Maranui 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 – 5:00 pm.

Saturday8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Sunday8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Lvl1, 7A Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay, Wellington

04 387 4539

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.

Words by Rosie Morrison & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

Lvl1, 7A Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay, Wellington

Nearby Places

Parrotdog Bar

The outside of Parrotdog Bar.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
Bars key icon.

A brilliant retro-fit bar that welcomes tradies, business folk, families, children and even dogs.

Niche Textile Studio

Chair next to a loom.
Place Wellington
Stay and explore key icon.

Niche Textile Studio was set up by Christine Brimer to help share her passion with Wellingtonians - creating beautiful woven homeware with a focus on sustainability.

Wonderland Chocolate

Wider view of the exterior of Wonderland Chocolate.
Place Wellington
Goods key icon.

Evoking the spirit of a long-lost local amusement park, Wonderland Chocolate brings something truly magical to Wellington’s Lyall Bay and beyond: plant-based vegan...

ParrotDog Brewery & Nice. Takeaway

Woman filling rigger with beer and takeaway bar section of Parrotdog in Wellington
Place Wellington
Goods key icon.

Exuding 70’s retro vibes, ParrotDog’s cellar door (‘Nice.

Similar Places

Moore Wilson's Tory Street

Fresh fruit and vegetables.
Place Wellington Editor's Pick
Goods key icon.

If you’re into food there’s no doubt you’ll be into Moore Wilson's.

Commonsense Wellington City

Crates of fresh produce.
Place Wellington
Goods key icon. Wellbeing key icon.

For all things organic, Commonsense Organics is the place to visit – and luckily for Wellingtonians there are four stores to choose from.

Burger Liquor

The entrance to Burger Liquor.
Place Wellington
Restaurants key icon.

Here, the burgers are fist-sized and delicious.

Bus Stop Cafe

A vintage living room sitting next to large windows.
Place Kāpiti Coast
Cafes key icon.

Bus Stop Cafe is a hidden secret, a stone's throw away from Te Horo Beach.