About
Paper Mulberry Cafe, located on State Highway 2 in Pukehou, has carved out a genuine reputation as one of Hawke's Bay's most reliable destination restaurants. Known for consistently excellent brunch and lunch fare that balances quality ingredients with unpretentious execution, it's become the kind of place locals actually return to—not just visitors chasing a recommendation. The kitchen delivers seasonal dishes that respect Hawke's Bay's produce without overthinking it, and the coffee is genuinely good, which matters more than it should.
Expect a warm, unpretentious atmosphere that works equally well for solo diners lingering over a long coffee, couples on a casual date, or families with kids in tow. Most visits run 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on how busy it is; weekend brunch can draw crowds, so an early arrival or weekday visit rewards you with a more relaxed pace. The 4.4-star rating across 740 reviews tells you it's been stress-tested by a lot of people, and the consistency shows. Service is genuinely friendly without being fussy. It's the kind of place you'll think about again weeks later.
If you're exploring Hawke's Bay's wine country, coastal drives, or art deco Napier, Paper Mulberry Cafe works as a solid midpoint refuel—it's positioned handily on SH2 between Hastings and Napier. Spring through autumn is peak season; the cafe is worth visiting year-round, though summer weekends do get busy. It's not a fancy-occasion destination, but it's exactly the sort of neighbourhood restaurant that separates a good Hawke's Bay trip from a forgettable one.
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