Palmerston North: NZ's Underrated Coffee Capital

Wander around the city centre, and you’re bound to stumble across one of the three Mouthwater coffee carts. The unmissable red carts are the brainchild of Andrew Feldon, a coffee hero who has turned his passion and know-how of all things coffee into a beloved local brand. What the carts lack in size, they more than makeup for with fantastic coffee, delicious snacks to go and quality conversation (and dad jokes).

Part cafe, part specialty retail store, Ebony is a one-stop shop for any and every coffee need. As you wait for your coffee you can peruse the shelves of drip kettles, Chemexes, cold brew setups, and other brewing equipment, as well as watch the in-house roastery hard at work. Want to get even closer to the action? Sign up for a class at Ebony’s barista training school, which is held just down the road.

Smack-bang in the heart of the city centre lies the Victoria Avenue espresso bar of Arrosta, a revered local name that supplies beans to scores of cafes and other outlets around Palmerston North. In addition to your favourite coffees, you’ll find a fantastic selection of slices and other treats to tuck into. 

Originally hailing from Nelson, Sublime Coffee Roasters has carved out a little slice of the North Island to call home – and Palmerston North locals couldn’t be more grateful. A small, lean operation based out of a fresh and funky building on Cuba Street, Sublime keeps its core offerings tight and focused: fantastic coffee, a handful of slices and small bites, plus outstanding customer service to top it all off.

A longtime favourite on George Street, Barista works a neat double shift as a cafe by day and a relaxed European-style bistro by night. Mornings start with quality coffee and a lively brunch rhythm, backed by a cabinet of cheesecake, carrot cake and slices made in-house each day. The walls are covered in an iconic hand-painted mural, added piece by piece over the years, giving the room a lived-in warmth.

Coffee on Ascot is a light, bright, and airy neighbourhood cafe that’s a perfect place to drop by for a quality coffee away from the crowds. Try the famous superfood lattes (think velvet and mushroom lattes), as well as the allergy-friendly raw slices and home-baked snacks. With a selection of large communal tables and outdoor seating, it’s one of the most warm and welcoming cafes in town.

A homely yet spacious eatery, Cafe Cuba is a local institution that has something for everyone. While a cafe by nature, the food here does a stellar job of pulling in the crowds, thanks in no small part to the substantial cabinet filled with slices and cakes. Choose from peppermint, custard, fudge, or a whole swathe of other slices, or the renowned chocolate mud or carrot cake. There are plenty of savoury options too, for those looking for a hearty brunch.