Okere Falls Store + Craft Beer Garden — Restaurant in North Island

Three Cheers for Okere Falls Store & Craft Beer Garden! To say we enjoyed the Okere Falls Store & Craft Beer Garden would be a massive understatement – we loved it so much we visited three times during our trip! This place has truly nailed the perfect combination of delicious food, fantastic drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. For coffee lovers, you're in for a treat. Their coffee was consistently excellent, the perfect way to start the day or fuel an afternoon adventure. And speaking of adventures, their craft beer garden is a haven for those who appreciate a good brew. The selection was impressively varied, offering something to please every palate. The food was another major highlight. Their cheese toasties with ham are an absolute must-try. These aren't your average toasties; they are generously sized, and we quickly learned that one "Sammie" is definitely enough to share between two people! Our initial mistake of ordering two left us happily stuffed. Breakfast was equally impressive. The avocado toast was fresh, flavourful, and perfectly executed. The granola bowl was another winner – a delicious and satisfying way to start the day. Beyond the excellent food and drink, the staff truly made our visits memorable. They were consistently friendly, welcoming, and always ready with a smile. Their genuine enthusiasm added to the already fantastic vibe of the place. Okere Falls Store & Craft Beer Garden is more than just a place to eat and drink; it's a destination. Whether you're looking for a great coffee, a unique craft beer, a satisfying meal, or simply a friendly spot to relax, this place has it all. We can't recommend it...

They get everything right. Uniquely crafted food, perfect coffee, delicious and affordable cocktails, a huge range of crafted beers and drinks. The smoothies look thick and awesome. Have eaten here twice in the last week and both times it was sensational. Super fast service without any compromise on quality, just well staffed for the business. Turkish Eggs were perfection. Smash burger is incredible (weekends only) Bloody Mary with bacon with lots of delicious spiced and salted McClure Pickles (will ask for extra spicy next time). Espresso Martini (YUM). Cheesecake has the most amazing crumb base and the filling full of flavour and it is not too sweet, the perfect desert or coffee treat without the sugar knockout. Coffee beans for home and they smell amazing! Destination eating. Enjoy a local, easy 30 minute beautiful waterfall loop walk just around the corner to burn off any cake eaten, and watch the rafters go over the waterfall. (Take your car with you around the corner, to the trail head car park, as parking is needed for next cafe patrons if you are there on the weekend! ) This is a local treasure and not to be missed. You will not find anything as good in town. It also offers wholistic household items, some tasty take home frozen and fresh foods, wine, and a few other little treasures. Indoor and...

A regular since ages ago, I decided to pop in with my wife because I read somewhere they had just won the best toastie (toasted sandwich) in New Zealand.

And it's fair to say The judges knew what they were talking about. It was a Meg Ryan in Sally meet Harry moment.

Everything about the cafe has me bursting with pride as a kiwi as I do hope this review is read by international tourists and traveling kiwis alike that are either passing through. It's well with making the run across from Rotorua as well.

The cafe is eclectic, where possible sourcing beverages product and alcohol alike from the smaller local players, not a bottle of Coca-Cola or multinational brand to be seen.

After polishing off said award-winning toasties, it's time to head back to the hotel room for a lie down.

A stand out cafe that would hold its own anywhere in New Zealand or the world for that matter.

Much kudosn to the owners, staff and toastie makers.

About the toastie:

A combination of dill pickle cheesecake whip, Swiss cheese, sliced figs, Vandy’s streaky bacon, toasted walnuts, rocket, McClure's pickles, blue cheese and a generous drizzle of chilli honey.

Sandwiched between golden toasted and buttered spelt sourdough from local bakers Pantry D’or and topped with copious amounts of...