Wild Orchid Cafe — Restaurant in Tathra

March 2023: Wild Orchid Tathra is Tathra’s it-cafe. Across the road from the town’s beautiful white sand beach, it employs sandy blonde wood and fishing basket lights to create a natural yet minimalist space. It’s well-patronised during daylight hours, with coffee service kicking off just as pale yellow light paints the outdoor umbrellas golden. Wild Rye's coffee beans, roasted down the road in Pambula, go alright in a cappuccino ($4.50) or a double shot flat white ($5). There’s also a good range of alternatives—from almond smoothies to chai and freshly squeezed apple, carrot, ginger and orange juice ($9)—to tide early risers over until 7.30am when you can order food.

To my palate the menu—which tends toward healthy, simple food—performs better at lunch than breakfast. A pair of “Korean” pork skewers ($24) sit on lightly seasoned white rice and undressed wombok under sticky Korean chilli sauce, sesame seeds and an apple and cucumber pickle. Earlier in the day, “Turkish” eggs ($18) sit on dill yoghurt with chilli butter, flatbread and a dusting of dukkah. Bacon ($3) makes them more substantial. You can also add it to sourdough toast ($7.50) and not quite set fried eggs ($3/each) to build your own breakfast. The locals clearly love this place, and are all greeted by name at the counter.

March 2032: Despite the floral name, there’s a minimalist, industrial feel to Wild Orchid Tathra, with corten steel weathering nicely on the bar and smooth concrete below your sandy feet and overhead. The effect is softened with comfy brown leather banquettes, bamboo fishing basket lights, and wooden framed sliding windows that help the cafe adapt to whatever weather the neighbouring Tathra beach is throwing at them. Colour comes in the range of healthy treats, like raw caramel bars, and shelves of take-home products running from hemp oil to raw honey.

Their chosen Wild Rye coffee roasted in neighbouring Pambula has a liquorice edge in a strong cappuccino ($4.50) and a strong flat white ($4.50), both executed with the bitterness in balance. Avocado feta ($15) plucked from the short all-day menu adds pepitas, scarce chilli flakes and black sesame with an over-crisp side of bacon ($3) to slightly-too-thick sourdough toast.

Struck by the curse of the cold plate, the only thing wrong with the smoked ocean trout ($19) was temperature. This dish piles a good amount of smoked ocean trout and smashed avocado on an airy potato rösti under a fluffy mop of dill. It’s accompanied by a poached egg and a smear of tangy caper and dill mayo. Best bit about this venue is, as soon as you finish breakfast, you can cross the road and you’re right on...

A Rare Gem That Truly Understands Its Community

Some venues merely exist, others serve, but a precious few truly understand—and Wild Orchard Café in beautiful Tathra is one of them. They get it.

In a market where many miss the mark, Wild Orchard Café strikes the perfect balance: quality at a reasonable price, creativity without pretension, and inclusivity for those seeking whole-food and plant-based options. It’s not just food—it’s nourishment crafted with care, imagination, and an unmistakable sense of place.

What stood out immediately was the evident passion of the proprietor and team. It shines through in everything—from the thoughtful, ever-evolving menu to the artful presentation and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. This café doesn’t just serve food; it serves up an experience rooted in heart and authenticity.

A standout moment? Spotting Ceremonial Matcha as the special of the day. Not your standard café-grade green powder, but the real-deal Japanese tea ritual in a cup. A sign that someone here respects culture, detail, and discerning tastes.

Wild Orchard is more than a café—it’s a reflection of what modern coastal hospitality can be when driven by purpose and passion.

5 out of 5. Tathra is lucky to have...

Whilst we visited in the off season, this popular little cafe hinted at the bustling lunchtimes and lazy afternoon vibes summer might bring. Bright and beachy, it offers inside seating for couples and smaller groups toward the back; a couple of indoor tables for larger groups 6-8 at the front; and range of outdoor bench/table and crate style seating options outdoors.

Pet friendly offering dog water bowls outside, the cafe is situated next door to the Big4 Caravan Park and across the road from the Tathra Beachfront Holiday Park: making it an the go to spot for travellers and families wanting to grab brekkie or lunch.

It’s not advertised as being open for dinner, though there was a sign up at the register saying they were currently opening every second Saturday for seatings at 5:30 & 7:30pm.

The only con was every outdoor and inside front table was reserved or taken when we walked in for brunch. We almost walked away upon first glance. We didn’t find an open table until we checked the back. Best make reservations if you plan to visit, and especially in...