Maranui Café

There’s nothing like a close brush with a fiery death to make a café really come to life, and for Maranui that has led to a soaring popularity which means you’ll often find a patient line of eager people snaking halfway down the stairs. (Regulars here will tell you it’s well worth the wait).

Built in 1911 and considered a heritage building by Wellington Council, it’s not surprising the place feels comfortably retro on the inside. Red leather booth seats, milkshakes served in the shaker and clever retro inspired menus give Maranui a welcoming, cosy feel. After the 2009 fire gutted the building, the Lyall Bay community rallied to have it rebuilt, and now they are well and truly reaping the rewards – a bustling café with a million-dollar view where the happy staff ensure the café runs like a well-oiled machine. Just as proud of its current position as it is of its history, Maranui still displays plenty of memorabilia to remind you you’re in the company of surf lifesaving legends here.

Sit on the colourful bench seats out on the deck, tuck into a booth, or cross your fingers and hope you get the table for two right in front of the sweeping windows looking out to Lyall Bay. Fresh, good looking cabinet food is supplied by Queen Sally’s Diamond Deli just down the road, while the ‘beach breakfast’ section on the menu is perfect for those folks who have just finished a salty swim, surf or walk along the beach. Get into the house-made sourdough crumpets or the ‘after swim super snack’ with avocado, tomato and basil on toasted loaf.

Not people to do things by halves, it pays to remember meals are loaded here, so make sure you come hungry.