Cafe at The Complex

300 Hilton Highway, Washdyke, Timaru 7910, New Zealand
+64 27 397 9787
$$$ cafe
(44 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you find yourself in Timaru, a charming stop along New Zealand's southern coast, make sure to visit Cafe at The Complex. Nestled at 300 Hilton Highway, this delightful cafe has earned a reputation as a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers alike. With a phone number for inquiries at +64 27 397 9787, it’s accessible and ready to welcome you with open arms.

Cafe at The Complex caters to a diverse range of palates with an enticing menu that boasts a splendid selection of hearty dishes. Whether you're in the mood for their savory Beef Nachos at NZ$13.00 or a comforting Chicken Burger for NZ$19.50, your taste buds are in for a treat. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, don’t miss the chance to tackle *The Big Fat Boy Mega Breakfast* at NZ$48.00, a colossal feast that promises to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. Families will appreciate options like the fun and flavorful Kids Pancakes, which are sure to be a hit with the little ones.

The cafe's inviting atmosphere adds to its charm, with a warm and welcoming vibe bolstered by friendly staff who genuinely care about your experience. As Courteney Marshall puts it, it’s a “gem” with a fantastic outdoor space, perfect for relaxing while the kids enjoy the playground. This outdoor area is a definite game-changer, allowing parents to unwind while keeping an eye on their little ones. The covered and uncovered seating options create a versatile dining space that encourages all to sit back and relish their meals.

Reviews from satisfied customers echo this sentiment, highlighting the impeccable service and outstanding food quality. Glyn Johnston praises their “great gluten-free options” alongside “hot eggs” that bring comfort. Davo Buckley couldn’t have been more pleased, proclaiming their big breakfast the best in Canterbury—each component served hot and well-cooked. It’s clear the cafe understands the importance of every detail, from the flavors of a perfectly seasoned side of Bowl of Fries to the delightful surprises like the Chicken & Bacon Waffle for NZ$22.00.

Whether you’re in need of a casual coffee catch-up or a hearty meal to fuel your adventures, the hospitality and culinary delights at Cafe at The Complex will keep you coming back for more. With its unique blend of comfort, quality food, and a kid-friendly atmosphere, it shines brightly in the Timaru dining scene. Don’t just take our word for it—experience this wonderful cafe for yourself!

Service options
Outdoor seating
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
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

07:00 AM - 03:30 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 03:30 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 03:30 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 03:30 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 03:30 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

44 Reviews
Courteney Marshall

11 Sep 2025

This cafe is such a gem! The menu is full of delicious options, whether you're after a hearty meal or just a quick coffee and treat. The outdoor area is a standout, especially if you have kids – the playground is a game-changer for keeping little ones entertained while you relax. The staff are always friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. It's clear they take pride in what they do, from the beautifully presented dishes to the clean and cozy environment. If you're looking for a great spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a family outing, I can’t recommend this place enough!

Glyn Johnston

08 Sep 2025

Great food!! Good gluten free options. Hot eggs. Great service!! Thanks!! Also a cool kids playground.

Davo Buckley

07 Sep 2025

The staff are great but the food is outstanding. Best big breakfast I ever had in Canterbury. Everything hot and perfectly cooked

Yorkie in NZ Col

07 Sep 2025

First visit to this lovely cafe. If you are heading into or out of Timaru this is definitely a place I can recommend for a refreshment break. Friendly welcoming staff with a good selection of food and beverages. There is also a covered and uncovered area outside with a nice play area to keep the little ones occupied whilst you catch up with family or friends.

Krishea Asher

31 Jul 2025

The chicken burger was delicious. A real peace of chicken the chips perfectly seasoned. Kids pan cakes my daughter loved them. Will definitely be returning . Nachos were beautiful. All meals were a great portion size. The kids play ground is has so much fun things to play on.

Morgan Williams

11 Jul 2025

Great wee cafe! Just popped in for a coffee and slice on our way north from Timaru, and really enjoyed it. The staff are friendly and welcoming, the cabinet food all looked very tempting and the coffee was on point! There's a big playground out the back too, and loads of seating inside. Definitely recommend.

Tracy

27 Jun 2025

What a find, this cafe is absolutely amazing. We will be back every time we are in Timaru. The Big Fat Boy Breakfast was absolutely huge, enough to feed four people. Coffee was exceptional

April van Es

22 Jun 2025

The lady on the desk has great energy. We felt welcome as soon as we got through the door. Plenty of gluten-free cakes, but we chose the Raspberry Coconut slice. A hot lemon and ginger was just the ticket to go with that.

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