Paper Nautilus Cafe

178 High Street, Motueka 7120, New Zealand
+64 3 528 8090
$$$ Cafe , Art gallery
(112 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Step into Paper Nautilus Cafe, a charming gem located at 178 High Street, Motueka 7120, New Zealand. This delightful cafe uniquely weaves Japanese culinary traditions into the heart of New Zealand's cafe culture, creating an inviting space where flavors and creativity unite. With its eclectic, steampunk-inspired decor, the atmosphere is both artistic and whimsical, inviting you to linger a little longer over a warm cup of coffee or a delicious meal.

As you settle in, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, perfectly complementing the vibrant offerings from the menu. Indulge in delectable dishes such as the Teriyaki Salmon Don or the renowned Katsu and Karaage Chicken Donburi, both noted for their tenderness and burst of flavor. Savor the delightful sushi, which has earned rave reviews from locals and visitors alike for its quality and freshness. Each bite is a testament to the cafe's commitment to culinary excellence and creativity.

Customer reviews reflect a community treasure, with patrons like Josephine Tucker praising the “great Japanese food and lovely treats” that perfectly pair with coffee. Other guests have raved about the dedicated service from the passionate owners, ensuring every visitor feels welcome and taken care of. Local regulars like Eric Rowe appreciate the “eclectic, stylish” environment and the incredible quality of coffee, with recommendations for trying the V60 Mocha bean coffee that promises a rich taste experience.

The cozy ambiance, filled with intriguing photography magazines and a real Paper Nautilus shell, invites you to explore while providing the perfect backdrop for a casual lunch or a comforting coffee break. Whether you're stopping by to grab a quick takeaway or longing for a leisurely meal with friends, Paper Nautilus Cafe delivers every time—promising a memorable experience filled with gastronomic delights and a reassuring sense of community.

So, take a moment to unwind at this hidden treasure in Motueka. The excellent prices and genuine hospitality will leave you wishing you had discovered this cafe sooner, just as many others have!

Call +64 3 528 8090 for more information, and prepare for a culinary journey that beautifully intertwines the flavors of Japan with the warmth of New Zealand's cafe culture.

Service options
Kerbside pickup
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours

Monday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

112 Reviews
Josephine Tucker

29 Sep 2025

Great Japanese food and lovely treats to go with coffee. Real fusion. Interesting decor and lots of photography mags to lift your game. Good prices. Wish I had found out how good it is earlier. Took take away home to share with others. Really interesting place with a real Paper Nautilus Shell. Lots of tables and welcoming atmosphere. Parking is outside or around corner.

James Donaldson

19 Sep 2025

One of the best kept secrets in the Top of the South. The food and coffee is great but it's just the beginning. You can tell this place is cared for by passionate people. From the service to the artwork, the atmosphere is welcoming. Try their V60 Mocha bean coffee - you won't regret it.

Ms Wendy B

13 Sep 2025

A generous sized coffee cup to escape from your troubles. Food is tasty and arrived quickly.

alison richard

25 Aug 2025

Very nice place! Steampunk style inside, very nice coffee (matcha latte YUUUUUM), fantastic recipes (I had the Teriyaki Salmon Don, that was delicious). The owner is super frienldy and helpful. You really wanna have a nuce coffe break or lunch here!

Celia Davis

17 Aug 2025

The food was amazing! Service was awesome! Asked if we wanted our drinks first etc, good range of food. Came quickly, so fresh! Definitely recommend

lauren h

10 Aug 2025

The best Cafe in town! Great friendly staff owned by a family. Has amazing coffee and heaps of history behind all the different types. We had Katsu and Karaage chicken Donburi’s and they were so tender and filled with heaps of flavour. They also cater for gluten free options. We always eat there when we come up to Motueka, 10/10 recommend

Martin Thümmel

29 Jul 2025

Their sushi tastes great. The staff was very friendly and the owner was so kind to make some sushi rolls for us even if we did not ordered them in advance, as it should be done, since we had not enough time left. The owner is also a great and interesting artist and the cafe can thus be very recommended. The prices are also relatively low.

Eric Rowe

04 Jul 2025

I'm a local and feel bad that I don't have time to visit this cafe more often. It's one of the best around. Even better, it has Japanese food. A good selection of sushi in the fridge and some hot dishes on the menu. The coffee is very professionally done. The environment is eclectic, steampunk, stylish, and just plain fun. Quality staff and service every time.

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