Nish Café

Cafes key icon.
Cafes key icon.

Monday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Tuesday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Wednesday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Thursday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Friday7:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Saturday7:30 am – 4:00 pm.

Sunday7:30 am – 4:00 pm.

69a Discovery Drive, Whitby, Porirua

04 234 7153

A small, modest spot in the heart of the Whitby shopping precinct, Nish Café may look unassuming, but it packs a whole lot of heart.

Owners Shira and Erez say their main focus was always on creating a fusion of cultures, welding their backgrounds with the distinct identities of Porirua and Aotearoa New Zealand. This devotion to understanding and living the local culture has reaped its benefits, with Nish having forged its niche as a go-to for residents around Porirua.

An eye-catching driftwood sign sits proudly at the café’s entrance, drawing visitors into the homely space. No-frills simplicity is the overarching theme here: prosaic, tiled floors and timber and corrugate walls exude neighbourhood cafeteria vibes, which suits Nish’s purpose perfectly well. This shouldn’t be mistaken for boring, though. Great indoor-outdoor flow leads to more seating outside where you can soak in the rays on sunny days, and the cute corner alcove is an ideal spot for a more private meeting. 

Nish’s cabinet is one of its strongest assets. You’ll find a sumptuous range of sweet and savoury treats, with the pecan pie singled out by the owners as a personal favourite. A wide-ranging menu makes it a great stop for a bigger meal as well, with breakfast classics such as Eggs Benedict, and vegan and vegetarian options.

All Shira and Erez wanted when they started out was a small café, a place they could call their own. Nish has turned out to be that and so much more, evolving into a hub where the pair can connect with every local that walks through the door, thanks, of course, to the exceptional food on display. 

Words by John Son & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

69a Discovery Drive, Whitby, Porirua

Nearby Places

The Regal Shortbread Co.

Wooden shelves with back lighting displaying coffee beans, keep cups and more.
Place Porirua
Cafes key icon.

The Regal Shortbread Co. is a micro-bakery in Whitby specialising in decadent, high-end shortbread - six decadent flavours to be exact.

Similar Places

Aloha Friday

Exterior of Aloha Friday, Porirua.
Place Porirua
Cafes key icon.

A homely little spot where the locals come to kōrero, Aloha Friday perfectly epitomises the character of Tītahi Bay—fitting, then, that it's right on the beach’s doorstep.

The Big Salami

Red car in a cafe
Place Porirua
Cafes key icon.

The Big Salami is where locals come to get super tasty pizza, coffee on the go and sweet slices like you remember from your childhood days.

Topor Bistro

Exterior sign at Topor.
Place Porirua
Restaurants key icon.

Those clued up on Polish cuisine will feel right at home at Topor Bistro, with a menu featuring the classics: dig in to pierogi, bigos, and golabki.

IndoKiwi Dhaba

A hand holding deep fried Indian food on a plate.
Place Porirua
Restaurants key icon.

If there’s anything better than an Indian restaurant, it’s one with an Indian grocery conveniently attached to it.