Maranui Cafe is a popular, quirky 40's style café based in the Surf Lifesaving Club in Lyall Bay. Coupling beautiful food with amazing views over Lyall Bay, this is a cafe that tends to create a long but patient queue of customers waiting out the doors over the weekend.

One of the more popular cafés in Wellington, it's known for its well priced yet decent meals, the friendly staff, and the crazy hustle and bustle atmosphere and the retro décor. This is one that is sure to please.

Overview

Price Range Reasonable
Ambience Relaxed atmosphere
Accepts credit cards Yes
Noise level Upbeat
Food Options Vegetarian

Products and specialities

Outdoor Seating, Bay Views, Restaurant, Cafe, Liquor License

Hours

  • Mon -
  • Tues -
  • Wed -
  • Thurs -
  • Fri -
  • Sat -
  • Sun -
  • Holidays -
Reviews

Add your review

A busy place for lunch so get there early. I had a brilliant tofu dish and this from a non tofu person.

Maranui’s a great place to go for coffee or brunch, until you get there and realise that all of Wellington had the same idea. Maranui is obscenely popular on the weekends, with the queue sometimes extending down the stairs and out the front door, and, in a city with so many great eateries (and many half-empty), this can be a test of resolve. But once you’re in, it’s always worth the wait: picturesque views, great decor, and fantastic food. And the Tradesman Tuesdays deal – a big breakfast and coffee for just $16, from 7am till 3pm – is a great reason to wake up early (or call in sick).

I love Maranui and have always been a fan... Everytime a friend or a family member comes to Wellington, I take them straight form the airport to Maranui... The best views, vibe, milkshakes and...pancakes!!!  YUM!

The Alpha and Omega of brunch in this city, at least in my family. If you hit the sweet spot of the Sunday rush you’ll be caught in the joyous bustle of the place without too much of a wait for your actual food.

Great service, food and views.

It’s a bit of a way out of town, but if you don’t live in Lyall Bay it is definitely worth the trip. The food here is amazing — I love the crispy manuka honey smoked bacon that they use — and despite it always, always being busy the service is impeccable.

Great little cafe over looking the beach. Love to eat here when im in Wellington. Cheers,Ernie Earnshaw

We waited impatiently in line, tapping our feet as we stared longingly at the cabinet of goodies. All traces of hanger left as soon as we were seated by the window, what a view! The Mr ordered a milkshake while he waited for his food and wow there was a good truckload of ice cream in there! The food came and it was as breath taking as the water. I was sad it had to finish but thought of the good deed we were doing by letting someone else enjoy the delights.  The views and the fresh air outside will make you feel a lot better too if you had a big one the night before.

This delightful sea-side cafe is in remembrance to the life saving club that burnt down in 2009. The beautiful food and old school atmosphere leaves for the cafe’s patrons waiting up to an hour during prime Sunday brunch time. The food and drink is well worth the wait, and I have never known of someone who has left disappointed. I recommend splashing out and treating yourself to a full breakfast.

Excellent salads amongst other gluten free options. Maranui does it well.