A café that keeps surf hours.
Ana and Will opened Tidewater in 2019 in an old bach on Wainui Road, halfway between town and the breaks.
Why the early start
Raglan wakes up for the tide, not the clock. We open at 7 so the dawn crowd can get a flat white before they paddle out, and stay quiet enough mid-morning for a long breakfast with the paper.
The kitchen is small, so the menu is short and changes with what our growers bring in. When something runs out, it is gone for the day. We would rather that than freeze it.
Where it comes from
Coffee from a small roaster in Hamilton, an hour up the road. Milk from one Waikato farm. Bread baked overnight in Whāingaroa. Fish from the boats that come back into the harbour, when the weather lets them.
We compost everything we can, our takeaway cups are certified compostable, and bringing your own cup takes 50c off.
What we believe
"Good coffee, made properly, by people who have time to say good morning."
Ana, co-owner
Dogs welcome
On the deck there is a water bowl and a jar of treats. Inside is for people.
Easy to get in
Step-free entry from the car park, an accessible toilet and space between tables for prams and wheelchairs.
Kids sorted
Fluffies, a small menu for under 10s and a box of crayons that is mostly complete.
Work with us
We look for baristas and kitchen hands each spring before the summer rush. Flexible hours around surf and study. Drop your CV in at the counter or email us.
hello@tidewatercafe.example