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Wai Kitchen

4.3 (14 reviews)
ModerateCafes
Closed Closed

Wai Kitchen Photos

WAI KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Good for kids
Outdoor seating

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Not the best photo but this is their poached eggs w smoked salmon and avo
Alex D.

Seriously, how good is that deck! Perched above Oneroa with beautiful seaside views - absolute bliss, I tell you. It helped that we visited Wai on an absolute pearler of a day and were lucky enough to score one of the last outdoor tables - there was no way I was missing out on that deck action! After a quick round of coffee (Three Beans) our eyes diverted to the menu, which was a breath of fresh air - simple and seasonal. I opted for the smoked salmon, eggs (poached) and avo. Nothing new, but delicious all the same. Eggs cooked to perfection, generous serving of avo and good, albeit under-seasoned, hot smoked salmon. The service was efficient but not obtrusive and they absolutely nailed my somewhat niggly coffee order (MASSIVE brownie points). Would happily return next time i'm on the island, even if it's just for the views alone!

Great view!
Arthur C.

Aaaah Wai Kitchen was an OK for me. Got me an order of the buttermilk pancakes and a Valrhona hot chocolate. It was good. Not mind-blowing, but still good. I would say slightly overpriced. The place looks much nicer from the outside than on the inside. The interior deco is simple, and the place has great sea views, which is, really, the only reason to find a place to dine on Waiheke. Service from one particular waitress was good, but the floor manager did seem the push my buttons, just the attitude he had with greeting customers and seating people. So that was a little bit of a downer. If you're looking for a light lunch/snack I would recommend checking out their Bakery/Cafe just down the steps below. It's got a bit more of a casual atmosphere, great outdoor seatings: Beanbags! And I love the decor there.

Pancetta with Eggs and Vine Ripened Tomatoes
Colbert M.

Excellent Brunch Except for a Sour Host! We had a delicious brunch here on New Year Day 2014. The food was excellent and the service as well. The only exception was the host/manager on duty named Steven who seated us. He seemed unhappy to have to be there that morning and had the most unpleasant demeanor that got our experience off to a bad start. He kept a dour look on his face and never broke a smile to anyone the whole time we were at the restaurant. I don't know what his problem was. He should have called in sick or looked for a job without public contact. Fortunately the young servers were all very cheerful and helpful even though they probably partied till late the night before and still showed up for work.

Joe E.

A short trip across on the boat and I was starving, as much as I like the boat trip. There was little food going on the boat. I guess most people can hold out for thirty minutes or so.. and I'm so glad I did. We came across this place, not because of its menu, not because of the all the awards it has proudly displaying on the windows, but because of the view.. It is truly amazing on a sunny day to sit out on the balcony and just look out into the seas. I am very familiar with the owners Steve and Sarah Vanderput, they own and operate the Teed Street Larder in Newmarket, a frequent haunt for me getting coffee and morning tea. The view over looking the sea is breath-taking and you really do not mind the wait for your food as you sit there and have a conversation with your partner. Once the food did arrive, the conversation stopped and the only words shared were about the food was how great it tasted. The pancakes above were great, a decent size with a serving of bacon and a generous serving of butter. The only downfall I felt was the syrup.. it was meant to be a lemon & sugar syrup. It did not taste sweet or sour.. the only taste of lemon I got was from the slice of lemon on the top. The fritters with mushroom and grilled halloumi with rocket salad looked & tasted equally good. I can see why this place has won multiple awards with Metro and feel they are well deserved and rate them below. Food 3/5 - Excellent Service 4/5 - Warming & Friendly Atmosphere -4/5 - Best View of Sea Overall 4/5 - Come for the view, stay for the food

Pancakes
d. jean q.

Amazing breakfast! Met a local who recommended it. So glad!!! We had the pancakes and they were incredibly delicious. Wow! Have to admit though, there was a lot of great looking food coming out of the kitchen, wondered if we'd chosen the best they had to offer. Definitely a place to eat at!

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Review Highlights - Wai Kitchen

We were a bit uncertain about which cafe we would end up at in oneroa, and we're pleased with our selection.

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Solar Eating House

Solar Eating House

3.4(7 reviews)
1.2 km

The Good: Gorgeous views at this family run cafe/diner/bar. The interiors were relaxed, playful and…read moregave off a beach bohemian vibe. We came here for breakfast but spotted beers on tap and a pizza oven. I imagine having drinks out back on a summer afternoon must be glorious. The Bad: Food took a while, so make sure you're willing to wait like 40+ minutes for a meal. Recommend grabbing a drink and a pastry to tide you over. And we found a live ant in our garnish, but we channeled our island selves and it was chill.

Has a central location in Onera Village, with lots of seating on the patio and inside. You can get…read moreindividual wifi codes at the counter that each last for 30 minutes. Came with a group of 7 behind another large party and they had the courtesy to warn us of a 35 minute wait. Despite the amount of seating, their kitchen looked rather small so I could see wait times being an issue here. We weren't too bothered since many of us were tired and just wanted to sit, but be aware if you're hoping for food right away. Ordered the special of the day ($14) along with a side salad ($8). The special was only a salmon fillet, although they allow you to pick 2 different half-salads. The fish was delicious, very nicely cooked but succulent and not dry at all. A good rest stop overall, but wished they offered just a couple more affordable options. Most of my party could only get decent sized portions for lunch items starting between $18-22.

Photos
Solar Eating House - View from the balcony

View from the balcony

Solar Eating House - Laid back interiors at solar

Laid back interiors at solar

Solar Eating House - Salmon fillet: special of the day $14, with an additional pairing of half quinoa, half greens salad for $8

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Salmon fillet: special of the day $14, with an additional pairing of half quinoa, half greens salad for $8

Arcadia - Deck seating

Arcadia

4.3(4 reviews)
3.2 km

Arcadia is a hidden gem :) I have visited this spot twice and have thoroughly enjoyed both my…read moreexperiences here. All of their breakfast dishes are absolutely delish and my favorite is the eggs Benedict. I will say that if you are eating here, then plan to spend between 25-35$ for your meal, which may seem pricey but not uncommon for Waiheke and the food is worth it! The outside seating is lovely on a sunny day and the indoor cafe is adorable as well. The location is perfectly located next to beautiful palm beach so it is the perfect breakfast stop before a swim or perfect for lunch and a drink after a Long Beach day. Very kind staff as well. Love it here :)

Such a great setting for a cafe/restaurant! Palm beach is a stunning beach on Waiheke but…read moreunfortunately our experience at Arkadia was not and especially if you want food that matches it's surroundings.. We had been riding around the island stopping at most bays which requires coffee and food! I chose here (as suppose to next door) because I remember having a great time and meal here last time. We ordered the Pork belly burger, spicy chicken and breads and dips.. The "chicken" looked nice but was more like nuggets/pieces as suppose to "chicken".. plus it wasn't even spicy?!? Confusing on so many levels. Burger was ok.. interesting having pork belly with crackling in a burger - the pork was nice but not so in the burger. Staff were friendly enough but not engaging. I think we got more engagement from other customers. It was a beautiful day and we were having fun - just wished we had a great experience with the food to match the day and Palm beach.

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Arcadia - Outdoor seating

Outdoor seating

Arcadia - "Spicy chicken"

"Spicy chicken"

Arcadia - Menu

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Menu

Wai Kitchen - cafes - Updated May 2026

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