Lakefront Cafe

92 Te Anau Terrace, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand
+64 210 917 7712
$$$ Cafe
(178 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you find yourself wandering the picturesque town of Te Anau in New Zealand, make sure to carve out some time to bask in the charm of Lakefront Cafe. Nestled right on the shores of Lake Te Anau, this cozy cafe not only serves delectable bites but also offers breathtaking views that will make your dining experience truly unforgettable.

The atmosphere at Lakefront Cafe is warm and inviting, making it the perfect retreat whether you're stopping by for a quick snack or settling in for a leisurely brunch. With both indoors and outdoor seating available, you can choose to enjoy your meal while soaking up the scenic beauty of Mount Luxmore and the serene lake surroundings. Patrons appreciate the friendly service that contributes to the cafe's welcoming vibe, as noted by multiple reviews praising the attentive and cheerful staff.

The menu features an appealing assortment of options that cater to all ages and tastes. For the little ones, the Mini Banana Maple Pancakes, Cheesy Bacon Slider & Fries, and Berry Ice Cream Waffle Stack are all priced at NZ$11.00—little indulgences that they'll love. Adults can relish in delicious quick bites like the Smoked Salmon Bagel or the heartwarming Curried Pumpkin & Coconut Soup, both of which are perfect for fueling up before exploring Fiordland’s stunning landscapes. And don't miss the standout dishes reviewed by guests, such as the gluten-free eggs benedict and the exquisite Hollandaise sauce that has been described as “outstanding”!

Many customers, like Chethana N. Mihiranga Nandasena, emphasize the high-quality offerings and friendly service, making it a preferred pitstop on the way to Milford Sound. Reviewers often mention the inviting ambiance that encourages them to return, with one guest even stating they enjoyed brunch here for two consecutive days! Whether you’re looking for a caffeine fix with their well-crafted coffee or a satisfying meal packed with flavor, Lakefront Cafe promises a delightful culinary adventure served with the beauty of nature at your fingertips.

So, on your next visit to Te Anau, make Lakefront Cafe a well-deserved stop where joy, flavor, and stunning views converge—a place that not only nourishes the body but also uplifts the spirit.

Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

178 Reviews
Chethana N. Mihiranga Nandasena

28 Aug 2025

I love this place. We stopped here on our way to Milford Sound. Food is delicious staff are really friendly. Te Anau is the only place you can buy foods if you are traveling all the way to Milford.

Charles Winstone

26 Aug 2025

Fantastic spot by the lake. Simple menu done really well. Great coffee too. This is the only Lake front cafe, has an outdoor seating area and inside. Great ti people watch and admire the mountains. You can see Mount luxmore for those off to do kepler, thatnis a highlight. If youbare stopping on the way to milford there is great street parking, also a good selection of shops around.

adrienne howell

20 Aug 2025

Really nice spot for brunch - been 2 days in a row. Good coffee, great gluten free eggs benny. Service is really good and really friendly.

SUMEET ANAND

19 Aug 2025

Lakefront Café in Te Anau is a charming spot right on Lake Te Anau’s shores, offering stunning views and a cozy vibe. The coffee and the on-site pastries are highlights. Friendly staff, including standout service from team create a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a quick meal or coffee before Fiordland adventures.

Matt Grimaldi

12 Aug 2025

Excellent fare and service. Hollandaise sauce was outstanding. Hamburger was fresh and delicious. Fries were crispy. Mushroom and spinach dish was a delightful surprise. Coffee was good. The counter person/waitperson was energetic and professional notwithstanding my obnoxiousness. Fantastic! And a great location right in lake te Any. Prices were very reasonable. A great cafe.

Gwen C

11 Aug 2025

The coziest cafe in town. Good spot to enjoy rainbows over the lake, with great music, excellent coffee and a chill vibe. Ask Mavis for the perfect drink!

Brahmastyo Puji

08 Aug 2025

Nice cafe with beautiful lake view. We had our breakfast just before our trip to the glow worm cave. It's not really crowded, but took quite some times for us to get our coffee. I'm pretty sure they will be super crowded in summer. They're located in a good spot, many tourists will stop here for a cup of coffee or a quick bite.

Join the Lakefront Cafe Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.