Badger & Mackerel

Badger & Mackerel Messhall is an Ōamaru hub for great food, excellent service and a refreshing mix of big brekkie classics and modern brunch plates.

Owners Bevan and Sandra have deep roots in the town - Bevan’s parents owned the famed Willetts Bakery here for 30 years - but have brought their overseas experiences back with them to Badger & Mackerel. Whether you’re after a quick, quality takeaway or a leisurely lunch, be sure to pay them a visit.

Before moving back to Ōamaru, Bevan trained and worked as a baker and pastry chef in London. Badger & Mackerel’s massive cabinet is a testament to his skill and creativity in the kitchen. Here you’ll find Kiwi classics like custard squares alongside cheesecakes, bliss balls, slices and honey cake - one of Bevan and Sandra’s favourites from their time spent living in Perth. Explore all the sweet and savoury options, and don’t fret if you’re gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian - Badger & Mackerel does it all.

The cabinet alone here brings the ‘wow’ factor. There’s just so much to choose from at this Ōamaru café, and it’s all homemade - even the pies. These handcrafted beauties are flaky and buttery on the outside and hearty on the inside with fillings like steak and mushroom and bacon, egg and cheese. Take one to go or sit down and get the full experience and a cup of coffee, too.

In addition to all the tasty cabinet food, Badger & Mackerel also does a full breakfast menu. The pork belly eggs benny is absolutely not to be missed and is made with local free-range eggs, twelve-hour slow-roasted pork belly, a dash of hollandaise and a bit of chilli on the side for those who like heat – it’ll fill you right up and tick all the flavour boxes, too.