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Cafe Esplanade in Palmerston North

Discover Cafe Esplanade in Palmerston North. Enjoy great coffee, breakfast, lunch, and cozy atmosphere. Check menu, hours, reviews & location here.

3.7 692 reviews $20–30 Cafe American · Southern

1 Palm Drive, West End, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand

FoodPlacee Passport New Zealand · Palmerston North · 73956
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Cafe Esplanade

Palmerston North, New Zealand

Eggs Benedict Hot Chocolate Corn Fritters Iced Chocolate
Rating★ 3.7 / 5
Price$20–30
CategoryCafe
Today Closed

Overview

About This Food Place

Cafe Esplanade is a cozy and historic café located in the heart of West End, Palmerston North. Situated at 1 Palm Drive, this inviting spot offers a relaxed atmosphere ideal for enjoying great coffee, tea, and delicious desserts. With a rating of 3.7 from over 690 reviews, the café is praised for its friendly staff, warm fireplace, and an extensive tea selection.

The menu features a balanced mix of vegetarian and vegan options, including small plates and quick bites. This casual café welcomes solo diners and families alike, providing excellent facilities such as wheelchair accessibility and a kids' menu. Prices typically range from $20 to $30, reflecting the quality and variety of their breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings.

Gallery

Photos from Cafe Esplanade

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

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

Cafe Esplanade offers a cozy retreat in Palmerston North with excellent coffee, tasty meals, and welcoming ambiance perfect for all visitors.

Great Coffee & Tea Selection

Known for expertly brewed coffee and a wide variety of teas that consistently delight visitors.

Cozy Fireplace Ambiance

A historic and casual setting with a fireplace that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Ideal for Breakfast and Lunch

Popular spot for morning and midday dining featuring favorites like Eggs Benedict and Corn Fritters.

Family-friendly & Accessible

Welcomes families, groups, and tourists with wheelchair-accessible facilities and kids' amenities.

Good for Working on Laptop

Offers a relaxed environment with free seating options that suit solo diners and those working remotely.

Convenient Takeout & Dine-in

Flexible service options including dine-in, outdoor seating, and quick takeout for on-the-go meals.

Friendly Staff & Fast Service

Consistently praised for attentive and helpful staff delivering speedy service, even during busy times.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Perfect for relaxed mornings and casual afternoons, this cafe offers a serene environment to recharge or catch up on work while enjoying tasty meals and beverages.

Visitors appreciate the quiet, peaceful vibe paired with quick, friendly service. The fireplace adds warmth to cooler days, making it a delightful spot year-round. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Breakfast Retreat

Start the day with classics like Eggs Benedict or a warming Tumeric Latte. The morning hours offer a peaceful setting for a nourishing meal.

Solo Work Session

With ample seating and reliable service, the café is an ideal place for getting work done or studying while sipping coffee or tea.

Family-Friendly Brunch

Bring the kids along and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere complete with a kids' menu and high chairs amid a welcoming space.

Quick Takeout

On busy days, grab a quick bite from their selection of small plates and snacks to enjoy in the nearby Victoria Esplanade gardens.

Cozy Afternoon

Relax by the fireplace with a hot chocolate or cappuccino, soaking in the casual ambiance and friendly service.

Best for

Great Coffee Breakfast Work-Friendly Family-Friendly Vegan Options Popular Dishes Free Parking Wheelchair Accessible

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

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

STG
Sneha Teresa George 3 week ago

"Visited Esplanade Café and really enjoyed the experience. The ambience is pleasant and relaxing, especially with the location. The staff were friendly and attentive. A nice spot to sit back and enjoy a coffee."

AM
Alex Millar 1 month ago

"Came in for lunch, had the beef burger and corn fritters. The food was average for the price we paid for it. There are many other places you could go for a nicer lunch. Have been here many times for the coffee and drinks and have been pleased every time. Coffee is always great. Staff were happy and helpful, with quick service. Highly recommend for a coffee or drink and something from the cabinet."

RD
Rachael DeAdman 1 month ago

"Called in for lunch on my way home from work. Pretty busy, but that's to be expected at lunchtime. Fast service given it was busy, friendly staff members and the food arrived at an expected speed for that time of the day. Food was nice, enjoyed my experience overall."

DH
Danni Hen 1 month ago

"6/5 star honestly great. Simple bacon and eggs are phenomenal. Simple touches i really appreciate, like buttering the toast before piling it on the plate. Loads of eggs . Mocha was really nice too. I came early before they opened and they more than accomodating and welcoming. I love how they know all the older customers names. That’s so sweet. Staff friendly and busy. Beautiful cafe. Even had a fire place and lots of space so no bumping shoulders with strangers. Great place. Great prices too!"

AS
Ahsan Siddiqui 1 month ago

"This is A very nice place. Quiet peaceful and serene with the gardens. Certainly recommended . Food so acceptable and prices as all over nz. We had fish burger 23$ Salmon egg bene 23$ Omelette 19$ Americano 4.2$ Drinks 5$ ave 30$/head"

JH
Jill Henry 1 month ago

"The staff were very friendly and the service was quick. I visited at the weekend and during the week and this remained the case on both visits. The coffee was great and there was a selection of gluten free cabinet food as well as on the menu. What a great location in The Victoria Esplanade."

LT
Linda Taurua-Taufo'ou 1 month ago

"The coffee machine was down but they made up in service, food, and atmosphere. Me being a person that has high sensitivity to noise this place was nice and quiet and could have a conversation without having to talk over others around you just to be heard."

AP
Alex Preston 4 month ago

"Cute cafe with great food and coffee. Was pretty busy but still found a spare table. Staff are friendly and quick!"

Visit info

When to Visit

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

Today Closed
Weekly hours
Monday 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Tuesday 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Wednesday 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Sunday 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Enjoy a visit during breakfast or lunch hours for the best selection and a comfortable atmosphere. Typical stays range from 15 minutes to an hour.

Weekdays 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed Thu & Fri) Weekend mornings for a cozy start Family visits and group dining are popular on weekends Reservations accepted to plan ahead

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to Cafe Esplanade in Palmerston North .

Address 1 Palm Drive, West End, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
Phone +64 6 357 7880
Area Palmerston North
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about Cafe Esplanade to help plan your visit and enjoy a great cafe experience.

Open Monday to Wednesday and Saturday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Closed on Thursdays and Fridays. Hours may change seasonally or on holidays.

Yes, there is outdoor seating available along with onsite services, dine-in, and takeout options. Delivery service is not provided.

The cafe provides a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restroom, and seating to ensure a comfortable visit for all guests.

Popular choices include Eggs Benedict, Corn Fritters, Hot Chocolate, Cappuccino, and Turmeric Latte. The menu also features vegan and vegetarian options.

Yes, the cafe is family-friendly and offers a kids' menu along with high chairs, making it suitable for young children.

Free and paid street and parking lot options are available close to the cafe, providing convenient parking for visitors.

Reservations are accepted, helping to secure seating especially during busy times. It’s recommended to book in advance when possible.

Payments can be made via credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for smooth and convenient transactions.

For owners

Own or manage this food place?

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