EL Cafe

Was supposed to dine in but felt really uncomfortable so took it out to eat at the bay after sitting inside. The lady at the counter had no welcomes or hellos, and none existent service, if anything her efforts felt forced and our presence was a burden. Besides that we were there for the food which in fairness was good, hearty, and well priced. The quesadillas was spot on and chorizo burrito was just right for a breakfast option. The kids enjoyed all of it.

What a hidden gem this is, honestly in all of our breakfast experiences so far in Paihia, this place has been the best, the Chorizo breakfast burrito was divine and authentic, full of flavour and appropriately apportioned. The heuvos rancheros was tasty and the eggs were perfect. Coffee was some of the best we’ve had in Paihia so far, I’m guessing they use high quality beans.

Great lunch if you want a quality sandwich away from the crowds. Everywhere along the sea front was really busy and had menus full of fried food. We wanted a light bite and El Café really delivered. We also liked that it had a nice, small family vibe to it. The Chicken Sandwich was lovely, flavourful and fresh and the berry smoothie was tasty too.

Surprisingly great coffee! Delicious food that was really affordable. Relaxed atmosphere and helpful staff. They had a high chair for our baby. A little bit away from town maybe 5 mins walk meant that it wasn’t crazy busy like everywhere else. Would definitely come back.

Good coffee. The nachos are pretty good, good range of toppings, my only criticism would be the ratios of toppings there was the smallest sprinkle of cheese and a little beans, plenty of beef, and the flavors were good. missing the melted cheese brought this rating down slightly. Service consistently good, will go again.

El Café has the best, most authentic South American flavors I’ve tasted in all of New Zealand! I am from Southern California and am used to good Mexican food at every corner, and that’s the one thing I miss in NZ. We stumbled on El Café after returning our rental bikes across the street. Hot and tired from our ride we were only thinking about a cold drink but the menu looked so enticing we ordered the pork quesadilla in addition to our banana smoothie and iced latte, que rico! The flavors were so fresh and just the right amount of heat. We made a plan then and there to return for breakfast on our last day in Paihia —how had we only just discovered this place?! The next morning we were lucky enough to meet the chef and ordered his recommendations for brekkie: cubano sandwich and huevos rancheros. Again, perfection! The food isn’t the only star: the cafe is also really cozy, comfy seats and themed decor; there’s wifi; and a clean toilet! Definitely recommend El Café and hope to return ASAP

Mixed feelings about this place, the chicken sandwich was good, crunchy ciabatta bread with a decent amount of filling. The guacamole felt like it was missing lime juice for a tangy flavour and felt to watery. The vegetarian burrito was very large as well, it felt more like a mid day lunch rather than a breakfast, it was quite nice though. The berry smoothie was also very average it tasted very watery like alot of ice was added, the taste of it left very bad after taste. Overall I would go back but just for the chicken sandwich and to try something else.

I visited this spot during my Northland trip. I was in Paihia for three days and my accommodation was very close to this restaurant. But, I never visited this place. The outside El Cafe board was never appealing to me at all to try anything here. Before heading to Kerikeri, I stopped here for a coffee and quick breakfast. I must say, this little place is a hidden gem! I fell in love with the interior and the concepts. Whoever designed the interior has done it with utmost care. The concepts are great! The wait staff was very kind, polite and had great customer service skills. The food was amazing and the coffee was great. I gained a little knowledge about the Maya civilisation from the books kept there. Our final meal on Paihia was too good! Would definitely visit this place next time I visit Paihia abs would highly recommend! Cheers

Enjoyed a delicious chorizo burrito for breakfast. Great atmosphere and friendly service as well!

It was ok, I had the El Cafe Burritos it was a bit bland, it needs to be a bit saucier and the sauce should have a kick and zing to it... I thought it should have fries or more corn chips with it.. I'm used to burritos being toasted a bit as well... It was big, but still expensive for it's serving as I say it should come with more chips and guacamole... But otherwise it was filling and nice enough..