Beach Cafe and Bar
Nelson, New Zealand
A relaxed cafe and bar by Tahunanui offering a casual dining experience with a focus on atmosphere and good food priced $20–30.
Tahuna Beach Reserve, Tahunanui, Nelson 7000, New Zealand
Beach Cafe and Bar
Nelson, New Zealand
Overview
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
Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.
Local favorites
This casual cafe at Tahuna Beach Reserve offers a delightful spot for breakfast, brunch, or lunch with an inviting atmosphere and convenient amenities.
Visitors can savor expertly brewed coffee and a wide array of teas, perfect for a relaxing solo break or a catch-up with friends.
Features like high chairs, a kids' menu, and full wheelchair accessibility make it welcoming for all ages and needs.
Enjoy meals outdoors next to Tahunanui Beach, a perfect place for groups, tourists, and those working on laptops.
Offering dine-in, takeaway, delivery, and outdoor seating, the cafe fits varying schedules with typical visits lasting 25 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Menu favorites include savory scones, sausage eggs chips and beans, chicken Caesar salad, and tasty kids' options.
Enjoy quality food and drinks with typical prices between $20–30, making it a great value for the coastal dining experience.
Free street and lot parking close by simplifies visits, combined with a prime beachside location at Tahuna Beach Reserve.
Experience
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Guest sentiment
A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.
"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."
"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."
"I had a delicious meal of corn fritters bacon and salad. Plus a nice coffee. Lovely people and venue"
"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!"
"It was surprisingly quiet today for lunch. A lovely outdoor space was available and my friend and I enjoyed the corn fritters. Delicious food"
"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"
"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."
"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
Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.
| 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 |
Morning to mid-afternoon visits are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or lunch with flexible hours and a relaxed pace.
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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.