with crowd-pleasing options like Kids Fish and Chips or a Kids Platter.

Working Break

With reliable Wi-Fi and a quiet corner, solo diners and remote workers can enjoy great coffee and light bites like savoury scones, ideal for a productive few hours.

Takeaway Treats

Quick bites like wedge fries with cheese and sauces or a refreshing mango smoothie make for a perfect takeaway lunch to enjoy on the nearby beach.

Casual Catch-ups

The casual setting and friendly staff create an inviting atmosphere for groups or tourists looking to unwind with tea, desserts, or a glass of wine.

Best for

Breakfast Lunch Solo Dining Work-Friendly Family-Friendly Outdoor Seating Takeaway Parking Available

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

CL
Cherie Liddell 1 month ago

"So great to have this place open again! We have missed having somewhere to go for coffee where the kids can play and have a good time also. Coffee was beautiful, best mocha in ages. Lovely scone and selection of cabinet food. Clean and tidy.. beaut spot in the sun on a winters day. Friendly staff. Can't ask for more cheers."

PA
Pete Armstrong 2 month ago

"Mōrena, today's Brunch was at Beach Cafe & Bar at Tahunanui Beach. What a cracker of a morning to sit out in the sun and enjoy some scrumptious kai and kāwhe and watch the odd plane fly overhead. The Bacon Rosti was delicious, the kāwhe hit the mark and the mango smoothie... yum. GR8 place for Brunch or Lunch."

EL
Elayne Lane 2 month ago

"I had a delicious meal of corn fritters bacon and salad. Plus a nice coffee. Lovely people and venue"

A
Anna 2 month ago

"Visited on a sunny Saturday with family. Cheese scone was super yummy and my latte was really good, too. Everyone else enjoyed their breakfasts, and fries. The cabinet food look delicious, including massive portions of baklava - which I’ll have to come back to try!"

MA
Maree Arps 3 month ago

"It was surprisingly quiet today for lunch. A lovely outdoor space was available and my friend and I enjoyed the corn fritters. Delicious food"

S
Snowbird 4 month ago

"A visitor to the town found the beach Tahunanui Beach it is wonderful got great sports area very safe playground for families found amazing cafe called The Beach & Bar Cafe all in the same reserve wonderful staff & amazing lady who knows how to make scones coffee was good, food looked good a good place to swim & relax"

RR
Rosemary Rowe 4 month ago

"Excellent location, friendly and quick service, great coffee and delicious food. Highly recommend the avocado on toast with an extra egg. Kids meals were generous portions. Great to support a local business."

JS
Joel Smith 5 month ago

"First time back for four adults and two boys since reopening. We purchased a variety of food which was beautifully presented and very tasty; thank you. Room for improvement. No follow-up at our table. Birds swooping down to get left over food so we had to shift all the plates, cups etcetera into the cafe. A huge opportunity here and easy to implement. Staff all looked sharp and well groomed!"

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Open now · until 3:00 PM
Weekly hours
Monday 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Tuesday 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Wednesday 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Thursday 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Friday 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Saturday 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Sunday 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Morning to mid-afternoon visits are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or lunch with flexible hours and a relaxed pace.

Open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on weekends Typical visit: 25 minutes to 1.5 hours Popular for solo dining and groups Ideal for breakfast and lunch Scenic beachfront location at Tahuna Beach Reserve

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to Beach Cafe and Bar in Nelson .

Address Tahuna Beach Reserve, Tahunanui, Nelson 7000, New Zealand
Phone +64 3 539 6341
Area Nelson
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about Beach Cafe and Bar to help plan your visit and enjoy the best experience possible.

The cafe operates daily from 8:30 AM, closing at 3:00 PM on weekdays and extending to 4:00 PM on weekends. Hours may vary during holidays or special occasions.

Yes, there is outdoor seating available along with takeaway, dine-in, and delivery services to suit different preferences and needs.

The cafe provides wheelchair-accessible parking, entrances, seating, and toilets, ensuring comfortable access for all guests.

Popular items include savoury scones, iced coffee, salmon rosti, chicken Caesar salad, and sundaes. The menu features breakfast, lunch, small plates, coffee, wine, and desserts.

Children are accommodated with a kids' menu and high chairs, while dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for families and pet owners.

Payments can be made using credit and debit cards, as well as NFC mobile payments for convenient and contactless transactions.

Visitors usually stay between 25 minutes and 1.5 hours, ideal for quick bites, casual dining, or working on a laptop in a relaxed atmosphere.

For owners

Own or manage this food place?

Update this page with accurate hours, menu details, photos, and business notes — and reach food lovers searching for places like yours on FoodPlacee.

Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.