Kelburn Cafe

87 Upland Road, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
+64 22 590 5066
$$$ Cafe
(151 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Kelburn Cafe is a cozy neighborhood spot nestled on Upland Road, well known among locals for its solid coffee game and friendly, laid-back vibe. This small café tends to attract a mixed crowd—from nearby residents looking for a reliable morning pick-me-up to visitors who appreciate the quiet charm away from Wellington’s busier hubs. The indoor seating is modest, but the balcony offers a pleasant place to settle in, especially on sunny days when the sunlight fills the space and the village atmosphere hums gently in the background.

The coffee here consistently stands out, a point that locals who know their beans appreciate—there’s a confident barista touch behind every flat white or latte, including popular choices like oat milk variants. People often pop in for a quick takeaway when in a rush, but many do linger, enjoying the relaxed pace. The food complements the drinks well; the Chicken Taco Cheese Scones and Berry Smoothie get regular mentions for being particularly satisfying without fuss.

Breakfast and brunch dishes have a steady following too. The Eggs Benedict, in particular, is a reliable choice for those who keep returning, praised for its dependably cooked eggs and balanced flavors. The menu is unpretentious, suited to casual visits whether you’re catching up with friends or just taking a quiet moment. It’s worth noting that seating can fill up quickly during peak hours, so patience can be part of the experience in this village café setting.

Parking is tight in the area, reflecting the café’s position within a compact neighborhood, so many visitors combine their stop here with a stroll through Kelburn. The staff’s warm and accommodating manner adds to a sense of community, making regulars and newcomers alike feel welcome.

Overall, Kelburn Cafe works well for anyone after a solid coffee fix accompanied by straightforward, tasty bites in a warm, informal environment. It fits naturally into Kelburn’s local rhythm—a place to return to whether you want a calm spot to work with a flat white or a friendly setting to unwind with a small group.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
What they serve
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible seating

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

08:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

151 Reviews
Cassie Hancock

31 Dec 2025

AMAZING coffee! Amazing service, very kind people AND with being a barista in my previous life, I can say with confidence that they make beautiful coffee. Which is equally amazing and bad given I live just around the corner! Plus their cheese scones are also insanely good.

Antony McDonald

04 Dec 2025

Awesome cafe. Great sunny spot too. Friendly staff so definitely recommended. Eggs Benedict was really good and the flat white with oat milk was perfect. My wife has avacado on toast with a frothy hot chocolate which she really enjoyed. Parking can be a challenge and not many seats so be patient in the village. Take aways also available if you are in a hurry.

Heather

21 Nov 2025

Best latte I’ve had for months. Lovely people. . I loved sitting upstairs on the balcony.

Peter Kelly

28 Oct 2025

Great. Typical experience today: blueberry friand, delicious ("would you like butter or yoghurt?" "both please"; came with a little bowl of each); the BLAT pictured ("would you like it toasted?" "no, but could you take the bacon out and heat it on the grill, then serve it?" "sure!"); a flat white (beautiful, tasty); and a hot chocolate. Kids had toys to play with, the other patrons kindly swapped tables with us so all five of us could fit, it wasn't too loud, it wasn't too hot or too cold... and still great a couple of years later.

Brody Hide

02 Oct 2025

I've been to most cafés around Wellington City and Petone/Lower Hutt, and Kelburn Café is hands down the most consistently amazing. I order Eggs Benedict everywhere I go, and after 10+ visits here, I've never once had an over—or undercooked egg - the consistency here is outstanding. It is a small café, so when it's busy there can be a short wait for food or coffee, but it's always worth it. The coffee is consistently perfect, and the beans they use are clearly top quality. The café is run by a small team who always serve with a smile, and the atmosphere is amazing. Couldn't recommend them enough - I'll definitely be back regularly.

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