Whether you’re here for a relaxing coffee, a delicious meal, or to bring home a box of signature chocolates, Bennetts has you covered.
Bennetts Café and Bakery
Nestled in the heart of Mangawhai Village, Bennetts is a destination that beautifully combines tradition, innovation, and a passion for food. From its humble beginnings in 1998 as a boutique chocolate shop, Bennetts has grown into a vibrant community hub, featuring a café, artisan chocolate factory, and now, a long-awaited bakery.
Walking into Bennetts feels like stepping into a Mediterranean-inspired retreat, with its inviting courtyard, warm hospitality, and the unmistakable aroma of Allpress Espresso. Led by head chef Joey Odi, the café serves up a seasonal menu of locally sourced goodness, from fresh pastries to their signature cinnamon brioche and hot chocolate.
The new bakery is the latest addition to Bennetts' story. Overseen by Brodie Bennett, who honed his craft in Paris, Provence, and Ireland, the bakery brings traditional breadmaking techniques to Mangawhai. Visitors can watch as sourdough loaves are shaped, croissants are rolled, and the air fills with the scent of freshly baked goods. Highlights include McLeod’s Rye bread, made with local porter beer, and treats crafted with organic South Island flour.
Open Wednesday through Sunday, the bakery has quickly become a community favourite. Whether you’re stopping in for coffee and pastries or exploring the chocolate factory, Bennetts offers an unforgettable experience.
Bennetts Café and Bakery is more than a place to eat—it’s a destination that celebrates family heritage, local collaboration, and the joy of great food. Come for an hour, or stay for the day, and discover Mangawhai’s most charming precinct.