Cafe Peony

shop 8/22 Bay Road, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
+64 22 573 8846
$$$ Cafe
(46 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Cafe Peony sits quietly tucked away in the heart of Kilbirnie, offering a casual retreat for anyone after more than just your average coffee fix. This is a spot where the usual espresso lineup shares space with intriguing milk teas like taro, matcha, and mango, alongside comforting non-coffee options such as chai and pandan lattes. The café’s drinks list hints at a playful approach that sets it apart from neighboring spots, making it particularly appealing to locals who enjoy a little wander off the standard café trail.

The atmosphere strikes a balance between relaxed and welcoming, perfect for a laid-back morning catch-up or a low-key afternoon break. It’s not a sprawling venue, but the intimate scale gives it a homely vibe, complemented by thoughtfully chosen decor that feels fresh without trying too hard. You’ll often find a mix of regulars dropping in for their favorite milk teas or a wholesome brunch, as well as small groups who appreciate the attentive but unobtrusive service.

Food here leans into inventive yet approachable dishes, with options like marinated lamb rice bowls and jackfruit tacos bringing unexpected flavours to the table without overwhelming. Portions are sensible, satisfying those who want quality and taste without going overboard, which fits nicely with the generally reasonable pricing. The breaks from the typical café fare have made Cafe Peony a spot that locals mention when craving something a little different but still reliable.

Dog owners will find it friendly too, with some local touches like gourmet dog treats showing that attention to the whole community. The café’s location on Bay Road means it’s convenient for both a quick stop or a relaxed linger, though early to mid-mornings and weekend brunch seem to be when it’s at its most lively and comfortable.

Overall, Cafe Peony caters well to those who want a thoughtfully curated beverage menu accompanied by fresh, well-presented food served in a welcoming, slightly boutique setting. Whether you’re here for a well-made matcha latte, a creative meal, or just a peaceful pause during the day, it fits neatly into the local rhythm of Kilbirnie without any fuss.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
What they serve
Coffee
Quick bite
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

07:30 AM - 04:30 PM

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

07:30 AM - 04:30 PM

Thursday

07:30 AM - 04:30 PM

Friday

07:30 AM - 04:30 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

46 Reviews
c thackery

08 Jan 2026

This cafe always surprises me w it's innovative cuisine ...had the marinated lamb rice bowl today (20th Dec 2025) ...and it was awesome, tasty, not too much and not too little - just right. Happily have this again next time ...although I should try another dish. Service is top notch, prices reasonable and it is sufficiently different to the other eateries around here. Definitely a recommended eatery. Thanks guys and gals

Amelia Smits

06 Dec 2025

amazing food, got the jackfruit tacos and a matcha latte and they were so delicious - the perfect amount of spice in the tacos, and the matcha was well made and just the right amount of sweetness and they were both presented beautifully. the vibes in this café are so welcoming, and the servers are very attentive and great at their job :)

Jam Kwok

04 Nov 2025

Cute little cafe. Recommended by a friend who used to work with the chef owner back at Apache before they opened their own place. Good flavour and nice plating! One of the hungry friends also very happy with the portion. Solid!

suede sage

03 Nov 2025

beautiful, filling, high quality food & ingredients. amazing service and stunning atmosphere!! absolutely love the decorations, and the gourmet dog treats delicious milk tea & big brekkie, thank you for providing such a lovely experience

Monique Hamon

02 Nov 2025

On a recommendation by son (12yrs) to try the BEST bacon and egg butty - the dish was beyond expectations! A generous portion for $14. Fresh and deliciously prepared. Also tried the Ube Latte with soy - not overly sweet, just perfect. Dog friendly too! Friendly staff. Will definitely be back for our next brunch fix.

Pei-Ying Pan

28 Oct 2025

Rebranded, refreshed, serving up nice breakfast, brunch and lunch, as well as bubble tea, this bright brand new cafe opened their doors a few days ago in Kilbirnie, it's a cute cozy spot, and what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon with the girls!? We shared the big breakfast, waffles and the chicken salad. Honestly I am not really a salad person, but this really surprised me, the dressing was very flavourful and the chicken was well brinned, was soft and juicy, with a soft boiled egg, beautiful umami feta cheese plus guacamole and sprinkled with pumpkin seeds on a bed of lettuce, we really loved this dish! It also felt so healthy and refreshing but not boring or dry at all! The big breakfast came with a nice Indian chutney on the side, and the hollandaise sauce was creamy and fragrant, with the eggs done just right, a goodie but an oldie! The waffles were slightly cookie-like and perfectly paired with mascarpone and blueberry compote, the brulee'd banana went very well and the coconut streusel on top was just the perfect touch. Of course there is bubble tea that completes the meal, and they also do matcha and strawberry, nice matcha flavour with hand made puree they are open every day 7:30am-4:30pm so come give them some love!

Steven lim

18 Oct 2025

We really enjoyed the food and atmosphere of cafe peony, plus the friendly service. Today they have a new menu for lunch, Smoked Chicken Farfalle and Spiced Carrot+Ginger Soup, it was delicious, we also ordered Bacon & Egg Butty with special sauce which is very tasty We will come back to try the cabinet food which looks good&fresh. Cafe Peony is a hidden gem cafe in the Kilbirnie area that is worth to try.

Mai F

13 Sep 2025

Amazing coffee and food! Even before we stepped inside, a lady walking out told us how amazing it was, which turned out to be a great sign! We came for Sunday lunch, and the place had a steady flow of people the whole time. We absolutely loved our meals, and the coffee was spot on. Thank you so much for a lovely experience. Wishing you continued success, clearly well deserved! P.S. We got some desserts for takeaway, so excited to try them later!

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