10 BEST Cafes in Tonga ☕ 2026

Last Updated: 29 January, 2026

The Best Places to Get Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch in Tonga

Most picture themselves lazying on the beach or swimming with whales in Tonga but, believe us, you’re going to want to fuel these activities one way or the other; the other being coffee, cake, breakfast, brunch or lunch at one of the islands’ delightful cafes!

Now, Tonga isn’t exactly brimming with cafes unless you’re standing in the heart of its capital, Nuku’alofa, and we have a whole list just for that in the 10 Best Cafes in Nuku’alofa.

Otherwise, there are a few worthy lunch spots across most of Tonga’s island groups, which we also make sure you’re well aware of in this list of the best cafes in Tonga. You’re welcome.

1. Moli Green Cafe (Tongatapu)

Pop in for a sit-down or use the drive-thru at Moli Green Cafe. The café close to Nuku’alofa city centre provides a healthier breakfast and lunch option, specialising in fresh fruit smoothies (try them with moringa, in drinks hot or cold!), toasties and paninis made with homebaked wholemeal bread, cooked breakfasts with veggies on the side and more!

We love their health-focused menu featuring everything from bacon, lettuce and tomato paninis to hearty omelettes with toast.

Their extensive smoothie selection stands out with blends like tropical pawpaw and orange or green combinations with spinach and cucumber, while signature drinks include the Banana Buzz coffee smoothie.

If you can’t kick the caffeine, at least they have locally-roasted Kingdom Koffie beans alongside contemporary industrial-style interiors. Cash only.

Opening hours: From 7 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday and 7 am to 1 pm Saturday.
Location: Corner of Fatafehi Road and Laifone Road, Kolofo’ou, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.

2. Coffee Post (Tongatapu)

A bustling spot in Nuku’alofa city centre, Coffee Post boasts an array of healthy lunch options and not-so-healthy breakfasts, including beautifully presented pancakes, sandwiches, toasties and more.

The café boasts a good go-to for caffeine, as it’s one of the earliest-opening cafés in the kingdom! Their signature “Tonga Toast” puts a local spin on French toast, while their omelettes and eggs benedict are customer favourites.

The coffee menu is extensive, with everything from espresso to macchiato prepared with care. Health-conscious visitors will appreciate the sugar-free smoothies and protein-enhanced porridge options, while alternative milks like almond and soy are available for an additional charge.

Look out for creative freshly baked cakes provided by local and independently run bakeries.

Opening hours: From 6:30 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday and 6:30 am to 12 pm Saturday. Closed Sundays.
Location: Taufa’ahau Road (Tonga Post building), Nuku’alofa city centre, Tongatapu.

3. Leleno ki Moana (Ha’apai)

Nestled among coconut palms of the beachfront approximately 400 m (440 yards) south of Hihifo, Leleno ki Moana (also known as Lelenoa Kimoana) meaning “Run to the Ocean”, is a quirky beach hut restaurant serving quality meals for an affordable price.

Delight in fresh fish and chips, beasty burgers, aromatic curries and Tongan dishes for brunch, lunch or dinner, all lovingly presented on timber boards and banana leaves. Pizza is also on the menu, with typically four varieties available in mini, small, medium, large and party sizes.

Note that some menu items may be unavailable during island food shortages. You’ll hardly get a more island vibe!

Opening hours: From 9 am to 9 pm Monday to Saturday and 9 am to 4 pm Wednesday.
Location: Hala Holopeka Road, Hihifo (approximately 400 m/440 yards down the dirt road at the end of Hihifo villages), Lifuka Island, Ha’apai.

4. Tupu’anga Cafe (Tongatapu)

While a little out of Nuku’alofa town, it’s worth making your way to Tupu’anga Cafe for their distinctly farm-to-table approach. They source and roast their coffee on-site, and what makes this place particularly special is their commitment to in-house production, they grow taro on their own farm and make their own chips right here.

The café offers casual tours of their roasting area at no charge, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at their coffee production process.

Their menu covers all the café classics, from omelettes and pancakes for breakfast to panini toasties for lunch, plus distinctly Tongan offerings like ‘Ota Ika (raw fish with fresh coconut cream) served with kumala or taro chips, and beef nachos with manioke chips.

They also have free WiFi and a children’s playground, learn more about this experience and others in the 10 Best Foodie Experiences in Tonga.

Opening hours: From 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday, 8 am to 1 pm Saturday, closed Sundays.
Location: Umusi Road, Ma’ufanga, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.

5. Friends Café (Tongatapu)

As one of the capital’s hotspots, Friends Café rarely needs an introduction. Learn about the history of the 100+-year-old building on the notices found on each table and treat yourself to their extensive all-day breakfast menu featuring everything from simple toast and eggs to tropical-inspired dishes with caramelised banana and sweet potato.

The menu spans international and local flavours with soups, small plates, main dishes and pasta creations that incorporate coconut cream and local ingredients. Vegetarians will find plenty of options including steamed vegetables, seasonal vegan salads and plant-based beverages.

For the sweet tooth, ice cream and Italian-inspired tiramisu are winners!

They’re open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening drinks with local beer on tap, plus a comprehensive beverage menu covering everything from hot coffee to fresh coconut juice.

Check out more eateries in the area in the 20 Best Restaurants on Tongatapu.

