Kia Ora Haera Mai
Kai Toi Cafe and Restaurant

Haere Mai – Welcome

Nourish the body | Feed the wairua.

A place where Māori values, local kai, and modern flavours come together.
At Kai Toi, we honour tradition while serving food made for today.

Check Menu

Our Story | Ko Wai Mātou

Rooted in whakapapa and inspired by Aotearoa, Kai Toi is built on the principle of manaakitanga — caring for people through food, connection, and hospitality.

Our Values | Ngā Uara

  • Manaakitanga – Caring for all our manuhiri (visitors)
  • Kaitiakitanga – Respect for the environment and local producers
  • Whanaungatanga – Building connection and community
  • Tikanga – Honouring Māori culture in all we do

Opening Hours 

Plan your visit with our opening schedule.

Breakfast | Lunch Menu – 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday

Closed Monday

Phone
09 610 8260
Address
197 Lower Dent Street, Whangārei 0110
Opening Hours

Helping Local Artists

At Kai Toi, we support local artists.

Come and take a look at some of the amazing art works that we feature on our walls. You may even be able to buy one for your own whare!

At first glance, the modern building that is home to Kai Toi may not effuse the principles of Māori culture, focusing on hospitality and care, but a closer look will surely leave you in no doubt as to the nature of this somewhat unique establishment. The tranquil setting on the riverside is the first indication that Kai Toi is special, but once inside the spacious and airy dining area, your eyes will immediately be drawn to the works of art that decorate the walls, all from the hands of traditional artists – and many of these excellent pieces are for sale.

However, the very heartbeat of Kai Toi is the level of welcome that you will feel once inside; making you feel as though you are one of an extended family is paramount in this cafe on the Whangarei waterside, encapsulating the Māori tradition of generous hosting, but in clear contrast to the respected ways of te ao Maori, the carefully constructed menu is full of popular modern dishes, all prepared to an extremely high standard with service to match.

Whether you come as a couple to enjoy a brunch on the Whangarei waterside in the warmth of the KaiToi embrace or are looking for corporate or festive event venue hire in Whangarei, KaiToi has the versatility and flexibility to make your visit truly memorable.

For an environment that lends itself to a business meeting as readily as a fun filled family celebration why not come and experience the outstanding welcome on offer at KaiToi.

For many people, selecting a suitable venue when going out for a meal can be something of a dilemma, whether you are intending a peaceful, romantic meal for two or a larger gathering of friends or family, but in recent times the residents of Whangarei have been presented with an option that has truly caught the imagination of all who have had the pleasure of passing through their doors.

Kai Toi is a delightful juxtaposition of modern style and elegance with ancient Māori traditions of hospitality, nurturing and care which seamlessly come together to create a charming and unique restaurant, nestled in a stunning location on the riverside in Whangarei. This spacious and airy eatery is tastefully furnished and the décor which feature many works of art from local artists immediately helps to calm your soul and lets you know that you are in the embrace of a truly welcoming environment.

With a stunning menu consisting of some classic modern dishes, supplemented and enhanced by daily specials the food alone is enough to encourage customers to make repeated visits for breakfast or lunch at this Whangarei waterside location, but for most the aspect of Kai Toi that can not be matched is the adherence to Māori values that creates the perfect ambience to spend time enjoying the occasion just as much as the delicious food on offer.

And if you should be seeking the perfect Whanau celebration restaurant in Whangarei for friends or family, there can be no other choice than Kai Toi.

# KAI TOI

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