Café by Day,
Bistro by Night

Barista is an iconic Palmerston North café that helped shape the city’s emerging café culture in the 1990s — by day a vibrant espresso spot, by night a bustling bistro serving fine wines and European-inspired cuisine with style and flair

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COFFEE / ART / MUSIC / MURAL

Day Menu

Start your day right with Barista’s thoughtfully crafted day menu, designed to satisfy every appetite. From hearty breakfasts to light bites, we offer a variety of options that include plenty of vegan and gluten-free choices. Enjoy freshly prepared classics like eggs benedict, nourishing bowls, and wholesome sandwiches or toasties, alongside our expertly made coffee and refreshing t Leaf T teas.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee and a house-made slice or settling in for a leisurely brunch with friends, our day menu is full of flavour, freshness, and quality ingredients—perfect for fuelling your day in the heart of Palmerston North.

Available weekdays from 8am–5pm.
Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 9am-4pm.

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Evening Menu

Join us from 5–9pm, Monday to Saturday and unwind with Barista’s relaxed and flavourful evening menu. Whether you’re after a casual bite or a full meal, our dinner offering includes a range of seasonal dishes made with fresh, quality ingredients—many with vegan and gluten-free options available.

We’re just a short stroll from Palmerston North’s theatres, making Barista the perfect spot for a pre-show dinner or a relaxed drink and dessert after the curtain falls.

Pair your meal with a glass of wine, a craft beer, or one of our signature cocktails. Our sharing platters and nibbles are great for grazing with friends, while our hearty mains and house-made desserts invite you to settle in and enjoy.

With warm service, a relaxed atmosphere, and something for everyone, Barista is the ideal place to spend your evening in the heart of the city.

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Did you know?

…our iconic wall mural took the previous owner 10 years to paint by hand
…we’ve been proudly serving Palmerston North for over 25 years
…we’re one of the few spots in town open till 10:30pm – even on Saturdays
…we make our famous cheesecake, carrot cake, and slices in-house daily
…we’re fully licensed and BYO, so you’ve got the best of both worlds
…you can grab anything off our menu to-go – including dessert
…we cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets, no stress

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Fully Licensed & BYO

Craving an ice-cold beer, a glass of wine, or a cheeky cocktail? We’ve got you covered with a hand-picked range of local, national, and international wines and beers – plus a cocktail menu that’s got something for everyone. Cheers to that!

Family Owned & Operated

Barista is proudly family owned and operated. We’re deeply committed to our local community and passionate about delivering warm, friendly service alongside great food. When you visit us, you’re not just a customer—you’re part of our extended family.

Fresh In-house

All our cabinet food is freshly prepared in-house by our chefs, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. From delicious slices, cakes, and cheesecakes to hearty lasagne, chicken filo, and vegetarian tarts, every item is made with care and attention to flavour.

We proudly use locally sourced free-range eggs, fresh vegetables, and Breadworks bread to craft our scrumptious sandwiches, toasties, and other food items as well—perfect for a quick bite or a satisfying lunch.

Open 7 days

Barista is reliably open 7 days and 6 nights a week till the theatres close their doors late at night.

Café by Day, Bistro by Night