Opening hours: From 7 am to 11 pm Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays.
Location: Corner of Taufa’ahau Road and Salote Road, Nuku’alofa city centre, Tongatapu.

6. Cafe Tropicana (Vava’u)

The Swiss-army knife of cafes, Cafe Tropicana not only keeps you well-fed and caffeinated for breakfast and lunch but offers information services, vehicle and bicycle rental, snorkel rental, internet, phone top-ups, laundry, order-ahead deli goods, super yacht agent and more in Vava’u!

Serving an extensive all-day menu Monday through Saturday, the café specialises in international comfort food ranging from hearty breakfast selections to casual lunch items including gourmet burgers, fresh pizzas and Asian-inspired soups and curries, with dedicated vegetarian options available.

Meanwhile, the cosy café with indoor and outdoor seating has perhaps the most diverse range of drinks in Vava’u. The full espresso bar serves specialty coffee made with Tonga’s own Kingdom Koffie, alongside flavoured lattes and iced beverages.

Fresh fruit juices, milkshakes and thickshakes complement the full bar offering local and international beers, wines by the glass or bottle, spirits and tropical cocktails.

Free WiFi and a relaxed atmosphere make it popular among both locals and visiting sailors.

Opening hours: From 7 am to 2:30 pm from Monday to Saturday for food and until 4 pm for drinks and other services.
Location: Fatafehi Road (opposite Jetsave), Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u.

7. Kuinita’s Coffee (Tongatapu)

A container café with a large undercover deck on the outskirts of Nuku’alofa, Kuinita’s Coffee is perfectly positioned for a coffee stop when exploring the west side of Tongatapu.

The menu features everything from simple cheese toasties to more substantial sandwiches with ham, tuna and eggs, alongside a tempting selection of gourmet cakes (think carrot, banana, chocolate with coffee, and lemon), all priced the same.

The coffee programme is comprehensive, offering espresso-based drinks in multiple sizes with flavoured syrups and alternative milk options. If you’re after something cold, try the iced coffee variations, smoothies or speciality drinks like the papaya ginger and lemon frappé.

Whether you’re heading out for the day or returning to town, it’s a convenient and casual spot to refuel.

Opening hours: From 6 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday, 1 pm to 7 pm Saturday, closed Sunday
Location: Hihifo Road, west side of Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.

8. Talei’s Restaurant (‘Eua)

If you’re looking to eat out on ‘Eua, your options are few and far between yet Talei’s Restaurant is here to serve all your comfort classics and get a true taste of Tonga.

The rustic restaurant in ‘Eua’s central cluster of villages has a small but interesting menu, from ika kelevi (fish in sauce) to fish/sausage/chicken and chips/manioke, and all for a very very affordable price. Enjoy it all in the pleasant undercover seating area or order to takeaway.

More options for eating out on ‘Eua can be found in The Complete Travel Guide to ‘Eua.

They also run a well-appointed guesthouse and whale swimming tours which you can learn more about on the Talei’s Guest House website.

Opening hours: From 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday.
Location: Angaha village (the first road south of the Catholic Church), central ‘Eua.

9. Bellavista Cafe & Restaurant (Vava’u)

An eclectic array of meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as great views, can be found at the Bellavista Cafe & Restaurant in the Guttenbeil Plaza of Vava’u.

They serve Italian-style pizzas, pasta and espresso-based drinks alongside a wealth of seafood dishes with fresh Vava’uan fish, no wonder their fish of the day is the most popular!

The breakfast menu covers everything from eggs and toast to French toast, omelets and pancakes, while lunch brings panini sandwiches, classic burgers and substantial mains like fish and chips. Their pasta selection spans cream-based, tomato-based and seafood variations.

Bellavista also pours an impressive range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including fresh juices, smoothies (the fresh papaya and banana smoothie is a best-seller), local and imported beers, house wines and an extensive cocktail menu. Credit card is accepted.

See more eateries nearby in the 15 Best Cafes & Restaurants in Vava’u.

Opening hours: From 8 am to 9 pm Monday to Saturday.
Location: Guttenbeil Plaza, Fatafehi Road, Neiafu, ‘Utu Vava’u, Vava’u.

10. Siva’s Dream Cafe (Tongatapu)

If you have plenty of time on your hands and want to get out of Nuku’alofa, escape to Siva’s Dream Cafe.

Food is made with love at this locally run cafe in the village of Te’ekiu, which can take a little bit of time but is well worth the wait for the “Waimanalo Burger” marinated in honey soy sauce or the creamy chicken pasta.

Look out for one of their floor shows between November and December, as described in The 10 Best Cultural Shows in Tonga.

Opening hours: From 8 am to 8 pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Location: Signposted off Hihifo Road, Te’ekiu village, west side of Tongatapu.

More About Cafes in Tonga

That’s it for the best cafes in Tonga, but there are a lot more lunch stops around the islands, so check them out in the following guides:

Finally, plan your trip around dining experiences in the Tonga Food Itinerary: 14 Days, Tonga Food Itinerary: 7 Days and Tonga Food Itinerary: 5 Days.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Tonga and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tonga Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Tonga Ministry of Tourism (FAQs about visiting Tonga - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Revenue & Customs (Customs and immigration contacts - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture & Food, Forests and Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Infrastructure (Land and aviation transport info - Updated [2025])
Tonga Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Tonga Statistics Department (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At Tonga Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura (Lola) S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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