WATA Coffee & Eatery

93 Montgomery Square, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
$$$ Cafe
(138 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

WATA Coffee & Eatery sits comfortably in the heart of Nelson's Montgomery Square, offering a bright, clean space that locals often turn to for a relaxed coffee break or a casual meal. This café provides an easygoing vibe that suits both solo visitors looking for a good brew and families or friends wanting a low-key catch-up spot, especially on sunny mornings when natural light spills in through large windows.

The menu strikes a balance between classic café fare and a few standout dishes that regularly draw appreciative nods from patrons. Coffee drinkers will find the Atomic Coffee and Matcha Latte noteworthy, with the coffee consistently described as well-crafted and satisfying. For a quick bite, choices like the Cheese Scone and Almond Croissant offer familiar café comforts, while those after something heartier often opt for the Teriyaki Burger or the Halloumi Bacon & Roasted Veg Focaccia. Corn Fritters with bacon and salad come across as a popular choice, providing a wholesome but not overly heavy option.

Many visitors appreciate the friendly and welcoming staff who maintain attentive service even during busy periods, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in. The café's seating is both practical and inviting, making it a natural stop after a stroll through Nelson’s Saturday Market or a walk around the downtown area.

WATA Coffee & Eatery suits those who value a straightforward, well-executed café experience with reliable food and coffee in a sunny, modern setting. It tends to attract locals who appreciate good quality without fuss, as well as visitors who might be winding down after exploring town. The takeaway service during busier seasons or holiday periods adds a layer of convenience for people on the go.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Coffee
Quick bite
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

7:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

138 Reviews
Haruka Ono

06 Jan 2026

Food is delicious, coffee is beautiful, place is nice clean and bright, staff is friendly and great service. You will have a fantastic time there. I definitely come back again, see you soon!

Jon Abbott

30 Dec 2025

What a great place, the staff were very friendly and helpful. The chocolate brownie is probably the best I've had at a cafe, slightly warmed with cream on the side. The menu is simple but has enough for most visitors. I had the corn fritters with bacon and a salad. It was very tasty. I did get food envy every time a dish went past to another table though as it all looked so good. My kids split a plate of pancakes and I have to say they were this best pancakes I've had at a cafe for a long time.

Alexa Halford

10 Dec 2025

Opened for take away for Christmas made it the perfect spot to end our wonderful walk around downtown. And the pastries were amazing. But I still think my cheesy scone was the best.

JFM

04 Dec 2025

Wata cafe never disappoints 10/10 Always greeted when you walk through the door, no matter how busy they are. Outstanding service from the staff, water brought to the table. Coffee and food delicious Fantastic! Thank you for a great experience

Phill Urquhart

01 Dec 2025

It was a fresh morning, but the sun was shining and it seemed like a good day to wander around the famous Nelson Saturday Market. After a couple of circuits we were feeling a little peckish, and as much as we have our favourite market food stalls, we needed to warm up a bit and find a seat. Well how appropriate that we noticed this cafe with a sign out the front advertising it's warmth and seating! In we head and are quickly and kindly ushered into a booth with a few copies of the menu. Working through the very traditional selection of breakfast options, we settled on Eggs Benedict and the Pancakes with bacon and banana, and of course, Maple syrup! Of course this was preceded with some coffee, so 2 flat whites and a hot chocolate were arranged to warm the cockles! The coffee was good, hot and bitter, delivering the expected kick to get things going. This was quickly followed with the food. The eggs bene were delicious, the ciabatta bread light and crisp. The homemade hollandaise sauce had all of the right flavours going on, with a fresh lemon citrus burst. The eggs were cooked perfectly and the bacon was of a fine quality. The pancakes were equally as good, while more like a pikelet, they went well with the bananas and bacon, and I had a generous helping of this on top of my eggs bene! The staff were kind and helpful, and the food in the cabinet reflected a passion in flavour and presentation which you do not often see. A great visit, pop in and say hi.

Nicole Kelly

30 Oct 2025

Fab coffee & food - flat white & iced americano were perfect. Bacon butty with hash browns & granola bowl were delicious. Defintely go here!

Roland Daymond

24 Oct 2025

Great tasting coffee, tea, and Montreal has a proper slice of salmon, toast was light as air (my wife's words) actually looked like they had cooked as a french toast but was just great toast. The open chicken sandwich was delicious. I will definitely come back again when in Nelson. Good to have a breakfast that does not look or taste like you could have cooked it better at home.

Hollie Holmwood

18 Oct 2025

SUPER IMPRESSED. Incredible food, great portion sizes. Lovely service. Thank you very very much! Really enjoyed my lunch here!!!! The corn fritters are so yummy!

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